UPM launches PFAS-free grease-resistant paper for label applications

UPM Specialty Materials has extended its barrier paper technology to label face papers for the first time. The new UPM Asendo™ 80 grade brings grease resistance to label applications without the use of added PFAS.

UPM Asendo 80 grease-resistant label paper used on olive oil and pesto packaging. — UPM Asendo™ 80 is a new 80 gsm label face paper designed for grease-sensitive applications such as olive oil and food packaging. According to UPM, no PFAS is added during production.

The technology was originally introduced in UPM’s packaging papers and has now been adapted for labelling applications where resistance to grease is required. Potential uses include labels for food-contact packaging and products such as olive oil.

The launch comes as new EU rules concerning PFAS in food-contact packaging have entered into application. The EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) restricts the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in food-contact packaging, with the restriction applicable across the European Union from August 12, 2026.

According to UPM, the company does not add PFAS to its papers at any stage of production. The paper grades are tested by independent third-party laboratories.

UPM Asendo™ 80 has a basis weight of 80 gsm and is compatible with a range of adhesive types. It is suitable for UV flexographic and UV inkjet printing and is available with FSC™ or PEFC certification.

The product also meets the requirements of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) for food-contact applications.

“Bringing our barrier technology from packaging into UPM Asendo™ 80 gives label converters access to grease resistance that has been validated over years of use in demanding packaging applications,” says Kirsi Lahtela, Product Manager at UPM Specialty Materials.

According to Lahtela, the new grade also expands the range of applications available to label converters. UPM provides technical support for converters adapting the paper to different label formats.