Amcor to expand PCR capabilities in Kentucky

Packaging producer Amcor PLC, Evansville, Indiana, says it plans to invest in its Nicholasville, Kentucky, facility to increase postconsumer recycled (PCR) packaging production capabilities to support its customers’ varied PCR needs.

Amcor says the “state-of-the-art” system planned for Nicholasville incorporates dedicated silos that feed multiple production lines to enable precise PCR blending, giving customers the ability to choose their optimal PCR percentage. The flexibility in PCR content—up to and including 100 percent PCR—is offered for custom and stock rigid packaging.

Amcor says the new system demonstrates its ability to optimize manufacturing processes and enable increased use of PCR material.

“Many brands look to adopt packaging that not only protects and promotes products but also aligns with sustainability goals,” says Greg Rosati, vice president, Amcor Rigid Packaging North America. “This facility gives customers more choices for the recycled content levels of their packaging and reinforces Amcor’s commitment to a circular economy.

“While the investment was made to support the specific demands of our spirits customers, there are opportunities to support customers across other segments. In addition to the spirits market, this new system will also be available to customers in the healthcare, food and home and personal care segments.”

The company says it is committed to helping customers find solutions to their evolving sustainability needs. During the 2024 fiscal year, the company’s rigid packaging business worked with customers to bring more PCR-based packaging to market, increasing its purchase of PCR polymers by more than 50,000 metric tons compared to the previous year.

“With minimum-recycled-content legislation enacted in several states—and more on the horizon—Amcor’s enhanced PCR capabilities can help brands to stay compliant, support recycling markets and contribute to a circular economy,” the company says.