UPM Specialty Materials and BASF are collaborating to advance recyclable, fiber-based packaging, combining barrier papers with waterborne coating technologies to support the shift away from multi-material structures.

The partnership pairs UPM’s barrier and barrier base papers — such as UPM Solide Lucent and UPM Asendo — with BASF’s Joncryl HPB (high-performance barrier) resins. The goal is to deliver packaging solutions that meet performance requirements while aligning with growing recyclability demands.

The collaboration comes as regulatory pressure increases, particularly in Europe under the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), driving converters and brand owners toward design-for-recycling approaches.

According to the companies, the combined paper and coating system is designed to provide barrier performance suitable for a range of food and non-food applications, while maintaining compatibility with existing paper recycling streams. UPM’s packaging papers are certified recyclable under multiple standards, and BASF notes its Joncryl HPB coatings have been shown not to negatively impact recyclability.

“The transition to recyclable fiber-based packaging requires both advanced barrier performance and close collaboration across the value chain,” says Mika Uusikartano, senior manager, product portfolio management at UPM Specialty Materials.

BASF adds that waterborne barrier coatings are playing a key role in replacing plastic-based and PE-laminated structures, particularly in flexible packaging applications.

The companies will showcase jointly developed packaging samples at interpack 2026 in Düsseldorf, highlighting both performance and sustainability attributes.