AI-generated waste analytics company wins investment through Amcor Lift-Off program

London-based startup Greyparrot will receive $500,000 from the global packaging producer.

A Greyparrot worker in a yellow safety vest and a white hard hat works at a computer station in a warehouse.

Photo courtesy of Amcor

Amcor, a global packaging producer headquartered in Switzerland, has announced London-based Greyparrot as its latest Lift-Off program winner.

Greyparrot, a growth-stage startup using artificial intelligence (AI) for waste analytics, will receive a $500,000 investment and access to Amcor’s capabilities in sustainability and packaging to help scale its AI-powered waste recognition system in support of a circular economy.

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According to Amcor, Greyparrot deploys AI computer vision systems in resource recovery facilities, which monitor and sort through large waste flows at scale. The data, which is provided to waste managers, producers and regulators, provides critical insights that enable improved sorting, recycling rates and accountability throughout the waste value chain.

“Amcor’s Lift-Off program has established partnerships with a number of companies that are at the forefront of new technology that will drive sustainability in a variety of ways,” Amcor Vice President of Corporate Venturing and Open Innovation Frank Lehmann says. “We’re excited by Greyparrot’s technology to deliver valuable information on the life cycle of packaging and other waste and get a clearer understanding of the waste value chain and how we can improve.”

Greyparrot co-founder and CEO Mikela Druckman adds, “Data is vital in the effort to close the loop on circularity, from improving resource recovery to informing packaging design and regulation. Through the support of Amcor and its Lift-Off program, we’re one step closer to digitizing the waste sector, and we’re excited to be entering into a new partnership with one of the most impactful organizations in the waste value chain.”

Amcor says its Lift-Off program provides a platform for early- and growth-stage startups to present their innovative ideas within one of six focus areas: alternative barriers; smart and connected packaging; new business models; biomaterials; fiber; and recycling. All entries are assessed on the merit of their technology, business model and scalability, as well as how well they fit within Amcor’s existing operations.

Greyparrot is the fourth Lift-Off winner since the program’s inception in 2022.