Amcor introduces AmLite Ultra to its existing line of AmLite, which is metal-free packaging.
It offers an even higher barrier, using Amcor’s Ultra SiOx coating, with oxygen barrier levels comparable to that of aluminum.
“Transparent packaging responds to several consumer packaging trends,” said Marco Hilty, VP of strategy, marketing and R&D at Amcor Flexibles EMEA.
“There is a move toward more minimalist packaging designs, while at the same time providing consumers more information to verify that products are fresh and healthy.”
“Metal-free packaging also links to the desire for more sustainable packaging solutions.” Many products that are highly sensitive to moisture and oxygen, however, remain hidden from view inside opaque materials.
“Traditionally, products needing a very high barrier were packaged in aluminum-based materials, considered the gold standard of high barrier packaging,'” said Hilty.
Amcor performed Gelbo-Flex testing on AmLite Ultra and worked with the Consulting & Testing Service Group of Mocon Inc., to evaluate barrier levels after flexing.
To compare AmLite Ultra’s barrier to the highest standard, both AmLite Ultra and a standard Alu-foil laminate were tested to 100 Gelbo-Flex cycles, to see how the materials would perform under extreme conditions.
“What we observed is that while the Alu-foil laminate started with a slightly higher barrier, as we flexed and stressed the material, the AmLite Ultra oxygen barrier withstood the stress better,” says Andrea Della Torre, director R&D at Amcor Flexibles EMEA.
“According to the Mocon Inc. test certificates, the AmLite Ultra oxygen barrier eventually outperformed aluminum by 30% at 100 Gelbo-Flex cycles.
“This means brand owners now have the option to choose metal-free packaging, even for highly sensitive products.”
In a lifecycle assessment, AmLite provided a 40% carbon footprint reduction and 21% weight reduction compared to standard Alu-based materials.
Additionally, it can help customers ensure product safety by allowing the use of metal detectors after packs are filled and sealed.
The new AmLite Ultra version can be used for a range of ambient dry food products, as well as medical and personal care products.
It also offers excellent sealing properties and a strong seal to create a variety of pack formats, including bags, stand up and spouted pouches, flow packs and sachets.
