Amcor extended the application deadline for Lift-Off Sprints, a new open-call initiative under its broader Lift-Off program that develops packaging-related solutions in collaboration with innovators and early-stage startups. This challenge focuses on compostable or recyclable barrier coatings.
Amcor seeks proposals for novel barrier coatings that provide a high water vapor barrier for flexible packaging. The main substrate focus is paper, but also included are bioplastics like polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), polybutylene succinate (PBS) and polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA). The solutions should offer solid performance and cost-effectiveness while meeting end-of-life requirements. Additional “must have” and “nice-to-have” criteria are listed in the application.
Interested parties can apply online by April 13. The final pitch day is May 12.
Amcor does not have a set number of winners for these challenges, but rather explores collaborations with various companies, said Rebecca Meile, Amcor manager of corporate venturing and open innovation, via email.
“Our goal is to establish collaborative agreements where we can jointly work on technologies that may have potential future application in Amcor products,” Meile said.
Amcor launched its Lift-Off Sprints and Lift-Off Connect initiatives in November, building off its existing open-call program to identify innovative packaging solutions. Chosen applicants will receive up to $500,000 in funding and enter a joint development agreement with Amcor's R&D team.
Previous Lift-Off winners include Nfinite Nanotechnology, an advanced materials company that worked on oxygen barriers with Amcor, as well as Greyparrot, a company that develops AI-enabled waste analytics systems that can provide packaging life cycle data.
