Amcor Lift-Off is an open-call initiative that supports seed-stage start-ups developing innovative packaging solutions and related technologies. Through the initiative, startups have the chance to secure funding, collaborate on R&D, or launch a commercial pilot with Amcor.
Amcor is the global leader in developing and producing responsible consumer packaging for nutrition, health, beauty, and wellness categories. The Amcor Lift-Off latest Winter 2025/26 Challenge has just been launched and is now accepting applications.
If you are a startup, apply now for the chance to gain exposure within Amcor and win funding and other support to bring your idea to the next level!
As a global leader in design, innovation, and manufacturing, Amcor has approximately 1’500 R&D experts who are innovating new materials, formats, and technologies to help customers grow and meet the needs of millions of consumers every day. Amcor operates 10 innovation centers around the world, including:
- Ghent, Belgium — where they coordinate global R&D efforts to manufacture increasingly sustainable flexible packaging.
- Evansville, Indiana, USA — where Amcor experts work with customers to design, engineer, prototype, and test flexible and rigid packaging.
- Neenah, Wisconsin, USA — where Amcor accelerates packaging ideas from concept to commercialization with collaboration, rapid prototyping, and hands-on research.
This extensive, global R&D infrastructure enables Amcor to rapidly evaluate, test, and scale emerging solutions from promising startups.
Why Should You Apply for the Amcor Lift-Off Challenge?
- Exposure to Amcor’s Senior R&D Leaders: Selected applicants will present directly to Amcor’s global innovation and R&D leadership team — offering unparalleled access and visibility.
- Joint Development & Collaboration: Selected companies can secure collaboration with Amcor’s technical teams to mature, test, and scale their solutions across active R&D projects.
- Potential Funding Support: Amcor may explore equity investment of up to USD 500K, depending on strategic fit and technology maturity.
- Access to Amcor’s Global Network: Startups can gain access to Amcor specialists, technical guidance, and potential commercial pathways — including sourcing, R&D cooperation, and long-term partnerships.
“As a global leader in packaging, we are proud to champion circularity through innovative and more sustainable solutions. The Amcor Lift-Off initiative has delivered outstanding results, and we are eager to carry this success forward. With the launch of our new initiative, we reaffirm Amcor’s dedication to advancing circularity and environmental responsibility through collaboration with the brightest minds in the start-up ecosystem.”
– Frank Lehmann, Amcor’s Vice President of Corporate Venturing & Open Innovation
Are You a Good Fit for the Amcor Lift-Off Challenge?
The Amcor Lift-Off Winter 2025/26 Challenge focuses on three critical innovation areas shaping the future of recycle-ready and compostable packaging. Startups are encouraged to submit solutions addressing one of the following:
1. Home-Compostable Adhesives
Solutions include adhesives for flexible packaging that:
- Are certified home-compostable
- Deliver strong bond performance
- Comply with regulatory requirements
- Are compatible with paper and other compostable substrates
2. High-Performance Compostable OTR Barriers
Amcor is seeking advanced barrier technologies for paper-based packaging that:
- Offer excellent oxygen transmission rate (OTR) protection for paper packaging
- Are suitable for dispersion coating
- Meet sustainability and regulatory standards
3. Nature-Based Barrier Additives for Film Formulation
Additives should be:
- Preferably derived from natural sources
- Compostable and scalable
- Capable of boosting oxygen, grease, and moisture resistance
Challenge Structure and Timeline
Amcor Lift-Off Winter 2025/26 Challenge features a three-phase process:
- Application deadline: December 12, 2025 (24:59 CET)
- Screening and feedback: Until December 19, 2025
- Pitch Day: January 13, 2026 (virtual)
Startups must be incorporated and at TRL 5+, with technologies mature enough for testing and validation. Both early-stage and growth-stage companies are encouraged to apply.
Successful applicants will pitch directly to Amcor’s R&D experts for the opportunity to secure technical collaboration or investment.
Building on a Successful Track Record of Amcor Lift-Off Challenges
Launched in April 2022, Amcor Lift-Off targets breakthrough, state-of-the-art technologies that further advance Amcor’s goal to make the future of packaging more sustainable.
circolution, one of the winners of the 2022 edition, is a provider of reusable packaging solutions for pre-packed retail products. In addition to supplying high-quality containers, they also offer comprehensive reverse logistics activities and data to measure economic and ecological performance.
“We are delighted to be in a position to support circolution at this early stage and see great synergies with both our existing products and other investments as we work toward a circular system for packaging. Amcor is passionate about supporting the development of a circular economy, and innovation is essential to achieving our goals. Collaboration and investment drive progress and it is this ethos that led to the formation of the Amcor Lift-Off initiative. Our team continues to discover the most impressive innovative startups across the industry, and we look forward to seeing what fruits this latest partnership will bear.”
– Frank Lehmann, Amcor’s Vice President of Corporate Venturing & Open Innovation
Amcor provided the lid-sealing solution for circolution’s first product in the coffee, cacao and powder sector, launched in 2022, using Amcor’s recycle-ready AmFoil and AluFix peelable can lidding.
Co-founder of circolution, Alessandro Marchiaro, said, “We are very happy to win Amcor as the first ticket in our funding round. After having successfully launched in 2022, and begun to scale up our operations, Amcor’s expertise and funding will be invaluable. We’re excited to take this important step.”
circolution is the third company to secure funding through Amcor’s Lift-Off initiative. In 2023, Amcor announced seed funding for:
- Nfinite Nanotechnology – an advanced materials company that leverages smart nanocoatings to make packaging recycle ready and compostable.
- Bloom Biorenewables – chemical and biomaterials company that converts plant waste into chemicals used in packaging.
- Greyparrot – the company uses AI waste analytics to unlock a new understanding of discarded resources called waste intelligence.
Become the Next Amcor Lift-Off Success Story
So, what are you waiting for? Be the next on the list of Amcor’s Lift-Off winners!
Grab a chance to collaborate directly with Amcor’s global R&D teams and accelerate your packaging technology toward real-world impact.
Click here to visit Amcor’s website and apply for the Amcor Lift-Off Winter 2025/26 Challenge today!
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