Turning ideas into innovations: How Amcor creates more sustainable packaging solutions

What role does Amcor’s R&D play in developing sustainable packaging solutions and how do customers benefit from it?

The core R&D group at Amcor is dedicated to pioneering breakthrough and advanced technologies, especially in the field of sustainable packaging solutions.

Our innovation process is very open and collaborative. This means, we work together with our customers to get a deep understanding of exactly what they need. We talk to our partners about their strategic priorities, as well as their specific production equipment and operations. And based on that, we innovate packaging technologies with the potential to make a big positive impact for their business.

This approach is the heart and soul of our Catalyst™ program, which puts our technical experts in direct contact with customers. Creative collaboration is the key to this program – from consumer research to prototyping, graphic design, industrial design and technical trials. In addition, our customers get access to our global network of state-of-the-art innovation centers, too.

This approach has helped us build great relationships with customers across industries. It also helps us channel our R&D activities into the specific trends and focus topics that matter most in the markets we serve. Some people might think we just create a packaging solution and then start selling it. But the reality is that there’s a lot of dialog and partnership involved before we launch new packaging products.

Can you highlight key Amcor products that can help customers make progress on their sustainability agenda?

Many of our customers have committed to sustainable packaging targets including the integration of recycled material, as well as reducing waste and decreasing the related carbon footprint. To help them progress on their journey, we are offering more sustainable packaging solutions like AmFiber™, AmPrima®, AmLite Heatflex™ and AmSky™. These innovations cater to diverse packaging needs while advancing sustainability, too.

AmFiber™ is a recyclable paper-based packaging that is optimized for high-barrier properties and efficient machine speed. With AmPrima®, we offer a portfolio of sustainable and recyclable packaging solutions that enable a lower carbon footprint – and this range is now available with recycled content. Our AmLite Heatflex™ platform offers a recyclable, metal-free, high-barrier packaging for retort and heat processing. And AmSky™ is a breakthrough PVC-free and aluminum-free thermoform blister system for healthcare packaging that is designed for recycling.

Where does the R&D team find its inspiration for new ideas?

Everywhere! It’s our job to understand everything that’s happening in the packaging landscape at all times. And we use our experience and expertise to anticipate changes that might come in the future.

Shifting regulations and new legislation around the globe are important influential factors. We also pay close attention to developments in academia to make sure we stay up-to-date about new technologies. Of course, we monitor our suppliers and competitors, too, because their actions directly impact the success of our packaging products. And we regularly gather insights from retailers and consumers to get a better understanding of how agendas and attitudes are evolving.

What is the biggest trend driving Amcor’s R&D today?

Sustainability is incredibly important to Amcor, its customers and consumers worldwide. It’s top-of-mind for everything we do in R&D because creating more sustainable products is massively important for the future of our company. We operate in a competitive market, so we strive to add more sustainable packaging components made from a variety of materials to our portfolio of solutions when we create products for our customers worldwide.

We take a truly committed and proactive approach to the sustainability agenda. 89 percent of our films for flexible packaging now have a recycle-ready option available for our customers, for example. Solutions like this give us a competitive advantage because the sustainability transformation is a war of technology. And it’s a big opportunity to make a positive impact for our company, our customers and the environment.

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