Amcor has opened its Winter 2025/26 Lift-Off Challenge, seeking collaborations with start-ups developing breakthrough materials and technologies for more sustainable flexible and paper-based packaging. The initiative targets what the company describes as “critical research and development priorities,” reflecting continued industry pressure to advance circularity and regulatory compliance.
The new edition builds on earlier Lift-Off rounds, which have supported partnerships in areas such as AI-driven waste analytics, reusable packaging systems and bio-based materials. Amcor said these earlier programmes helped establish a model for engaging early-stage innovators on technologies capable of scaling into commercial packaging solutions.
For the current challenge, applicants are invited to propose solutions in three areas: home-compostable adhesives for flexible packaging; high-performance compostable oxygen-barrier technologies for paper packaging; and nature-based barrier additives suitable for use in film formulation. Start-ups selected in the initial screening phase will be invited to present their technology to Amcor’s R&D teams, with potential pathways including joint development agreements and investment opportunities of up to $500,000.
Frank Lehmann, Amcor’s vice-president of corporate venturing and open innovation, said: “The Lift-Off initiative has delivered outstanding results, and we are eager to carry this success forward. With the launch of our new initiative, we reaffirm Amcor’s dedication to advancing circularity and environmental responsibility through collaboration with the brightest minds in the start-up ecosystem.”
The launch comes as Amcor continues to expand its operational footprint. In early November 2025, the company disclosed plans to increase its printing, lamination and converting capacity in North America to serve the protein packaging market. The company also reported a strong start to FY2026, with first-quarter net income rising to $262m for the period ended 30 September 2025, compared with $191m a year earlier. Net sales increased 68% year-on-year to $5.74bn at constant currency.
Amcor said the Lift-Off programme is designed to foster long-term partnerships that support commercialisation of sustainable materials and respond to escalating regulatory and consumer expectations across global packaging value chains.
