Amcor is making a major move, significantly boosting its North American production of flexible packaging, a decision that could reshape the protein market. This expansion, announced on Tuesday, November 12, 2025, involves a substantial investment in new equipment, slated for installation through the first half of 2026. This initiative underscores Amcor's commitment to growth and innovation in the packaging sector.
The company is focusing on enhancing its printing, lamination, and converting capabilities specifically for the protein market. While the exact financial scale of this investment remains undisclosed, it's clear that it represents a significant commitment.
Globally, flexible packaging is a cornerstone of Amcor's business, accounting for over half of its sales. In the most recent quarter, this segment generated approximately $3.26 billion in net sales. This investment will support the expansion of Amcor's AmPrima line of packaging offerings, which currently includes polyethylene pouches, bags, and other formats.
"This investment reflects Amcor’s long-term strategy for growth in the protein market and our continued leadership in developing the next generation of high-performance and sustainable packaging," stated Scott Fallon, Global Vice President and General Manager of Amcor Flexibles protein division. Protein is one of Amcor's six high-growth, high-margin focus categories, which collectively make up half of its core portfolio.
Amcor is also emphasizing the sustainability of its packaging. The company designs its AmPrima packages to be "recycle-ready." In its recently released fiscal year 2025 sustainability report, Amcor noted that about half of its flexible packaging production by weight was recycle-ready. This means the packaging is designed to be recycled using current technologies, even if the infrastructure for collection, sorting, and recycling isn't yet widely available.
An example highlighted in the report is Amcor's work with Canadian dairy company Agropuron. By switching from a paperboard overpack to a flexible flow wrap for its premium cheddar cheese, Amcor achieved an 82% reduction in package weight. This, in turn, dramatically lowered material usage, greenhouse gas emissions, and supply chain costs.
But here's where it gets controversial... During Amcor's November 5 earnings call, CEO Peter Konieczny noted that while cheese has been a strong performer in the North American protein market, meat has faced some challenges. He attributed this, in part, to consumers' "value-conscious behavior."
And this is the part most people miss... As Amcor focuses on growth in flexible packaging, it could lead to a shift in its North American rigid packaging footprint. The company is still considering whether to sell its North American beverage business.
What are your thoughts on Amcor's strategic shift? Do you see this as a positive move for the future of packaging? Share your opinions in the comments below!
