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Amcor has announced a collaboration with U.K.-based startup Kelpi to explore the integration of seaweed-derived coating technologies into its fibre packaging portfolio.

This initiative is designed to address industry demand for more sustainable packaging materials that maintain functional requirements such as gas and moisture barrier performance.

Innovation in Bio-Based Packaging

The research and development teams at Amcor are currently evaluating Kelpi’s proprietary platform, which uses seaweed-based materials to provide a functional barrier. The technology is intended to be compatible with standard paper recycling streams, supporting the company's objective of promoting a circular economy for packaging.

By incorporating bio-based alternatives, Amcor aims to reduce reliance on fossil fuel-derived feedstocks in its manufacturing processes. This development is integrated into the broader AmFiber™ platform, which seeks to balance the technical demands of high-speed packaging machinery with environmental performance goals.

Supporting Sustainability Standards

The partnership aligns with Amcor's ongoing innovation strategy and the sustainability goals promoted by organisations such as the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, which has called for accelerated innovation within the paper-based flexible packaging sector.

Frank Lehmann, Vice President of Corporate Venturing and Open Innovation at Amcor, added that the collaboration is part of a wider effort to bring nature-sourced, performance-oriented materials into the company's global innovation ecosystem. The companies intend to assess the scalability of these materials for commercial use across various consumer product categories.