Heat-sealable packaging concept with high grease resistance

A long-standing collaboration between UPM Speciality Papers and Handle has resulted in a recyclable, heat-sealable packaging material that can be Compatible with existing packaging lines is. It surpasses the performance of barrier papers with high grease resistance and offers a tried and tested concept for converters.

„In line with our 2030 sustainability goals, our water-based LOCTITE LIOFOL HS 2809-22 RE heat seal and AQUENCE EPIX BC 6134 grease barrier coatings are easy to recycle, helping to recover more fibres and support a circular economy. Together with UPM Specialty Papers, we are one step closer to bridging the gap between sustainable fibre-based packaging and traditional plastic packaging to support brand owners and converters in the transition to paper.“

Christin Noack, Market Strategy Manager Paper Solutions at Henkel

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The starting point was the existing UPM Asendo and UPM Asendo Pro barrier papers. These recyclable barrier papers are manufactured with fibres from sustainably managed forests and offer Grease and moisture resistance without the need for a plastic coating is.

The partnership then set about Extend the limits of performance to create food-safe, heat-sealed paper-based packaging, that can be recycled in the existing fibre recycling streams. This is where Henkel's expertise came into play by utilising its Coatings specially optimised for UPM papers and reinforced their original barrier properties, so that they offer an unrivalled level of grease resistance.

„Barrier and heat-seal lacquers behave differently on different paper substrates, so it can be difficult to find the best combination of paper substrate, lacquer and optimum application. We have fine-tuned our heat seal and grease barrier coatings through numerous trials and a lengthy development process. Together with UPM, we have developed innovative coating products that enable paper to achieve new and unrivalled barrier performance.“

Christin Noack

The resulting high-performance packaging concept is ideal for a variety of dry foods that need to be fat-resistant, such as party snacks and breadsticks, both of which will be available as samples at Interpack.

„This solution shows what we can achieve with co-manufactured fibre-based materials. Packaging manufacturers can choose from a pre-tested and approved combination of paper and coatings to quickly find the right solution for their end application without a lot of trial and error. For brand owners, it is another jointly developed product that supports the transition from fossil-based materials to renewable, recyclable packaging.

Mika Uusikartano, Senior Manager, Product Portfolio Management at UPM Speciality Papers

Source: UPM Speciality Papers

UPM at interpack: Hall 8, Stand 29