Amcor PET Packaging says its new Xamos barrier material will challenge many existing packs used for long-life milk and other light-sensitive dairy products.
Based on polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Xamos uses a monolayer structure to provide a light and oxygen barrier that will give UHT milk a minimum shelf-life of four months.
Marketing director Doris Schneider says: "Apart from milk, you have a lot of liquid dairy probiotics, nutrient-enriched and soy products - and those with Omega 3 - which need that kind of protection." Oxygen barrier can be tailored to meet specific needs, she adds.
Amcor puts the cost differential between Xamos and 'sandwich' layer barrier plastics at "between marginal and significant", depending on volumes and design.