one.five and UPM Notes switch to transparent paper packaging instead of plastic

one.five, a Hamburg based provider of sustainable packaging solutions developed using advanced AI technologies, is partnering with UPM Notes, a brand of UPM Adhesive Materials. The goal of the collaboration was to find a transparent, paper based packaging solution for the UPM Notes product range.

The new packaging for the premium sticky notes is made from FSC certified paper and is based on ‘Glassleaf’, a transparent and recyclable paper solution developed by one.five that can be disposed of with regular wastepaper. 

Stationery packaging, such as that used for sticky notes, often consists of plastic. This leads to higher CO₂ emissions and complicates recycling. With the introduction of Glassleaf, UPM Notes is taking an alternative path, setting an example for innovation and sustainability. Studies by one.five show that the Glassleaf packaging generates approximately 15 to 20% fewer emissions compared to conventional OPP packaging (30 µm thickness). Additionally, the transparent paper solution meets the required transport and protection standards while maintaining high transparency, allowing consumers to continue seeing the product on store shelves.

‘To meet our consumers’ expectations while fulfilling our vision of sustainable, low emission products, choosing the right packaging is crucial. The solution from one.five allows our customers to view sticky notes in their desired colour selection while meeting our sustainability goals and emphasising our commitment to developing high quality products with solvent free adhesives,’ said Ville Pollari, director industrials and sticky notes, UPM Adhesive Materials.

The modest packaging delivers a significant impact. This more sustainable alternative to conventional plastic packaging for sticky notes is 80% lighter than cardboard packaging. Both the UPM Notes and their packaging have been certified as recyclable by the Papiertechnische Stiftung (PTS) – tested according to the Cepi Recyclability Laboratory Test Method V2 – and can be disposed of in standard paper recycling streams.

‘Our transparent, paper based packaging solutions shorten time to market for manufacturers while making a measurable contribution to CO₂ reduction. Together with UPM Notes, we are demonstrating how AI driven development combines ecological responsibility with economic viability, driving the transformation of the packaging industry,’ said Martin Weber, founder and CEO of one.five.

This marks another step toward circular packaging systems. The collaboration with UPM illustrates how sustainable solutions are already being implemented in practice today.