Amcor looks to reduce environmental impact of shrink packaging

Amcor has announced the launch of the Clear-Tite 40 shrink bag, a thinner and lighter packaging solution designed for fresh and processed meat, with which it is seeking to reduce the carbon footprint of traditional meat packaging.

The new bag is 19% lighter than standard 50µ shrink bags, using less plastic, and boasting an estimated 16% carbon footprint reduction compared to standard shrink bags.

Shrink bags are commonly used in the meat industry due to their effective oxygen and moisture barriers, which help extend the shelf life of meat products and reduce food waste.

By reducing the amount of plastic used, the company is seeking to deliver a more sustainable packaging option and reduce packaging waste, without compromising the protective qualities essential for maintaining product freshness during storage and transportation.

Technical requirements

“The technical requirements for shrink bags make them notoriously difficult to make more sustainable, so the launch of Clear-Tite 40 is a major breakthrough for the industry,” commented Rosalia Rosalinova, senior marketing manager, Amcor.

“This new solution is a huge step forwards; promising a significant reduction in the amount of plastic used per bag, without compromising shelf life.”

Many shrink bags on the market have variations in thickness, leading to increased plastic usage and higher environmental costs. Amcor’s shrink bag ensures a uniform 40µ thickness, minimising material waste and offering consistent performance.

This precise control also helps manufacturers reduce their Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) fees, potentially saving up to 19% when switching from standard 50µ bags.

Less material

Additionally, the reduction in plastic weight means less material is required for production, transportation, and disposal.

“Our technical expertise, combined with our sustainability knowledge and operational capabilities, helps customers to achieve their sustainability goals with the best packaging solutions,” added Robert Kleinschmidt, vice president of the meat business unit at Amcor. Find out more here.