AmLite Ultra Recyclable coffee packaging is more sustainable

Amcor’s new recyclable, high-barrier flexible packaging – AmLite Ultra Recyclable – addresses the key challenge facing coffee brands: to increase sustainability performance while preserving the aroma and therefore sensory experience that is essential to consumer satisfaction.

By replacing aluminium and metallized barriers with a recyclable ultra-thin, transparent barrier coating, coffee brands can guarantee product protection and long shelf-life, while reducing their packaging’s carbon footprint by up to 64%¹. They can also create true brand differentiation, with the option of special print features and inks. This is particularly important to exceed modern consumer expectations for a quality product with sustainability credentials, and packaging that reflects this.

Giorgio Dini, Amcor’s Marketing Manager for coffee, says: “For anyone who likes coffee, aroma is a key indicator of quality and freshness. Aluminium and metallised barriers preserve aroma, however there is a need for more sustainable solutions”.

Sustainability positioning

AmLite Ultra Recyclable is the latest addition to Amcor’s successful AmLite product range, which was first created in 2015 to provide metal-free high barrier packaging that significantly reduced the packaging’s carbon footprint.

This new generation of AmLite adds recyclability in the polyolefin stream to the environmental benefits and is the culmination of several years of research and development. It represents another advancement towards Amcor’s pledge to develop all its packaging to be recyclable or reusable by 2025.

The new AmLite Ultra Recyclable can be used for all common packaging formats for roast, ground and instant coffee, such as soft and vacuum packs, flow packs, pouches, stick packs and secondary packaging for single serves.

A more sustainable solution

Today, the vast majority of coffee packaging on the market, whenever a barrier is needed, cannot be recycled. To overcome this, Amcor’s R&D team innovated to replace the Polyester (PET) layer of the original AmLite packaging with its breakthrough high-barrier OPP film. To validate recyclability in real conditions, the package is certified by cyclos-HTP Institute, an independent testing lab.

Enhanced brand differentiation

Amcor is the first company to not only produce a high performance, metal-free coating, but to convert it into a complete, integrated packaging solution. “We have a team that supports customers as they introduce new materials into their lines,” says Giorgio. “We provide an end-to-end service – not just a material but a solution that can be tailored to each customer.”

AmLite Ultra Recyclable offers a reliable and flexible solution to coffee brands seeking to improve sustainability while offering customers enhanced quality from shelf to coffee cup. It is also an excellent option for brands that position themselves as providing the very best quality for consumers.

According to an international study by Unilever, consumers are increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their purchases. In addition to the environmental conditions of sourcing and roasting coffee, consumers have now broadened their focus to the entire coffee journey, including packaging and waste management. As a result, sustainable claims are growing, and manufacturers increasingly highlight the product's credentials through third party labels (i.e. FairTrade Foundation) and through softer self-declared claims (i.e. sustainably grown).

According to Mintel, Sustainability comes first when marketing coffee innovations in Europe. A new opportunity seems to arise for brands: Recyclable flexible packs would support a whole sustainable brand strategy, which proves to be an important purchase driver amongst shoppers, especially Millenials.

Source: Mintel GNPD

A boost for branding

From elegant to earthy, AmLite Ultra Recyclable opens up a range of possibilities when it comes to the look and feel of your pack. Appealing designs like transparent windows and rustic, paper-look effects can be achieved. AmLite is also compatible with a range of attractive print techniques, like matt, gloss and specialty inks.

The absence of metal means that whites are whiter and colours are brighter, giving a high-impact, high-quality appearance. “The grey sheen that you see in aluminium based packs is eliminated,” says Giorgio. “From a marketing and branding perspective, AmLite enables more vibrant designs.”

Develop more sustainable packaging
Discover why recyclability is only one of many important aspects to your packaging’s sustainability. Join Gerald Rebitzer, Amcor Flexibles Sustainability Director, as he cuts through sustainable packaging myths and buzzwords, and shares what you need to know as you develop your sustainability strategy for your coffee packaging. Register here for a free webinar on Tuesday 28 May at 15.00 CEST.

¹ Comparison based on foil laminate PET12 / Alu8/ PE75 to OPP20 AmLite / PE 70 100% Recycling - Cradle to grave comparison