UPM Specialty Materials
UPM Specialty Materials is the specialty paper business area of Finland's UPM-Kymmene, manufacturing fiber-based barrier, label face, release base, and packaging papers at four mills in Finland, Germany, and China for global brand owners, converters, and labelstock producers.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1980
- HeadquartersHelsinki, Finland
- Headcount5,001–10,000
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What UPM Specialty Materials does
UPM Specialty Materials is the specialty paper and packaging-materials business area of Finnish conglomerate UPM-Kymmene Corporation, headquartered in Helsinki and operating four paper mills across Finland (Jämsänkoski and Tervasaari/Valkeakoski), Germany (Nordland in Dörpen), and China (Changshu). The division runs ~2.0 million tonnes of annual production capacity with roughly 2,000 specialists and generated €1.467 billion in 2024 sales, representing one of six business areas inside the €10.3 billion UPM group. Its portfolio spans barrier papers (UPM Solide Lucent, UPM Asendo/Asendo Pro, UPM Prego), label face papers (under the UPM Raflatac and UPM Intercoat brands), release base papers (UPM SCK Forte using proprietary Forte precoating chemistry), C1S packaging papers, graphic and office papers, and co-developed sustainable packaging systems with BASF, Royal Vaassen, Felix Schoeller, Michelman, BOBST, Paramelt, and Eastman.
The technological foundation is a fiber-based platform engineered for recyclability in existing paper streams and food-contact compliance across EU 1935/2004, FDA 21 CFR, and BfR standards, paired with proprietary barrier chemistries that deliver grease, moisture, oxygen, and mineral-oil resistance without fluorochemicals or PFAS. PFAS-free, SVHC-free, bisphenol-free, and POPs-free formulations are positioned as defaults, with DEKRA life cycle assessment validation on the Carbon Action portfolio and ISCC PLUS certification for the 30%-renewable Carbon Action PP label materials. Capital intensity, certified forestry sourcing (FSC Mix Credit, PEFC CoC), and four-mill geographic footprint create the scale backbone; regulatory alignment with EU PPWR (2025/40), the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive, and emerging PFAS restrictions is the principal commercial driver.
Revenue is generated through a B2B direct-sales motion targeting brand owners, converters, labelstock manufacturers, and silicone coaters, with regional sales and customer-service hubs in Helsinki, Naperville (US), Shanghai, plus a China/Belgium/Finland service network. Pricing is quote-based and not publicly disclosed, distribution is executed through direct enterprise sales plus the UPM Customer Online portal, and channel reach in the Americas is extended through a seven-year strategic partnership with Mark Andy. The company also earns industry positioning through industry events such as Interpack 2026 and Labelexpo Asia 2025, a monthly newsletter, a certificate-finder tool, and sustainability credentials validated by EcoVadis (Platinum, 90/100 in July 2025), MSCI ESG (AAA), Dow Jones Sustainability Indices, and CDP (A for climate, A- for forests and water). Customer logos include Orkla Suomi, Royal Vaassen, Felix Schoeller, Michelman, BOBST, BASF, Paramelt, Eastman, and Mark Andy; no single-customer concentration is publicly disclosed.
UPM Specialty Materials firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- UPM Specialty Materials
- Legal name
- UPM Specialty Materials
- Website
- https://upmspecialtymaterials.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1980
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 5,001–10,000 employees
- Short description
- UPM Specialty Materials is the specialty paper business area of Finland's UPM-Kymmene, manufacturing fiber-based barrier, label face, release base, and packaging papers at four mills in Finland, Germany, and China for global brand owners, converters, and labelstock producers.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
UPM Specialty Materials industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Specialty Paper Manufacturing
- NAICS
- Paper Mills (32212), Paperboard Mills (322130)
- SIC
- Paper Mills (2621)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Paper & Paperboard Packaging Converting & Finishing (Die-Cutting, Gluing, Windowing, Coating) (IMALACAL)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Protective Paper Packaging (Honeycomb, Paper Cushioning, Paper Wrap) (IMALACAH), Corrugated Packaging & Boxes (RSC, die-cut, bulk bins) (IMAMAHAA)
Keywords
Where UPM Specialty Materials is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Helsinki
- HQ country
- Finland
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices7 records
Markets served
UPM Specialty Materials business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Infrastructure, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Specialty Paper Manufacturing and Sales: B2B manufacturer and seller of specialty papers for packaging, labeling, and graphic applications. Revenue generated from sale of paper products including barrier papers, face papers, release base papers, and packaging papers to converters, brand owners, and distributors globally.
