Driving circularity with Amcor’s AmFiniti™ platform in the Andes region

Creating a circular economy, where materials are continually reused and waste is eliminated, is a goal shared by many all over the world. And, with rising regulatory requirements, increasing consumer demand and corporate sustainability goals, many brands are seeking recyclable packaging solutions that contribute to this cycle.

To support this demand, Amcor introduced its AmFiniti™ product range that offers solutions that help reduce plastic waste and decrease reliance on virgin resources — all while meeting consumer demand for recyclable products. Amcor’s R&D Sustainability Specialist, Martin Garcia, explains the latest developments of Amcor’s AmFiniti™ solutions in the Andes region, which includes Peru, Colombia and Chile.

Q: Could you explain what recycled content means and why it matters to Amcor’s customers?
A: Recycled content in the packaging industry refers to packaging materials that have been used, returned to a recycling stream, processed and repurposed to be integrated in new packaging. This includes post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials, derived from used consumer products like plastic bottles, plastic packaging, and bags, or non-household post-consumer materials from commercial, industry and agrobusiness sources, such as films and bags.
Using recycled content offers key benefits: it reduces reliance on virgin plastic, contributing to conserving resources; and, it minimizes plastic pollution by diverting it from landfills. As consumer demand for recyclable packaging grows, incorporating recycled materials also enhances our customers’ brand image and market appeal.

Q: How is Amcor supporting customers in the Andes region who seek to participate in a circular economy?
A: Creating a positive experience for our customers every day is fundamental. This means not only meeting their needs but also supporting their sustainability goals and collaborating on future solutions. We are committed to delivering high-quality packaging and work closely with suppliers in the region to maintain rigorous standards for recycled materials while tailoring packaging design and manufacturing processes to meet specific requirements. Our collaborations help customers to deliver for consumers and the environment.

Q: How is AmFiniti™ supporting brands in the Andes region?
A: Amcor’s AmFiniti™ product offering continues to expand in the region as we face increasing consumer interest in more environmentally-friendly solutions. In the Peruvian, Colombian and Chilean markets, we see significant opportunities in incorporating PCR content into our packaging. One of Amcor’s latest successes in Peru was the launch of packaging for Kimberly-Clark’s Eco Protect diapers with 30% recycled content. The bags contain PCR content and provide a more sustainable packaging solution for the hypoallergenic diapers that are made with certified, plant-based fibers. The bags were developed using recycled plastic film that has been processed to be reused as a raw material, maintaining performance and visual appeal, while bringing significant environmental benefits such as 30% less energy consumption, 23% lower carbon footprint and 23% less water usage compared to standard packaging with only virgin materials in an Amcor ASSET life cycle assessment.

Q: Where do you see the future of circularity in the region?
A: I firmly believe we have great opportunities to drive a more sustainable future by integrating recycled content into our packaging solutions, and AmFiniti™ is just one of them. It’s exciting to see that this vision is shared by our customers in the Andes region and across the globe. At Amcor, we have the resources and knowledge to actively contribute to building a circular economy and we need to continue pushing for active participation from every stakeholder in the value chain to create a society where circularity becomes the norm. I am confident we’ll get there.