- Innovative packaging start-ups invited to apply and
pitch for seed funding
- Amcor offering US$250,000
investment to winners
ZURICH, April 6, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Amcor (NYSE:
AMCR) (ASX: AMC), a global leader in developing and producing
responsible packaging solutions, today announced the launch of
Amcor Lift-Off, an open-call initiative aimed at supporting seed
stage start-ups that are focused on innovative packaging solutions
and related technologies. Amcor Lift-Off offers these start-ups a
chance to secure an investment of US$250,000, as well as operational guidance, to
take their ideas to the next level.
Amcor is looking to partner with innovative leaders that are
working to create more sustainable packaging solutions, new
packaging technologies or have developed a new business model.
Applicants must be innovating in at least one of six strategic
areas to apply: recycling systems, alternative barriers,
paper-based solutions, smart and connected packaging, biomaterials,
or new industry business models. Incorporated companies from around
the world can apply for free, regardless of whether they have
raised funds before.
The Amcor Lift-Off program will proceed in three phases:
- Applications will be open online until May 15, 2022*
- Applicants will then be screened and shortlisted, with up to 20
start-ups invited for a first call to pitch their ideas
- Five final start-ups will be invited to pitch on a first
Lift-Off day toward the end of June before a team of senior Amcor
leaders.
Based on the ideas pitched, each of the five finalists could
receive US$250,000 in the form of a
convertible loan as well as Amcor support and resources to refine
their products, build partnerships and scale across geographies.
Companies interested are invited to apply here:
Frank Lehmann, Vice President
Corporate Venturing and Open Innovation at Amcor,
commented: "As the global diversified packaging leader,
Amcor is a firm believer in investing and developing early stage,
cutting-edge innovation around sustainability and digitization for
the packaging industry. We look forward to establishing an
ecosystem of start-ups to complement and amplify Amcor's growth
agenda and to further raise the bar and expectations on what can be
achieved through innovative and more sustainable packaging. Amcor
Lift-Off is just another example of how for 160 years Amcor has
originated and supported industry-wide innovation – wherever and
whenever it may originate.
"Our customers, and their consumers, want packaging solutions
to evolve in line with societal expectations around sustainability,
transparency and traceability – these solutions are the next
generation of packaging and Amcor is bringing them to the
forefront."
Amcor's corporate venturing work is focused on investing in
innovative businesses and more sustainable packaging solutions to
drive long-term growth. Earlier this year, Amcor announced a
strategic investment in PragmatIC Semiconductor, a world leader in
ultra, low-cost electronics which can be embedded into packaging.
This followed an earlier investment in ePac Flexible Packaging in
2021.
*Applications received after May 15,
2022, will be considered for a second Amcor Lift-Off event
in November 2022.
About Amcor
Amcor is a global leader in developing and producing responsible
packaging for food, beverage, pharmaceutical, medical, home and
personal-care, and other products. Amcor works with leading
companies around the world to protect their products and the people
who rely on them, differentiate brands, and improve supply chains
through a range of flexible and rigid packaging, specialty cartons,
closures and services. The Company is focused on making packaging
that is increasingly light-weighted, recyclable and reusable, and
made using an increasing amount of recycled content. Around 46,000
Amcor people generate $13 billion in
annual sales from operations that span about 225 locations in
40-plus countries.