Amcor has placed its first commercial order of certified-circular polymers leveraging ExxonMobil’s Exxtend technology for advanced recycling for use in packaging for the Australian and New Zealand market.
The order will make Amcor the first flexible packaging company to offer certified-circular plastics in this market, which supports partial displacement of fossil-based feedstock and meets growing consumer demand for plastic circularity.
Richard Smith, sustainability director at Amcor Flexibles Asia Pacific, said, "We are moving to a circular economy in Australia and New Zealand, working with partners like Exxon to enable virgin plastic reduction. This is a first step in our journey to a vibrant local circular economy."
Smith said this order is another step toward helping its customers achieve circularity of their flexible packaging in Australia and New Zealand and meet Australia’s National 2025 Packaging Targets.
[Smith recently spoke to the PKN Podcast about the benefits of advanced recycling for a circular economy for flexible plastics here.]
“We are excited to provide our customers in Australia and New Zealand access to this important resource, and to contribute to developing more sustainable solutions that help our customers and their brands continue to meet consumer needs,” he said.
Amcor signed the agreement with ExxonMobil late last year to to secure thousands of tons of high-performance, certified-circular material from ExxonMobil’s advanced recycling plant. At the time PKN reported that Amcor will purchase certified-circular polyethylene material in support of its target to achieve 30 per cent recycled material across its portfolio by 2030, to drive progress on advanced recycling materials for food and healthcare markets.
Using its Exxtend technology, ExxonMobil offers certified-circular polymers with the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS certification that are identical to polymers made from conventional fossil feedstock. The certified-circular polymers can be used in existing applications, that otherwise require the use of virgin resins.
Kwee-Lin Chan, general manager Asia Pacific Advanced Recycling and Sustainability at ExxonMobil, said, “We are proud to work with Amcor to bring a new certified-circular solution to the ANZ market. We look forward to continuing our work with Amcor to develop products that deliver exceptional performance, while also supporting the circular economy.”
