Amcor and Nfinite Nanotechnology join forces on nanocoating tech for recyclable and compostable packaging

24 Mar 2023 --- Amcor and Nfinite Nanotechnology have announced a joint research project to validate Nfinite’s nanocoating technology to advance recyclable and compostable packaging. The two aim to deliver an oxygen barrier to improve performance and optimize manufacturing.

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

Once the oxygen barrier is validated, the following research stage will seek to ensure the products are optimized to Amcor’s manufacturing processes and analyze additional substrates like bio-based materials to create more sustainable applications.

“We’re pleased to have Amcor’s support in advancing our ambitions to deliver this nanocoating technology in packaging applications. Once scaled up, we can begin looking for pilot companies eager to leverage this technology,” says Chee Hau Teoh, co-founder and CEO at Nfinite Nanotechnology.

Canadian venture-backed start-up Nfinite Nanotechnology was one of the two winners of Amcor’s Lift-Off seed funding initiative announced in September 2022. It received an investment of US$250,000 to scale its team and demonstrate, certify and adopt its innovations for broadscale commercial use in the packaging industry.

The research collaboration will analyze additional substrates like bio-based materials to create more sustainable applications.Furthering nanotech research
Nfinite’s vapor-deposited nanocoating is eco-friendly, solvent-free, ultrathin, multifunctional and applied at low temperatures in open air without a vacuum chamber. The start-up introduced the cost-effective Spatial Atomic Layer Deposition (SALD) method of metal-oxide coating producing large-area, high-quality ultrathin films.

Nfinite says its mission is to provide the packaging industry with a sustainable path forward by delivering high-performance barrier layers for sustainable packaging, accelerating the world’s goal to eliminate plastic packaging pollution.

“SALD technology lays down one atomic layer at a time, producing uniform, pinhole-free nanocoatings. The technology is a step ahead of the field as it does not require a vacuum chamber. The novel aspect of this technology offers new opportunities for integration,” Nfinite details.

Regarding the joint research partnership, Amcor vice president of Corporate Venturing and Open Innovation, Frank Lehmann, shares that it “showcases Amcor’s solution-based commitment to sustainability and innovation.”

“Collaborating with innovative start-ups like Nfinite, particularly in the early stage of this exciting new technology, is one more way we are working to advance our shared sustainability goals.”

Tapping consumer trends
According to Innova Market Insight’s top packaging trends for 2023, “Green but clean” is the second top trend. The global market researcher flagged that environmental claims like “carbon impact,” “reduced packaging,” and “plastic-free” on F&B packaging have almost doubled (92%) since 2018. However, the proliferation of sustainability messaging has created fears of unsubstantiated claims.

“To appease the eco-conscious consumer, we have observed a surge in product offerings over the past few years that capitalize on the consumer sentiment with ‘green’ claims that may not necessarily be substantiated,” Akhil Eashwar Aiyar, projects leader at Innova Market Insights previously told PackagingInsights.

“For products that feature verifiable claims regarding end-of-life cycle, we continue to grapple with consumer uncertainty regarding the proper disposal of such packages to facilitate effective waste management.”

Meanwhile, “Plastics circulization” led the top trends. It was also predicted that paper-based and bioplastic packaging, connective technologies and reusable packaging systems would continue gaining traction on the journey toward greater environmental sustainability.

With environmental sustainability increasingly gaining importance as consumer preference, Amcor and Nfinite’s research in nanocoating technology to enhance both recyclable and compostable packaging aims to create new applications that can advance both companies’ efforts toward driving circularity.

By Radhika Sikaria