UPM Specialty Materials, Michelman and BOBST have worked together on two paper-based packaging concepts aimed at companies adapting to EU packaging requirements, including the Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUPD).
The collaboration combines fibre materials, bio-based coatings and coating line expertise to produce packaging structures intended for direct industrial use.
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The companies said the concepts offer barrier properties and heat-sealing performance across a broad sealing range.
UPM Specialty Materials product portfolio management senior manager Mika Uusikartano commented: “Fulfilling strict expectations demands scalable solutions. Our base papers are developed to support co‑creation and reduce unnecessary complexity. Combining them with the right chemistry enables partners to arrive at fit‑for‑purpose packaging solutions faster.”
The structures use UPM packaging papers, Michelman’s bio-based coating solutions and BOBST’s application expertise.
The companies said the concepts are designed to support recyclability and, in some cases, compostability in selected uses.
They also said production factors, including process needs and runnability, were considered to support efficient manufacturing.
Michelman senior scientist Iulia Mihai said: “There is a growing market demand for SUPD-compliant packaging solutions. At the same time, barrier performance must remain equivalent to existing market solutions, and proposed materials must be fully compatible with current packaging lines, without the need for major equipment modifications.”
Two concepts were presented. The first is aimed at SUPD-compliant paper packaging for uses such as tea bags, oatmeal and sugar stick packs. It uses bio-based coatings to provide moisture and mineral oil barriers, together with heat sealability.
Packets and wrappers are among the categories covered by the EU’s SUPD, which is intended to cut the environmental impact of certain single-use plastic products.
The second concept is intended for uses needing a higher oxygen barrier such as single-pack cookies and chocolate.
The companies said it can also allow reduced coat weights and better material efficiency.
BOBST competence centre manager Luca Nespolo commented: “When materials and application parameters are developed together, packaging converters can implement new solutions more easily while achieving stable performance and production efficiency.”
