Amcor and Löfbergs team up for monomaterial recycle-ready coffee packaging

20 Apr 2023 --- Amcor and Swedish coffee roaster Löfbergs have launched monomaterial coffee packaging, which can be chemically and mechanically recycled. Offering a reduced carbon footprint, Löfbergs’ new coffee pouch, using Amcor’s AmPrima Recycle-Ready solution, is now available in stores across Sweden. 

The two companies partnered to overcome one of the key challenges facing coffee roasters – switching to easier-to-recycle coffee packaging while preserving flavor and aroma – and say they have achieved a technical breakthrough. The partners collaborated during the development process, testing for barrier, run speed, machine performance and recyclability. 

“More sustainable packaging should not compromise on quality. This pack responds to consumer demand for packaging that is easier to recycle while preserving coffee’s aroma at its best,” says Trevor Davis, marketing director of Amcor Flexibles EMEA. 

“Our AmPrima material was able to run at the same machine speeds as non-recyclable versions and has the potential to replace over 200 current non-recyclable coffee packaging specifications.”

Zero waste by 2030
The new pouch is recycle-ready in most European countries, designed according to The Circular Economy for Flexible Packaging guidelines and certified by the Institute cyclos-HTP for recyclability in the real world, assert the companies. 

“The new pack has a 55% reduced carbon footprint compared to our previous coffee packaging. We will keep driving initiatives like this one and invite other players, both within and outside the industry, to join us to achieve our goal of zero waste by 2030,” says Madelene Breiling, head of operational development at Löfbergs. 

Löfbergs’ new monomaterial and recycle-ready coffee pouch. The companies say this “breakthrough” demonstrates their long-term commitment to more environmentally sustainable packaging solutions. Amcor says it is on the path to fulfilling its pledge to develop all of its packaging to be recyclable or reusable by 2025, with 83% of its flexible packaging portfolio available in recycle-ready solutions today. 

Löfbergs says it was one of the first European coffee producers to remove aluminum from coffee packaging 25 years ago. Continuing its journey, the company phased out large amounts of fossil-based plastic in its packaging, replacing it with bio-based alternatives in 2019. It has now moved to recycle-ready packaging.

Coffee pods and packs
Danimer Scientific and TotalEnergies Corbion developed a new compostable coffee pod biopolymer that complies with proposed EU packaging regulations.

“By developing coffee pods that are fully compostable, we’ve addressed the problem of waste associated with single-use coffee pods while also eliminating the need to recycle since both our pods and their contents will biodegrade completely in both industrial and home environments,” Scott Tuten, chief marketing and sustainability officer at Danimer Scientific, told PackagingInsights.

Earlier this month, the European Bioplastics (EUBP) association called on the EU Parliament and Council to include coffee capsules in the proposed list for mandatorily compostable packaging applications as set out in the EC’s proposal for revised packaging rules (PPWR).

EUBP detailed that life-cycle assessment showed that capturing the capsules’ main component via organic recycling ensures the greatest value retention from the used application, which aligns with the fundamentals of circularity.

Amcor and Nfinite Nanotechnology 
Last month, Amcor and Nfinite Nanotechnology announced a joint research project to validate Nfinite’s nanocoating technology to advance recyclable and compostable packaging. The two companies aim to deliver an oxygen barrier to improve performance and optimize manufacturing. 

In the first proof-of-concept phase, the project researchers are applying Nfinite’s coating technology to Amcor’s existing recyclable and compostable packaging material to enhance performance for the same.

Meanwhile, Amcor revealed new research demonstrating shifting consumer attitudes and expectations toward hard cheese packaging across Europe. While transparent packs and proper sealing stand out as the most important packaging requirement, respondents also want recyclable packaging and paper is perceived as a sign of artisanal production and quality. 

“For cheese applications, the European Commission’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, and the sustainability agenda of manufacturers and retailers, are increasing the demand for recyclable packaging and willingness to switch ahead of a legislative mandate,” Yi Jiang, marketing director dairy, Amcor EMEA, told PackagingInsights.

Edited by Natalie Schwertheim