The strategic partnership will see Amcor Flexibles, a division of packaging giant Amcor, combine its flexible film technologies with Velcro’s Brand Press-Lok seal to provide the fresh and dairy food sectors with an improved re-sealable packaging solution.
Through use of the Velcro innovation, the system will function even if contaminated by food because the hooks will still close – unlike many existing closure systems where the rail track can become obstructed.
The agreement will see Amcor Flexibles market its development in Europe, Asia, and Africa.
According to Amcor, it has the “unique opportunity” to use the well-established Velcro brand name on its packaging.
The company added that while the packaging would not offer additional shelf-life, it could boost sustainability through the non-wastage of food.
Sustainability boost
“The advantage of re-sealable packaging is that you can avoid dehydration and contamination from other products,” said Amcor Flexibles fresh, dairy and capsules marketing director Philippe Scherrer told FoodProductionDaily.com.
“Customers often remove cheese, for example, to a new bag once opened – in order to maintain the quality of the product.”
“With this new development, customers will keep it in the bag meaning there will be less wastage of food.”
“It offers the product a certain amount of protection,” he said.
According to Amcor, the development will offer an ideal solution for all types of cheese, milk powder, fresh ready meals, bread and fresh fruit and vegetables.
“Meats, sausages and bakery products such as bread could also benefit from use of the development - there are opportunities across the fresh product and dairy markets.”
Multi-occasion products – those that are eaten over several sittings and require re-sealable packaging – could also benefit, Scherrer added.
Satisfy demand
“We decided to enter into the partnership with Velcro because we see that our customers have different demands in terms of packaging features. Some customers require different solutions,” said Scherrer.
Amcor Flexibles Europe and Americas, which has 69 plants in 23 countries, is a world leader in flexible packaging supply.
“Our aim is to improve convenience for consumers through improved opening and re-sealability.Together we can offer a very convenient product,” Scherrer concluded.
“Velcro Europe S.A. is proud to partner with Amcor Flexibles to become a true solutions provider to the fresh and dairy market, combining the innovation and prestige of both organisations to enable our customers to move towards simple, smart, consumer friendly packaging solutions,” said Velcro Europe’s Lenny Swart.
FoodProductionDaily.com understands that there are currently no plans to launch the Amcor- Velcro development in the US.