Amcor’s AmSky blister packaging system has received the Association of Plastics Recyclers (APR) Critical Guidance Recognition for the flexible PE film recycling stream.
The AmSky Recyclable Blister Packaging System offers pharmaceutical and nutraceutical companies a packaging solution to replace traditional PVC/aluminium foil blister packages, which now is compatible with the PE film recycling stream.
PVC has been singled out by the US Plastics Pact and other organisations as a problematic and unnecessary material, and is targeted for elimination by 2025.
According to Amcor, AmSky blister packages offer a no-compromise alternative for companies targeting sustainability commitments made to their customers and shareholders.
Amcor’s ASSET Life Cycle Assessment Tool also estimates that AmSky reduces greenhouse gas emissions over typical PVC/aluminium foil-based blister packages by more than 50 per cent.
The blister packaging system meets regulatory requirements, moisture barrier performance, and provides the same push-through opening feature that consumers, patients and caregivers already know how to use.
AmSky has also been shown to process well on existing blister packaging machines with minimal adjustments to operating parameters.
“Since its inception, the APR Design Recognition Program has recognised many companies for innovations that have collectively improved plastic recycling feedstocks,” the Association said.
“Every year, new innovations are recognised, and most of these are now commercially available and widely used by converters and brands helping to create a circular economy for plastic packaging.”
A Review Committee, appointed per the APR Recognition Operating Procedures, concluded that the AmSky blister packs meet or exceeded the most challenging test conditions and strictest APR Critical Guidance criteria.
According to Amcor, no other pharmaceutical/nutraceutical blister packaging system is known to have received APR Critical Guidance Recognition.
“While we are proud of the AmSky solution we are offering the market today, and it is just one healthcare-based packaging platform out of many that we have designed or are in the process of designing to be recycle-ready,” said William Jackson, Amcor’s chief technology officer.
“We want our healthcare customers to be able to make broad sustainability-based upgrades across their brands.”
Amcor will be showcasing AmSky in a series of packaging machine demonstrations at the upcoming Pack Expo Exhibition held in Chicago on 23-26 October.
