Amcor partners with Kelpi to advance bio-based barrier coating technology
Last update on Jul 3, 2026
Coatings formulators working on fiber-based packaging can now follow the development of a new bio-based barrier coating, following a collaboration announced by Amcor and U.K.-based startup Kelpi. The two companies are exploring next-generation coating technologies intended to improve the performance and sustainability of packaging materials.
You can review 770+ bio-based grades directly in the Master Catalog of Coatings >>
Amcor's research and development teams are evaluating Kelpi's proprietary coating technology platform, a bio-based1 seaweed material designed to deliver barrier performance and compatibility with recycling streams for fiber-based packaging. The partnership supports Amcor's broader innovation strategy, which is focused on identifying and advancing solutions that enable more sustainable packaging while maintaining functional performance standards.
Seaweed-based coating for recyclability
Formulators assessing fiber-based packaging materials can review a coating platform built from a bio-based seaweed material. According to Amcor, the technology is designed to deliver barrier performance while remaining compatible with recycling streams, a combination relevant to specifiers working toward paper-based, recyclable formats.
By evaluating this bio-based coating technology, Amcor aims to expand the options available within its AmFiber™ fiber-based solutions platform, targeting requirements such as barrier performance, high running speed, and circularity. According to Amcor, potential benefits of bio-based coatings of this type include reduced reliance on fossil fuel-derived feedstocks and greater use of renewable resources, which may contribute to a lower carbon footprint.
"This collaboration reflects how we are advancing our material innovation pipeline, and it supports the Ellen MacArthur Foundation's call for accelerated innovation in paper-based flexible packaging," said Peter Ettridge, director, research and development, AmFiber™, Amcor. "We're excited by the potential of Kelpi's technology, which combines processability, gas and moisture barrier performance, and paper recyclability."
Learn how to formulate coatings with barrier properties? Read on >>
"Partnering with companies like Kelpi is a key part of how we bring new technologies into our innovation ecosystem," said Frank Lehmann, vice president, corporate venturing and open innovation, Amcor. "Its innovative approach to leveraging nature-sourced materials that won't compromise packaging performance is promising, and we're excited to explore opportunities to scale the technology within our global packaging portfolio."
By combining Kelpi's technology with Amcor's global research and development capabilities and scale, the two companies aim to evaluate commercially viable, scalable solutions for customers across various consumer goods sectors, in support of a circular economy for packaging.
1Based on Dec. 2024 Measurelabs biogenic carbon testing report.
Image Credits: Amcor