Association of Plastics Recyclers (APR) Recognizes Amcor’s AmSky™ Recyclable Blister Packaging System

Amcor’s AmSky™ Recyclable Blister Packaging System offers pharmaceutical and nutraceutical companies a packaging solution to replace traditional PVC/aluminum foil blister packages that now is compatible with the PE film recycling stream.

PVC has been singled out by the U.S. Plastics Pact¹ and other organizations as a ‘problematic and unnecessary material’ targeted for elimination by 2025².

AmSky™ blister packages offer a no-compromise alternative for companies targeting sustainability commitments made to their customers and shareholders. Amcor’s ASSET™ Life Cycle Assessment Tool also estimates that AmSky™ reduces greenhouse gas emissions over typical PVC/aluminum foil based blister packages by more than 50%³.

AmSky™ is considered a drop-in replacement for most standard blister packaging today. The blister packaging system meets regulatory requirements, moisture barrier performance, and provides the same push-through opening feature that consumers, patients, and caregivers already know how to use. AmSky™ also processes well on existing blister packaging machines with minimal adjustments to operating parameters.

“Since its inception, the APR Design® Recognition Program has recognized many companies for innovations that have collectively improved plastic recycling feedstocks. Every year, new innovations are recognized, and most of these are now commercially available and widely used by converters and brands helping to create a circular economy for plastic packaging.” (https://plasticsrecycling.org/apr-design-recognition-program)

Amcor took the unique approach of designing both the lidding and thermoformed blister card using the same polymer, High Density Polyethylene (HDPE). HDPE is one of the most widely recycled plastics today. The complete AmSky™ blister package system was submitted to and recognized by APR.

“A Review Committee, appointed per the APR Recognition Operating Procedures, reviewed your data submission and concluded the data were correctly obtained by a qualified laboratory and were completely presented to show the blister packs submitted meet or exceed the most challenging test conditions and strictest APR Critical Guidance criteria.” (The Association of Plastics Recyclers | APR Design® Recognition Program (plasticsrecycling.org)

No other pharmaceutical/nutraceutical blister packaging system is known to have received APR Critical Guidance Recognition.

Amcor launched AmSky™ in 2021 with immediate availability to manufacture and support the system in both North America and in Europe. Several major over-the-counter power and store brands are in the process of qualification with launches planned in 2023.

“While we are proud of the AmSky™ solution we are offering the market today, it is just one healthcare-based packaging platform out of many that we have designed or are in the process of designing to be recycle-ready,” said Amcor Chief Technology Officer William Jackson. “We want our healthcare customers to be able to make broad sustainability-based upgrades across their brands.”

Amcor will be showcasing AmSky™ in a series of packaging machine demonstrations⁵ at the upcoming Pack Expo Exhibition held in Chicago October 23-26.

1. US Plastics Pact™; https://usplasticspact.org/
__ 2.__ U.S. Plastics Pact’s Problematic and Unnecessary Materials List, https://usplasticspact.org/problematic-materials/
3. Carbon footprint change vs baseline – AmSky End of Life Assumption as 4% recycled which is the most recent estimated recycling rate for PE films (baseline PVC blister assumed 100% landfilled). ASSET™ is externally certified by the Carbon Trust against ISO14041/44 and other international standards.
4. Colgate Toothpaste Tubes; https://investor.colgatepalmolive.com/news-releases/news-release-details/colgates-recyclable-tube-first-be-recognized-association-plastic
5. Pack Expo International, Chicago, McCormick Place, Amcor Booth W-16031 (Healthcare Packaging); https://www.packexpointernational.com/