{"pages":{"page":[{"@ID":48 "PETplanet Insider Vol. 24 No. 10/23 www.petpla.net 46 Smoothie to freeze The manufacturer of the smoothies shown promises the taste of strawberry or lemon ice cream if they are poured into a mould and then placed in the freezer for eight hours. The buyer can also - as usual - put the bottles in the fridge and dr ink them. The 250ml bottles are filled in a transparent bottle with a label in a colour that matches the variety. The product is manufactured and distributed by AMC Deutschland GmbH. www.amcnaturaldrinks.com Energy shot from Aldi Sports In a promotional campaign, Aldi Süd had three di fferent energy shots on offer under the “Aldi Sports” brand. Two small bottles of 60ml each were combined into one sales unit via a shrink sleeve. The transparent bottle made the drink, which was declared as a food supplement, easily visible and the label provided information about the product. www.aldi.com Golden Curry Sauce in a squeeze bottle In addi t ion to sauces in an eye-catching glass bottle, Curt ice Brothers Germany GmbH also sells some varieties in a squeeze bottle made of PET. The bottles each contain approx. 420ml of the sauces, which are made only from highquality, natural ingredients. They have a brand embossing on the front and back and are closed with a large hinged lid. To remove them, the lid must be unscrewed and a fresh membrane removed. www.curticebrothers.de Reusable PET bottle made entirely of post-consumer recycled material 100 per cent for the recycling loop – following development lasting approximately a year, Alpla and Tönissteiner are presenting a reusable PET bottle made entirely of post-consumer recycled material (except closure and label). The reusable 1 l bottle for mineral water reduces carbon consumption and offers logistical advantages thanks to its low weight. It is available at retail outlets with immediate effect. www.alpla.com www.toenissteiner.com"},{"@ID":3 "No.10 2023 www.petpla.net D 51178; ISSN: 1438-9452 23 . 10 . 23 MAGAZ I NE FOR BOT T L E R S AND BOT T L E - MAK E R S IN THE AMER ICAS, AS IA, EUROPE AND AL L AROUND THE PLANET PETplanet is read in 159 countries MARKETsurvey Filling equipment & Inspection systems supplier Page 27 Page 30"},{"@ID":56 "OUTER PLANET 54 PETplanet Insider Vol. 24 No. 10/23 www.petpla.net OUTER PLANET Rypax and Cellucomp introduce a “beyond plastics” bottle made from bamboo, bagasse and a cellulose product crafted from root vegetable waste Recipe for a fibre-based bottle Two entrepreneurial leaders in the fibre packaging industry are collaborating to introduce the first all-fibre bottle solution with an interior coating that offers a biodegradable and renewable solution for one of the most widely-used packaging designs on the planet. Asia-based moulded fibre packaging production firm, Rypax, and Scottish-based Cellucomp, the developer of the propriety micro fibrillated cellulose product Curran crafted from root vegetable waste, are collectively intending to propel the industry forward. Their collaborative efforts merge precision plant-based packaging manufacturing with a renewable feedstock ingredient, to launch an all-fibre bottle. Impermeable interior coating, eliminating the need for a plastic liner The leap the two independent businesses took was developing a novel pulp fibre made with a mix of Curran, bamboo, and bagasse. This material is claimed to be very strong with minimal porosity, enabling the application of a thin, impermeable coating to the bottle’s interior. This advance is intended to empower manufacturers to take the next step in environmental packaging by eliminating the need for a plastic liner. Furthermore, the all-fibre bottle gas been designed to exude premium aesthetics. The finish is intended to appeal to luxury brands across the beverage, beauty, and cosmetics sectors. “Integrating Rypax’s and Cellucomp’s proven technology, materials and production expertise to produce the industry’s first all-fibre bottle at scale is a major evolution for the industry,” said Christian Kemp-Griffin, CEO of Cellucomp. “Combining our global expertise in fibre packaging design and production with Cellucomp’s innovative ingredient solution, we are making a genuine breakthrough in barrier packaging,” said Alvin Lim, CEO of Rypax. Rypax and Cellucomp have been collaborating on a commercial all-fibre bottle format for more than three years and recently gained validation from the Danish Technological Institute (DTI), who has been an important partner in helping create viable proof of concepts. The partnership is poised to scale production for a range of industry applications, spanning beverages, beauty, health, medicine, and food to various retail brands. This collaboration aims to help manufacturers in providing more sustainable products, thereby reducing waste, and aligning with consumer, governmental, and internal sustainability objectives. Moving forward, Rypax and Cellucomp will work closely with DTI to explore further fibre packaging solutions, including fibre screw threads, caps, even thinner coatings, and intricate branding methods on bottles to cater to their customers’ needs. “After successfully unveiling our groundbreaking all-fibre bottle at Pack Expo 2023, we are thrilled to announce our next strategic phase,” added Alvin Lim, CEO of Rypax. “We are actively seeking like-minded collaborators and prospective partners who share our vision and enthusiasm for innovation. Together, we aim to drive this remarkable all-fibre bottle into mass production, opening new avenues for brands’ sustainability goals.“ www.cellucomp.com www.rypax.com Rypax is a moulded fibre packaging specialist that is committed to being environmentally friendly. The company’s products are recyclable, biodegradable and only made from materials sourced from responsible, green suppliers. Rypax produces custom moulded fibre products in a wide range of applications, ranging from cosmetic to industrial, meeting the needs of clients from various industries including pharmaceutical, beauty and electronics. Rypax is the international division of The Wing Fat Printing Co., Ltd. and has offices and production facilities across the U.S., Macau, and China to serve clients globally. Cellucomp is a Scottish-based company located in Fife, near Edinburgh. The team of scientists and business professionals work on the development and commercialisation of sustainable materials. Their principal activity is to develop and commercialise Curran, a material developed from the extraction of nanocellulose fibre of root vegetables, primarily from sugar beet pulp, which is a by-product of the sugar industry."},{"@ID":33 "31 TRADE SHOW PREVIEW PETplanet Insider Vol. 24 No. 10/23 www.petpla.net Sacmi – hall 7A booth 222/323 Digital, versatile, sustainable The Sacmi range of beverage solutions will be on display at Brau Beviale. While the show traditionally emphasises the beer industry, solutions for other segments like wine and soft drinks will also be spotlighted. Machines and vision systems - Opportunities provided by ‘integrated’ control Sacmi will be showcasing an array of new opportunities: these explore the frontiers of applied AI for, on the one hand, the PET sector (IPS+PVS systems) and, on the other, metal container decoration and quality control (DMD+Elioscan). Another focal point at the company’s booth will be solutions for the manufacturing and testing of metal closures. www.sacmi.com BrauBeviale 2023 Nuremberg, 28 – 30 November Stand 7A-510 Do you know Brau Forum: This year, the Forum Brau Beviale is once again the f i rst address for al l visi tors looking for new impulses, current discussions and relevant trends from the beverage industry. What does successful branding look like? Does the African market need German beverages? How does CO2 recovery work in practice? What impact does the new packaging law have on the supply chain? How does climate change affect the supply of raw materials to the beverage industry? How can sustainability be taken up in brand communication? The Forum Brau Beviale will provide you with the answers. Visit the Forum Brau Beviale in Hall 1 and expand your knowledge! www.braubeviale.de/en/ events/1/forumbraubeviale/770636"},{"@ID":7 "PREFORM PRODUCTION PETplanet Insider Vol. 24 No. 10/23 www.petpla.net 23 BOTTLE MAK NG 16th INTERNATIONAL TRADE SHOW FOR PLASTICS & RECYCLING, PETROCHEMICALS, PACKAGING & RUBBER INDUSTRY Platinum Sponsor www.arabplast.info International Associate India Associate Organiser 750+ Exhibitors 35+ Countries 13-15 DECEMBER, 2023 Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, UAE #ARABPLAST #arabplast2023 Where Plastic Meets Business Media Partners Industry Communication & Show Daily Partner Onsite Registration Partner Principal Sponsor Figure 8.8 Computer simulation of preform temperature But that is not all. As previously mentioned, one disadvantage of ISBM is that processors are not in complete control of the temperature profile of the preform. Because the melt in the neck area had a longer time to cool down compared with the melt in the gate area it is also cooler and we may find a temperature profile similar to the one in the graph as shown in Fig. 8.8. In this simulated graph a temperature gradient from the hot gate to the cooler neck can be clearly shown. Actual temperatures and differences depend on process conditions and are therefore not shown here. This heat profile will result in a relatively thin bottle base with more material toward the neck because PET will stretch first in the hotter areas. To counteract this behavior preforms are designed with thinner gate areas and/or more cooling and thicker areas toward the neck. While this may sound counterintuitive, a thicker wall in the preform neck area leads to a thinner area in the bottle neck. This is because the thicker preform area retains more heat and will then stretch more resulting in an overall thinning. For the processor there is another way of changing this temperature profile. It relies on the observation that faster injections will lead to less difference between cooler and warmer areas because the material injected first has less of a time difference spent in the cold mould than with longer injections. Overall, the temperature will be higher but the temperature gradient from hot to cold is less. This will then result in thicker bottle bases. Of course the opposite is also true, to increase material thickness in the bottle base a slower injection may be selected. Please order your copy at: info@petpla.net Stretch Blow Molding Third Edition by Ottmar Brandau € 130,00 374 pages © Copyright Elsevier 2017, 2012"},{"@ID":35 "33 TRADE SHOW PREVIEW PETplanet Insider Vol. 24 No. 10/23 www.petpla.net IS STILL 50% TOO MUCH. 50% L SS P CK G NG The KHS solution for more sustainability: New avenues in packaging technology. We are continuously improving our packaging. By applying innovative technologies and switEJKPI QXGT VQ OQPQ OCVGTKCN RCEMCIKPI YG JCXG JCNXGF QWT RCEMKPI OCVGTKCNU QXGT VJG NCUV Ƃ XG [GCTU #PF YG CTG UQQP VQ VCMG CPQVJGT DKI UVGR HQTYCTF KP WUKPI