Amcor develops world-first recyclable retort flexible packaging
The product, which uses Amcor's AmLite HeatFlex Recyclable solution, has the potential to be used in a variety of retort applications where products with a long shelf-life require high-barrier, high-heat resistant packaging.
"The technology to solve the problem of retort recyclability simply did not exist," Amcor's chief commercial officer Peter Konieczny said.
"Amcor's innovation represents a breakthrough for brand owners looking to reach their sustainability ambitions. Brands will be able to stand out and meet consumers' growing demand for more sustainable products by replacing older formats with the latest in cutting-edge packaging technology."
Amcor said creating a recyclable version was considered a challenge because it added another requirement to packaging already satisfying very high functional needs: withstanding heat-sterilization, blocking oxygen and bacteria, keeping food safe without refrigeration and ensuring a long shelf life.
Flexible retort packaging, a modern alternative to metal cans, can improve the carbon footprint of hundreds of consumer products thanks to its light weight, resource efficiency, ease of transportation and minimization of food waste.
The new pouch has been independently tested by cyclos-HTP and confirmed to be recyclable. Today, it fits collection systems in Germany, Austria, Italy, Norway and the Netherlands, and the list of countries is expected to grow, with projects under way in more nations to expand their plastics recycling streams.
The company added it is on the path to fulfilling its pledge to develop all of its packaging to be recyclable or reusable by 2025.
