NPP - Sustainable Paper and Packaging

Food producers, packaging converters, brand owners, and FMCG companies looking for more sustainable packaging solutions should keep an eye on the latest developments from UPM Specialty Materials.

Together with Michelman and BOBST, UPM Specialty Materials has introduced innovative bio-based paper packaging concepts designed to combine sustainability with high performance.

The new solutions feature:
✔ High-performance specialty papers
✔ Bio-based coating technologies
✔ Compatibility with efficient production processes
✔Excellent moisture, oxygen, and mineral oil barriers
✔ Excellent moisture, oxygen, and mineral oil barriers

Ideal applications include:
🍪 Snack and confectionery packaging
🫖 Tea bags
🥣 Oatmeal sachets
☕ Sugar stick-packs

As the Southern African agent for UPM products, we are excited to see continued innovation in fibre-based packaging solutions that support both performance and sustainability goals.

If your business is exploring alternatives to traditional packaging materials, get in touch with Theresa at [email protected] to learn more about UPM Specialty Materials and packaging opportunities for the Southern African market.

South Africa’s landfills are overflowing, and much of the waste comes from packaging that could have been recycled or designed sustainably. As a business, the choices you make today have a direct impact on the environment, and on your brand reputation.

By switching to recyclable and responsibly sourced packaging, you can:

🗑️ Reduce the waste your business sends to landfills
🌎 Meet the growing demand from eco-conscious customers
♻️ Support a circular economy where materials are reused, not discarded

Sustainable packaging isn’t just good for the planet, it’s good for business. Make the shift today and lead the way toward a cleaner, greener South Africa.

Contact us for more information about sustainable packaging options: [email protected]

Sustainable packaging innovation is moving fast!

UPM Specialty Materials, Michelman, and BOBST are joining forces to develop next-generation paper-based packaging solutions that combine performance, recyclability, and efficiency.

By bringing together high-performance base paper, bio-based coatings, and advanced machine expertise, the collaboration showcases how sustainable packaging can deliver without compromising on quality.

The new concepts offer:
✅ Excellent grease and moisture barriers
✅ Strong heat sealability
✅ Fully recyclable paper-based solutions

A great example of how innovation and collaboration are helping shape the future of sustainable packaging.

📸

Choosing paper from Finland for the South African market is about more than quality; it’s about reliability, sustainability, and performance.

Finland is globally recognised for its responsible forestry practices. Forests are carefully managed, with continuous replanting and strict environmental standards ensuring that wood resources remain renewable for generations. In fact, Finland grows more forest than it harvests each year, making its paper and wood products part of a truly sustainable supply chain.

For businesses in South Africa, Finnish paper also means consistent quality and advanced manufacturing. Finnish mills are known for their cutting-edge technology, producing papers with excellent runnability, printability, and reliability, whether for packaging, publishing, or labels.

Another key advantage is traceability and certification. Paper produced in Finland is often certified by systems such as Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®) and the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC™), giving brands and manufacturers confidence that the raw materials come from responsibly managed forests.

By choosing paper from Finland, South African companies gain access to premium, sustainable materials that support both high product quality and responsible sourcing. It’s a smart choice for businesses that value performance, transparency, and long-term sustainability.

📸: UPM

Reducing plastic in packaging is one of the most effective ways businesses can lower their environmental impact. Today, many everyday plastic products can be replaced with high-performance fibre-based alternatives made from renewable raw materials. 🌱📦

Here are some examples where paper-based solutions can replace plastic:

🛍 Plastic shopping bags: Strong kraft papers can replace traditional plastic carrier bags while remaining recyclable and made from renewable fibres.

📦 Plastic wrapping and overwrap: Fibre-based wrapping papers can replace plastic film used for bundling magazines, products, and retail packaging.

🥡 Plastic food packaging: Speciality barrier papers can replace certain plastic-coated packaging used for takeaway food, bakery items, and fast-food wraps.

🏷 Plastic label materials: Paper-based label materials can replace some plastic labels while maintaining excellent printability and sustainability credentials.

📬 Plastic mailers and e-commerce packaging: Durable paper mailers and protective packaging solutions can replace many single-use plastic shipping materials.

By switching to fibre-based materials from responsibly managed forests, businesses can support a renewable and recyclable packaging system while reducing dependence on fossil-based plastics.

Fibre-based innovation is playing a key role in building a more circular packaging future. ♻️🌍

Did you know? The basic principles of papermaking have remained almost unchanged for over two thousand years. Fibres are evenly distributed in water, the water is drained, and what remains are fibres bonded together to form paper.

Today, combines this ancient principle with the most advanced technology, not only to produce high-quality paper, but to ensure that raw materials are used in the most sustainable way possible, with minimal environmental impact at every stage, from sourcing to recycling.

We are proud to represent UPM in South Africa, delivering high-quality, sustainable solutions to the market.

Sustainability and performance. Rooted in history. Driven by innovation. 🌱

Not all paper is the same. Paper is often seen as an environmentally friendly choice, and it can be. But not all paper is created equal.

Sustainability in paper production depends on multiple factors, including the source of the fibre, responsible forest management, the energy used during production, careful water stewardship, effective emissions and waste management, and the recyclability and circularity of the products.

Paper made from responsibly managed forests supports biodiversity, renewable raw materials, and long-term carbon balance. Poorly managed sourcing, on the other hand, can contribute to deforestation and environmental harm.

That’s why transparency, certification, and traceability matter.

Choosing sustainable paper isn’t just about choosing paper over plastic, it’s about choosing the right paper.

Sustainability is not a label. It’s a system. 🌍

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Looking for high-quality printing papers for magazines, catalogues and advertising materials? Discover a versatile range of grades, including CMR, SC and MFS, all engineered to deliver outstanding print performance, consistent colour reproduction and a smooth, professional finish.

With excellent runnability, strong efficiency in high-volume production and impressive visual impact, UPM printing papers are a reliable choice for even the most demanding print projects.

Would you like more information?

Contact us:
+27 (0) 21 700 2800
[email protected]

Did you know? We supply South Africa with a wide range of food-safe, sustainably produced barrier papers, from UPM barrier base papers to C1S packaging papers, all designed for efficient converting and maximum shelf impact.

Contact us today to find the perfect solution for your packaging needs at [email protected] or +27 (0) 21 700 2800

Choosing recyclable materials isn’t just good for the planet; it’s good for business too. When materials can be recycled, you:

♻️Reduce waste and lower environmental impact.

♻️Support a circular economy, giving materials a second life.

♻️Meet consumer expectations for sustainable packaging.

♻️Comply with regulations and avoid costly disposal challenges.

At NPP, we supply high-quality, recyclable papers for packaging that perform without compromise. Choosing recyclable materials means your products look great, work perfectly, and stay responsible.

Sustainability starts with the material you choose.