UMV — One-of-a-kind Pilot Plant for Developing Sustainable Coating
UMV Coating Systems’ business concept is entirely based on customers needs to explore and develop smart, sustainable solutions for paper and board coating. The pilot facility in Säffle is described by the industry as one-of-a-kind globally and plays a central role in designing individual custom machines or entire tailor-made offline systems.
Håkan Karlsson, Head of Development and CEO, UMV
A Well-Known Player on the Global Market
“Our history dates back to the 1970s when entrepreneur, inventor, and mill manager Hans Wallstén began testing new ideas for coating paper and board,” says Håkan Karlsson, Head of Development and CEO.
“Even back then, UMV was a pure innovation company, and we design custom machines from the ground up. Our customers are invited to our pilot facility where they can use their own paper or board rolls, run them through our processes, and test various techniques.”
UMV is a well-known player on the global market, with returning customers from Europe, Asia, and North and South America — primarily paper and board mills.
“In recent years, we’ve also collaborated more with converters — companies that manufacture packaging in the next link of the value chain.”
The company works closely with research institutes around the world, as well as with Karlstad University, Mid Sweden University, and Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden.
"We Strive for Meeting New, Stricter Environmental Requirements"
“Historically, we’ve focused on graphic coatings that improve printability and surface quality. Today, the main challenge is to develop environmentally friendly barriers that can replace plastic in, for example, food packaging.”
UMV’s customers need to find solutions to meet new, stricter environmental requirements.
“Plastics, which degrade into microplastics in nature and oceans, and other fossil-based barrier materials have major negative impacts on ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. It’s a strong driving force for us to help reduce global environmental problems through innovative and sustainable solutions together with our customers.”
Håkan Karlsson notes that developing long-term and environmentally sustainable barriers is technically complex. Packaging must fulfill specific and essential functions. It must resist liquids, oxygen, and grease without compromising the shelf life of the food, and the materials must not negatively affect taste, smell, or quality.
“At the same time, they must be biodegradable and compostable or easily recyclable for both consumers and industry.”
“The work of developing barriers is done not only with end customers but often also with chemical suppliers.”
Work Environment in Two Words — Joy and Creativity
UMV has always found that Värmland offers an innovative and welcoming business climate for companies aiming to be at the forefront of technological development.
“Today, we are 22 people working together, offering a wide range of technical expertise — a true engineering company. Joy and creativity are words that describe our work environment. Discussing future solutions with customers from all over the world is incredibly inspiring.”
“Värmland’s industrial tradition is especially strong and tangible for us working with paper, board, and packaging. We benefit greatly from actively participating in the industry’s business networks and appreciate the proactive, open, and rewarding dialogue we have with Säffle Municipality.”
UMV Coating Systems AB
Develops and delivers innovative and customized solutions for surface treatment, pigmentation, and coating in the paper and board industry. UMV operates one of the world’s most advanced pilot machines for developing fossil-free barriers for packaging, enabling customers to test and develop new coating technologies.
Revenue: SEK 67 million (2023/2024)
Location: Säffle
Number of employees: 22
Website: umv.com