Amcor expands paper-based offering in Europe to coffee, spices and soups

13 Jun 2023 --- Amcor is expanding its AmFiber Performance Paper packaging range in Europe to include heat seal sachets for dry culinary and beverage applications, such as instant coffee, drink powders, spices, seasonings and dried soups.

AmFiber Performance Paper is a recyclable, high-barrier, paper-based packaging. It was first introduced in 2022 for snacks and confectionery and offers protection against oxygen and moisture, with “excellent” performance on brand owners’ packing machines. 

“AmFiber Performance Paper offers brands the best of both worlds,” says Ilya Syshchikov, vice president of global product management at Amcor’s AmFiber. “From a technical point of view, it delivers high-barrier and excellent machinability.”

“From an environmental point of view, it’s polyvinylidene chloride-free, available in FSC-certified paper and recyclable in most European countries. Independent recycling tests conducted by organizations such as Aticelca and Plastic Technology Services have demonstrated an impressive material recovery rate during the recycling process.” 

AmFiber Performance Paper is a recyclable, high-barrier, paper-based packaging.Cold- and heat-seal packs
The packaging solutions developer and producer has also invested in manufacturing capacity to meet growing paper packaging demand. The company has integrated a production line in its Amcor Flexibles Alzira plant in Spain, supporting its global businesses. 

The production line is equipped to provide cold- and heat-seal AmFiber packaging, delivering airtight seals to protect products properly through the supply chain and along the entire shelf life. 

The advanced equipment at the Alzira plant and the team’s extensive experience in barrier technology, printing and sealing processes make the production line one of Amcor’s Centers of Excellence for flexible paper-based packaging. 

Syshchikov adds: “We have many exciting projects in our R&D pipeline for paper, and this expansion into culinary and beverage packaging is another important milestone toward developing recyclable paper packaging for all the segments we serve.” 

Amcor’s partnerships 
Last month, Amcor announced it would acquire New Zealand-based protein packaging machinery producer Moda Systems. Moda designs, assembles and supports innovative, high-performance modular vacuum packaging solutions for the meat, poultry and dairy industries. 

Amcor said the acquisition would complement its strength in flexible films, positioning it to offer end-to-end packaging solutions that encompass primary packaging, equipment, on-site technical service and parts.

Meanwhile, Amcor, Delterra, Mars and P&G launched a partnership to stem the tide of plastic pollution in the Global South. The companies say they will work together to scale upstream and downstream solutions for a circular plastics economy, jointly committing US$6 million over five years.

The announcement was made during the second negotiating committee meeting for a Global Plastics Treaty in Paris, France. At the event, governments, civil society groups and industry stakeholders continued to work on developing a globally binding instrument on plastic pollution.

Edited by Natalie Schwertheim