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels6 records
UPM Specialty Materials product offering
Product offeringCore offering
UPM Specialty Materials manufactures and sells fiber-based specialty papers — including barrier papers, barrier base papers, release base papers, label face papers, packaging papers, and graphic/office papers — for global packaging, labeling, and graphic end-uses. The company operates four mills in Finland, Germany, and China with approximately 2.0 million tonnes per year production capacity and €1,467 million in 2024 sales, supplying converters, brand owners, silicone coaters, and labelstock manufacturers.
Product overview
UPM Specialty Materials is a paper and packaging materials company with over 40 years of experience producing high-performance papers. The company operates four mills in Finland, Germany, and China with approximately 2.0 million tonnes per year production capacity and 1,467 M€ sales (2024). The product portfolio centers on sustainable packaging and labeling solutions built around fiber-based materials: UPM Solide Lucent and UPM Asendo/Asendo Pro barrier papers provide grease and moisture protection; UPM Solide Lucent and UPM Prego serve as barrier base papers for coating; UPM Face papers and UPM Raflatac/UPM Intercoat serve label applications; and UPM SCK Forte/UPM Forte technology serves release base paper needs. Co-branded solutions include partnerships with BASF (Joncryl HPB barrier resins), Paramelt (Aquavate Bio coatings), Felix Schoeller (customizable barrier solutions), Royal Vaassen (Barryrwrap), Michelman, and BOBST. All products emphasize fibers from sustainably managed forests, food safety compliance, and recyclability in existing fiber recycling streams.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- UPM Solide Lucent: Barrier base paper for flexible food packaging, part of recyclable fibre-based solutions
- UPM Asendo
- Barryrwrap
- UPM ProCycle
- UPM SCK Forte
- Carbon Action
- UPM Prego
- Aquavate Bio SB 2383
Products and services
- UPM Solide Lucent High-performance barrier base paper with exceptionally smooth and dense surface, enabling lower coating weights while delivering strength for high-speed production lines; serves as base paper for recyclable fiber-based food and non-food packaging.
- UPM Asendo Barrier paper providing grease and moisture barrier properties for packaging applications; free from fluorochemicals and recyclable in existing paper recycling streams, with functional barrier for food and non-food applications.
- UPM Asendo Pro Barrier paper variant with grease-resistant properties enabling use of existing flowpack packaging machines without modifications; piloted for replacing plastic wrappers in chocolate bar packaging.
- UPM Prego Barrier base paper brand designed as a substrate for barrier coatings, used in combination with coating technologies for sustainable packaging solutions.
- UPM SCK Forte Release base paper incorporating UPM Forte precoating technology for the US market; enables silicone formulations using up to 50% less platinum and curing at temperatures up to 15% lower, reducing energy consumption and production costs for labelstock manufacturers and silicone coaters.
- UPM ProCycle Range of recyclable label materials designed for rigid PET and HDPE packaging used in drinks, food, and home/personal care products; features adhesive technologies that detach during mechanical recycling processes with independent verification for recyclability performance.
- Carbon Action film label materials Film label materials portfolio designed to help customers reduce carbon footprint across the entire value chain and achieve Scope 3 emission reductions; Carbon Action PP label materials feature 30% renewable content certified under ISCC PLUS.
- UPM Face papers Wide range of label face papers for various pressure-sensitive adhesive applications including gloss C1S, semi-gloss C1S, woodfree uncoated, and C1S thermal transfer face papers; designed for high print quality, shelf impact, and reliable performance in converting and printing.
- UPM Release Base papers Broad range of release base papers including single and double glassines, super calendared krafts (SCKs), and clay coated krafts (CCKs); designed for optimal density, high strength, low caliper variation, and excellent runnability with low silicone consumption for silicone coaters and labelstock manufacturers.
- UPM C1S packaging papers Coated one-side packaging papers crafted with pure, sustainably sourced fibres, available in glossy and semi-gloss finishes for fast-moving consumer goods and premium end-uses; designed for reliable converting, lamination, and high-speed packaging lines, certified for direct food contact.
- UPM Barrier Base papers Barrier base papers designed for co-creating sustainable packaging solutions requiring medium or high barrier properties; made with traceable fibres from sustainably managed forests, suitable for converting to numerous end-uses.
- UPM Barrier papers Barrier papers offering grease and moisture barriers to replace complicated packaging structures; free from fluorochemicals, safe for direct food contact, and recyclable in existing paper recycling streams.
- UPM Graphic and office papers Fine papers with smooth surfaces for easy-to-read text, sharp images, and vibrant colours; includes sustainably produced office paper brands and broad range of graphic papers for magazines, catalogues, direct mailings, newspaper supplements, advertising materials, and commercial form printing.
- Barryrwrap Ultra-high barrier paper packaging solution developed by Royal Vaassen using UPM Solide Lucent barrier base papers; PFAS-free and recyclable alternative to plastic and aluminum laminates for pet food, coffee, and dry products requiring maximum protection.
