Amcor AmLite Ultra metal-free, high-barrier packaging

Transparent packaging that allows consumers to see the product inside has been a growing trend on store shelves in recent years, but products that are highly sensitive to moisture and oxygen have traditionally been packaged in opaque, aluminium-based materials.

Amcor has launched AmLite Ultra, the latest addition to the AmLite range of metal-free packaging. Using Amcor’s Ultra SiOx coating, oxygen barrier levels are comparable to that of aluminium, according to the company.

When tested to see how the materials would perform under extreme conditions, the material outperformed aluminium by 30% at 100 Gelbo-Flex cycles.

For users who want metal-free packaging but not transparency, versions are available with a white sealant layer, resulting in brighter printed colours by eliminating the grey background of metal-based materials.

The products offer environmental benefit by reducing material use, providing a 40% carbon footprint reduction and 21% weight reduction compared to standard aluminium-based materials, according to company testing. Additionally, it can help ensure product safety by allowing the use of metal detectors after packs are filled and sealed.

The packaging is suitable for a range of ambient dry food products, as well as medical and personal care products. It offers good sealing properties and a strong seal to create a variety of pack formats, including bags, stand-up pouches and spouted pouches, flow packs and sachets.