UPM Specialty Papers and Eastman Launch Innovative Compostable Paper Packaging for Food Products

In a significant step towards sustainable food packaging, UPM Specialty Papers and Eastman have unveiled a groundbreaking biopolymer-coated paper solution that offers enhanced grease and oxygen barriers for food applications. This innovative packaging solution combines Eastman’s biobased Solus performance additives with UPM’s advanced barrier base papers. It is designed to meet the increasing demand for environmentally friendly packaging options.

The new paper solution features a thin, compostable coating that maintains its recyclability within existing fiber recycling streams. This breakthrough allows food brands to transition to more sustainable packaging without sacrificing performance. Esa Saukkonen, Manager of Packaging Portfolio Development at UPM R&D, expressed excitement about the collaboration, stating, “Together with our partners, we are constantly pushing the performance of fiber-based packaging. This new biopolymer-coated solution provides a fresh option for challenging food items, from confectionery to chilled meat pies.”

UPM’s barrier base papers, known as UPM Solide Lucent and UPM Prego, are enhanced by the unique coating, achieving a level of barrier performance that is unattainable by each component alone. The solution not only offers exceptional heat sealability but also maintains its protective barriers when folded, making it ideal for flexible packaging applications. Importantly, it is compatible with existing low-density polyethylene (LDPE) extrusion coating equipment, eliminating the need for additional capital investments.

One of the most pressing challenges in packaging development has been the adhesion of biodegradable coatings to paper. This new solution addresses that issue effectively. Bhuma Rajagopalan, Marketing Manager of CASE Innovation at Eastman, highlighted the impact of the collaboration “Eastman Solus additive reduces coating thickness, lowering plastic usage and enabling the recyclability of food packaging. These additives have been pivotal in advancing scalable, sustainable paper packaging for brands.”

The innovative packaging solution has been validated for recyclability according to the PTS method, and its individual components have been certified for both home and industrial compostability. Samples of the new extrusion-coated paper will be on display at UPM Specialty Papers’ booth during the PACK EXPO International event in Chicago from November 3 to 6.

This collaboration comes at a time when consumers and businesses are increasingly prioritizing sustainability in their purchasing decisions. UPM Specialty Papers delivers high-performance, transformative papers that meet these evolving needs. With approximately 2,000 experts globally, the company’s production facilities are in China, Finland, and Germany and enable it to provide consistent and reliable solutions for its customers.

As both companies continue to innovate in the packaging space, they are contributing to a broader movement toward responsible resource use and environmental stewardship. UPM is recognized for its leadership in sustainability and is committed to the UN Business Ambition for 1.5°C and science-based targets to mitigate climate change.

Eastman operates with a mission to enhance quality of life through innovative materials. The company serves a diverse array of markets, including transportation, building and construction, and consumables, and reported revenue of approximately $9.2 billion in 2023.