Amcor, a leading provider of sustainable packaging solutions, has further expanded its global network of packaging innovation hubs with the inauguration of the Amcor Innovation Center Europe (AICE) in Ghent, Belgium. This strategic move, complementing existing centers in the US, South America, and Asia Pacific, underscores Amcor’s dedication to pioneering new material technologies that enhance sustainability in packaging. The center’s primary focus is on developing designs that not only catch the eye in retail settings but also improve user experience for consumers.
Michael Zacka, President of Amcor Flexibles Europe, Middle East, and Africa, expressed the significance of the AICE, stating that it symbolizes a pivotal investment in sustainable, circular, and innovative packaging solutions. The center brings together top industry experts in packaging design, material science, and cutting-edge technology to provide comprehensive brand solutions from initial concept to product launch.
Through its Catalyst approach, Amcor’s Innovation Center Europe aims to support brands throughout the packaging development process, taking into consideration market demands, consumer preferences, sustainability requirements, and existing production capabilities. This approach is described as a flexible, collaborative, and creative co-development methodology that aligns with the outcomes desired by customers.
The AICE houses several facilities to support this collaborative approach, including a Material Science Center focused on creating packaging materials that reduce carbon footprints and innovative customer engagement areas for interactive testing and feedback. Additionally, the center boasts an E-Commerce Lab that certifies packaging for online distribution, as well as plans for a Packaging and Recycling Test Center to evaluate recyclability.
Noemi Bertolino, Vice President of Research and Development at Amcor, emphasized the company’s commitment to sustainability and outlined ambitious goals for the future. By 2025, Amcor aims to have all its packaging materials recyclable, compostable, or reusable and to significantly increase their use of recycled materials. Underlining this sustainability commitment, the Amcor Innovation Center Europe is housed in a facility designed and built to meet BREEAM sustainability standards.
In conclusion, Amcor’s Innovation Center Europe exemplifies the company’s dedication to creating packaging solutions that resonate with consumers while fulfilling stringent sustainability criteria. It serves as a testament to Amcor’s ongoing commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship in the realm of food packaging.
