UPM Specialty Materials and Paramelt have developed a bio-based, paper-based food packaging concept that combines grease resistance with improved end-of-life performance.
The solution targets bakery, fast food and convenience applications. It brings together UPM’s barrier base papers and Paramelt’s bio-based heat-seal coating to create a recyclable, fibre-based alternative.
At the centre of the concept are UPM Solide™ Lucent and UPM Prego™ papers, designed for barrier coatings. These are paired with Paramelt’s Aquavate™ Bio SB 2383, a water-based coating made entirely from biodegradable components. The combination delivers the grease resistance and sealing performance required for food packaging.
The system runs on existing packaging lines, including vertical form-fill-seal (VFFS) equipment. It achieves high grease resistance at low coat weights—still a technical challenge for many conventional coatings.
“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 delivers strong performance.”
Both components have been validated as home compostable and meet recyclability requirements under industry guidelines. The concept responds to a clear need: solutions that fit into existing production without major changes.
“Converters are looking for technologies that work with current setups,” said Leon Krings, Business Development Manager at Paramelt. “This coating is designed to run on standard processes while supporting a shift toward recyclable and compostable materials.”
Samples will be presented at Interpack 2026 in Düsseldorf.
About UPM Specialty Materials
UPM Specialty Materials develops high-performance papers for packaging and labelling, with production sites in Europe and Asia and a global customer base.
About UPM
UPM is a global material solutions company focused on renewable fibres, advanced materials and decarbonization solutions. The company employs around 15,000 people worldwide.
About Paramelt
Paramelt formulates waxes, adhesives and coatings for industrial applications, with manufacturing sites in Europe, the United States and China.
Source: UPM
