It seems news about paper fiber-based barrier solutions is nothing new – we've written about such developments numerous times. But in the lead-up to the PPWR coming into force, new options are constantly emerging, and some stand out from the crowd. For example, we'd like to highlight the proposal from UPM Specialty Materials and Felix Schoeller.

First, the basics: this is a fiber-based packaging material, i.e., paper, with good barrier properties, designed for food packaging, and is recyclable. What's so special about it? It's that the manufacturer doesn't offer ready-made, one-size-fits-all solutions, but rather a solution customized to each product's specific barrier requirements. “Instead of relying on fixed technologies or standard barrier levels, we design customizable coating solutions that deliver the protection required – whether against oxygen, moisture, grease, or for sealing and mechanical performance. UPM Solide Lucent has proven to be an excellent base material for this,” says Andreas Bergmeier, Head of Innovation & Technical Sales Packaging, Felix Schoeller. This means you receive the perfect packaging material for your specific product.

What else can I say? The material has proven itself in high-speed production lines, offers excellent printability, and, thanks to the wide range of raw material densities, UPM Solide Lucent adapts well to various application requirements. And yes, we repeat, the material is recyclable.

This barrier solution is currently being marketed as an option for packaging chocolate bars and snacks, but a high-barrier material for pet food packaging has already been developed based on this technology. So, it's safe to assume that further applications will soon be available.

Materials from the website upm.com were used.