PGY VJKPPGT V[RGU QH Ƃ NO khs.com/packing-systems Hall 8 Frigel - hall 7 stand 250 Process cooling solutions for the beverage industry According to Frigel their systems for beverages are designed to cut water usage to zero, improve energy efficiency and help through a decarbonisation journey. Whether the business is beer, soft drinks, dairy, fruit processing, baby food, confectionery or other. The design and development of new Adiabatic Cooling Systems has been carried out having as goal an improvement of all key performance indicators linked with the environment. Less kW of electricity per kW of cooling and lower usage of water (up to 95% less). Frigel will present innovations in cooling and temperature control systems: LDK adiabatic cooler series (large loads-high capacity adiabatic cooler, the solution towards more efficient heat rejection) 4DK adiabatic cooler series (centralised closed-circuit adiabatic cooling systems designed for small-medium thermal loads) New 3PR 4.0 control system (complete real-time control of the entire cooling system, parameters, functions, alarms etc.) Industrial chi l ler 3FA/3FX series (air-cooled and watercooled water chillers, specifically designed with a modular concept to build complete systems with multiple chillers, either connecting them in series or in parallel) Multistage solution (cascade refrigeration system, with water or air condensation, designed to provide high efficiency cooling conditions to processes with a high temperature drop) Mould side temperature control unit Microgel series (water cooled packaged chiller with booster pump, designed specifically for PET, caps and blow moulder moulds). www.frigel.com"},{"@ID":19 "BOTTLE MAKING 17 PETplanet Insider Vol. 24 No. 10/23 www.petpla.net Freshsafe PET is fully recyclable. The container’s suitability for use with foods has also been officially established by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), among other institutions. As the interior glass coating is less than 0.1μm thick and chemically bonded to the inside wall, it is flexible. It cannot be accidentally removed or flake off when force is applied to the bottle, with the coating only separating off during the recycling process. As the coating is also completely transparent, the PET bottles retain their crystal-clear appearance. Characteristic for Vilsa mineral water are its pH, natural ingredients and gentle mineral content. This makes it a sensorily demanding product, however, that reacts sensitively to off-flavours or sunlight. Thanks to the wafer-thin barrier of chemically pure glass in the containers, the mineral water’s natural taste is now protected against oxygen pickup and loss of flavour and CO2 for a considerably longer period of time. The PET material also loses none of its proven benefits, meaning that consumers profit from top product quality. Intensive development process The first coated bottles are now being distributed to retailers. The market launch was preceded by an intensive development process. Although a number of well-known bottlers of challenging sensitive products such as juice or carbonated soft drinks have relied on Plasmax barrier technology for years, its use for natural organic mineral water was new to the specialists from Dortmund. At a series of workshops on site the experts from KHS steadily worked to meet requirements in the runup to the launch of Freshsafe PET for all container sizes from 0.5 to 1.5 litres. “We ran extensive simulations to effect an optimum separation behaviour of the reaction gas in the coating process and thus achieve perfect distribution of the wafer-thin glass coating in the bottle,” explains Stefan Knappmann, head of Sales for Germany and Switzerland at KHS. “Our Bottles and Shapes specialists defined the exact recipe for each container size, product and carbon dioxide level.” To start with, a latest-generation InnoPET Blomax stretch blow moulder was installed that was combined with the barrier unit to form an InnoPET Freshsafe block during the later development process. Following preform infeed, stretch blow moulding, cooling and transfer, the PET bottles are coated according to the Plasma Impulse Chemical Vapor Deposition (PICVD) method, a process first used in the pharmaceutical industry. Here, the containers are turned upside down and passed on to the coating chamber where a reaction gas mixture is introduced into the bottle in a fine vacuum and this subsequently transformed into a plasma state by microwaves. In this state silicon oxide – the chemically pure glass commonly found in most households – is deposited on the inside of the container. At Vilsa, bottles are stretch blow moulded and coated at a maximum rate of 24,500 containers per hour. The most popular non-returnable format is the 0.75 l bottle. www.khs.com Henning Rodekohr, CEO of the Vilsa Group (2nd from right), Stefan Knappmann, head of Sales for Germany and Switzerland at KHS (3rd from left), Joachim Weippert, Vilsa’s head of Production and Technology (2nd from left), and engineers from both companies At Vilsa, the latest-generation InnoPET Blomax stretch blow moulder was first installed and than combined with the barrier unit to form an InnoPET Freshsafe block during the later development process. Vilsa Brunnen Otto Rodekohr GmbH is the first mineral water bottling plant to implement the Plasmax barrier technology from KHS. Back in 2019 the mineral water bottling plant switched the material of all of its non-returnable bottles over to rPET."},{"@ID":29 "MARKET SURVEY 27 PETplanet Insider Vol. 23 No. 10/23 www.petpla.net 10/2023 MARKETsurvey Suppliers of filling equipment and filling inspection systems It’s time to present some state-of-the-art filling equipment and filling inspection systems in our annual market survey. Please have a look at the up to date technical details provided by: Sacmi Beverage SpA, SMI S.p.A., Enoberg s.r.l., Krones, KHS GmbH, Sipa S.p.A, Pressco Technology Inc., Newamstar Packaging Machinery Co., Ltd. and Heuf t Systemtechnik GmbH. Although the publisher has made every eff ort to make sure that the information in this survey is up to date, no claims are made regarding accuracy and completeness. Filling equipment Company name Sipa S.p.A. Postal address Telephone number Web site address Contact name Function Direct telephone number E-Mail Via Caduti del Lavoro n. 3 31029 Vittorio Veneto (TV), Italy +39 0438 911 511 www.sipasolutions.com Mr Matteo Tagliaferri Marketing and Communication +39 0438 911 511 matteo.tagliaferri@zoppas.com 1. Machine designation / model number Isofi ll P Stillfi ll Evo Flextronic C Flextronic SE/S Flextronic W Isotronic G Bigfi ll 2. Number of fi lling heads (range: from/to) 20-140 20-140 30-180 20-160 20-96 20-100 12-36 3. Min to max bottle contents (in liters) 0.125-3 0.125-3 0.125-3 0.125-3 0.125-3 0.125-3 3-20 4. Filling speed: output (bph) (min to max): specifi y: 1l bottle / still water (bph) 60,000 62,000 60,000 62,000 (S: 63,000) 36,000 50,000 18,000 (5 l ) 1l bottle / CSD (bph) 51,000 (CMW) 55,000 (CMW) 50,000 1l bottle / milk (bph) 62,000 36,000 50,000 1l bottle / juice (bph) 53,000 60,000 59,000 62,000 36,000 50,000 5. Filling process Pressureless (still drinks) Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Pressure fi lling (carbonated drinks) Yes Yes Yes Hot fi lling Yes Yes Yes (S: no) Cold aseptic fi lling Yes Yes Juices with high pulp content Yes Yes (S: no) 6. Type of fi lling valve and metering system Isobaric mechanical level fi lling Mechanical gravity fi lling Isobaric volumetric fi lling valve Gravity volumetric fi lling valve Electronic weight fi ller Isobaric mechanical level fi lling valve Gravity volumetric fi lling valve 7. Special features (short description/keywords) AISI 316L SS valve, product defl ection without defl ector on the fi lling tube, quick changeover for different neck diameters, automatic dummy bottle insertion, mobile vent tube, centralised remote fi ll level adjustment AISI 316L SS valve, product defl ection without defl ector on the fi lling tube, quick changeover for different neck diameters, seperated bottle air return, hot fi ll kit for product recirculation, constant and controlled recirculation rate in bottle, centralised remote fi ll level adjustment no bottle no fi ll system AISI 316L SS valve, product defl ection without defl ector on the fi lling tube, quick changeover for different neck diameters, automatic dummy bottle insertion, magnetic fl ow meter product control, fi lling speed control, XFill confi guration without tank on board, dry pressurisation separated bottle air return AISI 316L SS valve, no contact between valve and bottle neck, quick changeover for different neck diameters, ultra clean version available, magnetic fl ow meter product control, fi lling speed control, automatic dummy bottle insertion, XFill confi guration without tank on board AISI 316L SS valve, no contact between valve and bottle neck, quick changeover for different neck diameters, load cell integrated in the bottle neck support, 3 positions membrane valve fi lling speed control, automatic dummy bottle insertion AISI 316L SS valve, electro-pneumatic level fi ller for glass, PET and RefPET bottles, quick changeover for different neck diameters, automatic dummy bottle insertion, mobile vent tube, centralised remote fi ll level adjustment AISI 316L SS valve, no contact between the valve and the bottle neck, quick changeover for different neck diameters, ultra clean version available, 3 positions membrane valve fi lling speed control, automatic dummy bottle insertion, high fl ow performance Resins & additives Preform machinery Preform production & inspection systems Preform & SBM mould manufacturer SBM 2-stage Compressors All about caps Filling equipment & inspection systems Palletising & shrink film machinery Recycling machinery"},{"@ID":15 "PREFORM HANDLING PETplanet Insider Vol. 24 No. 10/23 www.petpla.net 13 this. We have very communicative and good partnerships with our OEM customers.” Marco Tanner is convinced that in a market like this, which is dominated by a few big players like PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, Nestlé etc. one needs strong partnerships. “Technically, I could benefit enormously from my father, but I bring commercial and conceptual thinking with me. Strategic developments, which company in the world could work with us, such considerations are more and more important.” A world first in preform handling Marco Tanner sees future development opportunities particularly in the segments of high-speed water, as well as in aseptic applications and high-quality special applications. Just one day before the event, the FAT (factory acceptance test) for a new floor-level preform line for a 1.5 l PET preform was done with Coca-Cola Euro Pacific Partners in Germany. The output of this line is 30,000 pph. The preforms are fed completely close to the bottom in double soft handling. The maximum load capacity is 1,000 kg and it has a short in-feed of two meters. A beautiful birthday present! At the end of the event, a special highlight was the presentation of a prototype of the preform line CS45. The preform weight is 7.2 g, for a 200 ml bottle size. The output is 70,000 pph. The orientation is done by a chain conveyor. However, this prototype is particularly impressive due to its compact layout and its very small footprint as well as the high speed with extremely short infeed. “This line will be suitable for high throughput in a small format - e.g. for the high-speed water market”, Marco Tanner concludes. The day ended with interesting and cheerful conversations over an excellent meal in a restaurant situated above the vineyards of Winterthur. Here’s to another 50 years of M.Tanner AG! www.mtannerag.ch Visit us at Brau Beviale in Nuremberg on 28th-30th November 2023 Look at the innovative products and services we are currently working on. STAND Hall 7A / 7A-322 Containerized Solutions for PET, BIOGAS and CO2 compressors."