Amcor Capsules, a leading manufacturer of wine and spirits closures, has announced a significant shift towards sustainable packaging.

The company is now incorporating more than 90% recycled tin content into its premium tin capsules and sparkling foils.

By sourcing recycled tin from end-of-life products such as car parts and statues, Amcor Capsules is reducing its environmental impact and contributing to a more circular economy.

The switch to recycled materials has been effective since mid-April 2024.

Importantly, the company said this change does not affect the production process, lead times, or quality of the final product, ensuring a seamless transition for Amcor Capsules' customers.

This strategic shift boasts impressive environmental benefits. Specifically, Amcor Capsules estimates a reduction in carbon emissions of up to 70% (cradle-to-gate) for its products.

Additionally, the company's tin capsules are set to achieve a certified greenhouse gas emission level of 1.6 tons (t) of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e) per tonne of tin, a significant improvement over the global average of 6.6 tonnes.

Amcor Capsules also highlighted the recyclability of its tin products.

The company has received certification from Cyclos-HTP, an independent third party, confirming a recyclability rate of 99% in regions with established glass and metal recycling streams.

Even in areas with limited metal sorting capabilities, the recyclability rate remains at 60%.

This shift towards recycled materials addresses a growing demand within the wine and spirits market: high-quality tin capsules that prioritise sustainability without compromising on design.

“This strategic shift means that our customers benefit from the same premium caps and sparkling foils, but with a more sustainable profile that supports their own environmental targets,” said Bertrand Daru, sustainability director for Amcor Capsules.

Amcor customers, including Scott Laboratories, applauded the initiative: “We are proud to partner with companies such as Amcor Capsules, making our products a clear choice for customers who share the same conscience about sustainability as us,” said Chris Holman, general manager of cork and packaging at Scott Laboratories.

“With Scott Labs offering the best-in-class packaging solutions, Amcor Capsules’ product helps our customers to reach their sustainability goals. It’s a win-win!”

This move aligns with the broader sustainability goals of Amcor Group, which has pledged to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and design all its products to be recyclable, reusable, or compostable by 2025.