Amcor backs Antarctica record attempt

Amcor packaging to take on world’s harshest environment

Amcor backs Antarctica record attempt

Global packaging leader Amcor is to sponsor the 2013 Willis Resilience Expedition and provide packaging to be used by Parker Liautaud on his quest to set a new world record while trekking from the Antarctic coast to the South Pole.

Teenage explorer and climate campaigner Liautaud is attempting to set a record to become the fastest and the youngest person to make the journey.

Departing on December 3, Liautaud will have 22 days to cover the 640km distance from the Ross Ice Shelf to the South Pole. Travelling on skis and towing an 82kg sled with necessary equipment and supplies, he will need to average approximately 30km a day to beat the current World Record against temperatures between -30 degrees C and -60 degrees C.

During the expedition, he will also be conducting environmental research on the impact of climate change.

Amcor packaging will be used by Parker to store and protect food on the ice.

On an average day, Liautaud will be on the move for around 12 hours, stopping every 1.5 hours for very short six to eight minute breaks. On these breaks, he will access the high-calorie snacks stored in Amcor’s packaging to help take in the 6,000 calories he needs daily to survive, while expending about 10,000 calories per day.

This packaging will feature Amcor’s Duratear technology and a clip that attaches to the packaging and provides a re-sealable opening feature.

This enables Parker to easily open and close the bag while wearing four pairs of gloves, minimizing skin exposure and significantly reducing the risk of frostbite.

Amcor Flexibles vice-president of research and development Bob Biasi said: ‘The packaging we’ve designed for Parker uses Amcor’s innovative Duratear technology, that offers many unique 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 incredibly 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.’

Liautaud said: ‘On previous expeditions, we’ve used plastic bags, which are basically designed for school lunch boxes. Trekking through extreme wind and cold, while constantly hungry, it’s truly a depressing moment to watch your food bag split open and cashews spill everywhere.

‘The 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’s possible.’

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