},{"@ID":30 "MARKET SURVEY 28 PETplanet Insider Vol. 23 No. 10/23 www.petpla.net Filling inspection systems Company name KHS GmbH Pressco Technology Inc Heuft Systemtechnik GmbH Postal address Telephone number Web site address Contact name Function Direct telephone number E-Mail Juchostraße 20, 44143 Dortmund, Germany +49 231 569 0 www.khs.com Mr Helmut Schmitt Project Man. & Production Man. Inspection Technology +49 231 569 10124 helmut.schmitt@khs.com 29200 Aurora Road, Cleveland, OH, USA +1 440 498 2600 www.pressco.com Mr Tom Murphy VP, Sales & Customer Service +1 440 498 2600 sales@pressco.com Am Wind 1, 56659 Burgbrohl, Germany +49 2636 56 0 www.heuft.com Mr Sjoerd van Laar Product Manager +49 2636 2431 sjoerd.van.laar@heuft.com Fill level control Infrared No Yes X-ray Yes Yes Yes Gamma Yes No (too unsafe) Camera Yes Yes, high frequency Yes Contamination control Foreign substance inspection (sniffi ng) for empty Ref PET bottles No Yes Closure inspection Yes Presents of cap Yes Yes Yes Crooked cap Yes Yes Yes Lifted cap Yes Yes Yes Wrong cap Yes Yes Yes Tamper evident band control Yes Yes Yes Camera: 360° / sensor Yes, both Yes Yes Label inspection Torn label Yes Yes Vertical / horizontal misalignment Yes Yes Yes Best-before date control Code presence inspection No Yes Camera: 360° / sensor Camera and sensor Yes Yes Pressure leak detector Squeezer No Yes Applicable bottle type Diameter 40-110mm Up to 150mm in standard up to 200mm Height 150-360mm Up to 400mm in standard up to 400 mm Rejecting bottle Into bin and onto collecting table Push reject and diverter reject options available Yes Inspection speed PET: up to 86,000bph Over 3,000ppm 72,000cph with 360° inspection included. Otherwise up to 144,000cph Monitoring Filler-/sealer management Filler valve, capper head correlation Yes Filling equipment Company name Krones AG SMI S.p.A. KHS GmbH Postal address Telephone number Web site address Contact name Function Direct telephone number E-Mail Böhmerwaldstr. 5 93073 Neutraubling, Germany +49 9401 70 0 www.krones.com Mr Philipp Schön Product Manager Filling Division +49 9401 4567 philipp.schoen@krones.com Via C. Ceresa, 10, 24015 San Giovanni bianco BG, Italy +39 0345 40111 www.smigroup.it Mr Pietro Volpi Marketing Dept. Manager +39 0345 40316 pietro.volpi@smigroup.net Juchostraße 20, 44143 Dortmund, Germany +49 231 569 0 www.khs.com Mr Manfred Härtel Product Manager Filling +49 231 569 0 manfred.haertel@khs.com 1. Machine designation / model number Modulfi ll Filler and capping machine in Ecobloc confi guration Innofi ll PET DRV-VF 2. Number of fi lling heads (range: from/to) 16-216 9-114 for standard bottle (up to 3 l); 9-20 for high capacity bottle (up to 10 l) 48/216 3. Min to max bottle contents (in liters) 0.1-5 0.25-10 l 0.1/3.0 4. Filling speed: output (bph) (min to max): 1,000-50,000 Up to 82,000 specifi y: 1l bottle / still water (bph) Up to 72,000 Up to 44,000 Up to 82,000 1l bottle / CSD (bph) Up to 65,000 Up to 28,600 Up to 72,000 1l bottle / Milk (bph) Up to 60,000 Up to 33,500 1l bottle / Juice (bph) Up to 60,000 Up to 34,400 (*) depending on the preform/bottle features Up to 60,000 5. Filling process Pressureless (still drinks) Yes Yes Yes Pressure fi lling (carbonated drinks) Yes Yes Yes Hot fi lling Yes No Yes Cold aseptic fi lling Yes No Yes Juices with high pulp content Yes No 6. Type of fi lling valve and metering system Volumetric fi lling system: inductive and mass-fl owmeter, net weight fi lling systemwith weighing cell and height fi lling systemwith electronic fi ll height measuring Electronic volumetric fi lling valves Flowmeters (metering system) Volumetric fi lling system; pneumatic cylinder; MID (inductive fl ow meter); mass-fl ow (Coriolis) 7. Special features (short description/keywords) Monotec (starwheel columns with servo drives), cap disinfection (UV light / PAA / H2O2, optional), clean room cover, foam cleaning system, nitrogen injection system, automatic CIP-cups, capcade, Bloc solutions Compact modular frame, with a wide choice of customisation options; operating and maintenance costs cut; easy and quick format changeover, high hygiene, easy maintenance and cleaning; optimal performances with reduced costs of the Ecobloc series as it does not require a rinser and conveyor belts between the stretch-blow moulder and the fi ller. The machine base plate is inclined towards the drainage points. This allows the drainage of liquids that are on the machine base and a higher level of hygiene. CSD warm-fi lling up to 24°C; simple fi lling valve; compact unit; slow & fast-fi lling; gentle fi lling with low foaming; no beverage loss during production; PTFE-sealing technology prevents aroma transfer."},{"@ID":24 "PREFORM PRODUCTION PETplanet Insider Vol. 24 No. 10/23 www.petpla.net 22 BOTTLE MAK NG time and the pressures to 60, 50, and 40%, respectively of the actual injection pressure. Fig. 8.6 gives a guideline for the total hold time as a function of preform wall thickness. Figure 8.6 Recommended hold time versus preform wall thickness Cooling time After the hold timers have timed out cooling time starts and the screw moves back relieving pressure in the hot runner and cavities. Cooling time should be chosen to allow the preform to shrink away from the cavity for easier preform removal and to control gate crystallinity. Fig. 8.7 shows recommended times depending on wall thickness. Figure 8.7 Recommended cooling time versus preform wall thickness product development caps & closures design high cavitation moulds multi-component moulds closure production systems after sales service competent – professional – inspiring +43 5572 7272-0 | sales@z-moulds.com | www.z-moulds.com z SHOW DETAILS GULFOOD MANUFACTURING Dubai, Nov. 7-9th, Booth S2-C41 PLASTIMAGEN M xico Mexico City, Nov. 7-10th, Booth 219 NEXT SHOWS GULFOOD MANUFACTURING & PLASTIMAGEN Come and see us! Cushion control The screw should not bottom out at the end of the barrel with each stroke; instead there should be what is called a cushion, that is, some material is left to cushion the screw stroke. Typically 5–10mm is chosen but in single-stage processing a larger cushion may be selected to give the material more time to homogenise. A practical example This job is for a 60mm screw machine, running a eight-cavity tool with a preform/bottle weight of 23g. Total shot size is therefore 184g. At a melt density of 1.16g/cm3 the screw stroke is 184g/1.16g/cm3 per (62 × 3.14/4) = 5.6cm or 56mm. This is the stroke the screw should traverse during injection. Since this is only 87% of the total, the stroke to the end of hold is 56/87 × 100 = 64mm. In other words, the screw should traverse 8mm during hold. Choosing a 5mm cushion the total stroke setting should be: Shot size (the point where the screw starts): 69 Transition point: 13 Screw stops at: 5 Speed settings could be 30% from 69 to 60, 50% from 60 to 30, and 25% from 30 to 13. Initial speed settings will result in a certain injection time and need to be adjusted to come close to the abovementioned recommended injection times. These values can be a good starting point but should be verified on the machine once it is running. Other considerations may take precedence as explained later. Assuming a preform wall thickness of 3.2mm and an observed injection pressure of 50 bar (700 psi) hold settings could be as follows: Total hold time (from the graph): 5.1s Hold times: 1.7 s each Hold pressure 1: 30 bar (435 psi) Hold pressure 2: 25 bar (360 psi) Hold pressure 3: 20 bar (280 psi) Sink marks in the neck area may require higher hold pressure 1 and/or time settings. Gate appearance will be controlled with hold pressure 3. 8.4 Interaction between injection and blow It should be obvious at this point that the injection process has an impact on the blow process. Different hold and cooling times change preform temperatures and this in turn will change the way the bottle blows, especially in areas that are close to the upper and lower limit of PET’s ability to stretch."},{"@ID":39 "TRADE SHOW PREVIEW PETplanet Insider Vol. 24 No. 10/23 www.petpla.net 37 Wemaximize your added value With Netstal’s leading preform injection molding technology. Our PET-Line impresses with broadest compatibility, maximum ĕĉēĐĖĈĉđĖĕ ĆęĄĆđĕĊĐďĂč ĆďĆēĈĚ ĆħĄĊĆďĄĚ ĐđĕĊĎĂč đēĐĄĆĔĔĊďĈ of rPET and other challenging recyclates, and with its intuitive Axos control unit. Preforms"},{"@ID":16 "BOTTLE MAKING 14 PETplanet Insider Vol. 24 No. 10/23 www.petpla.net 100% rPET bottle for carbonated soft drinks To help carbonated soft drink (CSD) packaging producers embrace material circularity, Sidel has launched Starlite R – a 100% rPET bottle. Sidel’s signature Starlite family is evolving to address the challenges associated with working with recycled content. Sidel has launched a 100% rPET bottle for carbonated soft drink (CSD) packaging. Starlite R has been designed to allow CSD producers to switch to rPET bottle production with ease and efficiency, while reducing the impact on product quality or packaging integrity. Sidel’s more than 45 years of experience in the blowing and PET packaging sector, and its understanding of rPET resin characteristics and its impact went into the bottle’s development. Mr Laurent Naveau, Packaging Innovator Leader at Sidel, comments on the challenge rPET resin can present the packaging industry: “The characteristics of rPET are impacted by several factors. Firstly, by seasonality. Consumption habits fluctuate over the course of the year impacting the product category mix. And secondly, by different PET collection models which means that post-consumer PET material bales will vary from region-to-region and even country-to-country. The recycling process and equipment used will also influence PET resin. All these factors can pose new challenges for manufacturers looking to produce bottles with rPET content.” In addition to common CSD bottle manufacturing challenges such as stress cracking, roll out and bursting during blowing, a higher temperature is also required to process rPET. Consequently, packaging manufacturers can experience reduced control over rPET material stretching and distribution of the substance in the bottlemaking