Amcor and Kelpi Collaborate to Develop Advanced Barrier Materials for Fiber Packaging

Amcor, a global leader in responsible packaging solutions, has announced a collaboration with U.K.-based startup Kelpi to develop and evaluate next-generation coating technologies aimed at improving the performance and sustainability of packaging materials.

The collaboration with Kelpi aligns with Amcor's broader innovation strategy of developing sustainable packaging solutions without compromising performance. As part of the partnership, Amcor's research and development teams are evaluating Kelpi's proprietary bio-based, seaweed-derived coating technology, which is designed to provide high barrier performance while remaining compatible with existing recycling streams for fibre-based packaging.

By evaluating innovative bio-based coating technologies, Amcor aims to strengthen its AmFiber™ fibre-based packaging solutions, achieving high barrier performance, efficient processing speeds, and improved circularity. Using bio-based, renewable coatings could also reduce reliance on fossil fuel-derived feedstocks and help lower the overall carbon footprint of packaging materials.

“This collaboration reflects how we are advancing our material innovation pipeline, and it supports the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s call for accelerated innovation in paper-based flexible packaging2,” said Peter Ettridge, Director, Research and Development, AmFiber™, Amcor. “We’re excited by the potential of Kelpi’s technology, which combines processability, gas and moisture barrier performance, and paper recyclability.”

“Partnering with companies like Kelpi is a key part of how we bring new technologies into our innovation ecosystem,” said Frank Lehmann, vice president, corporate venturing and open innovation, Amcor. “Its innovative approach to leveraging nature-sourced materials that won’t compromise packaging performance is promising, and we’re excited to explore opportunities to scale the technology within our global packaging portfolio.”

By combining Kelpi's innovative coating technology with Amcor's global research and development expertise and manufacturing scale, the companies aim to develop commercially viable, scalable packaging solutions for a wide range of consumer goods applications while advancing circular economy objectives.

Source: AMCOR