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Amcor will open a new innovation centre in the US, focused on home and personal care brands.

The site in New Albany, Ohio, will deliver what Sean Kharche, vice-president of Amcor’s home and personal care market, describes as award-winning design expertise; rapid prototyping; product sampling; and testing capabilities.

“Our customers want innovation and speed to market and we have responded by providing one-stop access to Amcor’s industry-leading capabilities in Ohio. The goal is to help our customers develop products with unprecedented flexibility and speed,” he said.

A cross-functional team of designers, engineers, and technical specialists at the innovation centre will work with customers on their product concepts; customers will also be able to access products such as barrier technologies, e-commerce, PCR, and sustainable solutions. The centre will combat what Amcor calls the ‘sea of sameness’ in consumer brand packaging.

Amcor this year closed a $A9.2bn merger deal with US-based packaging giant Bemis, expanding its footprint in North America.

Food & Drink Business

The Senate Economics Committee has rejected the Food Donations Bill that proposed a tax offset for companies donating excess food to food relief agencies rather than dumping it. While the bill had the potential to deliver the equivalent of 100 million meals to food relief organisations, the committee said it had “serious concerns” including the bill’s “generous” tax concessions. Food relief agencies and social welfare organisations have questioned the committee’s decision to reject the bill outright rather than make recommendations for amendments.  

The winners of the 62nd annual Australian Export Awards were announced in Canberra yesterday, featuring three winners from the food sector – including dessert manufacturer Frosty Boy Global, in the Agribusiness, Food and Beverages category.

Mondelēz International has appointed Toby Smith as President Japan, Australia and New Zealand, with the incumbent, Darren O’Brien, appointed Global Chief Corporate and Government Affairs officer.