process. Traditionally, greater variability in rPET resin leads to a narrower process window and lower bottle quality. Sidel’s Starlite R base uses new technologies to ensure efficient rPET bottle production by restoring a much wider process window. Accoring to Sidel, the Starlite R design is easy to blow as it can be done within a wider range of parameter settings on the blower achieving a higher quality bottle. High performance rPET bottle base To achieve a high performing rPET bottle base, Starlite features an optimised mould base profile and uses a new stretch rod end design. Sidel says that the new mould base profile allows for good material distribution through advanced stretching and a high base clearance for optimum stability. The advanced stretch rod end design has improved the preform endcap material stretching and ensures accurate injection gate centering on the bottle. A sophisticated combination of grooves and venting holes allows for high-precision base feet formation, according to the company. The new bottle solution utilises dual external and internal bottle base cooling to ensure a perfect shape. Externally, the process uses a mould base cooling circuit that focuses on the warmer bottle base zones and internally a hollow-stretch rod requiring no additional air supply is used. According to Laurent Naveau, Sidel’s new design bottle base achieves greater protection against deformation, increased resistance to bursting and optimum stability, while guaranteeing product quality. Seamless transition The new bottle can be installed on existing production lines and adapted to fit current bottle designs. The solution is compatible with Sidel’s blow moulders, Evoblow, Universal and Series 2 and is claimed to be suitable for high-speed productions. Carbon footprint reduction Lifecycle analysis shows that PET has the best carbon footprint of all the packaging materials currently available and is the only food-grade, bottle-to-bottle plastic resin. Achieving full circularity at scale will make PET an even more sustainable choice since rPET reduces environmental impact up to four times more than virgin material. www.sidel.com"},{"@ID":32 "30 TRADE SHOW PREVIEW PETplanet Insider Vol. 24 No. 10/23 www.petpla.net TRADE SHOWpreview Brau Beviale 2023 After a 4-year break in its exhibition schedule, Brau Beviale in Nuremberg wi l l be opening i ts doors again f rom November 28-30, 2023. With a diverse range of exhibitors, precisely designed spec ial areas and a broadly-based support program, visitors from the beer, soft drinks and mineral water industries, as well as from the wine, sparkling wine and spirits industries, will find solutions for their operational requirements in process technology, filling and packaging, or in logistics. The trade fair offers a range of products and services for the entire process chain in nine halls covering approx. 40,000m² of exhibition space with around 900 exhibitors. No fewer than 130 suppliers for packaging, closures, labelling, and secondary packaging will show their solutions for the tasks involved in productappropriate and efficient packaging. On the subsequent pages, we will delve into a collection of PET bottlerelated exhibits, providing a glimpse into the advancements awaiting attendees at Brau Beviale 2023. www.braubeviale.de Good to know: PETplanet will also be on display at Brau Beviale. Get your personal copy at the trade press stand or in the transition areas between halls. Arol - hall 7A booth 108 Safe unscrewing of caps Line waste, surplus production, but first deposit return systems: there are many cases in which a de-capper is needed to make a PET or a glass bottle reusable. Capping solutions provider Arol has also specialised in decapping systems. The system Reverse, with between 3 and 30 heads, is claimed to deliver safe unscrewing of caps with diameters of 28-38mm, at up 60,000 caps/h (1,000 caps/min). The machine’s decapping heads are made entirely of stainless steel; special handling parts, including discharge piping and containers, can also be supplied in stainless steel to prevent scratches to bottles and give longer life to components. The system can identify bottles that do not have caps: its “no decapping” feature prevents bottle neck damage. The machines are equipped with advanced inspection systems for height variance at the infeed and cap detection at the discharge. The Reverse system is designed for quick format change and for a flexible adaption in any plant. www.arol.com"},{"@ID":18 "BOTTLE MAKING 16 PETplanet Insider Vol. 24 No. 10/23 www.petpla.net Vilsa mineral water bottling applies Freshsafe PET Plasmax coating technology to non-refi llable bottles A longer sparkle To date, the KHS coating of wafer-thin, chemically pure glass on the inside wall of PET bottles was primarily applied to improve the quality and shelf life of sensitive soft drinks and juice. VilsaBrunnen Otto Rodekohr GmbH is now the first mineral water bottling plant to embrace Freshsafe PET Plasmax coating technology for its non-returnable containers. With this, the family business is investing in the long-lasting freshness protection of its premium beverages. The mineral water Vilsa extracts from deep underground in Bruchhausen-Vilsen in Germany is over a thousand years old and naturally pure. Thick layers of clay protect the deep spring water from environmental impact and pollution. Through sustainable water ‘harvesting’, the mineral water bottling plant ensures that this precious resource is used in moderation and with great care. For Henning Rodekohr, CEO of the Vilsa Group and a representative of the fourth generation of the family firm, the longterm protection of his spring is a fundamental concern. Besides premium mineral water containing various levels of carbon dioxide, the product portfolio also includes fruit spritzers, soda pop and near-water beverages. All varieties of Vilsa mineral water have been organically certified since 2021 and are thus subject to strict threshold values and high sustainability standards commonly applied on the German mineral water market. The bottler has also been provably climate-neutral since 2021. By actively promoting various sustainability measures in agriculture, in cooperation with local farmers Vilsa intends to help to maintain a high quality of the soil and groundwater in the vicinity of its spring. This striving to protect the local environment ultimately triggered the bottler’s decision to switch over to KHS Plasmax coating technology for all non-returnable containers used by the mineral water bottler. Product protection Back in 2019 the mineral water bottling plant switched the material of all of its non-returnable bottles over to rPET. Freshsafe PET is claimed to combine the low weight and robustness of the plastic container with the much better barrier properties of the glass bottle. The tried-andtested system are claimed to protect the bottle against oxygen pickup and carbon dioxide loss, which both extends the shelf life and increases flavour stability. KHS says that Freshsafe PET also provides a number of key positives when it comes to establishing closed recycling loops: Unlike PET bottles that contain additives to improve the barrier effect and shelf life, the Freshsafe equipment permits full bottle-to-bottle reuse as the interior coating is completely washed off during the recycling process. Both the EPBP (European PET Bottle Platform) and North America’s APR (Association of Plastic Recyclers) have confirmed that The designs of the 0.25-, 0.5-, 0.75 and 1-litre bottles were already suitable for coating; only the largest and thus most challenging container holding 1.5 litres had to undergo minor changes to ensure its vacuum stability during the process. This makes it the very first 1.5-litre Freshsafe PET bottle on the market."},{"@ID":44 "TRADE SHOW REVIEW PETplanet Insider Vol. 24 No. 10/23 www.petpla.net 42 Recoup Plastics Resource Recycling Conference 2023 Recoup members and industry representatives gathered at the Kingsgate Conference Centre in Peterborough, England, on September 28 for the latest annual Plastics Resource and Recycling Conference. It was essentially UK focused but addressed issues that are of interest in Europe more widely and across the world. Sponsors included Berry bpi recycling, Tomra, Plastics Europe and the British Plastics Federation. Sessions were chaired and moderated by Tom Heap, a TV personality in the UK, well known from appearances on current affairs programmes and Countryfile, a wildlife and rural affairs show. He was adept at raising points of clarification on subjects on which were not fully understood and at encouraging participants to expand on and develop topics of interest or possible contention. Microplastics in the environment The format was that speakers gave a short presentation, which was followed by questions from the conference hall and following online. It made for a lively and informative series of debates. An early opportunity for clarification arose on the subject of microplastics in the environment, which have been found in organisms as small as diatoms and appear to accumulate up the food chain. While acknowledging that this was evidentially the case, Heap asked if there was any evidence of harm. The response was a definite yes from Rowan Byrne, Marine Biologist & Technical Expert - Marine Plastics Project Lead, Mott MacDonald Group, a management, engineering and development consultancy headquartered in Croydon in Greater London. “The harm is reduced ability for species to survive,” he said. This impacts on the livelihoods in the fishing industry. “Also, reduced age groups of these organisms, reduced ability to just do its normal daily activity, behavioural changes and physiological changes. The impacts are stark, because they alter the natural behaviour of all the organisms, they accumulate in the ecosystem and impact biodiversity on the coast.” ‘Plastic phobia’ and the need for education The case for keeping plastic waste out of the environment is a strong one but the conference also cautioned about the dangers of ‘plastic phobia’. Plastic polymers are and remain the most efficient, safest and – if handled correctly – the most eco-friendly materials for medical devices, packaging and a range of other uses. ‘Plastic phobia’ can lead to single use plastic being replaced by single-use paper, which is deemed to be more environmentally friendly. This is not the case, according to Shane Monkman, Managing Director, One:Ex Consulting Ltd. He was formerly responsible for packaging and procurement with supermarket chain Asda. “Every material has a role to play but every material comes with its own tradeoffs,” he said and expressed concerns about the impact of paper, including deforestation and monoculture forestry, higher carbon emissions and biodegradability. Better handling and infrastructure The ‘plastic bad/paper good’ drumbeat can be confusing for consumers. The challenge the conference was addressing was how to handle plastics better, to reduce waste, improve reuse, recovery and recycling