The latest news, trends, analysis, interviews and podcasts from the global food and beverage industry

Amcor has introduced an innovative 2oz retort bottle featuring proprietary StormPanel technology. This development comes in partnership with Insymmetry, addressing the increasing demand for durable, shelf-stable packaging solutions tailored for low-acid beverages such as coffee and dairy products.

The new bottle is positioned as an alternative for manufacturers seeking reliable packaging that can withstand the rigours of high-pressure retort sterilisation. This process ensures product integrity while allowing for an extended shelf life of up to 12 months without refrigeration – a critical factor for brands aiming to meet evolving consumer preferences for convenience and quality.

With the launch of the StormPanel bottle, Amcor aims to respond directly to the food and beverage industry's growing need for packaging that meets stringent safety and nutrition standards, including certifications like the Real California Milk seal. The compact design of the bottle not only caters to health-conscious consumers but also aligns with the fast-paced lifestyle of today’s market.

"At Amcor, we are committed to driving innovation that addresses the evolving needs of the food and beverage industry,” said Greg Rosati, VP of strategy and marketing of  Amcor Rigid Packaging (ARP). “Our StormPanel™ innovative packaging allows beverage brands to elevate shelf-stable, low-acid products in a compact, ready-to-use bottle.”

The retort process associated with the new bottle offers a more cost-effective and efficient alternative to traditional aseptic processing.

By reducing the need for extensive upfront equipment investments and streamlining production timelines, manufacturers can maintain product quality without compromising on operational efficiency. This capability is appealing to smaller companies looking to optimise their production processes.

Josh Cua, chief innovations officer at Insymmetry, noted the collaborative effort behind the development of this packaging solution. "Amcor’s expertise in packaging innovation enabled us to create a bottle that not only performs exceptionally in the retort environment but also aligns with growing consumer demand for preservative-free nutritional shots," he commented.

The StormPanel technology is engineered to withstand the extreme conditions of retort sterilisation, maintaining the bottle's shape and structural integrity throughout the process. This innovative design incorporates features that preserve its round shape while allowing specific areas to flex under pressure, ensuring consistent performance and reliability.

Mikey Tom, business development manager at ARP, highlighted the significance of the collaboration, stating: "This partnership showcases Amcor’s ability to combine deep industry expertise with advanced engineering to address complex challenges".

The development of the retort polypropylene bottle was marked by a close collaboration between ARP and Insymmetry. Using finite element analysis and virtual reality capabilities, the teams refined the StormPanel design to ensure optimal performance during sterilisation.

The choice of co-polymer resin and a one-step molding system further enhanced efficiency and scalability, facilitating rapid prototyping and commercialisation.