UPM Specialty Papers and Fazer, based in Finland, have jointly received the prestigious WorldStar Award 2024 in the Food category for their innovative fibre-based packaging solution for Fazer’s Oat Rice Pies. This new packaging solution eliminates the need for a plastic lamination layer, reducing the reliance on fossil-based materials and enhancing recyclability.
The packaging, made from UPM ConfidioTM barrier paper, ensures the freshness and safety of Fazer Oat Rice Pies until their best-before date. Unlike traditional plastic-coated papers, the barrier paper can be directly sent from the paper mill to the printer, saving approximately 1,000 kg of plastic annually.
Heli Borgström, Director of Packaging at UPM Specialty Papers, highlighted the significance of the collaboration, stating, “Fazer and UPM have worked for over two years on developing this fibre-based packaging solution. It is a pioneering packaging solution for fresh food, even on a global scale. We’re honored and delighted to receive a WorldStar award with Fazer.”
The solution, based on UPM Confidio barrier paper, offers moisture and grease resistance along with excellent heat seal properties. It is designed to be repulpable and recycled in regular fibre recycling streams, with a low reject rate of only 1 percent according to recycling tests.
Commenting on the innovation, Borgström explained, “UPM Confidio offers the features to maintain product quality and food-safety, without compromising production efficiency. Packaging the Fazer Oat Rice Pies into fully fibre-based and heat-sealable packaging is a pioneering packaging solution for fresh foods, even on a global scale.”
The success of this collaboration underscores the importance of sustainable packaging solutions in the food industry and sets a benchmark for future developments in the field.