and to ensure that the infrastructure and capacity are in place, make education and accurate information a priority and, crucially, make recycling easier for the public. Of late, the opposite seems to have been the case. The UK has seen recycling facilities closed, rather than reopened. Collection rates have fallen in some parts of the country, according to a representative from Cambridgeshire County Council, in part because of disruption from Covid measures and the consequences and hangovers. Soft plastic collection and recycling, in particular, leaves a lot to be desired and chemical recycling is both in its infancy and often misunderstood. Searching for the right solutions There is no simple, one-size-fits-all solution, however. Recycling processes that require a lot of water – ie, by Ruari McCallion"},{"@ID":43 "TRADE SHOW PREVIEW PETplanet Insider Vol. 24 No. 10/23 www.petpla.net 41 KHS - hall 8 booth 418 Adhesive for PET bottles KHS will be presenting its portfolio of filling technology and packaging systems. Following the introduction of a universal adhesive for the beverage can segment, Nature MultiPack (NMP), in the future KHS will now be offering this for PET, too. The KHS portfolio is rounded off by a number of digital service products, among them intelligent systems for remote diagnosis and maintenance and a range of additional virtual training courses. Following the successful launch of a universal adhesive for beverage cans, KHS is now also offering this streamlined consumable for plastic bottles. PET containers of practically any shape, size or material thickness can be joined together using just one type of adhesive. This is facilitated by a special process where the adhesive is foamed during application to the containers. The new system is intended to also increase the level of convenience for the consumer, as bottles are easier to separate. Moreover, the outer wall of the PET container is subjected to less stress when the pack is opened, meaning that even with lightweight bottles with a very low wall thickness overload and damage are more or less totally ruled out. Digital systems KHS’ digital service portfolio is also a feature of this year’s trade show booth. With ReDiS (Remote Diagnostic Service) the systems supplier already supplies a remote maintenance method. This enables system disruptions to be analysed and remedied and software updates and modified system parameters to be uploaded to the machinery at any time on consultation with the customer. KHS provides additional help to make troubleshooting more time- and cost-effective with its Augmented Reality Service (ARS). According to the principle of ‘I see what you see’, support engineers gain a clear picture of the situation through the smart glasses worn by the user and line availability is thus quickly restored. The company will also keep users informed about their training services: in addition to its tried-and-tested services offered on site or at its various training centres worldwide that are now also accessible online, with its virtual training centre the Dortmund engineering company has now moved one step closer to providing modern, flexible forms of learning. Here, customers can independently master the correct operation and regular maintenance of their machines – with educational units both instructive and entertaining and accessible 24/7. Grouped under the KHS campus brand, the courses form a full blended learning package of extensive vocational and further training and human resource development measures. www.khs.com The Nature MultiPack adhesive is now also available for plastic containers. Focus on digital services: KHS will be presenting various services designed to support reliable system operation. These include intelligent remote diagnostics and maintenance services."},{"@ID":49 "PATENTS www.verpackungspatente.de PETplanet Insider Vol. 24 No. 10/23 www.petpla.net 47 Double-walled preform International Patent No. WO 2021 / 202234 A1 Applicant: The Procter & Gamble Company, Cincinnati (US) Application date: 25.3.2021 A double-walled preform to be used in the manufacture of pressurised aerosol containers. Oval container International Patent No. WO 2021 / 194506 A1 Applicant: Amcor Rigid Packaging USA LLC., Ann Arbor (US) Application date: 27.3.2020 An oval PET container optimised in terms of its use of material, dimensions, manufacturability and size of closure. Closure cap International Patent No. WO 2023 / 036667 A1 Applicant: Capartis AG, Schaffhausen (CH) Application date: 31.8.2022 A closure cap, preferably made entirely or mostly of PET, to secure a PET container that allows both bottle and lid to be recycled. The specially designed closure is easy and inexpensive to produce. A durable base design Application no: DE 102021125276 A1 Applicant: Krones AG, Neutraubling (DE) Registration date: 29.9.2021 A carbonated beverage PET bottle whose base needs to be specially shaped and which requires further modification. A re-useable bottle International Patent No. WO 2023 / 066830 A1 Applicant: Alpla Werke Alwin Lehner GmbH & Co. KG, Hard (AT) Registration date: 17.10.2022 The shape and configuration of the ribs, grooves and recesses of this reusable bottle have been designed in such a way that enables 90% of them to be seen through the opening in the container. A bottle for hot-filling International Patent No. WO 2021 / 222760 A1 Applicant: Pepsico Inc., New York (US) Registration date: 30.4.2021 This application refers to the shaping and design of the wall and bottom surface of a lightweight bottle intended for hot filling. PETpatents"},{"@ID":13 "MATERIALS / RECYCLING PETplanet Insider Vol. 24 No. 10/23 www.petpla.net 11 usage rate. Bottle samples are taken for further analysis, and the remaining bottles are ground and re-extruded into rPET pellets. The loop continues by blowing new bottles manufactured from the produced rPET pellets. A second sample is taken after the fifth production cycle of PET bottles. Both samples undergo GC-MS and LC-MS analysis to identify any substances present and compare them with those of the virgin resin. This procedure identifies and quantifies any NIAS created using the additive and highlights any potential accumulation of substances in the recycled material during multiple reprocessing cycles. These capabilities also allow any critical molecules to be identified and, when possible, eliminated at the early stages of the product development process for new additives. This capability has been used in the development of Avient’s new technologies, all formulated with circularity in mind and ensuring that NIAS controls are in place from the onset of these materials moving into the market. An example of this NIAS characterisation is in the bottled water market, where older technologies, still used today to control acetaldehyde reduction, have highlighted the need for a new technical solution. This, in turn, has led to the development of Avient’s next generation of acetaldehyde scavengers, Colormatrix AAnchor. Production of comprehensive characterisation data such as this also enables targeted screening of key NIAS where the customer may require product monitoring. Lastly, providing preliminary NIAS data to plastic processors and brand owners helps them narrow the analyses needed to identify the cause of any NIAS profiles of concern in their finished products, thereby maintaining the highest safety standards along the value chain. The path forward The demand for recycled PET in food contact applications is growing steadily. While the Single Use Plastics (SUP) Directive is calling for the incorporation of 25% recycled content in all PET beverage bottles by 2025, the Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive (PPWD) is aiming for a further increase to 30% and the expansion to all food contact packaging made of PET by 2030. As rPET use increases, NIAS levels are also very likely to increase. Sustainable additives must add no further negatives or reduce the undesirable NIAS risk. Therefore, additive manufacturers will need to adapt their processes as well. The development of new products should also include a screening for NIAS. This will ensure that critical substances are eliminated before a product is launched to avoid any accumulation of unwanted substances in the rPET stream over time. Today’s recycling protocols need to cover this aspect fully. Avient has invested in the necessary analytical equipment and built the required capabilities to screen and assess NIAS that might be created while using additives and further recycling loops. These analytical capabilities can also be used to conduct a targeted NIAS analysis to identify specific substances. This is required when customers request targeted monitoring of the additives they buy regularly from Avient. The company’s ongoing effort to identify and mitigate potential risks in food contact materials demonstrates its commitment to consumer well-being. The journey toward safer and more sustainable plastic packaging is a collective effort. As technology advances and consumer awareness grows, collaborations between industry leaders, regulators, and consumers will shape the path toward packaging that safeguards both products and the planet. www.avient.com"},{"@ID":42 "TRADE SHOW PREVIEW PETplanet Insider Vol. 24 No. 0/23 www.petpla.net 40 ABC Compressors - hall 7A booth 322 Air and CO 2 compressor solutions ABC Compressors will feature two developments at Brau Beviale for the beverage and biogas sectors, the Horizon Synchro PET synchronous compressor and the Ecoo range for CO2 compressors. These solutions are positioned as sustainable and cost-effective responses to the increasing demands of the market. The Horizon Synchro range stands at the forefront of ABC Compressors’ recent achievements. This line of compressors is claimed to offer various advantages when it comes to efficiency and performance. Notable features include a state-of-the-art permanent magnet motor, ensuring better energy efficiency compared to traditional motors. According to ABC, this technology not only reduces energy consumption, but also minimises maintenance costs. The variable speed drive allows the compressor to adapt to specific application needs, providing precise control and substantial energy savings. This capability ensures consistent output even under varying load conditions, says the company. The compact design optimises floor space in beverage production facilities, while an enhanced intercooling process leads to better performance and an increased equipment lifespan. The range also incorporates advanced digital management systems, enabling remote monitoring and control. Operators can track performance, receive real-time alerts, and optimise compressor operation for efficiency. Ecoo range for CO2 recovery The second product is the containerised Ecoo range for CO2 compressors which has been designed specifically for biogas upgrading plants. Building upon the well-established Ecoo range for CO2 recovery in brewPROCESS PILOT+TM Optimize Blowmolder Performance and Profitability