UPM Specialty Papers and flexibles provider launch food-grade barrier papers

UPM Specialty Papers and Dutch flexible packaging provider Royal Vaassen have developed recyclable and food-safe barrier paper solutions for various end-use applications. The partnership aims to address the growing demand for recyclable packaging amid the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) requirements.

The Barryrwrap concept by Royal Vaassen addresses packaging needs for demanding barrier requirements, including oxygen and moisture barrier properties. 

The companies say that to comply with the PPWR’s recyclability requirements, it is essential to find packaging solutions that are recyclable with widely available recycling infrastructures. 

“Our barrier papers are a sustainable alternative to laminates and plastics. They offer strong protection with a focus on performance and circularity and are suitable for existing production lines and products such as coffee, stock, and chocolate,” says Mark Gerritsen, sales manager at Royal Vaassen.

“Barryrwrap Everest is our highest performing barrier paper, developed for instant coffee and other dry products that demand maximum protection. The material provides a barrier against moisture, oxygen, and light. Printing is reproduced with clarity, and it’s ready to seal on existing production lines.” 

“With its fully recyclable paper structure, Barryrwrap Everest is a sustainable and circular alternative to traditional aluminum laminates, without compromising on quality or processability.”

UPM Solide Lucent packaging paper provides the base for Barryrwrap solutions. UPM says the papers are easy to convert, are “extremely” smooth, and “exceptionally” dense. 

Their density minimizes the coat weights required and offers the strength to perform efficiently on high-speed lines, notes UPM. Lighter or heavier grammage of UPM Solide Lucent can be selected based on the application requirement.

“We have tested Barryrwrap solutions in new, demanding applications for fiber-based and recyclable packaging, such as canister-type formats suitable for products like chips or drink powders,” says Mika Uusikartano, senior manager for Product Portfolio Management at UPM Specialty Papers.

Barryrwrap solutions and UPM Solide Lucent base paper will be on display at UPM Specialty Papers’ stand 329, in hall 3A at FachPack, Nuremberg, Germany (September 23–25). Packaging Insights will report live from the event.