Amcor Flexibles Launches Lift-Off Program to Drive Compostable & Recyclable Packaging Innovation

Amcor Flexibles Launches Lift-Off Program to Boost Recyclable and Compostable Packaging Innovation

Amcor Flexibles is inviting start-ups to participate in its latest Lift-Off program, designed to identify new technologies for recyclable, home-compostable flexible packaging. The program aims to uncover cutting-edge solutions that support the development of compostable and recyclable flexible formats. For this phase, Amcor focuses on three core areas: home-compostable barrier additives, high-performance compostable oxygen transmission rate (OTR) barriers, and home-compostable adhesives for film formulation.

Amcor explains the phase of this sustainable program as a three-phase process. For this program, the application window is open till 12th December 2025, and the screening will be extended till 19th December 2025. Further, the selection process for the spectacular innovation will be scheduled online on 13th January 2026. The integrated companies from all corners can participate without charge for those technologies with preparedness above 5.

Amcor Flexibles has been delivering flexible packaging to the healthcare, home and personal care, beverage, and food markets for many years. With this, the company is establishing fiber-based structures using around 80% paper content, combined with films, extrudates, and coatings to provide mandated functionality. Amcor, along with this program, is also focusing on other R&D projects to discover compostable substrates such as PBS, PHA, PCL, and PBAT.

Amcor claims that most compostable materials still fall short of the shelf-life and barrier requirements for its products and might struggle to meet at-home or recycling compostability expectations. Regarding this, the Lift-Off is seeking valuable partners who can identify these challenges and address the majority of the issues.

Amcor’s search does not end here, as the company is also seeking an adhesive relevance for flexible packaging and dispersion-coated solutions. The search also includes cold-seal, pressure-sensitive, and laminated formats. The necessary features include home compostability certification or an ample application of less than 5 gsm dry, a minimum bond strength of 1.5N/15mm, and compatibility with paper or compostable substrates such as PLA, PBAT, or PBS.

Adhesives that deliver high-quality performance without sacrificing repulping in tropical conditions are considered the best. Whereas the materials must withstand flex cracking, eliminate water-sensitive chemistries like PVOH, and have the potential to secure food-contact approvals. The materials should also elaborate on the viscosity best suited for rotogravure.