Amcor expands paper-based F&B packaging to Latin America

24 Jul 2023 --- Amcor’s high-barrier, recyclable paper-based packaging solution, AmFiber Performance Paper, is now available to customers in Latin America.

The AmFiber Performance Paper is designed for the confectionery market with cold-seal but has been expanded to include heat-seal sachets for dry culinary and beverage applications, such as instant coffee, drink powders, spices, seasonings and dried soups. 

“Our AmFiber Performance Paper is already on store shelves across Europe and Australia, and we’re excited to deliver this proven solution in Latin America now,” says Ilya Syshchikov, vice president of Global Product Management AmFiber. 

“This marks another important milestone toward developing recyclable paper packaging solutions for all the segments we serve in regions across the globe.”

Focus on recyclability
AmFiber Performance Paper has more than 80% paper fiber content and is polyvinylidene chloride-free, making it recyclable, where a paper recycling stream exists. Syshchikov says that the material offers brands the “best of both worlds.”  

Amcor offers its AmFiber Performance Paper to the Latin American market.“From a technical point of view, it delivers a high barrier and excellent machinability. From an environmental point of view, it’s PVDC-free and available in FSC-certified paper.”

“Independent recycling tests conducted by organizations such as Aticelca and PTS have demonstrated an impressive material recovery rate during the recycling process,” continues Syshchikov. 

In addition to expanding the AmFiber Performance Paper application to new product categories, Amcor has invested in manufacturing capacity to meet the growing global demand for this kind of paper packaging, including an integrated state-of-the-art production line in its Amcor Flexibles Alzira plant in Spain.

Amcor’s adventures
Amcor recently invested US$500,000 in artificial intelligence-generated waste analytics company Greyparrot – the latest Amcor Lift-Off winner. Greyparrot deploys AI computer vision systems in resource recovery facilities, which monitor and sort through waste flows at scale.

Additionally, Amcor Rigid Packaging and Ron Rubin Winery are launching “the first” premium wine packaged in a 750 mL bottle in the US made from 100% recycled PET plastic, branded Blue Bin. As PET-based wine bottles are light and shatterproof, consumers can travel with the bottles more conveniently. 

Meanwhile, Amcor released a European consumer survey revealing that recyclability is now a “must-have” in the eyes of consumers.

The responses were collected from over 3,000 consumers in the UK, Italy, France, Germany, Sweden and Poland. The research found that most (84%) European consumers actively seek recycling instructions on packaged products, while 60% say that recyclability instructions and sustainability logos positively influence their purchase decision.

By Sabine Waldeck