with Automated, Closed-Loop Control +1.724.482.2163 agrintl.com Maximize rPET usability and processing Improve bottle performance and downstream operations Maintain lightweight, targeted material distribution Increase consistent production yield Overcome environmental and process variation Reduce scrap with accelerated start-up eries, this product aims to transform the way CO2 and biogas compression is handled in the industry. Noteworthy features include proven CO2 recovery capabilities for breweries, recognition of the importance of sustainable practices in the biogas sector, and a commitment to energy efficiency. The containerised design is intended to enhance mobility and flexibility in installation, enabling easy integration into existing facilities or rapid deployment in remote locations. www.abc-compressors.com"},{"@ID":6 "PETcontents 4 PETplanet Insider Vol. 24 No. 10/23 www.petpla.net 10/2023 Page 25 MATERIALS / RECYCLING 10 Navigating the future of plastic food packaging - Identifying NIAS in food contact materials PREFORM HANDLING 12 “A new idea every day” - 50th anniversary of the company M.Tanner AG BOTTLE MAKING 14 100% rPET bottle for carbonated soft drinks 16 A longer sparkle - Vilsa mineral water bottling applies Freshsafe PET Plasmax coating technol- ogy to non-refillable bottles 18 Where aesthetics matter - Sipa offers solutions for the evolving landscape of cosmetics, personal care and home care packaging 20 ‘Stretch Blow Molding’, part 16 - Injection stretch blow moulding machines INSPECTION 24 Integrated leakage testing system 25 Smart vision partner - New software packages MARKET SURVEY 27 Filling equipment & inspection systems TRADE SHOW PREVIEW 30 Brau Beviale 2023 preview 36 A smart way to produce PET bottles for up to 2.25 l 38 Cold pressed juices, safely packed 40 Air and CO2 compressor solutions 41 Adhesive for PET bottles TRADE SHOW REVIEW 42 Recoup Plastics Resource Recycling Conference 2023 BUYER’S GUIDE 48 Get listed! INSIDE TRACK 3 Editorial 4 Contents 6 News 44 Onsite 45 PET bottles for beverage + liquid food 47 Patents 54 Outer Planet Page 38 Page 12"},{"@ID":11 "9 NEWS PETplanet Insider Vol. 24 No. 10/23 www.petpla.net"},{"@ID":10 "8 NEWS PETplanet Insider Vol. 24 No. 10/23 www.petpla.net LOOKINGTO INCREASE ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS CRACK RESISTANCE (ESCR)? CONTACT USTODAY! info@moldmasters.com www.moldmasters.com ✓ New Sprint APEX gate seal. ✓ Increase environmental stress crack resistance for CSD caps by up to 40%. ✓ Increase your safety factor, improve product performance, and enhance customer satisfaction. ✓ Enables light weighting without sacrificing performance and durability. New Innovation Summit at Petcore 2024 Annual Conference Next year’s annual Petcore Conference will feature an Innovation Summit where delegates from across the PET value chain will present a diverse range of ground-breaking initiatives that have the potential to drive opportunities and growth throughout the sector. This is the first time that such a session will take place and a ‘call for papers’ has already been issued, inviting interested parties to submit their latest projects for consideration. The conference, being held in Brussels from February 7-8, 2024, will take place against the background of the finalisation of the EU’s landmark Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR). Day One wi l l consider the impact that the regulation will have on businesses operating both upstream and downstream, with industry experts and representatives from the EU institutions coming together to debate and explore market developments shaping the sector. Day Two will see the various Petcore Working Groups report on their activities and share challenges, successes, and next steps with members. As well as the established groups focusing on issues ranging from thermoforms to depolymerisation, Petcore will present the first findings of its analysis into options for enlarging the scope of the association to include textile recycling focused on polyester fibres. The day will include an update on the ‘Save Waste, Recycle the One’ communication campaign which targets Brussels policymakers together with consumers in three large markets – France, Germany and UK. Now in its third year, the campaign has now also launched in Italy, with pleasing social media impact and engagement to date. Delegates will also be updated on Unep’s attempt to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including the marine environment. Now that Petcore has received Unep accreditation and is able to attend key meetings, representatives will present key findings related to the association’s participation in the 3rd session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee held in Nairobi in November 2023. www.petcore-europe.org Indorama Ventures achieves 100 billion PET bottles recycling milestone Indorama Ventures Public Company Ltd announced that it has recycled 100 billion post-consumer PET bottles since February 2011. In the last ten years, the company has spent more than US $1 billion towards waste collection of used PET bottles and has committed a further $1.5 billion to expand its recycling business. To support increased recycling rates globally, Indorama Ventures has expanded its recycling facilities, infrastructure, and public education programs. The company now has 20 recycling sites in Asia, the Americas, and Europe. Recent developments include doubling the capacity of a recycling site in Brazil; and the opening of PET Value, the largest bottle-to-bottle recycling facility in the Philippines, in partnership with Coca-Cola. www.indoramaventures.com"},{"@ID":12 "MATERIALS / RECYCLING PETplanet Insider Vol. 24 No. 10/23 www.petpla.net 10 Identifying Non-Intentionally Added Substances (NIAS) in food contact materials Navigating the future of plastic food packaging Article by Marco Schaefer, Senior Marketing Manager Food & Beverage Packaging EMEA, Avient Corporation Plastic packaging is an integral part of our lives, providing convenience and protection for a wide range of products, including food and beverage. While some environmental concerns have prompted calls to reduce or reuse plastic, its presence in the market remains strong. In fact, reports suggest that plastic’s share in food packaging is expected to rise to 72% by 2024, signalling that plastic packaging is here to stay. Amidst this landscape, the need for sustainable and safe packaging is more vital than ever. Consumers are increasingly conscious of the plastic packaging materials used for their food products. As a result, manufacturers are seeing a growing demand from consumers for packaging that not only promises to protect the food’s integrity but is also environmentally conscious and devoid of potential health risks. Innovative companies are addressing these demands head-on; however, this objective comes with challenges and opportunities. One of the challenges lies in understanding the chemical composition of packaging materials, particularly those used for food. While databases worldwide contain information on thousands of food contact chemicals, there remain gaps in the knowledge about some substances and their potential migration into food. In response, Avient Corporation, a provider of specialised and sustainable material solutions and services, is taking proactive steps to address this challenge, beginning with identifying non-intentionally added substances (NIAS) in food contact materials. Unearthing the hidden substances Occasionally, food packaging may contain NIAS - chemicals present in food contact materials (FCM) or food contact articles (FCA) but not intentionally added for any technical requirement during production. These NIAS could stem from interactions between materials in the packaging, food content, substances in food contact materials (such as additives), the degradation of materials, or impurities in the raw materials. These hidden substances may go undetected by standard migration testing used for specific food contact compliance. Understanding potential reaction mechanisms and then being able to perform NIAS analytical testing is a critical process for plastic packaging producers since they are responsible for the safety of the articles they produce. Diligent scrutiny of packaging safety involves sophisticated analytics during which the nature of specific chemical substances to be detected may be unknown, and the quantities that can potentially migrate into the product are often measured in parts per billion (ppb). Plastic producers, packaging manufacturers, and brand owners must adhere to stringent specifications to ensure consumer safety and product quality are not compromised. A vision for safer packaging As the European Union (EU) mandates an increase in rPET in plastic packaging to 25% by 2025, plastic processors and manufacturers face the challenge of complying with these new regulations while maintaining existing safety requirements. Currently, rPET can be sourced from many different suppliers in the market, and, depending on the sorting and reprocessing carried out during the recycling process, its quality can vary tremendously. Additionally, as the industry moves towards an ideal recycling design that involves material circulating an indefinite number of times, it is challenging to provide rPET material that is safe for use in food packaging. This requires a recycled material that is not solely virgin PET-based resin but also includes a mix of increasing amounts of polymer and additives contained therein, each having undergone multiple recycling and melt histories. Providing a quality rPET grade that meets health and safety requirements and passes a robust NIAS screening process will become increasingly important. Through this process, important information can be gained about the composition of a material, its impurities, and any resulting toxicological concerns, which can affect consumer safety and for which packaging manufacturers are responsible. Once a final article is manufactured, its composition will include both rPET and any functional additives used in the manufacturing process. One of the crucial aspects of NIAS screening will be the ability to quickly discern between any NIAS content generated by the rPET or generated by additives used in the manufacturing phase. Screening input material (such as rPET) before use to identify potential NIAS should become a routine safety check in the future. To address these challenges, Avient has expanded its analytical capabilities to identify and assess nonintentionally added substances (NIAS) that might be created while processing an additive with PET during the packaging manufacturing and any subsequent recycling process. Evaluation starts with manufacturing bottles containing virgin PET resin and the additive at the recommended"},{"@ID":34 "32 TRADE SHOW PREVIEW PETplanet Insider Vol. 24 No. 10/23 www.petpla.net Retal - hall 4 stand 323 Staying ahead of evolving packaging legislation The evolving legislation around sustainable packaging is complex, with