Amcor has announced a collaboration with U.K.-based materials startup Kelpi to evaluate bio-based coating technology designed to improve the performance and sustainability of fiber-based packaging.

The partnership reflects a broader industry trend in which global packaging manufacturers are working with emerging technology companies to accelerate the commercialization of renewable materials that can support circular packaging systems while meeting increasingly demanding functional requirements.

Partnership Targets Next-Generation Fiber Packaging

Under the collaboration, Amcor’s research and development teams will assess Kelpi’s proprietary seaweed-based coating platform for potential integration into the company’s AmFiber™ portfolio of fiber-based packaging solutions.

The coating technology is designed to provide moisture and gas barrier performance while maintaining compatibility with existing paper recycling streams, addressing one of the key technical challenges associated with replacing conventional plastic-based barrier layers.

If successfully commercialized, bio-based coatings could help reduce dependence on fossil fuel-derived materials while increasing the use of renewable feedstocks in flexible packaging applications.

Fiber-Based Packaging Continues to Gain Momentum

Demand for fiber-based flexible packaging has accelerated as brand owners respond to evolving sustainability targets, consumer expectations and packaging regulations, including the European Union’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).

At the same time, manufacturers continue seeking alternatives to conventional multilayer plastic structures that maintain product protection without compromising recyclability.

Advanced barrier coatings are emerging as an important technology for achieving this balance, enabling paper-based packaging to meet demanding shelf-life and product protection requirements while supporting circular economy objectives.

Open Innovation Expands Across the Packaging Industry

The collaboration also highlights the growing role of open innovation within the global packaging sector.

Rather than relying exclusively on internal research, packaging manufacturers are increasingly partnering with technology startups, universities and material developers to accelerate product development and shorten commercialization timelines.

According to Amcor, combining Kelpi’s coating technology with the company’s global research, development and manufacturing capabilities will allow both organizations to evaluate scalable packaging solutions for a range of consumer goods applications.

This collaborative approach enables companies to assess emerging technologies under commercial operating conditions before broader market deployment.

Bio-Based Materials Address Multiple Sustainability Objectives

Seaweed-derived coatings represent one of several bio-based material technologies currently under development for fiber packaging.

Beyond reducing reliance on fossil-based raw materials, these coatings may contribute to lower carbon emissions while supporting paper recycling systems through improved material compatibility.

The packaging industry continues to evaluate a variety of renewable barrier technologies—including water-based coatings, plant-derived polymers and mineral-based barriers—as manufacturers seek alternatives capable of meeting both regulatory requirements and customer performance expectations.

Innovation Supports the Transition Toward Circular Packaging

As packaging regulations become more stringent and brand owners increase investment in recyclable packaging, innovation in coating technologies is expected to play a growing role in expanding the applications of fiber-based materials.

For paper manufacturers, converters and packaging producers, developments in bio-based barrier technologies could create new opportunities to replace plastic-intensive packaging formats while maintaining product performance and manufacturing efficiency.

The collaboration between Amcor and Kelpi reflects the industry’s broader effort to combine renewable materials, scalable manufacturing and advanced packaging engineering to support the transition toward a more circular packaging economy.

Last Updated on 30/06/2026 by Jota Machinery