LifeSpan Performance Paper

The full range of packaging / Source: Amcor

EuropeFood & BeverageFood GradeLifeSpan Performance PaperMoisture BarrierOil ResistantOxygen Barrier PackagingPaperRecyclableSealable

WHAT WE SAY:

Plastic alternatives can require a serious logistical overhaul. Making the switch is always worth the effort, but Amcor is making it easy with Lifespan Performance Paper, a drop-in replacement for plastic flow wrap and packaging.

Made from 85% paper fibre, there is a question mark over the composition of the remaining 15%. But a paper-based, recyclable solution in the hands of a manufacturer, with global reach could be a packaging shake-up in the making.

LifeSpan® Performance Paper

WHAT IS LIFESPAN PERFORMANCE PAPER?

Lifespan Performance Paper is a Paper-based solution for flow wrap packaging, developed and manufactured by Amcor. It is recyclable and contains on average 85% fibre content from FSC-certified sources.
The product is PVDC-free (polyvinylidene chloride, a plastic typically used as a barrier film) and its performance is comparable to plastic-based flow wraps.
Applications include chocolate; spices, dry soups and other dry cooking aids; and dry beverages, such as coffee. It has been tested with a selection of FMCG brands and the first commercial launch in 2022 is expected to be confectionery.
Lifespan Performance Paper is a drop-in replacement, which can run on existing OPP-based, cold seal lines.
The company claims tests for EU recycling streams show that over 80% of the packaging content is recovered, meaning it meets the requirements to be recyclable in most countries’ paper recycling streams.
Products packaged in Lifespan Performance Paper are expected to reach European shelves by the end of 2022.

KEY PROPERTIES:

Food Grade
Moisture Barrier
Oil Resistant
Oxygen Barrier
Recyclable
Sealable

INDUSTRY:

Food & Beverage
Packaging

AVAILABILITY:

Commercially Available

DIVE DEEPER:

According to research by WRAP, flexible plastic bags and wrapping make up nearly 25% of all consumer packaging, yet only 6% is currently recycled. Lightweight plastic wrapping is problematic, as it cannot be separated in the same manner as more rigid products and is often a composite of different materials, requiring further separation for effective recycling.
As well as creating waste in landfill, the action of opening a plastic-wrapped chocolate bar can release microplastics into the air. Given that some food and drink brands wrap up to 98% of their products in single-use plastics, the release of microplastics can quickly add up with each package opened.
A high barrier solution, Lifespan Performance Paper offers the same level of oxygen and moisture barrier as metallised OPP packaging, the plastic which is typically used for flow wrap.
The product contains on average 85% fibre content, which can be sourced from FSC-certified wood pulp for an extra layer of traceability.
Lifespan Performance Paper is the first product to emerge from Amcor’s Amfiber platform. Launched in 2022, for paper-based products, it signals a substantial investment in research and development in the area by the packaging giant.
Available initially for European consumers before expanding into EMEA, further applications in development include pharma sachets, crisps and nuts.
While the paper-based solution is designed to run on existing lines, Amcor has a dedicated Field Technical Services team available for site visits to ensure a smooth transition and offer technical support.
Amcor’s Lifespan range is not currently suitable for composting, however the company is working towards high barrier, compostable solutions in future.
Amcor was named as a 2022 Sustainability Leader in the Australian Financial Review’s annual list.
The company offers USD 250,000 of investments to startups developing sustainable packaging solutions as part of its Lift-Off initiative.

KEY FACTS:

85%

Lifespan Performance Paper is recyclable and contains on average 85% fibre content from FSC-certified sources.

98%

Given that some food and drink brands wrap up to 98% of their products in single-use plastics, the release of microplastics can quickly add up with each package opened.

Key Questions to Ask:

What is the full composition?

Amcor discloses that Lifespan Performance Paper contains on average 85% paper fibre content, but with transparency so high on the list of consumer demands, it is likely you will want to know the full composition to be able to communicate it to your consumer.

Could your finishes hinder recycling?

Be sure to establish which printing processes will allow the final product to remain suitable for recycling at the end of its life. Some liquid toner and UV-cured inks are not suitable as they are unable to go through the de-inking process necessary for recycling.

What feedstock is used and how is it processed?

That Lifespan Performance Paper is marketed as being available in FSC-certified paper suggests there is the option for it not to be. Every detail counts for responsibility and traceability, so why not make FSC your default go-to?

Can the packaging be recycled in your market?

The paper-based product is “recyclable across the majority of EU paper streams,” which is impressive but not quite definitive. Checking consumer access to facilities and investigating recycling practices within your target market will be a must for the highest rates of recycling efficiency.

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