During the proof-of-concept phase of the project, Nfinite's coating technology will be applied to Amcor's current recyclable and compostable packaging materials
Nfinite's nanocoating improves the performance of recyclable and compostable packaging. (Credit: Amcor plc)
Packaging solutions provider Amcor has entered a joint research project agreement with Nfinite Nanotechnology to study the use of the latter’s nanocoating technology in both recyclable and compostable packaging.
During the proof-of-concept phase of the project, Nfinite’s coating technology will be applied to Amcor’s current recyclable and compostable packaging materials.
The project aims to offer an oxygen barrier to improve the performance of recyclable and compostable packaging.
Upon validation, the next phase of development will seek to ensure that the products are suitable for Amcor’s manufacturing processes.
It will also assess additional substrates like bio-based materials to create more sustainable applications, Amcor said.
Amcor Corporate Venturing and Open Innovation vice president Frank Lehmann said: “This joint research project agreement is an important step, and showcases Amcor’s solution-based commitment to sustainability and innovation.
“Collaborating with innovative start-ups like Nfinite, particularly in the early stage of this exciting new technology, is one more way we are working to advance our shared sustainability goals.”
The joint research project extends the existing partnership between Amcor and Nfinite that started last year when Nfinite was selected as an Amcor Lift-Off winner.
The venture-backed Canada-based nanotechnology company secured $250,000 as seed funding in the competition.
Nfinite Nanotechnology co-founder and CEO Chee Hau Teoh said: “We’re very pleased to have Amcor’s support in advancing our ambitions to deliver this nanocoating technology in packaging applications.
“Once scaled up, we can begin looking for pilot companies eager to leverage this technology.”
Nfinite aims to offer high-performance barrier layers for sustainable packaging to reduce plastic packaging pollution.
Its open-air nanocoating platform generates large-area, high-quality, ultrathin films at low cost, Amcor said.
In January this year, the packaging firm entered an agreement to acquire Shanghai-based medical device packaging firm MDK for an undisclosed sum to strengthen its position in the Chinese medical device packaging industry.