UPM Specialty Papers and Eastman have teamed up to create a new biopolymer-coated paper packaging solution aimed at enhancing food product preservation. This innovative packaging leverages Eastman’s bio-based Solus additives combined with BioPBS™ polymer to form a lightweight coating on UPM’s recyclable and compostable base papers, ensuring effective grease and oxygen barriers.
Esa Saukkonen, UPM’s packaging development manager, emphasized the significance of the collaboration, stating that the new solution caters to challenging food packaging needs, including snacks and chilled ready-to-eat items. The enhanced barrier properties of UPM Solide Lucent and UPM Prego papers provide performance that surpasses the individual materials.
The technology is designed for compatibility with standard low-density polyethylene (LDPE) extrusion coating equipment, requiring no additional investment. A key challenge in applying such coatings to biodegradable papers—adhesion—has been addressed through this partnership.
Bhuma Rajagopalan, marketing manager at Eastman, highlighted the solution’s sustainable benefits, noting that the reduced coating thickness not only minimizes plastic usage but also supports recyclability. The packaging is certified recyclable by the PTS method and features compostable components suitable for both home and industrial composting.