Amcor takes packaging to South Pole extremes

Global packaging manufacturer and distributor Amcor will sponsor the 2013 Willis Resilience Expedition, providing food packaging for American teenage explorer and climate campaigner Parker Liautaud on his trek from the Antarctic coast to the South Pole.

Nineteen-year-old Liautaud will attempt to set a world record to become the fastest and youngest person to complete the journey. He will also conduct environmental research along the way, and face temperatures of between minus 30 and minus 60 degrees Celsius.

Amcor is providing the packaging to store and protect Liautaud’s food and high calorie snacks on the expedition. Bob Biasi, president of research and development with Amcor Flexibles, says, “The packaging we have designed for Parker uses Amcor’s innovative Duratear technology, that offers many physical properties compared to ordinary plastic packaging. Typically used for medical kits, Duratear enables us to create a super tough bag that will endure the extreme Antarctic conditions and the rough journey.

“Parker’s food will be safely stored in an Amcor bag that won’t puncture, will stay flexible in sub-zero temperatures, won’t split on high impact and will withstand all the rigours of the 640km trek.”

Amcor says the packaging also includes a clip that attaches to the bag and provides a re-sealable opening feature, enabling Liautaud to open and close the bag despite wearing four pairs of gloves – minimising skin exposure and the risk of frostbite.

Liautaud says the packaging will be a welcome change to containers used on past treks. He says, “On previous expeditions we have used plastic bags which are basically designed for school lunch boxes. Trekking through extreme wind and cold, while constantly hungry, it is truly a depressing moment to watch your food bag split open and cashews spill everywhere.

“Food packaging is one of the most important elements of a safe and successful expedition. It has implications for our safety on the ice, and our mental state. The gear we need – from clothing, to equipment, to food packaging – needs to be able to keep up with us as we push the boundaries of what is possible.”

The expedition will depart on December 3 this year, and last for a maximum of 22 days. Viewers can track Liautaud’s progress through a live broadcast, captured through a custom-designed vehicle that will accompany the expedition.

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