Finnish company UPM Specialty Papers has teamed up with Fazer Bakery to develop a new recyclable packaging solution for the baker’s Oat Rice Pies. 

The companies replaced the traditional plastic-laminated packaging with a paper solution, which is claimed to be easier to recycle.  

This solution is based on UPM's Confidio barrier paper, which is heat-sealable and boasts a recyclability rate of approximately 99%. 

The new packaging is a result of collaborative efforts between the UPM Jämsänkoski mill and the UPM Research Centre in Lappeenranta, Finland.  

The paper integrates both barrier and heat-sealing properties without the use of a separate layer of plastic lamination. 

These barrier properties are designed in such a way that the product remains protected until its best-before date while preventing grease from penetrating the packaging.

UPM Sustainability senior manager Susanna Hyrkäs said: "Packaging papers have the advantage of being recyclable within a widely established fibre recycling infrastructure. Today, more than 80% of the fibre-based packaging material used in Europe is recycled.  

“Our product development is always based on the premise of ensuring recyclability, in addition to ensuring product safety and the required functional properties." 

The new packaging aligns with Fazer's Sustainable Packaging Vision and UPM's Biofore strategy.

In October last year, UPM announced a collaboration with adhesive tape specialist Lohmann to promote the recycling of paper liners in the tape industry.