Sarah Barradell
Kelpi, a UK-based materials innovation company developing seaweed-derived high-barrier coatings for paper-based packaging, today announced a new collaboration with global packaging leader, Amcor (NYSE: AMCR, ASX: AMC), to evaluate the integration of Kelpi's proprietary coating technology into Amcor's fiber-based packaging portfolio.
The partnership marks a significant step in Kelpi's mission to displace fossil fuel-based plastic packaging at scale. Kelpi's coating technology, derived from seaweed and functionalised with plant oils, is designed to deliver gas and moisture barrier performance comparable to conventional plastic coatings, while maintaining compatibility with paper recycling streams.
Working alongside Amcor's global research and development teams, Kelpi will support the evaluation of its technology platform within Amcor's AmFiber™ fiber-based solutions portfolio, targeting demanding end-use applications that require high barrier performance, efficient material use, and circularity.
“This partnership with global leader Amcor is the ideal next stage of scaling up our sustainable packaging solutions,” said Kelpi CEO Hugo Adams. “Our unique high-performance coatings and Amcor’s world-leading packaging solutions will present global brands with a leap forward in highly effective alternatives to fossil-fuel plastics.”
Peter Ettridge, Director, Research and Development – AmFiber™, Amcor said “We’re excited by the potential of Kelpi’s technology, which combines processability, gas and moisture barrier performance and paper recyclability”.
“Partnering with companies like Kelpi is a key part of how we bring new technologies into our innovation ecosystem,” said Frank Lehmann, Vice President, Corporate Venturing and Open Innovation, Amcor. “Its innovative approach to leveraging nature-sourced materials that won’t compromise packaging performance is promising, and we’re excited to explore opportunities to scale the technology within our global packaging portfolio.”
Together, Kelpi and Amcor aim to accelerate the path to commercial deployment of bio-based barrier coatings, supporting a circular economy for packaging and reducing reliance on fossil-fuel-derived materials across consumer goods sectors.