UPM Specialty Papers and Eastman launch innovative compostable food paper packaging

In a major step towards sustainable food packaging, UPM Specialty Papers and Eastman have launched a breakthrough biopolymer-coated paper solution that provides enhanced grease and oxygen barrier properties for food applications. This innovative packaging solution combines Eastman’s bio-based Solus high-performance additives with UPM’s advanced barrier base papers. It is designed to meet the growing demand for environmentally friendly packaging options.

The new paper solution features a thin compostable coating that maintains its recyclability in existing fiber recycling streams. This breakthrough enables food brands to transition to more sustainable packaging without sacrificing performance. Esa Saukkonen, Portfolio Development Manager Packaging at UPM R&D, is excited about the collaboration, saying: “Together with our partners, we are continuously pushing the performance of fiber-based packaging. This new biopolymer coating solution offers new options for challenging food products, from confectionery to frozen patties.”

UPM’s barrier base papers, called UPM Solide Lucent and UPM Prego, are enhanced with a unique coating that achieves barrier properties not achievable with either component alone. The solution not only offers excellent heat sealability, but also maintains its protective barrier properties when folded, making it ideal for flexible packaging applications. Importantly, it is compatible with existing low-density polyethylene (LDPE) extrusion coating equipment, requiring no additional capital investment.

One of the most pressing challenges in packaging development is the adhesion of biodegradable coatings to paper. This new solution effectively addresses this problem. Bhuma Rajagopalan, CASE Innovation Marketing Manager at Eastman, highlights the impact of the collaboration: “Eastman Solus additives reduce coating thickness, lower plastic usage and enable recyclability in food packaging. These additives are critical to driving scalable, sustainable paper-based packaging for brands.”

The innovative packaging solution has been validated for recyclability according to the PTS methodology and its individual components are certified for home and industrial composting.

The collaboration comes at a time when consumers and businesses are increasingly prioritizing sustainability in their purchasing decisions. UPM’s Specialty Papers business offers high-performance, transformative papers to meet these evolving needs. With approximately 2,000 experts around the world and production facilities in China, Finland and Germany, the company is able to offer customers consistent and reliable solutions.

As both companies continue to innovate in the packaging space, they are making a broader contribution to responsible resource use and environmental stewardship. UPM has been recognized for its leadership in sustainability and is committed to the United Nations 1.5°C Business Aspiration and science-based targets for climate change mitigation.