MM Board & Paper targets the fast-food sector with lightweight Polar Plus kraft paper

Meeting the demand for high-performance food contact materials

The packaging industry in July 2026 is navigating a complex web of regulatory demands and shifting consumer expectations. At the center of this transition is the quick-service restaurant (QSR) and single-use food packaging sector, where brands are actively seeking materials that reduce environmental impact without compromising operational efficiency. Meeting this specific demand, MM Board & Paper has officially expanded its portfolio with the introduction of MM Polar Plus, a machine-finished kraft paper engineered specifically for food contact applications.

Available in three new low grammages—40, 45, and 50 g/m²—the MM Polar Plus line is manufactured from elemental chlorine-free (ECF) bleached virgin fibers. For converters and packaging manufacturers, the critical metric here is not just the weight reduction, but the structural formation and surface smoothness. Achieving a flawless, smooth surface at 40 g/m² requires precise machine control, and this is where the new product aims to differentiate itself in a highly competitive market.

Technical advantages for converting and coating

A significant portion of fast-food packaging requires functional barrier properties against grease, moisture, or oxygen. MM Board & Paper has optimized MM Polar Plus to serve as a highly uniform base for polyethylene (PE) coatings and other advanced barrier applications. The technical benefits include:

• Uniform surface: Ensures that coatings can be applied evenly, potentially reducing the total volume of polymer required while maintaining barrier integrity.
• Reliable printability: The ECF virgin fibers provide a consistent whiteness and smooth finish, ensuring that brand owners do not have to compromise on visual impact across different packaging formats.
• Versatility: While optimized for food contact, the structural integrity of the paper makes it equally suitable for demanding non-food applications.

Strategic integration at the Kwidzyn mill

The production of MM Polar Plus is anchored at the company’s Kwidzyn mill in Poland. This facility is a strategic asset for MM Board & Paper, featuring a fully integrated pulp mill alongside three state-of-the-art board and paper machines. By utilizing tailor-made pulp produced on-site, the mill guarantees a consistent quality baseline that is crucial for high-speed converting operations.

The Kwidzyn site operates under strict environmental and quality management frameworks, holding certifications for responsible forest management, supply chain traceability, and ISO 9001 quality management. Markus Nöcker, VP Sales UFP and PKP at MM Board & Paper, emphasized that the new product addresses the escalating demands for sustainability and compliance without sacrificing performance or economic viability.

As we progress through 2026, the pressure from the European Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is forcing brands to rethink their material choices. While recycled fibers dominate secondary packaging, primary food contact often necessitates the purity, strength, and safety profile of virgin fibers. The expansion of the MM Polar range—following the strategic rebranding of the former Ipack portfolio—demonstrates a clear understanding of where the volume growth lies: high-quality, lightweight, and conversion-ready substrates.

The strategic focus of MM Board & Paper on lightweight virgin kraft papers is a smart move that secures its position in the highly profitable QSR niche while supporting converters with reliable runnability. Will the push for even lighter grammages eventually hit a physical limit in barrier coating applications, or will advanced polymer technologies allow papers under 40 g/m² to dominate the fast-food sector by 2028? Follow The Paper for daily news, market signals and key updates from the global paper, corrugated and packaging industry. — Sigue toda la actualidad del sector en www.thepaper.ai