Amcor Set To Launch New Recyclable High Barrier Packaging

Amcor’s new recyclable high barrier packaging replaces PET and Aluminium layers to reduce the designs overall carbon footprint by 64%.

Amcor Flexibles has announced the launch of its new AmLite highly recyclable packaging!

This new high barrier packaging is the first in a line of more sustainable polyolefin based packaging film products. The new high barrier laminate is suitable for packaging a range for food products as well as pharmaceuticals and medical devices. Polyolefin, the main component, can also be recycled in existing processing streams.

This new product has been in development since as early as 2015 with the goal of providing barrier packaging films that are essentially metal free but perform just as well as other metallised film products. It is hoped this new development will significantly reduce the carbon footprint for both Amcor and their end users.

Much research and development has gone into the new line. It is the final product to culminate from several years worth of work following Amcors decision to make all its packaging films recyclable by the year 2025!

The new high barrier packaging can easily be used on existing filling & heat sealer machines whilst helping to solve the sustainability challenges that are faced by companies of all sizes. Indeed manufacturers of all shapes and sizes are now facing both legislation from the government and also changing consumer demands and opinion.

Amcor has stated that AmLite can be used in a variety of format and deliveries including –

• Pillow pouches.
• FIBC bags.
• Container liners.
• Stick packs.
• Flat pouches.
• Stand up bags & many more.

Amcor’s customers will be able to move to this new recyclable packaging solution with relative ease.

Still though it represents a major shift in that it is well known that high barrier packaging is notoriously hard to recycle!

Amcor’s development team got around this by replacing the PET layer that existed in their original AmLite packaging with its innovative high barrier OPP film.

The overall carbon footprint is drastically reduced by using an ultra thin clear barrier layer that replaced aluminium and metallized layers. This change plus the recyclable nature of the film reduces the packaging’s carbon footprint by an impressive 64%!

Some supermarkets are already ready to be early adopters of this new packaging with broader customer trials expected to happen during summer 2019!

New Recyclable High Barrier Packaging – Amcor Newest Pharmaceutical Packaging
Amcor has recently unveiled its newest line of pharmaceutical packaging solutions, the High Shield laminates. This upgraded packaging helps the company support pharmaceutical companies’ recyclability agendas. As well as, it keeps up with the industry’s move towards more sustainable solutions.

The new High Shield packages meet and exceed established high-barrier requirements. It enables pharmaceutical companies to protect their products during storage and transport with safe, durable material that works perfectly for their unique applications.

On top of delivering superior performance, these laminates are also free from fluorinated chemistry and compatible with various inks. To top it all off, they come with a sustainability focus in mind – fulfilling both chemical safety standards and the push for a circular economy. All in all, Amcor’s High Shield laminates provide an effective way to keep up with today’s market needs without recycle ready packaging sacrificing quality or environmental responsibility.

Recycle-ready
Pharmaceutical companies nowadays need every advantage they can get to stand out in a crowded marketplace. Thus, they are increasingly turning to new materials that can help differentiate their case. Recycle-readiness according to regional demands ensures that products meet all local regulations for healthcare packaging and that companies can maintain the positive standing of their brands worldwide.

However, it’s not just regulatory compliance that makes this material so attractive. This newest packaging also allows manufacturers and packers to use existing filling machines with no extra investments or efficiency losses. Thus, it is an ideal cost-effective solution.

All in all, this novel material structure ticks all the boxes for pharmaceutical companies looking for improved brand presence, permission compliance with local needs, and seamless integration into existing packing lines and processes.

Demand for New Recyclable Packaging
In response to recent research findings, global sales of pharmaceuticals are expected to reach an astounding US$1.4 trillion by 2026. Europe alone is projected to experience a 5.4% growth over the next eight years.

Moreover, as many of these products need high-barrier packaging, Amcor has made an inspired solution: low-carbon and recyclable High Shield Pharma Laminates for sachet, stickpack and strippack packaging. This will not only help them meet the rising demand but also respond to governmental circularity requirements.

Not only does this bring major sustainability advantages but also heightens performance. With this, people can get their medication faster and safer than ever before!

Additionally, it’s ideal for companies that are actively seeking more sustainable packaging through alternative materials and downsizing – making it way easier for everyone in the long run.

Circular Plastics
Circular plastics is such a hot topic in the packaging industry right now, with Amcor rising to the challenge of using recycled materials and making giant strides towards sustainability. It’s seen as a key component to helping achieve goals of recyclability or reusability in product packaging. In fact, circular polymers are touted to provide true end-of-life recycling solutions.

And Amcor has recently announced they are the first ever company to purchase certified circular PE material with Exxtend technology by Exxon Mobil for advanced recycling. This will be used across their entire global portfolio, allowing customers lots more options for sustainable and recycled packages.

By continuing to incorporate more recycled content into its products, Amcor is making great headway toward meeting its environmental pledge by 2025. It has gone beyond 113,00 metric tons of recycled material used in their packaging last year. The Circular approach & Circular plastics are here to stay!

With Amcor proudly showing off its new recyclable solutions, everyone – even those not directly invested – get serious about what could be achieved collectively.

Let’s make it happen together!