UPM tests starch barriers

UPM, Ingredion and Paramelt have co-created a paper-based food packaging structure with a plant-based starch grease barrier that has passed Part 1 recyclability testing at Western Michigan University.

The structure is based on UPM Solide Lucent 78 gsm paper, and the three companies also worked with UPM Asendo 65 gsm paper. Ingredion contributed its starch-based barrier coatings, which show promise for improving grease resistance, and Paramelt added its bio-based heat-seal and barrier coatings. The aim was to understand how complementary technologies from across the value chain can work together in paper packaging for demanding food applications.

'Expanding the range of paper-based packaging options available to converters and brand owners requires innovation across the value chain. This collaboration with Ingredion and Paramelt demonstrates how complementary technologies can help broaden the possibilities of paper-based packaging for food applications in the Americas and globally,' said Sarah Dembroski, sales director, packaging papers Americas at UPM Specialty Materials.

'By combining Ingredion's plant-based starch barrier coatings with UPM's Specialty Materials substrates and Paramelt's heat-seal coatings, we have demonstrated a paper-based packaging structure that supports the transition to more sustainable food packaging. This collaboration highlights how complementary technologies can help accelerate the adoption of renewable, fiber-based packaging,' noted Anand Sundararaman, project leader, sustainable packaging coating applications at Ingredion.

'At Paramelt, we believe the future of packaging lies in combining renewable materials with high-performance functionality. By bringing our expertise in bio-based heat-seal and barrier coatings together with UPM's advanced paper substrates and Ingredion's starch-based technologies, we have created a compelling structure that helps brand owners meet both performance and sustainability objectives,' added Neill Dutton, research and innovation director at Paramelt.