Packaging giant Amcor has axed 2000 jobs and is part-way through closing up to 10 plants across the globe in a cost-cutting blitz against a backdrop of slowing consumer demand for beverages and meat, and destocking by its pharmaceutical customers.

Chief executive Ron Delia said volumes across the Amcor business in the December quarter sank by 10 per cent, a record decline for the maker of bottles, wrappers and containers. Sales in the six months ended December 31 dropped 9 per cent to $US6.69 billion ($10.25 billion), and interim net profit was $US286 million, down from $US691 million a year earlier.