UPM, Ingredion and Paramelt align starch and bio-coatings to solve the food paper trilemma

The holy grail of paper-based food packaging has long been achieving grease resistance, reliable heat-sealing, and standard recyclability without relying on fluorochemicals or fossil-based plastics. On October 20, 2026, UPM Specialty Materials, Ingredion, and Paramelt presented a structural proof of concept that addresses this exact operational trilemma.

This collaboration layers specialized chemistries onto high-performance base papers. The structure utilizes UPM Solide Lucent at 78 gsm and UPM Asendo at 65 gsm as the foundational substrates. Ingredion provides the critical grease resistance through a newly applied plant-based starch barrier technology. To complete the functional requirements for demanding food environments, Paramelt integrates a bio-based heat-seal and barrier coating.

The technical viability of this multi-layered approach has already cleared a major hurdle. The configuration built on the UPM Solide Lucent 78 gsm substrate successfully passed Part 1 recyclability testing at Western Michigan University. This validation is crucial for converters and brand owners who require independent assurance that functionalized papers will not disrupt established recycling streams.

By aligning substrate engineering with advanced starch and bio-based polymer chemistry, the three companies demonstrate that the supply chain can engineer out problematic legacy coatings. For the converting sector, this means access to drop-in materials that maintain line speeds and sealing integrity while meeting the increasingly stringent end-of-life demands of the global packaging market.