Amcor Explained

Amcor plc
Type:Public
Founded: in Melbourne, Australia
Hq Location:Zürich, Switzerland
Key People:Peter Konieczny, Interim Chief Executive Officer
Industry:Packaging
Products:Packaging
Revenue: (2024)
Operating Income: (2024)
Net Income: (2024)
Assets: (2024)
Equity: (2024)
Num Employees: (2024)
Footnotes:Financials .[1]

Amcor plc is a global packaging company. It develops and produces flexible packaging,[2] rigid containers, specialty cartons,[3] closures and services for food, beverage, pharmaceutical, medical-device, home and personal-care,[4] and other products.[5]

The company originated in paper milling businesses established in and around Melbourne, Australia, during the 1860s which were consolidated as the Australian Paper Mills Company Pty Ltd, in 1896.

Amcor is a dual-listed company, being listed on the Australian Securities Exchange and New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: AMCR)., the company employed 41,000 people and generated US$13.6 billion in sales from operations in some 212 locations in over 40 countries.

Reflecting its global status, Amcor is included in several international stock market indices, including the Dow Jones Sustainability Index, CDP Climate Disclosure Leadership Index (Australia), the MSCI Global Sustainability Index, the Ethibel Excellence Investment Register, and the FTSE4Good Index Series.

Structure

Amcor has two reporting segments: Flexibles Packaging and Rigid Plastics.[6]

Flexibles Packaging develops and supplies flexible packaging and specialty folding cartons. It has four business units: Flexibles Europe, Middle East and Africa; Flexibles Americas; Flexibles Asia Pacific; and Specialty Cartons.[7]

Rigid Plastics is one of the world's largest suppliers of rigid plastic packaging.[8] It has four business units: North America Beverages; North America Specialty Containers; Latin America; and Bericap Closures.

History

Australian Paper Manufacturers was renamed Amcor Limited in 1986. Previously, the company manufactured pulp paper and paperboard products, along with metal can and flexible packaging.[9]

The printing paper divisions were spun-off into a new company, named Paperlinx, in April 2000. This demerger was intended to enable Amcor to focus on global packaging.[10]

Amcor's 45 percent interest in Kimberly-Clark Australia, a tissue and personal-care products company, was divested in June 2002.[11]

Mergers and acquisitions

In July 2002, Amcor acquired the rigid packaging and closures businesses of Schmalbach-Lubeca, headquartered in Ratingen, Germany.[12] This acquisition, at a cost of around $2.875 billion, made Amcor the largest manufacturer of PET (Polyethylene terephthalate) containers, globally.[13]

In 2007, Amcor sold its European PET business to La Seda, a Spain-based manufacturer.[14]

In February 2008, Amcor announced the construction of a 400,000-tonnes per annum recycled paper mill located at its existing paper mill in Botany, New South Wales.[15] The 'B9' paper machine, so named as it was the ninth paper machine to operate at the Botany Mill, was commissioned in 2012 and was officially opened by the Premier of New South Wales, Barry O'Farrell, on 1 February 2013. The B9 paper machine produced enough paper to fulfill the company's Australasian paper requirements, and as a result, Amcor's other recycled paper mill in Fairfield, Victoria, closed in late 2012.

In 2010, Amcor completed the acquisition of Alcan's food (Europe and Asia) and global pharmaceutical and tobacco businesses from Rio Tinto for US$2.03 billion.[16]

In 2011, Amcor acquired Marfred Industries, one of the largest independently owned packaging manufacturers and distributors in the United States.[17]

In 2012, Amcor acquired the business assets of Carter & Associates, a major distributor of Amcor glass wine, champagne and spirit bottles in New Zealand.[18]

In 2012, Amcor acquired the Aperio Group packaging company, adding further capability in Australia, New Zealand and Thailand. This company also acquired Uniglobe Packaging, a business based in Daman, north of Mumbai, India, in the same year.[19]

In December 2013, Amcor demerged its Australasia and Packaging Distribution (AAPD) business into a separate company called Orora, which is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange.[20] The spin-off allowed Amcor to focus on making flexible- and rigid-plastic packaging and tobacco packaging, mostly for overseas markets.