complicated initiatives that vary depending on market, application, and material. But how to make practical sense of the legislative technical information that is still developing? Plastic packaging manufacturer Retal is using the trade fair to provide information on how to reconcile this changing legislation and convenient packaging solutions. One focus is on the development of tethered caps. Anton Sugonaiaev, Head of the R&D department at Retal, shares how this combination works in practice, “We are well aware that it is the smallest of changes that can make a significant impact. In terms of tethered closures, we must remember that even a fraction of a millimetre can feel uncomfortable for the consumer when they are drinking from a bottle, so we must be careful in every element of the design. At the other end of the spectrum, we also must consider the practicalities of blowing the preform, of how the current limits of lightweighting can impact on the usability of the bottle, for example, or how the use of colourants can affect the Design for Recycling performance of the bottle. In addition to the tethered caps staying attached to the bottle after use, the legislation includes specifics such as it must resist at least 25N of tear-off force and have enough opening/closing cycles, fifteen or more to be precise, for the life of the bottle, up until recycling. Although the flip angle of tethered caps is not something regulated by the law, we strive to provide it as wide as possible for every single cap design to enhance the consumer experience.” Sugoniaev says that understanding consumer comfort and Design for Recycling (DfR) is part of the recipe for success, alongside the specific demands of the legislation. In addition to this, Retal can consistently offer up to 100% rPET for its preform portfolio, largely thanks to a preferential sourcing agreement with sister company Neo Group, which produces Neopet Cycle, PET flakes with up to 30% recycled material already integrated. www.retalgroup.com 20th anniversary of European Beer Star Award Brau Beviale is the home of the European Beer Star. Award winners, jury members, trade journalists and longtime fans of the European Beer Star meet here. The focus is always on genuine beers full of character that stand out in terms of taste and are among the world’s best in their respective categories. For the 20th anniversary of the competition, breweries from all over the world once again submitted their beers. In the running are beers from large corporations and small craft breweries, from traditional family businesses and newcomers in the brewing industry, from specialised brewmasters and creative people who like to experiment. They all share a passion for beers full of character and of the highest quality. According to the Olympic model, the winners of the European Beer Star are awarded a gold, silver or bronze award. The renowned competition is constantly evolving, which is why there are 73+1 categories in 2023. Why +1? The new special category Free-Style Beer honours unusual creations that cannot be squeezed into a predefined grid. Be surprised ... sidel.com COMBINING ROBOTICS WITH COBOTICS High palletizing performances in a compact footprint. With RoboAccess_Pal S, Sidel delivers an agile robotic palletizing unit ensuring fast Return on Investment with higher speed and payload."},{"@ID":53 "ONsite 44 PETplanet Insider Vol. 24 No. 0/23 www.petpla.net Hybrid MSW and packaging sorting plant in Guadalajara, Spain Stadler Selecciona S.L.U. (a subsidiary of Stadler Anlagenbau GmbH) has completed the installation of a new sorting plant at the Torija waste treatment centre. It is part of the Consortium for the Management of Urban Waste of the Province of Guadalajara, which covers a territory of 288 municipalities and 21 associations of municipalities. The Torija centre, managed by UTE RSU Guadalajara, serves the entire province, receiving waste from transfer stations and, directly, from 22 municipalities. The facility includes a sorting plant, a composting plant, leachate treatment and a landfill site. Public company Tragsa was charged with putting the project for upgrading the sorting plant out to tender. The new facility was required to fit within the existing building and process both Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) and light packaging. The tender was awarded to Stadler for its technical know-how and project management capabilities. The new sorting plant installed by Stadler has an input capacity of 40 t/h when processing MSW and 4 t/h when it is working with light packaging. The process begins with trommels and an STT 5000 ballistic separator, Stadler’s all-rounder for separating household waste, mixed commercial waste and bulky waste, followed by three optical sorters for PET, HDPE, Mix and Briks, and sorters for iron and aluminium. The recovered materials are stored and baled ready for sale. The automation of the process with the ballistic separator and optical sorters has improved the recovery rates and efficiency of the sorting plant, increasing its capacity to more than 100,000 t/a of MSW and over 12,000 t/a of light packaging material. A tight schedule for a challenging installation The project started with the dismantling of the existing plant, which took three weeks. The assembly of the new plant was completed in ten weeks, and it was inaugurated on schedule on April 30th, 2023. The project’s key challenge was installing the new facility within an existing building. “This meant that all tasks had to be carried out with a high degree of precision,” explains Antonio Marzal, Managing Director Tragsa Group Guadalajara. www.w-stadler.de"},{"@ID":17 "BOTTLE MAKING 15 PETplanet Insider Vol. 24 No. 10/23 www.petpla.net"},{"@ID":55 "TRADE SHOW REVIEW PETplanet Insider Vol. 24 No. 10/23 www.petpla.net 43 chemical processes – would not be appropriate in California, which has never had a glut of water and is now suffering a years-long drought. Collection services in some parts of the UK and the wider world are sparse or non-existent. The point was made that there must be more buy-in from brands but it was also pointed out that such participation may well require incentives, either financial or legislative. In this context, Paul Davidson, Challenge Director for the Smart Sustainable Challenge Fund, which is managed by UK Research and Investment (UKRI), outlined a competition being offered within the fund’s budget of up to £60 million (EUR 69 million), for “ambitious” early stage projects in investigating ways to reduce, reuse or recycle plastics. While there is, ultimately, no substitute for the infrastructure and physical capacity to recycle plastics, especially including PET food packaging, Dan Dicker, CEO & Founder, Circular & Co, made a strong argument for the importance of design. His company works with global brands on developing closed loop systems, designing for reuse and recycling from initial concept to finished item, striving to avoid finished products getting into the waste stream in the first place. Current and future developments James Wigzell, Technical Sales Support Representative, Avery Dennison (AD), described the company’s CleanFlake adhesive technology, which is designed to support the recycling of PET and HDPE packaging. During PET recycling, the adhesive deactivates to allow both label and adhesive to separate cleanly. In the case of coloured HDPE recycling, the label stays attached but does not compromise the resulting plastic pellets. AD took the decision to offer only CleanFlake labels from last year. James said it was the sort of bold decision he would encourage other companies to act similarly, in order to improve the whole recycling landscape. Jan Hommen joined Tomra in 2021, to focus on Circular Plastic Applications. Tomra is well known for reverse vending machines for collection of used beverage containers and is a leading manufacturer of PET sorting and recycling equipment. It is a strong advocate of circular manufacturing solutions. He advised that the plastics industry is planning to manufacture at least 10 million tonnes of plastics entirely from recycled material by 2030. While Tomra is encouraging suppliers to sort mixed waste and take out plastic items, in order to avoid emissions trading scheme (ETS) fees, he also described how the company is addressing the challenge of poor separation across waste collection by planning to recover one to two million tonnes of plastic from mixed waste, and to save 2.5 to 5 million tonnes of CO2 emissions through recycling processes. Bryony Rothwell, Recap Partnership Manager, Cambridgeshire County Council, discussed the approach of local government in the UK to recycling and waste management, in the light of a significant drop in recycling rates. She said that the drop has arisen from changes in packaging and talked about the need to capture and process non-recyclable materials and emphasised the importance of encouraging behaviour change in the public, to divert waste from waterways. Education and simplicity, systems and buy-in The public is undoubtedly much more conscious of environmental issues. People are very much in favour of change but it is a bit more difficult to get them to change themselves. Two of the leading takeaways from the conference were the need for education, especially to overcome plastic phobia, and an urgent need to make reuse, recovery and recycling easy. The simpler the process, the more that the public and the whole value chain will be engaged and participate. Successful implementation of effective recycling – ideally, building efficient circular manufacturing – starts at the design stage and involves everyone, from material suppliers to consumers. Brands and manufacturers should not wait for legislation; they should be doing it for commercial and ESG reasons. www.recoup.org"},{"@ID":5 "imprint EDITORIAL PUBLISHER Alexander Büchler, Managing Director HEAD OFFICE heidelberg business media GmbH Hubweg 15 74939 Zuzenhausen, Germany phone: +49 6221-65108-0 fax: +49 6221-65108-28 info@petpla.net EDITORIAL Kay Barton Heike Fischer Gabriele Kosmehl Michael Maruschke Ruari McCallion Anthony Withers WikiPETia. info petplanet@petpla.net MEDIA CONSULTANTS Martina Hirschmann hirschmann@petpla.net Johann Lange-Brock lange-brock@petpla.net phone: +49 6221-65108-0 fax: +49 6221-65108-28 LAYOUT AND PREPRESS EXPRIM Werbeagentur | exprim.de Matthias Gaumann READER SERVICES reader@petpla.net PRINT Chroma Druck Eine Unternehmung der Limberg-Druck GmbH Danziger Platz 6 67059 Ludwigshafen, Germany WWW www.hbmedia.net | www.petpla.net PETplanet Insider ISSN 1438-9459 is published 10 times a year. This publication is sent to qualified subscribers (1-year subscription 149 EUR, 2-year subscription 289 EUR, Young professionals’ subscription 99 EUR. Magazines will be dispatched to you by airmail). Not to be reproduced in any form without permission from the publisher. Note: The fact that product names may not be identified as trademarks is not an indication that such names are not registered trademarks. 