The AmFiber Performance Paper range is used for a variety of applications including sachets for dry food mixes, food bar wrappers, as well as for aqueous products such as home and personal care.

“The European patent recognises AmFiber Performance Paper’s innovative barrier materials and patterned sealable material, which provides a unique combination of functional attributes for paper-based packaging,” Amcor stated.

“We use unique properties to control oxygen and moisture barriers and maintain grease resistance. The result is no compromise on product performance.”

The range has a thin film barrier and sealant that is Polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC)-free.

Amcor said that tests had shown that AmFiber materials surpassed an 80% recovered fibre threshold, which makes it recyclable in “most of the world’s paper streams”.

Ilya Syshchikov, vice president of Amcor Global Product Management for AmFiber commented: “With its superior barrier properties, high performance and excellent runnability, AmFiber Performance Paper is an ideal choice for brands across the globe seeking recyclable paper-based packaging solutions.

Syshchikov said that receiving the European patent recognised Amcor’s work in developing paper-based packaging, and “an important step toward creating a circular economy”.

Amcor also noted that the material was designed to run well on existing production lines, and had the potential help brand owners comply with Extended Producer Responsibility obligations for packaging waste, as well as plastic taxes.

As part of the group's sustainability goals, in January 2018 Amcor pledged to make all of its packaging recycable or reusable by 2025. 

The $13.6bn (£10.6bn) turnover, Zurich-headquartered group employs around 41,000 people worldwide, and has sites in 40 countries including the UK.