- Barryrwrap Everest Highest performing barrier paper in the Barryrwrap portfolio, developed for instant coffee and other dry products requiring maximum protection against moisture, oxygen, and light; fully recyclable paper structure alternative to traditional aluminum laminates.
Quantifiable outcome
- 65% reduction in scope 1 and 2 CO2 emissions targeted by 2030
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use UPM Specialty Materials
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
UPM Specialty Materials technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration1 record
Feature6 records
UPM Specialty Materials partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- MichelmancoreCollaboration with BOBST to develop two validated paper-based packaging concepts compliant with EU Single-Use Plastics Directive. Combines fiber-based materials with bio-based coatings for moisture, mineral oil, and oxygen barrier performance with heat sealability. Both concepts certified as recyclable and compostable. Samples at Interpack 2026.
- BOBSTcoreCollaboration with Michelman to develop validated paper-based packaging concepts for EU Single-Use Plastics Directive compliance. Provides coating line expertise for industrial production. Concepts offer barrier performance and heat sealability suitable for tea bags, oatmeal, sugar stick-packs, cookies, and chocolate.
- BASFcoreStrategic partnership combining UPM's barrier papers (Solide Lucent, Asendo) with BASF's waterborne Joncryl HPB barrier resin technology to develop recyclable fiber-based packaging solutions. Targets compliance with EU Regulation (EU) 2025/40 on packaging and packaging waste. Joint samples to be showcased at Interpack 2026.
- Felix SchoellercorePartnership to create customizable recyclable barrier solution for flexible food packaging. Combines UPM's barrier papers with Felix Schoeller's coating expertise for packaging transformation.
- Royal VaassencoreIntroduced Barryrwrap ultra-high barrier paper packaging solution for pet food treats and snacks. PFAS-free and recyclable, meeting EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation requirements. Replaces traditional aluminum laminates with sustainable fiber-based packaging maintaining barrier properties for aroma, grease, moisture, and oxygen. Solutions showcased at Interpack 2026.
- Felix SchoellercoreJoint development of customizable recyclable barrier solution for flexible food packaging such as chocolate and snack bars. Built on UPM Solide Lucent packaging paper with adjustable barrier protection against oxygen, moisture, and grease. Supports compliance with EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation recyclability requirements.
- Mark AndycoreStrategic partnership in the Americas renewed for seventh consecutive year. Combines UPM's sustainable labeling materials with Mark Andy's printing technologies across conventional, hybrid, and digital press platforms. UPM materials featured at Mark Andy demo centers in Americas and Europe to showcase press capabilities.
- ParameltcoreJoint development of bio-based, paper-based food packaging concept with strong grease protection. Combines UPM barrier base papers with Paramelt's Aquavate Bio SB 2383 water-based coating. Validated as home compostable and compatible with existing packaging equipment including VFFS lines. Targets bakery, fast food, and convenience applications.
- Orkla SuomiminorSix-month pilot replacing plastic wrappers with paper-based packaging for Panda Milk chocolate bars. Uses UPM Asendo Pro barrier paper with grease-resistant properties and cold seal lacquer. Enables use of existing flowpack packaging machines without modifications.
- 4evergreenminorCross-industry alliance initiated by Cepi (Confederation of European Paper Industries) aiming to boost contribution of fibre-based packaging in circular economy. Goal is 90% recycling rate for fibre-based packaging by 2030. Engages industry members from forests to recyclers.
- CELABminorCircular Economy for Labels initiative targeting over 75% of used release liner and label matrix materials to follow a circular business model by 2025. Collaboration to boost recycling in label value chain.
- AFERAminorEuropean adhesive tape industry network collaborating to establish best practice for management of adhesive tape waste and boost recycling in adhesive tape value chain.
- EastmanminorNovember 2024 joint development of biopolymer-coated paper solution. Collaboration to develop sustainable packaging alternatives using Eastman's bio-polymer technology.
Scale indicators16 records
Recent moves9 records
Expansion highlights7 records
UPM Specialty Materials competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Glatfelter Corporation: Glatfelter is a US-headquartered global manufacturer of specialty papers and nonwoven materials, including food and beverage filtration papers, composite laminates, and engineered specialty papers. Glatfelter's specialty paper and barrier paper activities overlap with UPM's release base and barrier base papers, particularly for food contact and industrial applications in North America.
- Mondi: Mondi is a UK-headquartered global paper and packaging group producing containerboard, kraft paper, specialty kraft papers, and barrier paper grades for food and industrial packaging. Mondi's Functional Paper and Speciality Kraft product lines compete directly with UPM Solide Lucent and UPM Asendo in food-contact barrier applications across Europe and emerging markets.
