AMCOR has announced it is to begin trialling its new recyclable polyethylene-based thermoform blister packaging in what it says is a ‘breakthrough’ in healthcare packaging.
The Australian-American firm, which recently partnered with Nestlé to launch paper packaging for its Smarties range, said that the new packaging is designed to meet the ‘stringent’ requirements of highly specialised and regulated pharmaceutical packaging.
The polyethylene thermoform blister and lidding film means that PVC (polyvinyl chloride) is eliminated from the packaging. Amcor explained that PVC can make packaging recycling more difficult or contaminate other materials if consumers attempt to recycle it. The firm said that the omission of PVC means that the packaging is now fully recyclable, whilst retaining all other existing elements.
Dubbed AmSky, Amcor said that it is working with ‘several’ leading pharmaceutical companies to bring the packaging to market globally, with it expecting it to be available in the healthcare market by the second half of 2022.
Peter Konieczny, Amcor’s chief commercial officer, said, “Amcor is deploying our unique innovation capabilities to solve the biggest and most significant issues in packaging today. With AmSky™ Amcor has signalled our commitment to breakthrough innovation in the healthcare space – this is why we remain the packaging partner of choice for our healthcare customers, generating close to $2bn in annual sales in this market. This new blister packaging solution will significantly enhance the ability of healthcare and pharmaceutical brands to put sustainability at the heart of their businesses.”
William Jackson, Amcor’s chief technology officer for Flexibles, added, “This exciting solution is a result of Amcor’s continued focus on advanced technology and growth, using the entire power of our global R&D network to bring recyclable solutions to our customers.”
