Amcor is seeking subject matter experts with experience in oxygen scavenger materials and testing to support the development and validation of next-generation scavenger systems for rigid packaging applications based on polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

Background

Oxygen scavengers are an essential tool in preserving the quality and extending the shelf life of packaged goods, particularly in food and beverage applications. Traditionally, these materials have relied on moisture-triggered or metal-based chemistries, often delivered in standalone formats like sachets or inserts. While effective, these systems can be incompatible with modern, integrated packaging workflows and may raise challenges related to recyclability, food-contact compliance, or optical sorting.

As demands for sustainability and performance increase, so does the need to revisit oxygen scavenger design from the ground up. Many legacy scavenger technologies are based on chemistries with expiring or limited patents (e.g., polybutadine, m-Xylylenediamine-bis(phthalimide), aromatic nylon with cobalt catalyst), creating opportunities to re-engineer known systems or develop entirely new formulations optimized for use within monolayer and multilayer structures.

We invite experts actively working on (or capable of developing) oxygen-reactive materials to collaborate with us in advancing next-generation oxygen scavengers that are high-performing, scalable, and compatible with recyclable polyester packaging formats.

What we're looking for

We are seeking partners with experience in the development or formulation of oxygen scavenger systems, particularly those compatible with PET-based packaging formats such as films, and rigid containers. In addition to scientific and technical expertise, ideal collaborators will have the facilities and resources needed to engage in applied development efforts, such as synthesizing materials, incorporating them into substrates, and evaluating their function under relevant packaging conditions.

Topics of interest

New or re-engineered oxygen scavenger materials compatible with PET
Oxygen-scavenging systems, including, encapsulated particles, catalyst-assisted systems, and metal–polymer composites
Scavenger materials designed for direct integration into films, or rigid packaging
Evaluation and testing of novel oxygen scavengers
High-throughput or accelerated methods for assessing scavenger performance, including kinetics and capacity

Required qualifications

Expertise in oxygen scavenger formulation and development
Experience testing oxygen scavenging performance
Ability to conduct hands-on development of new scavenger materials

Nice-to-have

We're open to experts who have experience with:

Working with scavenger integration into polymers, films, or other packaging applications
Performing scavenger kinetics and capacity modeling
Familiarity with the IP landscape of legacy scavenger technologies
Testing scavengers specifically in packaging-relevant conditions or formats
Understanding of regulatory or processing implications for barrier materials

Expert location

Accepting applications from experts based in all countries

What we can offer you

Compensation

Financial compensation is available to support expert contributions, possibly including material development, testing, or data analysis. Selected partners may have the opportunity to engage in a funded proof-of-concept study to demonstrate the viability of their approach. While final funding levels will depend on the proposed idea, project scope, and available capabilities, typical ranges may fall between $50k and $75k. Promising outcomes may lead to follow-on collaboration with additional funding based on progress and scalability.

Networking

Opportunity to gain visibility within our global innovation ecosystem and be invited to connect with internal teams and other collaborators across R&D, product development, and commercial functions.

Exposure

Projects with high impact or innovation potential may be featured in company communications, including external presentations, publications, or strategic partner showcases, subject to mutual agreement.

Expertise

Our R&D experts in materials science, barrier systems, and packaging validation will collaborate with selected partners to ensure technical alignment, guide test development, and support the interpretation of results in an industrial context.

Facilities and Services

Partners may have the opportunity to see their technologies evaluated using our in-house pilot-scale testing capabilities. In cases where specialized equipment is required, we may assist in fabricating samples or conducting industrial testing.

Compounds and Reagents

We may supply packaging-grade materials (e.g., polymer films, coated substrates, or bottle preforms) to support development, integration, or benchmarking activities.

Data

Access to our internal test data may be provided, as needed, to support model calibration, benchmark comparisons, or contextualization of results within real-world packaging applications.

Q&A with Amcor

The Q&A is now closed.

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I am particularly intested in developing materials with possible applications as oxygen scavengers. I would like to know the type of intrumentation that is required at the developmental stage?

Florence Nareetsile, Principal Investigator, University of Botswana

September 3, 2025

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