FIVE™: A High-Performance Fluor-free OGR Paper for Europe’s Changing Food Packaging Market

For food brands, restaurants and packaging converters, the challenge is clear: moving away from fluorinated grease barriers without compromising the performance required to protect and serve food. Already proven in the Americas, SWM International’s FIVE™ oil and grease resistant paper is now being introduced as an efficient solution for the European market.

Grease Resistance without Fluorinated Chemistry

Oil and grease resistance is essential for applications such as quick-service restaurant wraps, bakery packaging, takeaway food, butter and margarine wraps, tray liners and other direct food-contact formats. Historical solutions have often relied on fluorinated treatments or plastic-based barriers to prevent grease migration.

FIVE™ takes a different approach. Made from natural, biodegradable fibers, it provides high oil and grease resistance without fluorinated barrier chemicals. This makes it particularly relevant as the European packaging value chain prepares for stricter controls on PFAS in food-contact applications.

The solution is based on proprietary, patented SWM technology, developed to combine barrier performance with the natural advantages of paper. As one global company, SWM can draw on technical knowledge, manufacturing expertise and market experience from across its international operations to support the introduction of FIVE™ in Europe.

Performance Designed for Demanding Applications

Sustainability claims only matter when the material performs in real conditions. FIVE™ offers an effective oil and grease barrier on both sides of the paper, including across folded areas where some barrier solutions can become weaker.

Available in a basis weight of 31 gsm, the range includes bleached and unbleached versions. It can withstand temperatures of up to 220°C and is suitable for applications involving ovens or microwave ovens. The paper is also taste- and odor-neutral and provides strong printability (flexographic, rotogravure) allowing brands to combine functional food protection with clear, high-quality communication.

Wet-strength and water-repellent versions, as well as lower grammages, can also be developed according to the needs of the application. This flexibility allows the paper to address a broad range of foodservice and food-packaging formats while maintaining a lightweight structure.

Supporting the Transition to PFAS-Free Packaging

The shift towards PFAS-free food packaging is already creating significant market momentum in Europe. One market estimate values the European PFAS-free food packaging sector at approximately USD 11.4 billion in 2024 and forecasts annual growth of 6.6% between 2025 and 2030. Paper and paperboard are expected to be the fastest-growing material segment over this period.

FIVE™ responds directly to this transition by offering a fiber-based, plastic-free solution that combines grease resistance, heat resistance, printability and runability on converting machines. Its fibers are sourced from responsibly managed forests, with FSC and PEFC certifications available.

Bringing a Proven SWM Solution to Europe

For European food brands and converters, FIVE™ represents a new option at a crucial moment: a patented, fluorine-free OGR paper designed to meet demanding food-packaging applications while supporting the move away from fossil-derived and fluorinated barriers.

By bringing together performance, lightweight design and SWM’s global expertise, FIVE™ is ready to help shape the next generation of grease-resistant paper packaging in Europe.