Product manufacturers are striving to replace fossil-based materials in packaging with renewable raw materials. Many brand owners are also aiming to improve the recyclability of packaging.
Pakkokin is a good consultant, because, for example, the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) requires that all packaging in Europe be recyclable by 2030.
In addition to regulation, the shift is also likely to be influenced by increased consumer responsibility.
"They can also vote with their feet, so they matter. In the name of responsibility, you can't just sell anything to consumers. However, to be competitive, biofiber-based packaging must be of high quality, and its price must not differ too much from plastic packaging that performs its function well," says Mika Kekki.
Developing forward together
UPM's strategy focuses on renewable material solutions in all its business areas and collaborates globally with different industries and brands.
“For example, in Dallas, we have met with Pepsico management. They specifically asked UPM to help them get rid of plastic packaging with our barrier paper solutions.”
Product development emphasizes co-development, where material manufacturers develop the final product together with brand owners and their customers. Research expertise is also included.
For example, the 4evergreen alliance represents the entire value chain that uses and manufactures packaging, while the Pentawards network focuses on packaging design.
“Networking saves a lot of time. For example, there are many technical challenges in food packaging solutions, as their protective layer solutions may have up to five lamination layers, each of which is responsible for preserving the product. The solutions must be 100% functional. They must take into account, for example, shelf life, as the product may be available in stores for quite a long time.”
Durable plywood
Kekki moved to the management of UPM Specialty Papers from the management of UPM Plywood in early 2025. Both belong to UPM's Advanced Materials cluster.
Kekki points out that plywood manufactured by Plywood is part of the sustainable packaging industry. He mentions the Inkoo LNG terminal ship, the tanks of which were insulated with UPM Plywood's birch plywood.
The temperature of liquefied natural gas is -163°C. The temperature of the outer surface of the tank can be tens of degrees above zero. The inherent properties of birch plywood made it a suitable material for extreme conditions.
And sustainable in the concrete sense of the word.
