FINLAND (News release) -- Ahlstrom-Munksjö, a global leader in fiber-based materials, has announced the development of a new range of LamiBak™ release base papers certified according to the food contact and baking standards of the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR).

Ahlstrom-Munksjö's release base papers are sustainable fiber based substrates for silicone coated release liners. Release liners are widely used in a variety of applications, including pressure sensitive adhesive labels, tapes and graphics, as well as medical, hygiene and industrial uses.

The BfR XXXVI and BfR XXXVI/2 certified LamiBak™ products offer release liner convertors the proven performance of Ahlstrom-Munksjö's glassine papers through silicone coating and converting for safe use in contact with food and for oven baking.

Unlike usual release papers, LamiBak™ composition and certification enables the use of the silicone coated release liners into new product solutions to serve, heat and cook food in conventional and microwave ovens.

Additionally, a specific version of the product is designed to easily laminate a silicone coated LamiBak™ layer to another bulkier and stiffer material, such as board or corrugated cardboard, creating a more rigid, entirely fiber-based container.

"The use of sustainable materials is increasingly important for our consumers, retailers and brand owners who give preference to renewable materials, as a replacement of non-renewable ones, and look for alternatives to aluminum, plastics, PE-coated papers," summarizes Ludovica Peretto, Head of Sales & Marketing for Ahlstrom-Munksjö's Release Liners business. "The new product is aligned with this trend and follows our strategy of continuous development and customization of our release liner range. This gives our customers the possibility to exploit opportunities in a wider number of market segments."

LamiBak™ offers an efficient, safe and sustainable solution to release liner producers and further convertors with the following properties:
•Based on renewable, biodegradable cellulose fibers
•BfR XXXVI certified - Suitable for food contact
•BfR XXXVI/2 certified - Suitable for baking in conventional ovens up to 220°C and for microwave cooking
•Available with FSC™ or PEFC sustainable forestry management certifications
•Excellent silicone coating and lamination

LamiBak™ products widen the range of sustainable papers offered globally for all release liner segments, and complements many specialty paper solutions designed by Ahlstrom-Munksjö for food labeling, packaging or baking and for numerous industrial applications.