UPM and Paramelt develop bio-based food packaging

UPM Specialty Materials and Paramelt have jointly developed a bio-based, paper-based food packaging concept targeting bakery, fast food and convenience applications, combining grease barrier performance with improved end-of-life options, including recyclability and home compostability.

The concept pairs UPM Solide Lucent or UPM Prego barrier base papers with Paramelt's Aquavate Bio SB 2383, a water-based coating formulated exclusively from biodegradable components. The combination delivers grease resistance at low coat weights and is designed to integrate with existing packaging lines, including vertical form fill seal systems. The individual components have each been validated as home compostable.

'Achieving this level of grease resistance at such low coat weights is highly challenging even with fossil-based coatings,' said Christiane Laine, senior researcher at UPM Innovation. 'The combined concept of our barrier base paper properties and Paramelt's bio-based coating delivers exceptional performance.'

'Brand owners and converters are seeking scalable technologies that integrate easily into current production setups,' noted Leon Krings, business development manager for packaging coatings and adhesives at Paramelt. 'Aquavate Bio SB 2383 enables a practical shift toward recyclable, home compostable fiber-based solutions.'