Global packaging giant Amcor (ASX:AMC) has revealed plans to build two new state-of-the-art innovation centers.
The new facilities in Ghent, Belgium, and Jiangyin, China, will welcome customers as of mid-2022, with full build-out over the next two years. The total investment is expected to be approximately $35 million.
Amcor said the new centers expand the global reach of its innovation network, which currently includes flagship sites such as Neenah, Wisconsin, and Manchester, Michigan, in the US, as well as smaller sites around the world.
The broader network is also said to allow customers globally to tap into the company’s deep material science expertise and packaging development capabilities.
“Our innovation centers have already become trusted destinations for some of the world’s biggest brands as they work to improve both the sustainability of their products and the overall consumer experience,” Amcor chief commercial officer Peter Konieczny said.
“We’re excited to expand our global innovation network and remain the growth partner of choice for customers across the world.”
The new centers are also said to include differentiating features that are in high demand from customers, including:
- Immersive customer experience facilities to generate consumer insights, run co-creation sessions and conduct rapid prototyping.
- Advanced analytical and material science labs.
- Dedicated pilot manufacturing equipment.
- Packaging machinery that replicates customer operations to run trials without disruption to customer production.
- The latest packaging recycling and composting know-how across multiple materials.
“Our innovation and design centers offer customers a unique space to test new ideas and technologies across a variety of materials and formats without disrupting commercial operations,” Amcor flexibles business chief technology officer William Jackson said.
“Our customers will be able to access our innovation capabilities wherever they are in the world and benefit from a seamless transfer of expertise and knowledge across the network.”
