Amcor has won Gold and Silver awards at the 2026 Sustainability and Impact Awards*, with recognition for its polypropylene recycling technology and refillable packaging for the beauty sector.
Amcor Circularity Polymers received Gold in the Sustainable Innovation and Investment category for its CleanStream system, which mechanically recycles household polypropylene (PP) waste into high-purity recycled plastic for contact-sensitive and non-contact-sensitive applications.
According to the company, the process uses AI-driven identification and decontamination stages to produce recycled PP that can be used in applications including beauty and cosmetics packaging. Amcor says the technology has also been applied to its CleanStream Home and Industrial range, with the recycled polymer used in products such as trigger spray heads and the lids, rings and handles of paint containers.
Ellen Seyda, sustainability director, RPSI, at Amcor, said the award recognised the company's work in advancing plastic circularity.
"Our ability to produce this premium PCR PP for both contact- and non-contact sensitive applications is a significant step forward in enhancing plastic circularity. CleanStream provides a compelling value proposition for recycling and packaging, demonstrating how companies can achieve more sustainability while driving business success."
Amcor also received Silver in the Beauty and Personal Care category for its Exclusive stick, developed for French haircare brand Cut By Fred's refillable packaging system.
The PP stick is designed to accurately dispense and insert refills into the original packaging while reducing contact with the formula to help prevent product contamination. Amcor says the mono-material construction means the packaging can be recycled where suitable recycling infrastructure exists.
Marine Sueur, regional sales director France at Amcor, said the recognition reflected the company's work with Cut By Fred.
"To achieve recognition for our work with Cut By Fred is the perfect demonstration of how Amcor can help companies to become more sustainable in line with the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). This solution enhances the customer experience without compromising the performance and effectiveness of the packaging."
Amcor's work on Decathlon's Sun care stick was also shortlisted in the Beauty and Personal Care category. According to the company, the applicator contains 87 per cent recycled polypropylene (rPP) and delivers a 17 per cent lower CO2 impact than virgin resin. It said Decathlon selected CleanStream as part of its efforts to reduce its carbon footprint.
The Sustainability & Impact Awards are organised by UK publication Packaging News.
