Today, Berry Global Group, Inc., announced an investment of more than $70 million to support continued growth in consumer packaging films, primarily for e-commerce, food, and beverage applications.

The investment supports new multi-layer blown film lines along with infrastructure upgrades and other equipment that will come online in 2021 and 2022, across multiple sites in the North American manufacturing system. Beyond the traditional infrastructure upgrade, the film lines will support the anticipated increased customer demand for recycled content.

Beyond the material, Berry is committed to remaining at the forefront of the innovation necessary to meet customers’ sustainability goals and will do so through its investments in the latest equipment technologies, advantaged film development, and design for circularity.

Line flexibility is a critical investment strategy deployed by Berry to ensure that ongoing material science developments apply to customer specifications, ranging from recycled content in its films to PHA resins that support bio-resin use.

Many of Berry’s customers have publicly stated sustainability goals, many of which specify the increased use of recycled or recyclable materials. This investment will further enhance Berry’s portfolio of fully recyclable, biodegradable, or compostable films to support its customer’s needs. In addition, the Company will incorporate renewably sourced raw materials into its products−specifically, shrink film, and other flexible films.

“These investments are strategically focused on expanding our advantaged product portfolio to help our customers meet their sustainability goals, while concurrently driving innovation in anticipation of future sustainability needs in the flexible packaging market,” said Jerry Lamarre, Executive Vice President and General Manager Engineered Products for Berry’s Engineered Materials Division.

Within the flexible packaging market, Berry demonstrates its strength in design for circularity with more innovation coming to the market in partnership with its customers. Berry’s investments in infrastructure for a circular economy combined with its flexible films expertise positions the Company as one of North America’s preferred sustainable film suppliers.