Global packaging leader Amcor announced on Tuesday that it will sponsor the 2013 Willis Resilience Expedition by providing nineteen year old explorer Parker Liautaud with state-of-the-art packaging that will help him in his pursuit to set a world record in the trek from the Antartic coast to the South Pole.
In a media release Amcor Flexibles Vice President for Research & Development Mr. Bob Biasi proudly introduced the packaging which the company will be providing for the storage and protection of Parker’s food, which is essential to the success of his expedition.
“The packaging we’ve designed for Parker uses Amcor’s innovative Duratear technology, that offers many unique physical properties compared to ordinary plastic packaging,” said Mr. Biasi.
“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 (397 mile) trek.”
The packaging solution has a resealable opening feature which will enable Parker to open and close the bag with ease, even while wearing four layers of gloves. This would help minimise skin exposure and reduce the risk of frostbite.
The Duratear technology was developed by Amcor in 2006 and is now being used by many medical companies to safely packaged surgical kits and equipment. The company sells approximately 27 million bags annually.
Parker shared how critical it is to have food that is efficiently packed for expeditions.
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,” he said.
“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.”
Parker will depart for his trek on December 3 and will have 22 days to cover the 640 kilometres distance from the Ross Ice Shelf to the South Pole. On an average day he will be on the move for twelve hours, stopping every 1.5 hours for short 8 minute breaks during which he will be snacking on high calorie food. These foods will be stored in Amcor’s packaging, helping to protect it so Parker gets the 6,000 calories needed every day.
