All its packaging to be recyclable or re-usable by 2025: Amcor pledge

Amcor is the first global packaging company to pledge to develop all its packaging to be recyclable or re-usable by 2025. Simultaneously, the company is committed to increasing its use of recycled materials.

The action joins Amcor with 10 leading brands and retail companies making the same 2025 commitment, in collaboration with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation (EMF). EMF estimates that the companies, which include Coca-Cola, Unilever, Tetra Pak and Danone, together influence more than six million metric tons of plastic packaging each year.

According to Ron Delia, Amcor's chief executive officer, most of Amcor's packaging today is developed to be recyclable and re-usable, and is being designed to use less material in the first place.

"Our aspiration is to be the leading global packaging company," said Delia. "That means winning on behalf of the environment, customers, consumers, shareholders and our people at the same time, in ways that differentiate Amcor and generate growth."

Some of the biggest challenges to recyclable and re-usable packaging remain and will be overcome through leadership and innovation, in partnership with customers, suppliers, government agencies, NGOs and others according to Delia.

Speaking from the World Economic Forum in Davos, Rob Opsomer of EMF said that Amcor's pledge is notable.

"Amcor being the first global packaging company to commit to working toward 100% recyclable or re-usable packaging by 2025 is an important milestone towards creating a circular economy for plastics," said Opsomer.

"The company's commitment and expertise will be instrumental in supporting the growing group of brands and retailers that have set similar targets for themselves."

Opsomer called on other companies "to follow Amcor's lead".

Image courtesy of Amcor.