Amcor, a company that develops and produces responsible packaging solutions, today introduced LifeSpan Performance Paper in Europe, the first new product to launch on its global AmFiber platform. LifeSpan Performance Paper is a high-barrier, grease resistant paper-based solution for the snacks and confectionery market. With more than 80% paper fiber content and PVDC-free, this latest material innovation from Amcor is recyclable across most European countries, and allows brands to respond to growing consumer requests for paper-based packaging.
Noemi Bertolino, VP R&D for Amcor’s EMEA flexibles business said: “LifeSpan Performance Paper is a unique paper-based solution that provides a high barrier, even in tropical conditions. Our customers have confirmed excellent performance on their packing lines, and a high barrier after processing, overcoming two common challenges when switching to paper.
“This launch is the result of Amcor’s approach to material innovation. We aim to continually enhance the sustainability of packaging, while delivering the performance that brands require,” continued Bertolino. “Currently we’re in development for further applications of LifeSpan Performance Paper – such as coffee, spices, dried soups and more.”
Research into consumer spending habits since 2020 shows a willingness to pay more for sustainable products, with European shoppers scoring paper as their preferred packaging for confectionary brands.
In keeping with best practice for more sustainable packaging, the innovation is free from PVDC or other materials considered to be problematic. The paper fiber is sourced from FSC-certified forests to ensure responsible management of the renewable resources.
The LifeSpan Performance Paper material has been successfully tested by FMCG brands. It is expected to appear in stores in Europe for snacks and confectionery in 2022, with rapid expansion expected into coffee and culinary.
This latest launch complements Amcor’s existing recycle-ready portfolio for snacks and confectionery products, which includes recycle-ready PP-based, PE-based, bioPE-based and now paper-based packaging options. It is in line with Amcor’s 2025 pledge to develop all its packaging to be recyclable or reusable and to increase the use of recycled content.
