Global packaging giant Amcor has joined forces with South Korea’s Kolon Industries in a strategic collaboration aimed at developing and commercialising more sustainable polyester materials for flexible packaging. This partnership merges Amcor’s design innovation capabilities with Kolon’s expertise in high-polymer manufacturing.
The agreement, announced on 27 November, focuses on exploring chemically recycled PET (crPET) and polyethylene furanoate (PEF) materials.
Kolon is leveraging an advanced recycling process to produce new PET from post-consumer waste, such as bottles, fibres, and flexible packaging. The use of crPET aligns with Amcor’s goal of incorporating 30 per cent post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials into its products by 2030.
Kolon’s PEF material, which is produced from 100 per cent sustainable biomass, offers significant environmental benefits, the partners say. With a lower product carbon footprint*, PEF enhances product protection and will contribute to Amcor’s net-zero emissions target by 2050.
William Jackson, chief technology officer for Amcor’s flexible packaging division, commented on the importance of the partnership: “This collaboration enhances our efforts to provide customers with innovative, more sustainable packaging solutions that incorporate PCR content and reduce their carbon footprint.”
Sung Han, chief technology officer at Kolon Industries, echoed this sentiment, emphasising the broader impact of the partnership: “Our work with Amcor will accelerate the development of sustainable products and support the global circular economy. We remain committed to advancing polymer technologies that contribute to carbon neutrality.”
This partnership reflects a shared commitment to sustainable innovation, paving the way for flexible packaging solutions that balance performance with environmental responsibility.
*Lower carbon footprint claims are based on lifecycle analysis compared to traditional PET.
