Replacing PE-laminated structures: UPM and BASF collaborate for fiber-based barrier packaging
Last update on May 6, 2026
Formulators developing fiber-based packaging materials can now evaluate a reference approach combining UPM barrier and barrier base papers with waterborne Joncryl® HPB coating resins from BASF.
The combination is designed to address barrier performance requirements in food and non-food packaging applications while meeting recyclability criteria under current EU regulatory frameworks, including Regulation (EU) 2025/40 on packaging and packaging waste.
Access BASF’s full product range directly in the Master Catalog of Plastics.
Balancing barrier performance along with recyclability
According to UPM, its barrier and barrier base papers, including UPM Solide™ Lucent and UPM Asendo™, are developed for demanding converting and printing applications. BASF reports that its waterborne Joncryl® HPB polymers, when used as a coating base, enable the development of packaging structures intended as alternatives to plastic-based or PE-laminated formats. Both companies indicate that the combined approach is suited to a range of food and non-food applications, though performance outcomes will depend on specific application constraints, converting conditions, and regional 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.
Jointly developed samples will be on display at interpack 2026 in Düsseldorf (May 7–13, 2026). BASF's Resins team is available at Hall 10, Stand A44; UPM's team is at Hall 8A, Stand F29.
Image credits: BASF