UPM and BASF combine barrier papers and resins for fiber packaging
Last update on May 5, 2026
Formulators, converters, and brand owners evaluating recyclable fiber-based packaging solutions can now assess a collaborative material approach developed by UPM Specialty Materials and BASF. The combination pairs UPM's barrier and barrier base papers with coatings based on BASF's Joncryl® HPB barrier technology resins to enable the development of packaging materials for food and non-food applications.
You can access technical datasheets of UPM Specialty Materials and BASF product ranges in the Master Catalog of Coatings.
Regulatory context and design-for-recycling
According to UPM and BASF, the collaboration responds to increasing regulatory requirements and recyclability targets, including Regulation (EU) 2025/40 on packaging and packaging waste. The packaging industry is moving towards design-for-recycling concepts. According to the companies, carefully matched materials and barrier technologies can deliver excellent protection performance while enabling recyclable, fiber-based packaging.
UPM's barrier and barrier base papers including UPM Solide™ Lucent and UPM Asendo™ are described by the company as designed for demanding packaging converting and printing applications. According to BASF, when combined with coatings based on Joncryl® HPB polymers, these papers enable the development of packaging materials suitable for food and non-food applications meeting regulatory requirements.
Interested in Joncryl® grades? See 180+ grades in the Master Catalog of Coatings >>
"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.
Looking for recycled ingredients? See 80+ grades in the Master Catalog of Coatings >>
Image Credits: BASF