Amcor has announced customer trials of the world’s first recyclable polyethylene-based thermoform blister packaging. The new packaging is designed to meet the stringent requirements of highly specialized and regulated pharmaceutical packaging and creates a more sustainable alternative for the most in-demand healthcare packaging type. This innovation also benefits from up to 70% reduction in its carbon footprint, when compared to packaging alternatives on the market today.

AmSky eliminates PVC (PolyVinyl Chloride) from the packaging by using a polyethylene (PE) thermoform blister and lidding film. PVC can make packaging recycling more difficult or contaminate other materials if consumers attempt to recycle it. By removing PVC – whilst retaining all the benefits of pre-existing blister packaging – Amcor has created a new, recyclable solution that benefits the entire recycling process.

Amcor is currently working with several leading pharmaceutical companies to bring AmSky to market globally. The company expects AmSky to be available in the healthcare market by the second half of 2022.

Peter Konieczny, Amcor’s chief commercial officer, said, “Amcor is deploying our unique innovation capabilities to solve the biggest and most significant issues in packaging today. With AmSky, Amcor has signaled our commitment to breakthrough innovation in the healthcare space – this is why we remain the packaging partner of choice for our healthcare customers, generating close to US$ 2 bn in annual sales in this market. This new blister packaging solution will significantly enhance the ability of healthcare and pharmaceutical brands to put sustainability at the heart of their businesses.”

William Jackson, Amcor’s chief technology officer for Flexibles, said, “This exciting solution is a result of Amcor’s continued focus on advanced technology and growth, using the entire power of our global R&D network to bring recyclable solutions to our customers.”