UPM and Felix Schoeller Unveil Customizable Recyclable Barrier for Flexible Food Packaging

UPM Specialty Materials has partnered with specialty paper manufacturer Felix Schoeller to introduce a customizable recyclable barrier solution tailored for flexible food packaging. This innovative, fiber-based solution aims to meet the increasing demand for recyclable packaging and aligns with the upcoming EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).

The collaboration addresses diverse packaging needs by providing customizable barrier protection levels, allowing brand owners to select specific performance features for their products. Utilizing UPM Solide Lucent packaging paper as a base, Felix Schoeller has developed a barrier concept that can be adapted to protect against various elements such as oxygen, moisture, and grease.

Andreas Bergmeier, head of innovation and technical sales packaging at Felix Schoeller, emphasizes the importance of customer-centric design, stating, “We design customizable coating solutions that deliver the protection required… UPM Solide Lucent has proven to be an excellent base material for this.”

The UPM Solide Lucent paper is engineered for efficient converting, featuring a smooth surface that allows for lower coating weights while maintaining the necessary strength for high-speed production. A variety of grammages are available to cater to specific application requirements.

Markus Kamphuis, technical sales manager at UPM Specialty Materials, notes the rapid evolution of flexible food packaging, highlighting the need for solutions that combine high-performance barrier protection with recyclability. This partnership exemplifies how UPM Solide Lucent can be adapted for various end-uses, paving the way for fully fiber-based packaging solutions that comply with future regulatory expectations.