UPM & BASF Transitions to Recyclable, Fiber-Based Packaging

UPM Specialty Materials (UPM) and BASF are collaborating to help brand owners, converters, and formulators accelerate the transition to recyclable, fiber-based packaging solutions. 

Additionally, this solution and a wide range of UPM’s and BASF’s offerings for the packaging industry will be on display at interpack 2026 in Düsseldorf, Germany. 

Visitors can meet BASF’s Resins team at Hall 10, Stand A44, and UPM’s team at Hall 8A, Stand F29 from May 7-13.

By combining UPM’s barrier and barrier base papers with BASF’s Joncryl HPB (high-performance barrier) barrier technology resins, the collaboration enables high‑performance, fiber-based materials while supporting the transition away from conventional mixed packaging structures.

The creation of this solution is driven by increasing regulatory requirements and ambitious recyclability targets (e.g., Regulation (EU) 2025/40 on packaging and packaging waste).

UPM’s barrier and barrier base papers, such as UPM Solide Lucent and UPM Asendo, are specifically designed for demanding packaging converting and printing applications. 

When combined with coatings based on BASF’s Joncryl HPB polymers, they enable the development of packaging materials suitable for a wide range of food and non-food applications that meet demanding regulatory 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.