Story | 09/05/2025 03:38:17 | 2 min Read time

UPM x Royal Vaassen: a fibre-based, recyclable alternative to plastic and aluminum laminates

UPM Specialty Papers x Royal Vaassen

How co-creation helps to renew the everyday

  • Compatible with various packaging formats, including canisters.
  • Ideal for demanding applications like coffee, tea, or chips.
  • Fibre-based, recyclable alternative to plastic and aluminum laminate.
  • High performance barrier against moisture, oxygen and light.
  • Safe for food contact and compliant with recyclability requirements.

Preparing for PPWR

With the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) recyclability requirements approaching, it is essential to find packaging solutions that are recyclable with widely available recycling infrastructures. Paper and board recycling infrastructures are widely present and established to support the future requirements.

In collaboration with UPM Specialty Papers, Royal Vaassen has developed several recyclable* and food-safe barrier paper solutions for a variety of end-use applications, ranging from medium to the most demanding barrier requirements.

 
 
Our barrier papers are a sustainable alternative to laminates and plastics. They offer strong protection with a focus on performance and circularity and are suitable for existing production lines and products such as coffee, powders and stock.” - Mark Gerritsen, Sales Manager, Royal Vaassen.

Meeting the challenge of tomorrow

The Barryrwrap concept by Royal Vaassen is built on UPM Solide™ Lucent barrier base papers. It provides excellent barrier protection against moisture, oxygen and light, and has been successfully tested for new and demanding fibre-based, recyclable packaging solutions. One promising application is a canister format suitable for chips or drink powders.

Barryrwrap Everest is the highest performing barrier paper that is developed for instant coffee and other dry products requiring maximum protection. With its fully recyclable paper structure, Barryrwrap Everest is a sustainable and recyclable alternative to traditional aluminum laminates, without compromising on quality or processability.

*recyclable: CEPI/4EG Technical Recyclability Score (v. 2.0 Jan 2025) and PTS RH 021/97 Cat II

 

 
 
“UPM Solide™ Lucent offers a perfect base for Barryrwrap. Easy to convert into various structures, the paper is exceptionally strong, smooth, and dense.
” - Mika Uusikartano, Senior Manager, Product Portfolio Management, UPM Specialty Papers.

 
 
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