UPM Specialty Materials has introduced UPM Asendo 80, extending its packaging paper barrier technology to label face papers for the first time. The new grade offers grease resistance without intentionally added PFAS.
The 80 gsm paper targets food-contact and other grease-sensitive labelling applications, including olive oil packaging. It adds a basis weight commonly used in labels to the Asendo range.
According to UPM, Asendo 80 is compatible with a range of adhesives and suitable for UV flexographic and UV inkjet printing. It is available as FSC- or PEFC-certified paper and meets food-contact requirements of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Germany’s Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR).
The launch follows the introduction of restrictions on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in food-contact packaging under the European Union’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation. Since August 12, 2026, food-contact packaging containing PFAS at or above the regulation’s specified concentration thresholds cannot be placed on the EU market. The European Commission identifies this restriction as a key measure entering into application under the new rules.
UPM Specialty Materials says it does not add PFAS to its papers at any stage of production. According to the company, each grade is tested by independent laboratories, with supporting documentation provided to converters.
Kirsi Lahtela, Product Manager at UPM Specialty Materials, said the new grade draws on grease-resistance technology validated through years of use in demanding packaging applications.
Converters can obtain samples to assess the paper under their own production conditions. UPM’s technical team will support those evaluations and advise on design considerations for specific label formats.
UPM Specialty Materials has more than 40 years of experience manufacturing specialty papers for packaging and labelling. The business employs approximately 1,800 people and operates mills in China, Finland and Germany, serving customers worldwide. It also supplies office and graphic papers in the Asia-Pacific region.
