UPM and BASF accelerate the transition to recyclable, fiber-based packaging

Collaboration pairs UPM’s packaging papers with BASF’s Joncryl^® HPB, delivering strong protection performance
Packaging samples highlighting performance and sustainability benefits to be showcased at interpack 2026

UPM Specialty Materials (UPM) and BASF are collaborating to help brand owners, converters and formulators accelerate the transition to recyclable*, fiber-based packaging solutions. By combining UPM’s barrier and barrier base papers with BASF’s Joncryl^® HPB (high performance barrier) barrier technology resins, the collaboration enables high‑performance, fiber-based materials while supporting the transition away from conventional mixed packaging structures.

Driven by increasing regulatory requirements and ambitious recyclability targets (e.g. Regulation (EU) 2025/40 on packaging and packaging waste), the packaging industry is increasingly moving towards design-for-recycling concepts. The collaboration between UPM and BASF demonstrates how carefully matched materials and barrier technologies can deliver excellent protection performance while enabling recyclable, fiber-based packaging.

UPM’s barrier and barrier base papers, such as UPM Solide™ Lucent and UPM Asendo™, are specifically designed for demanding packaging converting and printing applications. When combined with coatings based on BASF’s Joncryl^® HPB polymers, they enable the development of packaging materials suitable for a wide range of food and non-food applications that meet demanding 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.

UPM and BASF at interpack 2026

The partnership will be in the spotlight at interpack 2026, taking place from May 7–13 in Düsseldorf, Germany. The jointly developed samples will be showcased at the fair, illustrating the performance and sustainability potential of the fiber-based packaging concepts.

In addition, a wide range of UPM’s and BASF’s offerings for the packaging industry will be on display at the event. You can meet BASF’s Resins team at Hall 10, Stand A44, and UPM’s team at Hall 8A, Stand F29.

* UPM packaging papers are certified recyclable according to CEPI v. 2.0 (Europe), PTS-RH 021/97 cat II and WMU SBS-E (U.S.). BASF Joncryl^® HPB line has been shown not to negatively impact paper recyclability according to CEPI v. 2.0 (Europe). Third-party testing of the complete structure is ongoing.

About BASF

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. Our ambition: We want to be the preferred chemical company to enable our customers’ green transformation. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Around 108,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio comprises, as core businesses, the segments Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, and Nutrition & Care; our standalone businesses are bundled in the segments Surface Technologies and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of around €60 billion in 2025. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the United States. Further information at www.basf.com.

BASF’s Dispersions & Resins division

The Dispersions & Resins division of BASF develops, produces and markets a range of high-quality polymer dispersions, resins, additives and electronic materials worldwide. These raw materials are used in formulations for a number of industries, including coatings, construction, adhesives, printing and packaging, electronics and paper. With its comprehensive product portfolio and its extensive knowledge of the industry, the Dispersions & Resins division offers its customers innovative and sustainable solutions and helps them advance their formulations. For further information about the Dispersions & Resins division, please visit www.dispersions-resins.basf.com.

About UPM
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 €9.7 billion. Our shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd.

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