Amcor unveils high-performance mono-material pouches to cut carbon footprint in Europe

SWITZERLAND — Global packaging leader Amcor has launched its Liquiflex AmPrima mono-material pouches in Europe, targeting the bulk foodservice market with a solution that dramatically reduces environmental impact.

Designed for products such as sauces, dressings, frozen vegetables, and proteins, the new pouches are said to reduce carbon emissions by up to 79% and cut water consumption by 84%, compared to traditional packaging formats like metal cans.

Engineered for efficiency across the supply chain, the flexible pouches occupy significantly less space during storage and transport.

Before filling, they require a fraction of the storage space used by cans and, when filled, can be packed more tightly optimizing logistics and lowering transportation emissions.

According to Amcor’s ASSET life cycle assessment methodology, which is certified by The Carbon Trust, the Liquiflex AmPrima pouches deliver significant environmental advantages over traditional packaging formats.

These flexible pouches are engineered to reduce the use of non-renewable energy by up to 75%, helping to lower the overall environmental footprint of bulk foodservice packaging.

Water consumption is also dramatically reduced, with the pouches offering an 84% decrease compared to conventional alternatives. This makes them especially attractive in regions where water conservation is a priority.

In terms of circularity, the pouches are compatible with food-contact post-consumer recycled (PCR) content, allowing brands to incorporate recycled materials without compromising food safety.

Additionally, the packaging design can accommodate pumps or spout dispensers, enabling the pouches to function as practical refill packs, offering further sustainability and convenience for end-users.

Aligned with the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), the pouches are designed to be recyclable where polyethylene (PE) recycling streams exist.

Their lightweight structure and “recycle-readiness” can translate to reduced Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) fees and plastic taxes across key European markets like France, Germany, and Spain—calculations supported by the Recyda platform.

Scaling paper-based innovation

In addition to its flexible pouch developments, Amcor is also advancing paper-based solutions. The company recently introduced a recycle-ready paper stand-up pouch for dry beverage products like instant coffee.

Containing 85% fibre, the pouch offers a 73% carbon footprint reduction and has been certified kerbside recyclable in several European countries by Cepi and Aticelca.

Further strengthening its sustainable packaging portfolio, Amcor partnered with Riverside Natural Foods—the makers of MadeGood snacks—to launch a recyclable paper-based wrapper for its Trail Mix Bars.

Debuted during Earth Month, this innovation is the first of its kind in the snack bar category and leverages AmFiber technology, a paper-based laminate made from FSC-certified (C206475) fibre.

The AmFiber paper-based wrapper developed by Amcor achieves a substantial 77% reduction in virgin plastic use, positioning it as a more sustainable alternative to conventional plastic bar wrappers.

Designed for recyclability, the wrapper is curbside recyclable in the paper stream and has received repulpability certification from Western Michigan University, confirming its compatibility with existing paper recycling systems.

Amcor’s R&D team worked in close collaboration with Riverside Natural Foods to ensure the packaging maintained high production efficiency and consistent graphic quality, even under the demands of large-scale snack bar production.

The goal was to offer a sustainable solution without compromising on shelf appeal or manufacturing performance.

Consumer response to the new packaging was overwhelmingly positive. In an independent home usage study, 79% of participants rated the new paper wrapper as “somewhat better” or “much better” than traditional plastic wrappers.

The same percentage also indicated they would choose this product over a competing brand that did not offer recyclable packaging, underscoring the growing importance of sustainability in consumer purchasing decisions.

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