Strategic collaboration combines low-carbon polyethylene, packaging innovation and carbon footprint transparency to help brands reduce value-chain emissions without compromising packaging performance.
Amcor and Dow have announced a strategic collaboration to accelerate the adoption of low-carbon packaging solutions, helping brands and retailers advance their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets. Announced on September 17, 2026, the partnership brings together Amcor’s packaging design and manufacturing capabilities with Dow’s expertise in low-carbon polyethylene (PE), materials science and carbon footprint assessment. <Cite refs={["turn382937search0","turn382937search1"]}/>
The collaboration aims to make it easier for businesses to integrate lower-carbon materials into packaging applications while maintaining the technical performance, quality and functionality required for commercial use.
Low-Carbon Materials Without Major Packaging Redesigns
A key focus of the partnership is the use of low-carbon polyethylene in packaging solutions that can meet existing technical and design requirements. These materials are intended to provide a practical route for brands to explore emissions reductions without necessarily requiring extensive packaging redesigns or investments in new production infrastructure.
By combining material innovation with packaging development expertise, Amcor and Dow aim to identify applications that are both technically suitable and commercially viable. The companies will also engage value-chain partners early in the process to support broader adoption.
Carbon Footprint Ledger Supports Transparent Assessment
A central element of the collaboration is Dow’s Carbon Footprint Ledger (CFL) methodology, which uses mass-balance accounting principles to provide independently assured product carbon footprint information.
The methodology is aligned with internationally recognised standards, including ISO 14067 and the Greenhouse Gas Protocol Product Standard. This information is intended to help customers better understand the climate impact of their packaging choices and compare suitable low-carbon alternatives.
Greater transparency around product carbon footprints can support brands as they assess material options and work towards their Scope 3 emissions reduction targets, which cover indirect emissions across their value chains.
Addressing Scope 3 Emissions Across Packaging Value Chains
Packaging material selection can influence the overall carbon footprint of a product. However, moving towards lower-carbon alternatives often requires coordination between material suppliers, packaging manufacturers, converters and brand owners.
Through this collaboration, Amcor and Dow intend to develop a more connected commercial approach that reduces adoption barriers, strengthens demand for lower-carbon materials and supports the scaling of viable solutions across the packaging value chain.
The initiative reflects a broader industry shift towards integrating sustainability into existing packaging systems while balancing environmental objectives with product protection, operational efficiency and commercial requirements.