W. Amsler announces first commercial application for 64oz PET barrier growler for Craft Beer market
W. Amsler Equipment Inc., supplier of all-electric linear PET stretch blow molders, has announced the first commercial sale of 64-oz polyethylene terephthalate (PET) growler jugs to Arch Brewing Co., an independently owned craft brewery in Newmarket, Ontario. The beer container mimics the competitive glass design and provides barrier protection for extended shelf life. Arch Brewing will offer the PET growler as an event-safe alternative to its glass growler.
W. Amsler has focused new resources and expanded its participation in the beer and spirits packaging market. It has provided market-entry assistance to customers like JMS International Packaging, a leading packaging solutions provider, in the areas of design, development, and pre-production runs.
W. Amsler sees strong opportunities in glass conversion applications where barrier PET bottles have a strong fit due to their light weight and portability. The amber PET container is manufactured by W. Amsler at its Bolton, Ontario, facility on behalf of JMS International Packaging on a W. Amsler all-electric, single-cavity linear series stretch blow molder. The PET barrier container weighs 106 grams versus 1.2 kg for the glass version, thus resulting in reduced shipping costs. It is also event-friendly, unbreakable, and 100% recyclable, according to the company. A growler is a jug commonly sold at breweries and brew pubs as a means to sell take-out craft beer. The significant growth of craft breweries and the growing popularity of home brewing have also led to an emerging market for the sale of growlers.
The 64-oz, 106-gram container was designed by W. Amsler with standard preforms supplied by Preform Solutions Inc., Sioux Falls, S.D. It incorporates a barrier with a monolayer structure which includes a Sherwin Williams’ barrier additive. The barrier prevents oxygen ingress and egress and loss of CO2, thus providing up to a 12-month shelf life versus 48 hrs for standard PET growlers. This monolayer barrier solution is compatible with existing recycling streams. The high-density polypropylene (PP) handle, designed by JMS International Packaging, is produced separately and attached to the container via a secondary process. The PET container can accept the same steel or plastic recloseable caps that are found on the glass growlers today. The PET growlers are also available in a clear color with or without barrier protection for ciders, craft sodas, craft cocktails, and liquor. Custom growlers can be produced in different shapes, colors, and engraving. Pressure-sensitive labels can be applied and a screen printing process can also be used. W. Amsler offers PET growlers in small batch (pallet or less) availability to meet craft brewer needs.
