UPM and BASF collaborate to advance recyclable fiber based packaging solutions

UPM Specialty Materials and BASF are working together to help companies move towards recyclable, fiber based packaging solutions. The partnership combines UPM’s special paper materials with BASF’s Joncryl® HPB coating technology to create strong and high performance packaging materials while reducing the use of traditional mixed-material packaging.

With growing regulatory pressure and stricter recyclability targets, including the requirements under European Union Regulation (EU) 2025/40 on packaging and packaging waste, the packaging industry is increasingly focusing on design for recycling concepts. The collaboration between UPM and BASF highlights how optimized paper materials and advanced barrier coatings can deliver strong product protection while supporting recyclable packaging solutions.

UPM’s barrier and barrier base papers, including UPM Solide Lucent and UPM Asendo, are designed for demanding packaging conversion and printing applications. When paired with coatings formulated using BASF’s Joncryl HPB polymers, these materials can be used to create packaging solutions for a wide range of food and non food applications while meeting stringent regulatory and performance requirements.

“The transition to recyclable fiber-based packaging requires both advanced barrier performance and close collaboration across the value chain. Our barrier papers are developed to support co-creation with partners, enabling new, high-performance packaging applications. The collaboration with BASF demonstrates how combining innovative barrier technologies with barrier papers can deliver functional, recyclable solutions that accelerate the packaging transformation,” said Mika Uusikartano, Senior Manager, Product Portfolio Management, UPM Specialty Materials.

“The demand for sustainable packaging solutions is growing rapidly along the value chain – from brand owners to converters and formulators. UPM’s premium paper grades for flexible packaging, combined with barrier coatings based on waterborne Joncryl® HPB resins from BASF form a strong and credible reference approach for the development of paper-based alternatives designed to replace plastic-based or PE-laminated structures,” said Rolf Alles, Director of Sales Resins EMEA at BASF.

The collaboration between UPM Specialty Materials and BASF will be highlighted at interpack 2026, scheduled from May 7–13 in Düsseldorf, Germany. The companies will present jointly developed packaging samples at the exhibition, demonstrating the performance capabilities and sustainability benefits of their fiber based packaging solutions.

Alongside these developments, both companies will also showcase a broader range of packaging solutions and technologies during the event. BASF’s Resins team will be exhibiting in Hall 10, Stand A44, while UPM’s team will be located in Hall 8A, Stand F29.

Source: BASF