Turning the page on packaging waste: Amcor's AmFiber™ Performance Paper proves recyclability in Brazil

Rhea-AI Summary

Amcor (NYSE: AMCR) has successfully demonstrated that its AmFiber™ Performance Paper is recyclable in Brazil's mixed-paper recycling streams. The company partnered with MAPA S.A. consultants and local recyclers to conduct comprehensive testing of the packaging material. The study included laboratory and machine tests, evaluating material behavior during sorting, pulping, and processing stages. Brazil currently maintains a 66.9% paper recycling rate according to IBÁ. Alto Vale Celulose's testing confirmed the material's successful recycling capabilities without issues during desegregation. This development aligns with Amcor's commitment to enabling a circular economy and reducing packaging's environmental impact.

Positive

• AmFiber Performance Paper proven recyclable in Brazil's mixed-paper recycling stream, expanding sustainable packaging options
• Successfully tested and validated by independent consultants and local recyclers for real-world applications
• Compatible with existing recycling systems, requiring no additional infrastructure
• Aligns with Brazil's high paper recycling rate of 66.9%, indicating strong market potential

Negative

• None.

Insights

Sustainability and Packaging Industry Expert

Amcor proves its AmFiber™ Performance Paper is recyclable in Brazil, enhancing their sustainable packaging portfolio in a market with strong recycling infrastructure.

Amcor's announcement that its AmFiber™ Performance Paper has been verified as recyclable within Brazil's mixed-paper recycling stream represents a strategic advancement in the company's sustainable packaging portfolio. Brazil's existing 66.9% paper recycling rate provides a solid foundation for this innovation to gain traction.

The study's methodology is particularly noteworthy - Amcor partnered with independent consultants MAPA S.A. and local recyclers to conduct comprehensive testing across sorting, pulping, and processing stages. This real-world validation approach is significantly more valuable than theoretical recyclability claims that often don't translate to actual recycling systems.

From a market perspective, this development positions Amcor to capitalize on growing demand for environmentally responsible packaging solutions in Latin America. Brazil represents a strategic market with both substantial size and established recycling infrastructure. The explicit endorsement from local recycler Alto Vale Celulose adds credibility to Amcor's claims.

What makes this announcement particularly meaningful is that it addresses a fundamental challenge in sustainable packaging: creating materials that work within existing recycling infrastructure rather than requiring new systems. By ensuring AmFiber™ Performance Paper functions in Brazil's current mixed-paper stream, Amcor reduces implementation barriers for brand owners looking to improve packaging sustainability.

For Amcor shareholders, this development reinforces the company's commitment to its circular economy initiatives while potentially expanding market opportunities in Brazil's packaging sector. The innovation aligns with global sustainability trends driving packaging decisions across consumer goods industries.

Successful trials show AmFiber^TM Performance Paper can be a smart choice in Brazil's mixed-paper recycling streams

ZURICH, June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Amcor (NYSE: AMCR, ASX: AMC), a global leader in developing and producing responsible packaging solutions, announced that its AmFiber™ Performance Paper has been proven recyclable in Brazil's mixed-paper recycling stream, marking a significant step forward in more sustainable packaging innovation.

Brazil's current paper recycling rate stands at 66.9%, according to Indústria Brasileira de Árvores (IBÁ). With this in mind, Amcor posed a simple question: "What if we could enhance some packaging recyclability by shifting more packaging to AmFiber™ Performance Paper? And, what would be the impact on the paper recycling stream?" To explore this, Amcor partnered with independent consultants MAPA S.A. and local recyclers to test the impact of AmFiber™ Performance Paper on the recyclate. The results were clear: the packaging met essential recyclability standards and performed well in the mixed-paper stream.

The study surveyed the paper recycling market in Brazil, identifying restrictions and volumes for different types of paper and conducting laboratory and machine tests at recyclers, providing a comprehensive view of how the packaging performs in real-world recycling systems in Brazil. The testing included hands-on evaluations of material behavior during the sorting, pulping and processing stages.

"We were pleased to support Amcor in this important project," said Marcus Fattor, Project Director from MAPA.SA Consultoria e Análises socioambientais. "Given the challenges of packaging recycling in Brazil, verifying that this solution works in practice is a significant achievement."

Local recyclers echoed this success.

"We tested the material and had no issues recycling it. There were no problems during the desegregation step," said Joel Odorizzi, who is in charge of Development and Quality at Alto Vale Celulose Indústria, Comércio e Representação de Papel Ltda. "Tests have shown that it is possible to scale recycling within our existing systems, always observing important parameters such as packaging pigmentation."

This breakthrough reinforces Amcor's commitment to developing packaging solutions that support its broader mission of enabling a circular economy, reducing the environmental impact of packaging and protecting our future.

"Packaging plays an integral role in our lives, primarily aimed at showcasing and protecting products effectively. While this task may seem straightforward, it demands extensive science, engineering, and commitment," said Marcelo Queiroz, Vice President and General Manager, Amcor Flexibles Brazil, Amcor. "We now know that our product is recyclable within Brazil's system, so it's now about collaboration. We're offering our customers an alternative packaging that had already been evaluated in terms of recyclability."

About Amcor

Amcor is a global leader in packaging solutions for consumer and healthcare products. With industry-leading innovation capabilities, global scale and technical expertise, we help our customers grow and meet the needs of millions of consumers every day. Our teams develop responsible, more sustainable packaging in flexible and rigid formats across multiple materials. Supported by a commitment to safety, ~70,000 colleagues across ~140 countries bring our global capabilities to local customers and provide local access to global brands. Our work is guided by our purpose of elevating customers, shaping lives and protecting the future.

NYSE: AMCR; ASX: AMC www.amcor.com | LinkedIn | YouTube 

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SOURCE Amcor

FAQ

What is Amcor's AmFiber Performance Paper and how was it tested in Brazil?

AmFiber Performance Paper is Amcor's sustainable packaging solution that was tested through laboratory and machine trials in Brazil's mixed-paper recycling streams, conducted by MAPA S.A. consultants and local recyclers.

What is the current paper recycling rate in Brazil where AMCR tested its product?

According to Indústria Brasileira de Árvores (IBÁ), Brazil's current paper recycling rate stands at 66.9%.

How did Alto Vale Celulose's testing of AMCR's AmFiber Performance Paper turn out?

Alto Vale Celulose reported successful testing with no issues during the desegregation step, confirming the material can be recycled within their existing systems.

What is the significance of AmFiber Performance Paper's recyclability for Amcor (AMCR)?

The recyclability validation represents a significant advancement in sustainable packaging innovation and supports Amcor's mission of enabling a circular economy and reducing environmental impact.

What testing process did AMCR use to verify AmFiber Performance Paper's recyclability?

The testing included comprehensive market surveys, laboratory and machine tests, and hands-on evaluations of material behavior during sorting, pulping, and processing stages in real-world recycling systems.