In 2015, Amcor's chairman, Graeme Liebelt, advised that Ken MacKenzie would retire as CEO effective 17 April 2015 and would be succeeded by Ron Delia.[21]

In July 2015, Nampak Flexibles, a flexible packaging business in South Africa was acquired by Amcor for US$22 million.[22]

In September 2015, the US$30 million acquisition of Souza Cruz's internal tobacco packaging operations in Brazil was completed. This acquisition aligned with Amcor's objective of growing in Latin America.[23]

In October 2015, the US$55 million acquisition of Encon, a privately owned preform manufacturing business in the United States, was completed.[24]

In December 2015, the US$45 million acquisition of Deluxe Packages was completed. The business operated one manufacturing plant in Yuba City, California.[25]

In May 2016, Amcor acquired Canadian company Plastics Moulders Limited for US$32 million. The rigid plastics business manufactured containers and closures for the food, home, and personal-care markets in North America from a single plant in Toronto.[26]

In June 2016, Amcor acquired Alusa, the largest flexible packaging business in South America for a purchase price of US$435 million. It was the largest flexible packaging manufacturer and supplier in Chile and Peru, and a participant in Colombia and Argentina, with one plant in each of these four countries.[27]

In November 2016, the specialty containers business of Sonoco Products Company, a manufacturer of specialty rigid plastic containers, was acquired by Amcor for US$280 million. The former Sonoco business had six production sites in the United States and one in Canada.[28]

In January 2017, Amcor acquired Qite for US$28 million. The North China business produced flexible packaging products to large domestic customers in the dairy and food segments.[29]

In May 2017, Amcor acquired Plasticos, a specialty container business, from a leading food producer in Colombia. The acquisition expanded Amcor’s specialty container product offerings in Latin America, including thin-wall injection moulding and in-mould labelling.[30]

In August 2018, Amcor announced the acquisition of Bemis Company, a US-based manufacturer, through the acquisition of US$5.25 billion in shares.[31] Amcor purchased Marfred Industries in 2018, making it one of the largest independently held package makers and distributors in the United States.

In August 2023, it was announced Amcor had acquired the Gujarat-based flexible packaging company, Phoenix Flexibles, for an undisclosed amount.[32]

Products

Amcor develops and produces packaging for use with snacks and confectionery, cheese and yoghurt, fresh produce, beverage and pet food products, and rigid-plastic containers for brands in the food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and personal and home-care segments.[33]

The company's global pharmaceutical packaging addresses requirements for unit doses, safety, patient compliance, anti-counterfeiting and sustainability.[34]

Amcor's specialty cartons made from plastic materials are used for a variety of end markets, including pharmaceutical, healthcare, food, spirits and wine, personal and home-care products. Amcor also develops and makes wine and spirit closures.[35]

In February 2018, the company commercialised its Liquiform technology, which uses the packaged product instead of compressed air to simultaneously form and fill plastic containers and eliminates costs associated with traditional blow-molding, as well as handling, transporting, and warehousing empty containers.[36]

Controversies

In 2001, Amcor was fined A$10,000 by EPA Victoria for pollution.[37]

In 2006, a Four Corners story, titled The A Team, revealed the controversial methods used by Amcor to influence forestry policies.[38]

In 2007, following investigations by the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission, Amcor and Visy were found to have engaged in price fixing and market sharing in the market for the supply of corrugated fibreboard packaging.[39]

In 2007, Amcor was convicted by the Heidelberg Magistrates' Court for releasing oil to the Yarra River from its Alphington plant and fined $80,000.[40]

In 2021, Amcor was ranked 7th on Michael West's "Top 40 Tax Dodgers in Australia".[41]

