The new innovation centres, scheduled to be operational in mid-2022, will also enter into expansion phases in 2023
Amcor is set to build new innovation centres in Belgium and China. (Credit: Amcor plc)
Packaging company Amcor has unveiled plans to construct two new innovation centres in Belgium and China to expand its global network.
The company will invest up to $35m to build new innovation centres in Ghent, Belgium and Jiangyin, China.
The new innovation centres, scheduled to be operational in mid-2022, will also enter into expansion phases in 2023.
Amcor said that the new facilities will expand the global presence of the company’s innovation network, which consists of sites in Neenah, Wisconsin and Manchester, Michigan as well as smaller sites across the world.
The wider network will enable customers across the globe to access Amcor’s material science expertise and packaging development capabilities.
Amcor chief commercial officer Peter Konieczny said: “Our innovation centres have already become trusted destinations for some of the world’s biggest brands as they work to improve both the sustainability of their products and the overall consumer experience.
“We’re excited to expand our global innovation network and remain the growth partner of choice for customers across the world.”
The new locations will feature customer experience facilities to generate consumer insights, run co-creation sessions and conduct rapid prototyping.
They will also include advanced analytical and material science labs and dedicated pilot manufacturing equipment.
The centres will also feature packaging machinery, which replicates customer operations to run trials without disruption to customer production.
In addition, the innovation centres will use the latest packaging recycling and composting know-how across multiple materials.
Amcor flexible business chief technology officer William Jackson said: “Our innovation and design centres offer customers a unique space to test new ideas and technologies across a variety of materials and formats without disrupting commercial operations.
“Our customers will be able to access our innovation capabilities wherever they are in the world and benefit from a seamless transfer of expertise and knowledge across the network.”