Competence Center – Sustainable Paper Barrier Packaging
Functional Packaging—Entirely Paper-Based
Without separate plastic films, aluminum foils, or traditional composite films
UGC develops high-performance paper-based packaging solutions. Functional, PFAS-free barrier systems protect the product from grease, oil, water, water vapor, oxygen, flavor loss, and MOSH/MOAH migration.
From selecting the right paper to designing the barrier and packaging structure, all the way through to industrial production, we develop the complete packaging system.
Our Core Barriers
Barriers & Product Protection
Barriers Tailored to Your Product
Fat and Oil
Protection for high-fat foods, confectionery, baked goods, snacks, pet food, and non-food products.
Water
Protection against liquids, moisture penetration, and the packaging becoming saturated.
Water vapor
Protection against moisture absorption or moisture loss—especially for powders, instant products, hygroscopic foods, and frozen products.
Oxygen
Protection of oxygen-sensitive products to preserve quality, flavor, and shelf life.
Flavor and Smell
Protection against loss of flavor and against the absorption or transfer of unwanted odors.
MOSH/MOAH
Functional barriers against the migration of undesirable petroleum-based components, such as those from recycled cardboard, printing inks, or the transport environment.
PFAS-free
Our barrier solutions are PFAS-free and combine reliable product protection with responsible material selection.
Papers & Materials
Paper is our foundation
We develop paper packaging and avoid using separate plastic films, aluminum foil, and traditional multilayer laminates.
Barrier papers
Functional papers with defined protective properties against grease, oil, water, water vapor, oxygen, loss of aroma, and MOSH/MOAH migration.
Sealable Papers
Paper solutions for heat-sealable packaging—tailored to sealing temperature, sealing time, pressure, leak resistance, and machine performance.
Water-Based Barriers
Functional coatings that are applied directly to the paper. They replace separate layers of film and allow for a particularly high paper content.
Sugar Cane Paper
As a special material option, we offer paper made from sugarcane fibers, or bagasse:
• as uncoated paper,
• as printed packaging paper,
• with a functional barrier,
• for flexible and rigid packaging.
Sugarcane paper complements our comprehensive portfolio of virgin fiber, recycled, and functional barrier papers.
Packaging Formats & Applications
Flexible Paper Packaging
• Sachets and single-serve packages
• Flowpacks and wrappers
• Doy packs
• Block-bottom pouches
• Wraparound packaging
• Bags and flexible packaging
Dimensionally Stable Paper Packaging
• Folding boxes
• Trays and containers
• Cups and to-go packaging
• Cardboard-wrapped cans
• Lid and base solutions
• Refrigerated and frozen packaging
Products and Markets
• Confectionery and chocolate
• Cookies, baked goods, and salty snacks
• Tea, coffee, and spices
• Powders and instant products
• Dietary supplements
• Cosmetics and personal care
• Laundry and cleaning supplies
• Pet food
• Sensitive non-food products
Development & Industrialization
From the initial request to market-ready packaging
1. Analyze Requirements
We record the product, best-by date, required barrier, packaging format, filling process, and distribution channel.
2. Select Paper and Barrier
We compare suitable base papers, barrier papers, coatings, and alternative fiber materials.
3. Develop a packaging system
The paper, barrier layer, printing, sealing, adhesive, and construction are functionally coordinated with one another.
4. Conduct technical tests
We coordinate coating trials, material tests, machine runs, filling tests, and stability studies.
5. Support Industrialization
We bring together material manufacturers, processors, packaging producers, fillers, brand companies, and retailers.
Recyclability & PPWR
Designed for the paper cycle
Recyclability is taken into account as early as the material and packaging development stage. The following, among other things, will be evaluated:
• Paper and fiber content
• Type and amount of barrier coating
• Adhesives and sealing agents
• Printing inks and finishes
• Behavior during paper recycling
• PPWR and compliance requirements
The Circular Solutions Competence Center complements packaging development by:
• Design-for-Recycling Assessment
• Recyclability Assessment
• PPWR and Compliance Testing
• Technical Documentation
• Declaration of Conformity
• Labeling and Disposal Instructions
• Preparation for Independent Testing and Certification
Independent recyclability tests and circular certifications can be conducted in collaboration with CIRCPACK GmbH, a Veolia Group company.
Paper Instead of Plastic and Aluminum Composites
Would you like to replace conventional plastic or aluminum composite packaging with functional paper-based packaging?
We work with you to develop a solution that is technically, regulatory, and economically viable—from the initial concept to market-ready packaging.
