UPM Specialty Papers and partners developed new opportunities for UPM’s packaging papers on standard flexo printing machines
(UPM, Helsinki, 28 May 2024 at 11:00 EEST) – UPM’s barrier and barrier base papers can be enhanced with heat-seal properties while reproducing high-quality images in almost any flexographic print shop under normal production conditions. This was demonstrated in joint co-creation project carried out by UPM Specialty Papers, BOBST, and Siegwerk. The test results verified that it is possible to efficiently print packaging papers and at the same time achieve heat-sealability using flexographic printing techniques.
The project combined a number of UPM’s barrier and barrier base papers with Siegwerk’s water-based ink series UniNATURE, which are formulated with a high Bio Renewable Content (BRC), and two heat-sealing lacquers for paper and board applications from their CIRKIT coatings range. The papers were printed using BOBST MASTER CI, a 10-color wide-web printing press designed for water-based inks and 800 m/min speed.
"Making the transition to fibre-based packaging requires collaboration between packaging value network members. We are eager to explore solutions with partners that support this transition, while taking advantage of existing production methods. Through co-creation with BOBST and Siegwerk, we have successfully developed new opportunities for flexographic printers that can be achieved under normal production conditions,” says Mika Uusikartano, Senior Manager, Product Portfolio Management, UPM Specialty Papers.
The collaboration included an investigation on how different parameters affect the print quality. The tested print resolutions and anilox configurations showed high-resolution results with all the four papers printed. The project also showed and delivered parameters on how flexible packaging papers can be enhanced with heat-sealing properties with flexographic printing.
“One of the targets was to verify that production efficiency is maintained during processing. The results were excellent. UPM packaging papers showed that additional properties can be added, and papers can be further processed using existing methods and machinery,” Mika Uusikartano highlights.
UPM Specialty Papers’ versatile fiber-based packaging papers are ideal for food and non-food end-uses, ensuring protection and durability to meet future packaging ambitions. The tested papers included coated and uncoated packaging papers between 45 and 90 g/m2:
Barrier Base papers designed for further converting:
• UPM Solide™ Lucent
• UPM Prego™
Heat-sealable barrier papers
• UPM Confidio™
• UPM Confidio™ Pro
Samples of the final pack from this co-creation project are on display at BOBST stand at Drupa Hall 10/B30. Samples are also available on request from UPM Specialty Papers’ website.
Link to image: https://materialhub.upm.com/l/r8CSFHHjb7PW
For further information please contact:
Maarit Relander, UPM Specialty Papers, Senior Manager, Marketing, maarit.relander@upm.com, puh. +358 204150223
UPM, Media Relations
Mon-Fri 9:00–16:00 EEST
tel. +358 40 588 3284
media@upm.com
UPM Specialty Papers
UPM Specialty Papers answers the world’s need for sustainable products with high-performance, transformative papers for packaging and labelling, and sustainable office and graphic papers in APAC. Our approximately 2,000 dedicated experts help customers co-create solutions to their business challenges. UPM Specialty Papers’ global team and mills in China, Finland and Germany serve customers consistently and reliably around the world.
Find out how our products are special by nature at upmspecialtypapers.com
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UPM
We deliver renewable and responsible solutions and innovate for a future beyond fossils across six business areas: UPM Fibres, UPM Energy, UPM Raflatac, UPM Specialty Papers, UPM Communication Papers and UPM Plywood. As the industry leader in responsibility, we are committed to the UN Business Ambition for 1.5°C and the science-based targets to mitigate climate change. We employ 16,600 people worldwide and our annual sales are approximately EUR 10,5 billion. Our shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd. UPM Biofore – Beyond fossils. www.upm.com
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BOBST
We are one of the world’s leading suppliers of substrate processing, printing and converting equipment and services for the label, flexible packaging, folding carton and corrugated board industries.
Founded in 1890 by Joseph Bobst in Lausanne, Switzerland, BOBST has a presence in more than 50 countries, runs 21 production facilities in 12 countries and employs more than 6 300 people around the world. The firm recorded a consolidated turnover of CHF 1.960 billion for the year ended December 31, 2023.
Siegwerk
Siegwerk is one of the leading global manufacturers of printing inks and coatings for packaging applications and labels. Based on 200 years of expertise, we provide customized solutions for all types of packaging needs - from functional and eye-catching to safe and sustainable. As a seventh-generation family business, we have long been aware of our responsibility for future generations. Under the motto “rethINK packaging”, we are therefore actively driving the transformation to a circular economy by developing eco-friendly solutions that enable packaging circularity. Here, 30+ country organizations and ~5,000 employees worldwide ensure consistent high-quality products and customized support around the world. Learn more at www.siegwerk.com
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