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Amcor Lift-Off Winter 2025/26 Challenge: A Step Towards Sustainable Packaging

Amcor, a prominent name in responsible packaging solutions, has recently announced its Lift-Off Winter 2025/26 Challenge. This initiative is set to invite innovative start-ups from around the globe to collaborate on groundbreaking solutions aimed at enhancing sustainable packaging. The challenge underscores Amcor's dedication to advancing circularity in packaging and is a vital part of its commitment to open innovation.

Focus Areas and Objectives

The Lift-Off Challenge will zero in on several critical research and development priorities within the realm of flexible and paper-based packaging. Amcor encourages participating start-ups to submit innovative solutions in three key areas:

1. Home-compostable adhesives: These adhesives need to be certified home-compostable, offering robust bond strength while being compliant with regulations and suitable for use with paper and compostable substrates.

2. High-performance compostable oxygen transmission rate (OTR) barriers: Participants are to develop solutions that ensure excellent oxygen protection for paper packaging, meeting stringent sustainability and regulatory standards, and can be applied via dispersion coating.

3. Nature-based barrier additives for film formulation: The challenge seeks compostable additives that significantly improve oxygen, moisture, and grease resistance in packaging films, ideally sourced from natural products and scalable for practical use in the market.

Challenge Structure

The Amcor Lift-Off Winter 2025/26 Challenge will unfold in three distinct phases:

• - Applications are open online until December 12, 2025 (2359 CET).
• - Screening and feedback will take place through December 19, 2025.
• - Pitching day is scheduled for January 13, 2026, and will be conducted virtually.

Noticeably, any incorporated companies with a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) exceeding five are welcome to apply, irrespective of their previous funding experiences. Chosen start-ups will be invited to showcase their technologies to Amcor's research and development team, providing them a chance to secure collaborative development opportunities, along with potential investments reaching up to $500,000.

Championing Circularity & Environmental Responsibility

Frank Lehmann, Amcor's Vice President of Corporate Venturing and Open Innovation, expressed pride in leading the charge towards circularity through innovative, sustainable solutions. "The Lift-Off initiative has delivered exceptional results in the past, and we look forward to continuing this success," he stated. With this new challenge, Amcor reaffirm its commitment to empowering the brightest minds within the start-up community to develop lasting solutions to the pressing issues surrounding packaging.

About Amcor

Amcor stands as a global leader with a focus on responsible consumer packaging and dispensing solutions that span a multitude of materials dedicated to categories like nutrition, health, beauty, and wellness. The company prides itself on its ability to tackle packaging challenges worldwide, delivering a range of sustainable, functional, and attractive packaging options encompassing flexible packaging, rigid containers, cartons, and closures. Supported by a workforce of over 75,000 employees, Amcor generates an annual revenue of $23 billion across operations in over 400 locations in more than 40 countries. The essence of Amcor’s operations revolves around its purpose: elevating customers, impacting lives, and safeguarding the environment for future generations. For more information regarding Amcor Lift-Off and the Winter 2025/26 Challenge, or to submit your application at no cost, please visit Amcor Ventures.