Amcor introduces eco-friendly packaging films

Amcor has launched a film for fresh and dairy applications with reduced packaging weight and increased environmental properties.

The Amcor Light range offers solutions for flowpack and lidding applications. The main families are OPA Light (replacing the traditional OPA/PE films) and OPET Light (replacing the OPET/PE films).

The firm said the OPA12 /Light 35 versus a benchmark of OPA15/PE 60 reduces weight by 37%, non-renewable primary energy by 32% and greenhouse gas emissions by 28%.

Design and development of packaging often involves sustainability trade-offs with attempts to optimise outcomes at one stage of the packaged product life cycle increasing impacts at other stages.

Amcor said its proprietary life cycle analysis (LCA) software tool ASSET complies with the ISO 14040: 2006 LCA standard, PAS 2050: 2011 specification and GHG Protocol on carbon footprinting.

Barrier technology

The films can be produced in all Amcor Flexibles sites in Europe and can be designed to meet various O2 barrier needs and to include features like UV barrier.

An Amcor Flexibles Europe and Americas spokeswoman said that the range was the fruit of two years of development.

“Most customers are striving to reduce the environmental impact of their products - including the packaging with an efficient and cost-effective solution.

“Amcor's proprietary know-how in sealant technology allowed us to both down-gauge our films and maintain seal performance (speed + integrity) and rigidity. They have the same rigidity & functional properties as up to 70% thicker PE films,” she said.

“Amcor Light is one of many flexibles solutions we offer to customers. The speed at which the market might move to Amcor Light is not dictated by Amcor but rather by customers packaging strategies and desire to switch and carry out trials.”

Film benefits

The firm claims it offers superior visual appeal compared to standard films, as they are highly transparent. The product supports customer needs for improving environmental credentials and guarantees on-shelf appeal thanks to film clarity and the same functional properties as PE-based films, said Amcor.

Philippe Scherrer, marketing director fresh, LED, Dairy & Capsules, said they were pleased with the products progress.

“A Spanish customer, Ilas, has also recently chosen Amcor OPA Light for its sliced cheese brand Krol because it both retains Krol’s product quality and significantly improves sustainability performance while at the same time being cost-competitive.”

Source: Amcor