Amcor joins forces with Kelpi to push bio-based barrier coatings for fiber packaging
By: IPP Bureau
Last updated : July 07, 2026 7:57 pm
The initiative aligns with Amcor’s broader innovation strategy under its AmFiber platform
Amcor has entered a strategic collaboration with UK startup Kelpi to accelerate the development of next-generation barrier materials for fiber-based packaging, aiming to boost both performance and sustainability.
The partnership will see Amcor’s research and development teams evaluate Kelpi’s proprietary coating platform—a bio-based seaweed-derived material designed to deliver strong barrier protection while remaining compatible with recycling streams used in fiber packaging.
The initiative aligns with Amcor’s broader innovation strategy under its AmFiber platform, which is focused on advancing fiber-based solutions that can meet demanding commercial requirements such as high-speed production, strong barrier performance, and improved circularity.
The companies also point to the potential environmental upside of replacing fossil fuel-based inputs with renewable, bio-based alternatives that could help reduce overall carbon impact.
“This collaboration reflects how we are advancing our material innovation pipeline, and it supports the Ellen MacArthur Foundation’s call for accelerated innovation in paper-based flexible packaging,” said Peter Ettridge, Director, Research and Development, AmFiber, Amcor.
“We’re excited by the potential of Kelpi’s technology, which combines processability, gas and moisture barrier performance, and paper recyclability.”
The move also underscores Amcor’s push to open its innovation ecosystem to external technologies with commercial promise. The company says partnerships like this are central to how it identifies scalable packaging breakthroughs.
“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.”