FIPAN 2026 Highlights a Growing Demand for Certified and Sustainable Food Contact Papers in South America

From 21 to 24 July 2026, Papeteries du Léman's (PDL) Primabake® team participated in FIPAN in São Paulo, Brazil, one of Latin America's leading trade exhibitions dedicated to the food industry. Bringing together converters, food manufacturers, distributors, foodservice professionals and industry suppliers from across the region, the event provided valuable insight into the changing expectations surrounding food contact materials and the future of the market.

Throughout the exhibition, discussions consistently focused on four key priorities: food safety, product performance, certification transparency and sustainability. While technical performance remains essential, companies are increasingly looking for partners capable of providing reliable solutions supported by internationally recognised standards and transparent manufacturing processes.

For Primabake®, FIPAN 2026 confirmed a trend already emerging across global food industries: businesses are moving beyond a purely cost-driven approach and placing greater importance on the quality, traceability and reliability of the materials they use.

A South American Market Entering a New Phase

South America's food industry is experiencing significant growth and transformation. As manufacturers, converters and distributors become increasingly connected to global supply chains, expectations around quality, compliance and sustainability are evolving.

During FIPAN 2026, the Primabake® team met with professionals from across the region who are actively looking for food contact papers that meet higher standards—not only in terms of performance, but also regarding safety, certification and environmental responsibility.

Historically, purchasing decisions in some markets have been strongly influenced by price considerations. However, discussions at the exhibition highlighted a clear shift: companies are increasingly recognising that the lowest-cost solution does not always provide the reliability, consistency or assurance required for food applications.

Today, professionals across the food industry are asking more detailed questions:

• Where is the product manufactured?

• Are the raw materials traceable?

• Are certifications issued and verified by recognised organisations?

• Does the paper comply with current food contact requirements?

• Can the supplier guarantee consistent performance across production batches?

• Does the product align with sustainability objectives?

This evolution reflects a broader movement taking place worldwide, where food manufacturers and their partners are placing greater emphasis on responsible sourcing, supply chain transparency and long-term value.

Food Contact Papers: Where Performance and Safety Must Meet

Safe food contact papers are an essential component of many food production processes. Used by converters, manufacturers, retailers and foodservice professionals, they must perform reliably while meeting strict requirements related to consumer safety.

Beyond release properties and technical performance, the quality of a food contact paper depends on multiple factors: the selection of raw materials, the manufacturing process, production controls and the ability to demonstrate compliance through recognised standards.

At FIPAN, many discussions centred around this balance between performance and reassurance.

Professionals are looking for papers that provide:

• excellent release performance,

• resistance to grease and moisture,

• high-temperature stability,

• consistent quality throughout production,

• suitability for demanding industrial applications,

• efficient material usage,

• and reliable supply.

However, performance alone is no longer enough. In today's food industry, technical excellence must be supported by robust quality systems and transparent manufacturing practices.

The Growing Importance of Internationally Recognised Certifications

One of the strongest observations from FIPAN 2026 was the increasing importance placed on certification and verification.

As food safety expectations continue to rise worldwide, companies are looking beyond product claims and seeking objective evidence of compliance. Independent certifications provide an essential framework by demonstrating that products, materials and manufacturing processes meet established requirements.

For food contact materials, this confidence is particularly important. A certification represents more than a document—it reflects a commitment to controlled processes, regular assessment and continuous improvement.

At PDL, certification has always been an integral part of our approach.

Manufactured in France, Primabake® is developed using our proprietary GreenFiber Tech® process and manufactured without PFAS. Our papers are supported by internationally recognised certifications covering food safety, responsible fibre sourcing, compostability, recyclability and quality management.

These certifications, combined with our manufacturing expertise and complete production traceability, allow our partners to select food contact papers with confidence.

Sustainability Without Compromising Food Safety

Sustainability was another important topic throughout FIPAN 2026.

Across the food industry, companies are facing increasing pressure to reduce environmental impact while maintaining the performance standards required for professional applications. This requires solutions that are not only effective during use, but also designed with responsible manufacturing principles in mind.

At PDL, sustainability is integrated into the product development process.

From responsibly sourced fibres to compostability and recyclability certifications and manufacturing processes designed to optimise resource efficiency, Primabake® papers are developed to support companies looking for more responsible alternatives without compromising performance.

The industry is increasingly recognising that sustainability cannot exist separately from quality and safety. The most effective solutions are those that successfully combine all three.

Looking Ahead: Building Stronger Food Contact Solutions Together

FIPAN 2026 reinforced an important industry trend: the future of food contact papers will be shaped by solutions that combine performance, safety, certification and sustainability.

As awareness continues to grow across South America, companies are increasingly looking for partners capable of meeting international expectations and providing confidence throughout the supply chain.

For the Primabake® team, these discussions represent an important step in strengthening relationships across the region and supporting the food industry with premium food contact papers developed to meet today's requirements and tomorrow's challenges.

We would like to thank all the visitors, partners and industry professionals who took the time to meet with our team during FIPAN 2026.

The conversations started in São Paulo represent the beginning of new opportunities, collaborations and partnerships as the South American food industry continues to evolve.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact:

Fabrice Werner

Email: fabrice.werner@avere.pro

Phone: +1 (770) 624-7999

For more information, visit primabake.com

About Papeteries du Léman: Papeteries du Léman (PDL) is a leading specialty paper manufacturer, known for its high-quality, eco-conscious products such as Primabake baking paper. With a century of papermaking expertise, PDL is committed to driving sustainable innovation and crafting reliable solutions for professionals in the culinary and packaging industries. Learn more at primabake.com.