- Stora Enso: Stora Enso is a Finnish-Swedish pulp and paper manufacturer with a sizable Packaging Materials division producing barrier papers, kraft papers, and packaging boards for food and consumer goods. It is UPM's closest Nordic competitor, operating comparable fibre-based packaging mills and competing head-to-head on barrier paper qualifications with European FMCG accounts.
- Billerud: Billerud is a Swedish specialty paper and packaging board producer focused on virgin-fibre-based kraft papers and paperboards for food, medical, and industrial packaging. Billerud's barrier kraft papers and packaging boards compete with UPM's C1S packaging and barrier base paper grades in Nordic and European FMCG supply chains.
- Sappi: Sappi is a South African-headquartered global specialty paper company with strong positions in coated woodfree papers, packaging board, and dissolving pulp. Sappi's packaging board and speciality paper portfolio (including barrier boards for food packaging) directly overlap with UPM's C1S packaging paper and graphic paper lines, and both companies serve pressure-sensitive label face paper markets.
- Koehler Paper: Koehler Paper is a German family-owned specialty paper manufacturer producing barrier papers, flexpack base papers, and thermal papers. Koehler's barrier paper grades (e.g., Koehler NexCoat, NexFlex) compete most directly with UPM Solide Lucent and barrier base papers in European food and consumer packaging conversion, and Koehler is also a co-development partner referenced in UPM's ecosystem for packaging paper innovation.
- Ahlstrom: Ahlstrom is a Finnish-headquartered global leader in fibre-based specialty materials serving filtration, food packaging, and laboratory applications. Ahlstrom's food packaging and technical fibre materials overlap with UPM's release base and barrier base paper technologies, and the two companies compete for industrial specialty paper customers while sharing a common Nordic fibre sourcing base.
- Heinzel Group: Heinzel Group is an Austrian pulp, paper, and packaging company operating multiple mills producing market pulp, magazine paper, and packaging paper grades in Europe. Its packaging paper segment overlaps with UPM Specialty Materials' C1S and graphic paper offerings, particularly in Central European converting markets.
Broad incumbents
- International Paper: International Paper is the world's largest pulp and paper producer with broad portfolios in containerboard, corrugated packaging, and paper-based packaging. While concentrated in North America, it competes for global packaging accounts with sustainable paper offerings that increasingly target the same plastic-substitution applications where UPM Specialty Materials is positioned.
- Smurfit Westrock: Smurfit Westrock is the largest global containerboard and corrugated packaging producer, formed by the 2024 combination of Smurfit Kappa and WestRock. While primarily focused on corrugated packaging rather than specialty papers, the company supplies packaging substrates to the same FMCG converters and brand owners that UPM serves, and is increasingly investing in sustainable paper-based packaging as substitutes for plastic formats.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
UPM Specialty Materials social profiles
Digital presenceUPM Specialty Materials compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance60 records
UPM Specialty Materials financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
UPM Specialty Materials leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles8 records
UPM Specialty Materials funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
UPM Specialty Materials M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about UPM Specialty Materials
What does UPM Specialty Materials do?
UPM Specialty Materials manufactures and sells fiber-based specialty papers — including barrier papers, barrier base papers, release base papers, label face papers, packaging papers, and graphic/office papers — for global packaging, labeling, and graphic end-uses. The company operates four mills in Finland, Germany, and China with approximately 2.0 million tonnes per year production capacity and €1,467 million in 2024 sales, supplying converters, brand owners, silicone coaters, and labelstock manufacturers.
Is UPM Specialty Materials a public or private company?
UPM Specialty Materials is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was UPM Specialty Materials founded?
UPM Specialty Materials was founded in 1980. It employs 5,001 to 10,000 people.
Where is UPM Specialty Materials based?
UPM Specialty Materials is headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, in the Europe region.
How does UPM Specialty Materials make money?
One revenue line is on record: specialty Paper Manufacturing and Sales.
Who are UPM Specialty Materials's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Glatfelter Corporation, Mondi, Stora Enso, Billerud, Sappi, Koehler Paper, Ahlstrom and Heinzel Group. Broad incumbents are International Paper and Smurfit Westrock.
Does UPM Specialty Materials have an API?
No public API is recorded for UPM Specialty Materials.
What industry is UPM Specialty Materials in?
UPM Specialty Materials's product category is Specialty Paper Manufacturing. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMALACAL, Paper & Paperboard Packaging Converting & Finishing (Die-Cutting, Gluing, Windowing, Coating), with a secondary code of IMALACAH, Protective Paper Packaging (Honeycomb, Paper Cushioning, Paper Wrap). Its NAICS code is 32212 and its SIC code is 2621.