{"id":177206,"date":"2026-05-28T07:37:00","date_gmt":"2026-05-28T05:37:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/renewable-carbon.eu\/news\/?p=177206"},"modified":"2026-05-22T13:29:34","modified_gmt":"2026-05-22T11:29:34","slug":"upm-michelman-and-bobst-introduce-bio-based-paper-packaging-concept-aligned-with-eu-packaging-rules","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/renewable-carbon.eu\/news\/upm-michelman-and-bobst-introduce-bio-based-paper-packaging-concept-aligned-with-eu-packaging-rules\/","title":{"rendered":"UPM, Michelman and BOBST introduce bio-based paper packaging concept aligned with EU packaging rules"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n
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UPM Specialty Materials, Michelman, and BOBST have joined forces to develop two validated paper-based packaging concepts for brands navigating the EU packaging rules, such as the Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUPD). By combining fiber-based materials, bio-based coatings, and coating line expertise, the three companies have built ready-to-implement structures that deliver strong barrier performance and heat sealability over a wide sealing window.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cFulfilling strict expectations demands scalable solutions. Our base papers are developed to support co\u2011creation and reduce unnecessary complexity. Combining them with the right chemistry enables partners to arrive at fit\u2011for\u2011purpose packaging solutions faster,\u201d says\u00a0Mika Uusikartano,<\/strong>\u00a0Senior Manager, Product Portfolio Management, UPM Specialty Materials<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

The concepts combine UPM\u2019s packaging papers with Michelman\u2019s bio\u2011based coating solutions and BOBST application know-how to deliver functional performance while supporting recyclability and, where relevant, compostability across selected applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cThere is a growing market demand for SUPD-compliant packaging solutions. At the same time, barrier performance must remain equivalent to existing market solutions, and proposed materials must be fully compatible with current packaging lines, without the need for major equipment modifications,\u201d says\u00a0Iulia Mihai, Senior Scientist at Michelman.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

From an implementation perspective, the collaboration takes into account process requirements and runnability to support efficient industrial production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cWhen materials and application parameters are developed together, packaging converters can implement new solutions more easily while achieving stable performance and production efficiency,\u201d says\u00a0Luca Nespolo, Competence Center Manager, BOBST.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

The collaboration showcases two solution concepts. The first concept1<\/sup>\u00a0supports SUPD\u2011compliant paper packaging for applications such as tea bags, oatmeal, and sugar stick\u2011packs, incorporating bio\u2011based coatings that impart good moisture and mineral oil barriers along with good heat sealability. Packets and wrappers are among the product categories in the scope of the EU’s SUPD, which aims to reduce the environmental impact of certain plastic products that are used once and discarded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The second concept2<\/sup>\u00a0is designed for applications requiring an improved oxygen barrier level, such as singlepack cookies and chocolate, while enabling lower coat weights and improved material efficiency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sample structures of both solutions will be available at Interpack 2026 at UPM Specialty Materials\u2019 stand in Hall 8A, Stand F29 and Michelman\u2019s stand in Hall 8A, Stand B25.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The partners will also share insights in a joint presentation \u201cSimplifying Adoption of Sustainable Packaging for Brands\u201d which will take place Monday, May 11, at 11am on the SPOTLIGHT Forum stage in Entrance North B.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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1<\/sup> Michelman coatings are Certified OK Bio-based Class 5 (T\u00dcV Austria) and SUPD compliant (PTS; Directive (EU) 2019\/904) and components are home compostable (per raw material suppliers).\u00a0\u00a0UPM base paper is home compostable (NF T51-800:2015). The structure has been certified as recyclable (Cepi\/4evergreen v2).<\/sub><\/p>\n\n\n\n

2<\/sup> Michelman coatings are Certified OK Bio-based Class 5 (T\u00dcV Austria) and components are home compostable (per raw material suppliers). UPM base paper is home compostable (NF T51-800:2015, AS 5810:2010). The structure has been certified recyclable (Cepi\/4evergreen v2).<\/sub><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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About UPM Specialty Materials<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

UPM Specialty Materials has over 40 years of experience producing high-performance, transformative papers for packaging and labelling. In APAC, we also offer office and graphic papers. Our global team of 1,800 experts and mills in China, Finland and Germany serve customers consistently and reliably around the world.\u00a0upmspecialtymaterials.com<\/u><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

About UPM<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

UPM is a material solutions company, renewing products and entire value chains with an extensive portfolio of renewable fibres, advanced materials, decarbonization solutions, and communication papers. Our performance in sustainability has been recognized by third parties, including EcoVadis and the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices. We operate globally and employ approximately 15,100 people worldwide, with annual sales of approximately \u20ac9.7 billion. Our shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd. upm.com<\/u><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

UPM \u2013 we renew the everyday<\/p>\n\n\n\n

About Michelman<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Michelman is a global developer and manufacturer of environmentally friendly advanced materials for industry, offering solutions for the coatings, printing & packaging, and fibers & composites markets. The company’s surface additives and polymeric binders are used by leading manufacturers around the world to enhance performance attributes and add value in applications including wood and floor care products, metal and industrial coatings, paints, varnishes, inks, fibers, and composites. Michelman is well known as an innovator in the development of barrier and functional coatings, and digital printing press primers that are used in the production of consumer and industrial packaging and paper products, labels, and commercially printed materials. Michelman serves its customers with production facilities in North America, Europe and Asia, product development and technical service centers in several major global markets, and a worldwide team of highly trained business development personnel. michelman.com<\/u><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

About BOBST<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We are one of the world\u2019s leading suppliers of substrate processing, printing and converting equipment and services for the label, flexible packaging, folding carton and corrugated board industries. Our vision is to shape the future of the packaging world based on four pillars: connectivity, digitalization, automation and sustainability.
Founded in 1890 by Joseph Bobst in Lausanne, Switzerland, BOBST has a presence in more than 50 countries, runs 21 production facilities in 12 countries and employs more than 6 300 people around the world. The firm recorded a consolidated turnover of CHF 1.622 billion for the year ended December 31, 2025. www.bobst.com<\/u><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

UPM Specialty Materials, Michelman, and BOBST have joined forces to develop two validated paper-based packaging concepts for brands navigating the EU packaging rules, such as the Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUPD). By combining fiber-based materials, bio-based coatings, and coating line expertise, the three companies have built ready-to-implement structures that deliver strong barrier performance and heat sealability […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":59,"featured_media":177236,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","nova_meta_subtitle":"By combining fiber-based materials, bio-based coatings, and coating line expertise, the three companies have built ready-to-implement structures that deliver strong barrier performance and heat sealability","footnotes":""},"categories":[5572],"tags":[23548,5838,10975,23499,23456],"supplier":[27987,27988,11726,23934],"class_list":["post-177206","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-bio-based","tag-biocoatings","tag-bioeconomy","tag-biopackaging","tag-paperbased","tag-paperpackaging","supplier-bobst-competence-center","supplier-michelman","supplier-upm-corporation","supplier-upm-specialty-papers"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/renewable-carbon.eu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/177206","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/renewable-carbon.eu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/renewable-carbon.eu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/renewable-carbon.eu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/59"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/renewable-carbon.eu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=177206"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/renewable-carbon.eu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/177206\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":177245,"href":"https:\/\/renewable-carbon.eu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/177206\/revisions\/177245"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/renewable-carbon.eu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/177236"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/renewable-carbon.eu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=177206"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/renewable-carbon.eu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=177206"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/renewable-carbon.eu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=177206"},{"taxonomy":"supplier","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/renewable-carbon.eu\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/supplier?post=177206"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}