Finnish paper giant UPM, US-based water-based coating specialist Michelman, and Swiss packaging equipment leader BOBST have joined forces to develop two commercially viable, bio-based paper packaging solutions. These solutions comply with packaging regulations such as the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUPD), helping brands meet compliance standards and reduce plastic usage.
The solutions integrate UPM's paper substrates, Michelman's bio-based coatings, and BOBST's coating process technology. They offer excellent barrier properties and stable heat-sealing capabilities while being directly compatible with existing industrial production lines-requiring no major equipment modifications. Balancing production efficiency, product performance, and environmental sustainability, the solutions support recycling and, in specific scenarios, home composting.
The collaboration introduces two distinct packaging solutions:
Solution 1 (General Food Packaging): Suitable for products such as tea bags, oatmeal, and stick packs (e.g., sugar or coffee). The bio-based coating provides effective moisture and mineral oil barriers as well as heat-sealing capabilities, fully complying with EU SUPD regulations. The complete material system has passed multiple authoritative certifications and is both recyclable and home-compostable.
Solution 2 (High Oxygen-Barrier Food Packaging): Designed for individually wrapped items like biscuits and chocolate that require oxygen barriers for freshness. This solution reduces coating usage and improves raw material efficiency, optimizing material performance while ensuring product freshness; it also offers recyclable and compostable environmental benefits.
The core materials for both solutions have achieved TÜV Bio-based Level 5 certification, passed EU SUPD compliance testing, and obtained recyclability certification from the Confederation of the European Paper Industries (CEPI). The base paper meets composting standards across multiple countries, making these eco-friendly packaging alternatives both compliant with new EU regulations and ready for mass production.