Further reading

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Amcor plc 2024 Annual Report . . 16 August 2024 . 16 August 2024 .
  2. Web site: Flexible Packaging. Amcor. 21 May 2018. 27 September 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220927111457/https://amcor-preview.netlify.app/about/solutions/flexible-packaging. live.
  3. Web site: Specialty Cartons. Amcor. 21 May 2018. 21 May 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180521191748/http://amcor-preview.netlify.com/about/solutions/specialty-cartons. dead.
  4. Web site: Closures. Amcor. 21 May 2018. 21 May 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180521191740/http://amcor-preview.netlify.com/about/solutions/closures. dead.
  5. Web site: Amcor around the globe. Amcor. 4 May 2018. 25 September 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170925181821/https://www.amcor.com/investor-relations/about-us. dead.
  6. Web site: 2019 Annual Report.
  7. Web site: 2020-02-11. Amcor reports first half results and improved outlook for fiscal 2020. 2020-08-19. AP NEWS. 13 September 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230913071114/https://apnews.com/press-release/pr-newswire/business-europe-dividends-3fb7531d51673edc38819831bf20ac3d. live.
  8. Web site: Spotlight on...Rigid Plastics Packaging in 2017. PackagingNews. 4 May 2018. 6 January 2017. 21 August 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180821124731/https://www.packagingnews.co.uk/features/spotlight-on-rigid-plastics-packaging-in-2017-06-01-2017. live.
  9. Encyclopedia: Australian Paper Manufacturers Ltd (APM) . Corporate entry - Encyclopedia of Australian Science . 10 July 2011.
  10. Web site: Group History. Paperlinx. 10 July 2011. https://web.archive.org/web/20110725105925/http://www.paperlinx.com.au/about-paperlinx/group-history.htm. 25 July 2011 . live.
  11. Web site: Kimberly-Clark Completes Acquisition of K–C Australia. Kimberly-Clark. 5 May 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180522041539/http://investor.kimberly-clark.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=83671. 22 May 2018. dead.
  12. Web site: Amcor acquires Schmalbach-Lubeca operations. Packaging World. 5 May 2018. 13 September 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230913071117/https://www.packworld.com/design/materials-containers/news/13335617/amcor-acquires-schmalbachlubeca-operations. live.
  13. Web site: 2003-07-01. Eastern Europeans Balk at PET Barrier Bottles. 2020-08-19. plasticstoday.com. en. 13 September 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230913071111/https://www.plasticstoday.com/eastern-europeans-balk-pet-barrier-bottles. live.
  14. News: Amcor sells Euro business for $676m. 26 September 2017. The Sydney Morning Herald. 2 July 2007. 26 September 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170926104448/http://www.smh.com.au/business/amcor-sells-euro-business-for-676m-20070701-ljn.html. live.
  15. Web site: Recycled paper mill opens in NSW. 2020-08-19. sustainabilitymatters.net.au. en. 22 March 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160322011513/http://www.sustainabilitymatters.net.au/content/waste/article/recycled-paper-mill-opens-in-nsw-1287486915. live.
  16. Web site: Amcor acquires majority Alcon Packaging businesses from Rio Tinto. New Statesman. 2010-02-15. 15 February 2010. 26 May 2010. https://web.archive.org/web/20100526072630/http://www.newstatesman.com/business-food-and-drink/2010/02/businesses-global-amcor. live.
  17. Web site: Amcor eyes global benefits with US packager and distributor acquisition. Bakery and snacks.com. 7 October 2016. 6 February 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20130206195119/http://www.foodproductiondaily.com/Packaging/Amcor-eyes-global-benefits-with-US-packager-and-distributor-acquisition. live.
  18. Web site: New Zealand Wine Grower April - May 2012. Issuu. 5 May 2018. 13 September 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230913071113/https://issuu.com/ruralnewsgroup/docs/wg73_april_may. live.
  19. Web site: Acquisition of Aperio Group Completed. Amcor. 25 September 2017. 14 May 2012. 25 September 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170925132701/https://www.amcor.com/about_us/media_centre/news/acquisition-of-aperio-group-completed. dead.
  20. News: Demerged Amcor arm to be called Orora. 25 September 2017. The Sydney Morning Herald. Australian Associated Press. 24 October 2013. 25 September 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170925143855/http://www.smh.com.au//breaking-news-business/demerged-amcor-arm-to-be-called-orora-20131024-2w30p.html. live.
  21. Web site: CEO Retirement & Appointment. Amcor.com. 25 September 2017. 25 September 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170925132654/https://www.amcor.com/about_us/media_centre/news/ceo-retirement-appointment. dead.
  22. Web site: Amcor acquires Nampak Flexible. Australian Manufacturing. 4 May 2018. 5 July 2015. 31 August 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180831135851/http://www.australianmanufacturing.com.au/29968/amcor-acquires-nampak-flexible. live.
  23. Web site: Amcor pays $US30m for Souza Cruz in Brazil. The Sydney Morning Herald. 5 May 2018. 9 April 2015. 9 February 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190209145534/https://www.smh.com.au/business/amcor-pays-us30m-for-souza-cruz-in-brazil-20150409-1mh60g.html. dead.
