UPM introduces compostable packaging papers

Six UPM packaging papers are now certified according to the NFT51-800:2015 standard as home compostable and also certified as industrially compostable (EN13432:2000). The portfolio includes the barrier papers Prego and Asendo, the one-side coated papers FlexPack, UniquePack and UniquePack Strong as well as the speciality kraft papers Solide Lucen. UPM's fibre-based and recyclable packaging materials are designed to enable brand owners and converters to develop their own compostable packaging solutions.

„Recycling should always be the first option to consider when possible. However, compostability is a good option when recycling packaging paper is not possible, for example due to food waste. Compostability can also play a role when recycling infrastructure is limited.“

Susanna Hyrkäs, Senior Manager, Sustainability, UPM Speciality Papers

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The differences between home composting and industrial composting are as follows in the process temperature and time, which is required until decomposition and biological decomposition begin. Under the right conditions (20 °C - 30 °C), home compostable materials will Biologically degraded within 12 months and decomposed into non-ecotoxic compost within 6 months.

UPM has set itself ambitious responsibility targets for 2030, such as promoting a circular economy and sustainable product design. Recyclability and compostability are part of the solution, as they guarantee a sustainable product at the end of its life cycle.

Source: UPM