Amcor, a provider of responsible packaging solutions, has installed a state-of-the-art additive manufacturing system, also known as 3D printing, at its Innovation Center in Barcelona, Spain. Part of Amcor’s Rigid Packaging Division, the center will leverage this advanced technology to accelerate design and development.
This latest investment means that all five of Amcor’s centres for rigid packaging solutions – which in addition to Barcelona are located in Muttenz, Switzerland, Evansville and Manchester in the USA, and Shanghai, China – now have 3D printing facilities. This will enable the centres to cooperate globally in the design and delivery of consumer- and patient-centric rigid packaging across a wide range of markets, including health, beauty and wellness, nutrition and food & drink.
3D printing allows creative concepts and subsequent CAD drawings to be quickly turned into physical models and prototypes from which important assessments can be made in areas such as aesthetics, functionality and ease of manufacture. Sample packs can also be produced for initial consumer research and feedback. This can greatly speed up the development process, enabling packs to be brought to market quickly and cost-effectively.
Localised Service
Amcor has 10 Innovation Centers globally. This means the company can call on wide-ranging design and technical expertise while offering a localised service, tailored to the individual requirements of customers across diverse national and international markets.
“In today’s fast-moving and highly competitive markets, speed of new product development and the ability to react quickly to changing market and consumer demands are fundamental to achieving success,” said Alejandra Beltran, Vice President R&D, Amcor Global Rigids Packaging Solutions.
“At Amcor, we are committed to working with customers to deliver the best innovations at the fastest speed, with pack designs which create tailored solutions that deliver a positive user experience while at the same time supporting companies’ sustainability goals.
“Through our Innovation Centers and R&D facilities, we have a wealth of knowledge we can share as part of the collaborative process with our customers that brings projects to life.”
