Amcor, a global leader in developing and producing responsible packaging solutions, celebrated 100 years of packaging excellence at its Belgian site in Ghent. This centenary coincides with the first anniversary of the Amcor Innovation Centre Europe. This dual milestone underscores Amcor's enduring commitment to innovation and sustainability in the European packaging market and beyond.

For a century, Amcor Ghent has been at the forefront of packaging advancements. The site's rich history notably includes the invention of easy-peel film technology in 1972, now a global standard for sterile medical equipment packaging and pre-packaged slices of charcuterie and cheeses.

Building on this legacy, last year Amcor Ghent underwent a significant expansion and became home to the Amcor Innovation Centre Europe (AICE), a collaborative space where Amcor experts and brands co-create the future of packaging. In the AICE, materials scientists team up with packaging designers to develop innovative solutions that address the evolving needs of the European market.

"Our team draws on a century of local expertise, combined with Amcor’s global know-how, to help brands to find consumer-friendly and more sustainable packaging without compromising on technical performance.” shares Kris Buysens, Innovation Center and Material Science Center Director at Amcor Ghent. “Located in the center of Europe, our team can help brands navigate the sustainability requirements of the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), which sets the standard for all packaging sold in Europe. And our Marketing experts track Europeans’ specific shopping and consumption habits, which influences their preferences for packaging formats and functionality versus consumers in other regions."

In its first year, the AICE has hosted over 100 customer teams, welcoming more than 500 visitors to co-create packaging solutions, run trials and take part in Amcor University sessions to learn about everything from the technical properties of different packaging materials, to how to improve the recyclability of packaging.

A key focus of the AICE is driving sustainability improvements through:

• Recycle-ready solutions: developing and trialing innovative, recycle-ready materials.
• Post-consumer recycled (PCR) content: integrating PCR resins into new packaging to meet upcoming PPWR targets.
• Paper-based solutions: developing paper-based packaging, including high-barrier options such as AmFiber™ Performance Paper, for a broad variety of applications.
• Lightweighting and decarbonization: innovating format designs to reduce material use and allow decarbonization, such as spouted refill pouches that can hold up to 2-liters of products like laundry detergent, and bag-with-pump systems for sauces to replace individual sachets in restaurants.

Innovation Tested On-Site

The AICE boasts a state-of-the-art Material Science Center, which speeds up packaging development by leveraging Amcor’s analytical expertise and state-of-the-art equipment. It features equipment capable of creating rapid prototypes for concept iteration.

New packaging can also be tested for performance on-site. Eight test filling lines, which mimic customers’ packing lines, allow for runability trials for different food, beverage and healthcare products. The filled pack can then be tested in the Analytical Lab, providing fast feedback to shorten development cycles.

Addressing the growing demands of online retail, the site’s E-Commerce Lab is equipped to test packaging specifically for e-commerce distribution. This specialized lab can conduct the necessary evaluations to award ISTA 6 certification, validating packaging for secure shipment through platforms like Amazon.

The testing does not stop at the finished pack. The AICE can also test for recyclability in its Packaging and Recycling Test Center. The team can evaluate the recyclability of different packages using industry-standard methodologies.

“We are partnering with Amcor to help advance the recycling of packaging,” shares Annemarie Abbeel, Senior Expert Design for Recycling at Fost Plus, a Belgian non-profit organization that promotes and finances collection, sorting and recycling of household packaging waste. “We have a common goal to create a circular economy by designing packaging that facilitates and accelerates sorting and recycling. At the Amcor facility in Ghent, newly developed packaging structures, including paper-based ones, can be assessed for their recyclability.”

Looking to the Future

With a century of experience to build on, Amcor Ghent and the AICE are well-positioned to lead the way in developing the next generation of packaging solutions. As the European Union’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation shapes packaging requirements, and consumers increasingly expect more sustainable and convenient packaging, Amcor remains committed to driving a more sustainable future while helping brands connect with consumers.

Learn more about the Amcor Innovation Center Europe in Ghent and its capabilities: www.amcor.com/about/overview/innovation/catalyst/emea.