Amcor’s single-serve plastic bottles and flexible packaging reshape dairy industry

The evolution of the dairy segment and its packaging is here. Leading packaging suppliers like Amcor have the capabilities and expertise to shape, cultivate, and drive that change and deliver the milk bottle and flexible packaging of the future.

ANN ARBOR, Mich., January 21, 2021: As a keynote sponsor of the 2021 International Dairy Forum, Amcor will demonstrate how it’s reshaping dairy packaging by offering more sustainable solutions and innovative design and delivery, extending shelf life for customers.

In addition, Amcor will highlight the latest developments in sustainability and dairy packaging solutions during a webinar Feb. 16 at 1 p.m. EST. The webinar will be hosted by IDFA.

“As consumer demands increase, brands know they need smarter and more sustainable packaging strategies in order to break from the pack and truly differentiate themselves,” said Carmen Becker, Vice President and General Manager, Amcor Rigid Packaging, Specialty Containers. “We offer the capabilities that are best suited to meet strong growth in key dairy segments through stellar design, one-of-a-kind preform technology, and industry-leading manufacturing.”

Single-serve packaging for value-added dairy, dairy alternatives, and meal replacements has grown by double-digits over the last five years and continues to unleash major opportunities for PET containers, according to Euromonitor. These smaller custom bottles can be manufactured for premium dairy products in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and convenience features including easy-to-pour and reclosable tops.

As the average size of the U.S. household shrinks and consumers are increasingly shopping online, the demand for ecommerce-friendly dairy packaging that is shatter- and dent-resistant and smaller in size is very appealing. Plus, the on-the-go lifestyle, where convenience is an important purchasing decision, allows PET to stand out and gives it the edge over other packaging substrates.

Aseptic/extended shelf life (ESL) plastic bottles from Amcor are being leveraged for a full range of beverage sizes from 6-oz to 64-oz. To protect the contents and extend shelf life, Amcor’s barrier technology protects against ultraviolet light, maximizes the product’s flavor, and provides 90 days to one year of shelf life.

Amcor Flexibles North America provides high-performance materials that meet the needs of dairy packaging applications, along with technical service and expertise to support the challenges faced by customers, retailers and food service channels. With a focus on innovation and more sustainable packaging, Amcor is driven to deliver packaging solutions with no compromise on performance, and that are increasingly lightweight, recycle ready and incorporate recycled content.

Amcor’s flexible packaging portfolio addresses the key drivers of change for the dairy industry, such as millennial tastes and environmental demands, retail fragmentation, labor availability, and away-from-home consumption trends and snacking.

Amcor offers print and finishing technologies for flexible packaging that differentiates brands on shelf, and provides an elevated brand experience at the point of purchase and in the home.

“Amcor’s portfolio provides greater flexibility to our customers,” says Derrick Sytsma, Vice President and General Manager, Dairy, Amcor Flexibles North America. “With our wide range of standard products, we can offer industry-leading speed to market. Combined with our technology and product quality, we feel this level of responsiveness will enable us to support our customers at the highest level in the industry.”

PET has rapidly become the world’s preferred packaging material, is lightweight, shatterproof, reclosable, resealable, reusable, and infinitely recyclable*. In addition, PET bottles often have the lowest carbon footprint and their production results in up to 70% less greenhouse gas emissions than other packaging materials**. Amcor is also the industry leader in the use of post-consumer recycled (PCR) PET with over 15 years of experience. The company has commercialized many packages in 100% PCR and utilized more than 100 million pounds annually over the last four years.

In the midst of today’s hygiene concerns, capped and sealed PET bottles keep beverages protected from pathogens like viruses and bacteria. They are also sealed to combat contamination and re-sealable for ongoing protection.

*With existing technologies including chemical recycling

** Amcor’s Asset Lifecycle Analysis

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