UPM and Felix Schoeller have developed a customizable, fibre-based barrier solution for flexible food packaging applications such as chocolate and snack bar wrappers.
The new concept is designed to support the packaging industry’s transition toward recyclability requirements under the European Union’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation.
The solution combines UPM Solide™ Lucent packaging paper with barrier coatings developed by Felix Schoeller. According to the companies, the coating system can be adapted to provide different levels of protection against oxygen, moisture or grease, depending on the packaged product.
Barrier Performance Tailored to Product Needs
Flexible food packaging requires a careful balance between barrier performance, sealing capability and mechanical strength during converting and filling.
UPM and Felix Schoeller say the customizable coating concept allows packaging structures to be adapted to specific product requirements while maintaining fibre-based material solutions.
This approach enables converters and brand owners to optimize packaging performance according to the product, production process and end-use requirements.
Flexible Coating Systems Instead of Fixed Solutions
Andreas Bergmeier, Head of Innovation & Technical Sales Packaging at Felix Schoeller, said the approach focuses on tailoring barrier performance to customer needs rather than relying on fixed coating systems.
He noted that UPM Solide Lucent provides a stable base material for coating processes and offers reliable runnability and high printability.
Lower Coating Weights and Efficient Production
UPM Solide Lucent packaging paper features a smooth and dense surface structure.
This allows converters to apply lower coating weights while maintaining strength and process stability on high-speed production lines.
The paper is available in several grammages to match different flexible packaging applications.
To Be Presented at Interpack 2026
The new solution will be presented at Interpack 2026 in Düsseldorf, Germany, from May 7 to 13.
The recyclability of the packaging structure has been assessed using CEPI recyclability standard version 3 and evaluated according to the 4evergreen evaluation protocol scorecard version 2.0.
These assessments aim to demonstrate the technical suitability of the structure for recyclable packaging applications.
About UPM and Felix Schoeller
UPM Specialty Materials produces specialty papers for packaging and labelling applications. The business has more than 40 years of experience and operates mills in China, Finland and Germany.
UPM develops material solutions based on renewable fibres and advanced materials. The company employs around 15,100 people and reported annual sales of approximately €9.7 billion.
Felix Schoeller is a specialty paper manufacturer headquartered in Osnabrück, Germany. Founded in 1895, the family-owned company operates 10 production sites in six countries.
Key Features of the New Solution
Feature | Details |
|---|---|
Application area | Chocolate, snack bar and flexible food packaging |
Base material | UPM Solide™ Lucent packaging paper |
Coating technology | Barrier coatings developed by Felix Schoeller |
Barrier performance | Adjustable protection against oxygen, moisture and grease |
Production advantage | Lower coating weights with process stability on high-speed lines |
Regulatory focus | Recyclability requirements under the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation |
Launch platform | Interpack 2026, Düsseldorf |
The solution developed by UPM and Felix Schoeller highlights the growing role of recyclable fibre-based materials in flexible food packaging, where barrier performance, production efficiency and regulatory readiness are becoming increasingly important.
Source
Based on information released by UPM.
