Amcor launches sustainable packaging challenge for global start-ups

SWITZERLAND – Packaging solutions giant Amcor has unveiled the Amcor Lift-Off Winter 2025/26 Challenge, calling on start-ups worldwide to co-develop breakthrough innovations that advance sustainable packaging.

The initiative focuses on key research and development priorities in flexible and paper-based packaging and builds on earlier editions that enabled partnerships in AI-powered waste analytics, reusable packaging, and bio-based materials.

This year’s challenge invites start-ups to propose solutions in three core areas that address persistent material and performance gaps in sustainable packaging.

The first focus area is the development of home-compostable adhesives for flexible packaging. These adhesives are crucial for advancing fully compostable structures, yet they remain one of the most difficult components to make both high-performing and compatible with home-composting conditions.

Start-ups are encouraged to explore bio-based formulations or novel chemistries that can maintain strong bonding while breaking down safely and efficiently in non-industrial environments.

The second priority targets high-performance compostable oxygen-barrier layers for paper packaging.

While paper has gained traction as a recyclable and renewable alternative, its barrier properties often fall short in applications requiring strong protection against oxygen.

Amcor is seeking innovations that can bridge this gap, materials that not only preserve product quality and shelf life but also meet compostability standards without relying on traditional plastic coatings.

The third focus area is the creation of nature-based barrier additives for film formulation. These additives are expected to enhance the functional performance of films while reducing reliance on fossil-based inputs.

Start-ups working with plant-derived polymers, bio-fibres, or other naturally sourced materials may offer new pathways for improving moisture, grease, or gas barrier properties in a more sustainable way.

The program will run in three phases, with shortlisted teams presenting their technologies to Amcor’s R&D specialists. Selected start-ups will have opportunities for joint development and potential investment of up to US$500,000.

Frank Lehmann, Amcor’s vice-president of corporate venturing and open innovation, said, “The Lift-Off initiative has delivered outstanding results, and we are eager to carry this success forward.

“With the launch of our new initiative, we reaffirm Amcor’s dedication to advancing circularity and environmental responsibility through collaboration with the brightest minds in the start-up ecosystem.”

The challenge announcement follows a series of major sustainability and capacity investments by the company.

Most recently, Amcor revealed a significant expansion of its flexible packaging production in North America to meet rising demand from the protein market.

The company will add new printing, lamination, and converting lines at its Columbus, Ohio facility, an investment of about US$50 million, with equipment expected to be operational by mid-2026.

The upgrade will boost output of specialized films and pouches for meat, poultry, and seafood by around 20%.

In October, Amcor also reported achieving its 2025 goal of incorporating 10% post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic across its product portfolio, as detailed in its newly released Fiscal 2025 Sustainability Report.

This milestone represents 218,000 metric tonnes of recycled plastic integrated into packaging solutions globally, underscoring the company’s expanding influence in sustainable materials development.

The report is Amcor’s first sustainability update since completing its merger with Berry Global, a move expected to strengthen its capabilities in recycling and material science across both flexible and rigid formats.

By the end of FY25, 72% of Amcor’s packaging by weight was designed for recyclability, comprising 96% of rigid packaging, 49% of flexible packaging, and all specialty cartons.

The company also noted that 96% of its flexible packaging portfolio is now recycle-ready, addressing one of the most significant challenges in circular packaging.

Amcor has further reduced operational greenhouse gas emissions by 20% since 2021, supported by its science-based decarbonization roadmap.

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