Six UPM Specialty Papers achieve composting certification

Compostability is one form of recycling degrading compostable materials into fertile soil suitable for plant growth.

The differences between home and industrial composting are found in the process temperature and the time it takes before you can expect disintegration and biodegradation. Given the right conditions (20°C - 30°C), home compostable materials are designed to biodegrade within 12 months and disintegrate within six months into non-ecotoxic compost.

UPM now offers a wide range of packaging papers that are designed for home composting, which includes UPM Prego and UPM Asendo barrier papers; UPM FlexPack, UPM UniquePack, UPM UniquePack Strong coated one side (C1S) papers and UPM Solide Lucent kraft paper.

‘Recycling should always be the first option to consider when possible. However, compostability is a good option when recycling packaging papers is not possible due to food residues, for example. Compostability can also play a role when recycling infrastructure is limited,’ said Susanna Hyrkäs, senior manager for sustainability at UPM Specialty Papers.

UPM has set ambitious responsibility targets for 2030, such as promoting a circular economy and sustainable product design. Recyclability and compostability are part of the solution by ensuring a sustainable product end of life.