  24. Web site: Amcor Acquires Encon's Preform Manufacturing Business. ink world. 4 May 2018. 21 May 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180521191817/https://www.inkworldmagazine.com/contents/view_breaking-news/2015-10-28/amcor-acquires-encons-preform-manufacturing-business/. live.
  25. Web site: Amcor-acquires-Deluxe-Packages-for-45m. Bakery and snacks.com. 5 May 2018. 21 January 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210121110608/https://www.bakeryandsnacks.com/Article/2016/01/06/Amcor-acquires-Deluxe-Packages-for-45m. live.
  26. Web site: Amcor buys Canadian plastics firm Plastic Moulders for $32m. The Sydney Morning Herald. 4 May 2018. 11 May 2016. 6 July 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180706161757/https://www.smh.com.au/business/amcor-buys-canadian-plastics-firm-plastic-moulders-for-32m-20160512-got518.html. dead.
  27. Web site: Amcor outlays $567m for South American packager Alusa. The Sydney Morning Herald. 4 May 2018. 18 April 2016. 21 May 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180521191630/https://www.smh.com.au/business/amcor-outlays-us435-mln-for-south-american-packager-alusa-20160418-go91wi.html. dead.
  28. Web site: Sonoco agrees to sell rigid plastics blow molding operations to Amcor. Reuters. 4 May 2018. 21 May 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180521191436/https://www.reuters.com/finance/stocks/AMC.AX/key-developments/article/3436451. dead.
  29. Web site: Amcor continues buying spree with Chinese packaging acquisition. Plastics Today. 4 May 2018. 10 November 2016. 6 July 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180706190441/https://www.plasticstoday.com/packaging/amcor-continues-buying-spree-chinese-packaging-acquisition/156634808445470. dead.
  30. Web site: Amcor buys Colombian packaging plant. SBS World News. 4 May 2018. 31 August 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180831104407/https://www.sbs.com.au/news/amcor-buys-colombian-packaging-plant. live.
  31. News: Packaging group Amcor aims to wrap up rival Bemis for $5.25 billion. Reuters. 6 August 2018. 28 June 2019. 19 July 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190719105610/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-bemis-co-m-a-amcor/packaging-group-amcor-aims-to-wrap-up-rival-bemis-for-5-25-billion-idUSKBN1KR1EM. live.
  32. Web site: 2023-08-14 . Amcor to acquire Phoenix Flexibles . 2023-08-14 . FoodBev Media . en-GB . 13 September 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230913071114/https://www.foodbev.com/news/amcor-to-acquire-phoenix-flexibles/ . live .
  33. Web site: Packing Strategies eBook. 19 August 2020. 16 January 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220116182205/https://www.packagingstrategies.com/ext/resources/images/ebooks/COMPILED-PS-eBook-BagsPouches-1115.pdf. live.
  34. Web site: 2011-04-21. Sustainability of supply, compliance issues take precedence. 2020-08-19. Healthcare Packaging. en-us. 13 September 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230913071613/https://www.healthcarepackaging.com/machinery-materials/adherence-delivery/news/13283183/sustainability-of-supply-compliance-issues-take-precedence. live.
  35. Web site: Leading winemakers endorse quality of Amcor closures. Packaging Strategies. 5 May 2018. 9 January 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180109031528/https://www.packagingstrategies.com/articles/89079-leading-winemakers-endorse-quality-of-amcor-closures. live.
  36. Web site: Amcor Launches First Commercial Container Using LiquiForm Technology. ink world. 5 May 2018. 21 May 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180521191801/https://www.inkworldmagazine.com/contents/view_breaking-news/2018-02-09/amcor-launches-first-commercial-container-using-liquiform-technology/23711. live.
  37. Web site: Troubled mill won't be rushed out. The Sydney Morning Herald. 16 June 2011. 5 May 2018. 7 May 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180507175709/https://www.smh.com.au/national/troubled-mill-wont-be-rushed-out-20110616-1g60j.html. live.
  38. Web site: The A Team . Four Corners . ABC . 1 August 2017 . Conservationists now decry "dirty tricks", but organisers insist they were simply playing green activists at their own game: smart, tough politics. . 19 April 2017 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170419111702/http://www.abc.net.au/4corners/content/2006/s1750963.htm . live .
  39. Web site: ACL Australian Competition Law. ACCC v Visy Industries Holdings Pty Ltd (No 3). 4 May 2018. 9 May 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180509225723/http://www.australiancompetitionlaw.org/cases/visy2.html. live.
  40. Web site: Amcor Packaging (Australia) Pty Ltd (ACN 004 275 165). Environment Protection Authority Victoria. 9 May 2018. 21 May 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20180521191816/http://www.epa.vic.gov.au/our-work/compliance-and-enforcement/epa-sanctions/prosecutions/search-prosecutions/prosecution-folder/amcor-packaging-australia-pty-ltd_3. live.
  41. Web site: Revealed: Australia's Top 40 Tax Dodgers for 2021. 14 January 2021. 16 January 2021. 14 January 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210114194111/https://www.michaelwest.com.au/revealed-australias-top-40-tax-dodgers-for-2021/. live.