The European Commission has awarded Amcor Ltd. approval to go ahead with its purchase of Rio Tinto's Alcan packaging arm, in a deal which will cost the former $US2 Billion ($A2.19 Billion), after agreeing to sell a packing operation it owns in Spain.

Under the condition of approval, Amcor will now be selling its two packaging plants in Tobepal, Spain, which together boast sales of nearly 110 Million Euros.

As per Amcor, the decision to give away the plants has been taken to "appease the EC's concern relating to pharmaceutical sachet and aluminum cold-form foil products". The units produce pharmaceutical, personal care and food packaging items.

"Receiving approval from the European Commission is an important step toward closing the Alcan Packaging acquisition. The two plants to be divested represent less than five per cent of the combined sales in Europe and will not have a material effect on the synergies or operational improvements anticipated", said Amcor Chief Executive Ken MacKenzie.

Put together, the Amcor and Alcan Packaging businesses across Europe currently have sales of some $US4.8 Billion ($A5.24 Billion) across 75 plants.