UPM to showcase recyclable high-barrier packaging solution for foods with long shelf-life at Interpack 2023

UPM Specialty Papers is excited to announce that the breakthrough oneBARRIER FibreCycle structure will be on display at Interpack 2023. This innovative high-barrier packaging provides a sustainable, recyclable, paper-based alternative to the multi-laminate plastic structures commonly used for long shelf-life products. Just as importantly, it can be recycled in existing fiber recycling streams. oneBARRIER FiberCycle represents the kind of packaging the world needs right now, enabling brand owners to reduce their reliance on fossil-based or non-recyclable materials, increase their use of renewable materials, and meet their sustainability targets.

Co-creating the future

Working closely with leading experts across the world, UPM Specialty Papers is co-creating a more sustainable future through fiber-based, recyclable packaging materials. oneBARRIER FiberCycle is the result of a multi-year project in partnership with BOBST, one of the leading suppliers of substrate processing, printing, and converting machinery, and Michelman, a developer of high-barrier water-based coatings for packaging applications. By uniting their expertise from across the food packaging value chain, the group set out to create a recyclable paper-based packaging solution for foods with a long shelf-life.

Paper-based packaging for coffee, spices, and other challenging end-uses

UPM Solide LucentTM offered an ideal basis for the development work. As a dense, smooth, and strong base paper, it is ideal for lightweight and uniform coatings. BOBST supplied the AluBond technology – an aluminum coating one-thousandth the thickness of a human hair, and Michelman was responsible for the integrated coating system that provides priming, barrier properties, and heat seal. Together these solutions have proved to be a powerful combination, resulting in a transformative approach to safeguarding food products with a long shelf-life, such as coffee, instant soup, sauce powder packets, spices, or milk powders.

“This is a truly ground-breaking solution for foods with a long shelf-life. These products are usually packaged in a variety of plastic laminates or plastic structures that are not recyclable. We aimed to produce a recyclable, paper-based packaging solution - and we can say ‘mission accomplished’. Now we’re delighted to offer Interpack visitors a closer look,” explains Janne Varvemaa, director, products & technology, UPM Specialty Papers.

oneBARRIER FibreCycle is recyclable in existing fiber recycling streams. “Recycling is a must for any new packaging solution coming to the market. We can be proud of having accomplished that with an elegant, lightweight solution that is ready for commercial use,” says Sara Alexander, marketing and communications manager, Flexible Packaging Industry, BOBST.

“It is especially important to stay agile in the face of continually evolving legislation. By incorporating the highly versatile barrier properties provided by advanced coating technologies, we have been able to meet the performance needs and sustainability goals, that are prevalent in the market”, says Thierry Van Migem, sales director, EMEA, Michelman.

After launching in the summer of 2022, the oneBARRIER FibreCycle concept has garnered a huge amount of attention worldwide, both among packaging converters and brand owners. Attendees at Interpack 2023 will soon have the opportunity to see for themselves by visiting UPM in Hall 8, Stand 29.