UPM extends barrier paper technology to label applications

UPM Specialty Materials has extended its barrier paper technology, first introduced in the company's packaging papers, to label face papers for the first time. The new grade, UPM Asendo 80, applies that grease resistance technology to labelling without the use of PFAS.

The EU's Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) introduced a restriction on per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in food contact packaging, which became applicable across the European Union on August 12, 2026. Label converters serving food contact and other grease sensitive applications, such as olive oil packaging, require face papers validated to perform without relying on PFAS chemistry.

The company does not add PFAS to its papers at any stage of production. Each grade is tested by independent, third party laboratories, providing converters with the documentation required for their own customers.

UPM Asendo 80 is compatible with a range of adhesive types, is suited to UV flexo and UV inkjet printing, and is available as FSC or PEFC certified, meeting the US Food and Drug administration (FDA) and The German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) requirements for food contact use. With this launch, UPM Specialty Materials has expanded its range to include an 80 g/m2 basis weight, typically used in label end uses. Label converters can draw on the technical team for guidance on design considerations when adapting Asendo 80 to a particular label format.

‘Bringing our barrier technology from packaging into UPM Asendo 80 gives label converters access to grease resistance that has been validated over years of use in demanding packaging applications. It also helps converters grow and win by opening the door to higher value label applications,’ saif Kirsi Lahtela, product manager, UPM Specialty Materials.