Amcor Lift-Off initiative now accepting applications in three areas--paper packaging, AI in manufacturing, new business models beyond packaging; early-stage winners receive US$250,000 investment, growth-stage start-up winners receive up to US$500,000

ZURICH, April 24, 2024 – Amcor (NYSE: AMCR, ASX:AMC), a global leader in developing and producing responsible packaging solutions, announced today the latest edition of Amcor Lift-Off, an open-call initiative aimed at supporting early-stage start-ups that are focused on innovative packaging solutions and associated technologies.

Winners of the Amcor Lift-Off initiative receive an investment of $250,000 for early-stage, and up to $500,000 for growth-stage start-ups, as well as an opportunity to connect with senior Amcor leaders and support from Amcor’s internal and external networks. In this edition of the competition, applicants will present their cutting-edge ideas focused on three key areas:

• Paper-based packaging solutions – Focusing on both substrates and high-barrier solutions for paper-based primary packaging in food, beverages and pharmaceuticals

• AI in manufacturing – Solutions that can help optimize manufacturing processes using machine-learning solutions, such as networks of production sites, predictive maintenance, etc.

• New business models beyond packaging – Innovations in areas outside of packaging that leverage technologies used during the converting process, such as high-barrier films, vacuum deposition, printing, etc.

“As a global packaging leader, we can make an impact on the future of packaging by sharing our knowledge and network with the best early-stage innovators. We have a real opportunity to advance the scale and impact of these emerging technologies, which can lead all of us to better, more sustainable outcomes,” said Frank Lehmann, Vice President Corporate Venturing and Open Innovation at Amcor. “Through Amcor’s Lift-Off program, we have been able to cultivate partnerships with a number of next-generation innovators who are helping shape how we look at packaging.”

Past Lift-Off winners deliver a range of new technologies, and include: the nanocoating technology of Nfinite NanotechnologyBloom Biorenewables’ conversion of plant waste to chemicals; circolution, which delivers smart reusable packaging; and, Greyparrot’s AI-powered waste recognition system.

Learn more and apply to Amcor’s Lift-Off program and Amcor’s corporate venturing.