Amcor has partnered with UK start-up Kelpi to evaluate a seaweed-based barrier coating for use in recyclable fiber packaging, as the global packaging company seeks to expand its AmFiber portfolio with renewable material solutions.
The collaboration will assess the commercial viability, scalability and performance of Kelpi’s bio-based coating, as well as its compatibility with existing paper recycling streams. The companies aim to determine whether the technology can deliver the barrier properties required for food and consumer packaging while maintaining recyclability and manufacturing efficiency.
“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 of R&D, AmFiber, at Amcor. “Kelpi’s technology combines processability, gas and moisture barrier performance, and paper recyclability.”
According to Amcor, incorporating Kelpi’s coating could reduce dependence on fossil-derived polymers by replacing conventional barrier materials with a renewable alternative derived from seaweed. The company also sees potential for lowering the carbon footprint of fiber-based packaging while preserving the high production speeds required for commercial applications.
The partnership comes as packaging producers continue to explore bio-based coatings that can replace polymer barriers, which often complicate recycling. Although numerous renewable alternatives have emerged in recent years, many have struggled to achieve widespread commercial adoption because of performance limitations and cost competitiveness.
“Partnering with companies like Kelpi is a key part of how we bring new technologies into our innovation ecosystem,” said Frank Lehmann, VP Corporate Venturing and Open Innovation at Amcor. “Its innovative approach to leveraging nature-sourced materials that won’t compromise packaging performance is promising, and we’ll explore opportunities to scale the technology within our global packaging portfolio.”
Kelpi has previously collaborated with Mondi and UK manufacturer Guardpack to conduct early-stage trials of seaweed- and paper-based materials for sachet packaging.
The announcement reflects growing industry investment in renewable barrier technologies as packaging manufacturers respond to tightening sustainability regulations and increasing demand for recyclable fiber-based alternatives to conventional plastic-coated packaging.
