Sustainability in printing is no longer a marketing claim — it has become a compliance requirement, a procurement criterion, and a competitive differentiator. At interpack 2026 in Düsseldorf, Michelman presented two major sessions that outlined exactly where the packaging and print industry is heading.
SUPD Compliance and Bio-Based Barrier Coatings
The EU Single-Use Plastics Directive (SUPD) sets clear targets: packaging that does not meet recyclability or compostability standards will be phased out. Michelman’s response is a growing portfolio of bio-based coatings that replace traditional polymer laminates while maintaining high-performance barrier properties.
At the interpack session “Achieving SUPD Compliance with Innovative Barrier Solutions,” Michelman Senior Scientist Iulia Mihai demonstrated how bio-based coatings can deliver:
- full recyclability without layer separation
- compostability compliant with EN 13432
- moisture and grease barrier performance equal to or better than conventional films
- complete SUPD compliance without sacrificing print quality
Value Chain Collaboration as a Competitive Advantage
The session “Simplifying Adoption of Sustainable Packaging for Brands” delivered a clear message: sustainable packaging is not a single company’s project. Janne Varvemaa (UPM Specialty Materials) and Lori Gobris (Michelman) showed that the fastest path to market for sustainable solutions runs through aligned collaboration between paper mills, coating suppliers, and printers.
For a print provider, this means actively understanding material specifications upstream and translating sustainability requirements into practical substrate choices for the client.
Aqueous Coatings: No Longer a Compromise
Aqueous (water-based) coatings have long been considered a step down from solvent or UV varnishes. In 2026, that perception is outdated. Modern aqueous coatings offer:
- fast drying without solvents
- full compatibility with paper recycling streams
- zero VOC emissions in the work environment
- excellent adhesion on recycled paper and FSC substrates
LED-UV curable coatings take this further — lower energy consumption, no solvents, same speed and surface quality as conventional UV, with a typical ROI of 18–24 months on the equipment investment.
Compostable Films: Commercially Viable Today
Three years ago, compostable cellulose laminates were an expensive niche. Today they are commercially available for standard print runs. The key advantage: clients can market the product as “fully compostable packaging” — a claim that directly influences consumer purchasing decisions and brand perception.
Practical Next Steps
If you have packaging projects scheduled for this year, now is the time to review your material choices:
- Audit your current substrate mix for SUPD compliance
- Request samples of FSC and bio-based alternatives from your supplier
- Compare total cost of ownership — sustainable materials are no longer a price premium
- Plan the transition incrementally; start with the highest-volume SKUs
Aero Print’s team can review your current material mix and recommend certified alternatives that fit your project, volume, and budget. Contact us to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are bio-based coatings in packaging?
Bio-based coatings are surface treatments derived from renewable biological sources — starch, cellulose, lignin — rather than petroleum derivatives. They provide moisture and grease barrier performance while being recyclable or compostable to EN 13432 standard.
How does SUPD affect printers and packaging producers?
The EU Single-Use Plastics Directive requires packaging to meet recyclability or compostability standards. Printers must ensure substrates and coatings on client projects comply — otherwise the product cannot be placed on the EU market.
Are aqueous coatings truly recyclable?
Yes. Modern aqueous coatings are fully compatible with paper recycling streams, contain no solvents, and are non-hazardous in the workplace. They are the standard sustainable alternative to solvent-based UV lacquers.
Is switching to sustainable materials more expensive?
Rarely, on a total-cost basis. Bio-based substrates are now comparably priced to conventional alternatives at standard volumes. Long-term, you avoid storage complexity and regulatory compliance risk.
Posodobljeno: 03-05-2026