Amcor launches a new stand-up pouch and a breakthrough in recyclable packaging. Why? The ecological footprint of this consumer packaging is reduced by up to 60 per cent. The first customer is Nestlé for a wet cat food.
In collaboration with Nestlé, packaging manufacturer Amcor has developed the world's first reusable flexible retort pouches launched on the market. The new high-barrier bag, which uses AmCor's AmLite HeatFlex recycling solution, will be available in Dutch shops for the first time in October 2020.
Amcor has faced up to these major challenges in the industry. For example, the inability to recycle flexible retort packaging was a thorn in the company's side. So the developers tinkered and achieved a technical breakthrough that underlines the long-term commitment of the companies involved in this project, Amcor and Nestlé, to more sustainable packaging solutions. The partners worked together during the product development process, testing heat resistance, machine performance, durability and recyclability in the real world.
„Together, Amcor and Nestlé have created a unique solution that was thought impossible for years. This high-barrier, high-heat resistant packaging can be easily recycled within the plastic recycling streams that already exist in several European countries.“ Michael Zacka, President Amcor Flexibles EMEA.
Flexible retort packaging is a modern alternative to metal cans
In addition, the new retort pouch can improve the carbon footprint of hundreds of consumer products thanks to its light weight, resource efficiency, ease of transport and minimisation of food waste. Recyclability will further improve the environmental profile of this packaging solution, which has a carbon footprint reduced by up to 60%. (Of course, the value of 60% assumes recycling to 100%). In addition, the new pouch complies with the packaging guidelines for a circular economy recently published by the CEFLEX consortium.
„This is a great example of how - through innovation - companies can solve even the biggest recyclability challenges. Recyclable retort packaging is a revolutionary advance and will have a huge impact on pet food and beyond.“ Graham Holder, Project Coordinator and Workstream Consultant for CEFLEX
The ground-breaking innovation underlines Amcor's unique capabilities and its long-term commitment to more sustainable packaging solutions. The company is on track to fulfil its pledge to develop all its packaging to be recyclable or reusable by 2025.