3 PETplanet Insider Vol. 24 No. 10/23 www.petpla.net Dear readers, Brau Beviale 2023 will take place for the first time under the umbrella of “Yontex GmbH & Co KG”, a subsidiary of Messe Nürnberg and Messe München, into which the entire Drinktec cluster and Brau Beviale have been transferred. We spoke to Petra Westphal, Executive Vice President, Yontex. PETplanet: Hello Petra, Yontex has existed since July 2023 - why the merger of the two trade fairs? Petra Westphal: We want to shape the future of the beverage and liquid food industry together. As a result of the merger, we can now place both brands on the market according to their individual strengths. PETplanet: But when you say by together, does that not mean in the future that there will only be one beverage technology trade fair in Germany, called something like Braudrinktec? Petra Westphal: No, that’s not the approach! Quite the contrary: as I said, we will ensure the individual trade fairs focus on their established strengths. So we are continuing to expand Brau Beviale as a European trade fair for beer, wine, sparkling wine, spirits and their non-alcoholic versions, where medium-sized businesses in particular can feel at home. The focus of Drinktec as the world’s leading trade fair for the beverage and liquid food industry covers all sectors, especially for medium-sized beverage manufacturers and large global corporations. PETplanet: Can an exhibitor also show products outside of the trade fair’s main themes? Petra Westphal: Of course. It’s a focusing. To achieve transparency, we have developed a common nomenclature for the exhibitor database. Depending on the trade fair with different levels of detail, but the framework is now directly comparable. PETplanet: Petra, what are your hopes for the upcoming Brau Beviale? Petra Westphal: My hopes are that Brau Beviale 2023, the first trade fair in Germany under the Yontex umbrella, is off to a brilliant and impressive start, especially after the challenging years of 2020/21/22. In addition, I hope that we can spread the new options effectively within our community with the combined know-how of Yontex and further develop them together. PETplanet: Thank you for sharing your views with us. Petra Westphal: A pleasure. Yours Alexander Büchler"},{"@ID":52 "34 TRADE SHOW PREVIEW PETplanet Insider Vol. 24 No. 10/23 www.petpla.net Krones - hall 7A booth 510 Solutions for a sustainable and digital future Due to the accelerating pace of climate change, resource-conserving, sustainable production is more important than ever. Support for achieving this goal is provided, among other things, by digitalisation at bottling plants and breweries. For example, the digital solution Integrated Analytics makes energy and resource consumption during filling and packaging transparent - and provides insights to save energy, costs and CO2. Time and again, the brewing process proves to be particularly energy-intensive. With the individual machines and lines of the Brewnomic concept from Krones, the energy requirement can be reduced. Krones says that the potential for savings is so high that the brewery can supply itself self-sufficiently in terms of energy by recycling brewing residues. After all, the spent grains contain more energy than is needed for the entire brewing process. Since the spent grains are of biological origin, a Brewnomic brewery is also CO2- and climate-neutral. But that’s not all: the proteins in the spent grains can be extracted using Krones technology before they are utilised for energy generation, so that they can then be reused in a high-quality way, for example as a raw material for vegan meat substitutes or plant-based drinks. www.krones.com 34 TRADE SHOW REVIEW STEPS TO THE PERFECT BOTTLE. www.roeders.de www.roeders.de Idea & Design Technology Manufacturing Blow Mould 100% Service Y O U R PA R T N E R F O R B L OW MO U L D S . Meet us at BrauBeviale in Nuremberg Hall 7A / 7A-301 BBull Technology - hall 7 stand 150/151 Quality assurance systems for filling and packaging The networking of a wide variety of production and quality assurance systems is becoming increasingly important for the efficient use of materials and personnel in the filling and packaging process for bottles, cans and other food packaging. “BBull Alpha” is a multifunctional control concept that was developed and refined precisely for these requirements. The system is based on modern PC technology and offers all current interfaces for integration into a customer’s intranet system. It is thus prepared for the implementation of the customers’ Industry 4.0 processes and a tool for modern production management. “BBull Alpha” can be installed as a single or multifunctional system, depending on requirements and tasks. It detects underfilling or overfilling, missing, incorrect or leaking closures, dating as well as labelling, a missing internal pressure or vacuum, but also missing containers in the pack. In addition, inspection systems will be shown that enable additional functions by means of AI that cannot be realised with traditional tools: “BBull Image LG/DL” for returnable empties inspection uses self-learning algorithms that independently recognise bottle features and assign them to the bottles in the crate. “BBull Image ECI” not only inspects empty cans for damage or foreign objects before filling, but also recognises and sorts out cans with incorrect printing and dating. www.bbull.de A “Puls” measuring bridge for leakage control"},{"@ID":28 "PREFORM HANDLING PETplanet Insider Vol. 24 No. 10/23 www.petpla.net 12 50th anniversary of the company M.Tanner AG “A new idea every day” by Heike Fischer 25 km north-east of Zurich, Switzerland, lies the city of Winterthur, where the headquarters of M.Tanner AG is located. The family business, now in its second generation, invited its employees, friends, suppliers and customers to the three-day anniversary celebration. The company produces preform handling systems and currently has around 4,000 systems in operation worldwide. In addition to feeding preforms into the blow moulding machine, other products and functions have been added over time. In bright sunshine and in Swiss cosiness, employees led visitors through a parkour to report on the company’s history and at the same time to draw attention to the technological milestones. The parkour ended in the present time and, appropriately, in the heart of the factory hall. Surrounded by silos and conveyor belts, Marco Tanner, CEO, welcomed the guests and invited his father, the founder Marcel Tanner, onto a stage provided. “It seems like yesterday that my wife Rita and I founded the company in 1973,” Marcel Tanner began his talk. And even though this sentence has been said many times before, everyone in the room immediately believed this charismatic, elderly gentleman. He told personal anecdotes with wit about the challenges of the first years, when his wife Rita, also a machine designer, and he kept their heads above water with contract work for the food industry and in transformer technology. Marco Tanner, CEO, said that his father was very well known in the industry early on and was often asked for help. When there was a seemingly unsolvable problem, there was this saying: ‘Ask Mr Tanner, he will be able to help you!’ For him, his father is a role model with his modesty, in the way he combined family and work. The phrase: ‘A new idea every day,’ also comes from the father. “It is not always easy to deal with a new idea every day, but this spirit still drives me today,” stated Marco Tanner. When the development of blow moulding machines by Corpoplast began in the mid-1980s, Tanner’s share of the PET business grew rapidly. There was the challenge of accompanying the pace of development. Due to the complexity and performance requirements of the blow moulding machines and preform design, the feeding of the preforms became more and more important. “We have also pointed out to the machine builders to take a closer look. How do you want to load the preforms, how do you want to discharge them, it’s not just tipping. Because there is one true hit. The efficiency of an entire line starts with us!” Marco Tanner took over the management of the company in 2012. “The special situation we find ourselves in is that in the meantime our customers are also our competitors, such as KHS, Krones or Sidel. Therefore, I decided to focus also on end-customers to expand our portfolio in order to be able to react flexibly to the market.” From loading, sorting and feeding the preforms to elaborate quality optimisation, M.Tanner today covers the entire preform handling process upstream of the blow-moulding machine or inspection system. Only three years after takeover in January 2015, the Swiss National Bank (SNB) surprised the financial world by lifting the minimum euro exchange rate of 1.20 francs. The value of the Swiss franc rose immediately. The company had to accept losses of 20%. Marco Tanner decided to focus on engineering, service and preform handling. Manufacturing and assembly were limited to the essentials, only where Tanner’s expertise was needed. He therefore had to restructure. “Even though it was a very unpleasant time, the focus also gave us the opportunity to launch new products, to obtain deeper knowledge of different markets,” explained Marco Tanner. “Even today, it’s not an easy time, it’s about overcoming crises together with our clients. We want to lead our clients not to see us as competition, but to show them synergies, to expand their portfolio, show them that our systems are complementary. We are succeeding well in Marcel Tanner, founder of M.Tanner AG (left) with his son Marco Tanner (right), CEO since 2012."},{"@ID":8 "PETnews 6 NEWS PETplanet Insider Vol. 24 No. 10/23 www.petpla.net Netstal presents new brand positioning Shortly before Fakuma in Friedrichshafen, Germany, Netstal is presenting itself with a new brand identity. The company has defined ‘Leading, Reliable, and Value-creating’ as the core values of its corporate brand, intending to communicate this positioning to the outside world through a contemporary corporate design. The company’s self-proclaimed mission is to sustainably maximise the added value of customers from the strategic application fields of thin-wall packaging, closures, PET preforms and medical technology. With the new message to the target groups ‘Your best choice’, Netstal also hopes to address new target groups: “Today the shortage of skilled employees is an urgent challenge. More than ever, we want to present ourselves as an attractive employer, retain existing employees and attract new talent,” emphasises Renzo Davatz, CEO of Netstal and member of the KraussMaffei Executive Board. New logo, new homepage The heart of the new corporate design is the graphically revised company logo. “In modernising it, we have been careful to respect Netstal’s long tradition. Clearly recognisable remains the familiar diamond shape, which has been opened up on the sides and forms a harmonious frame for the lettering,” says Michael Birchler, Head of Marketing and Communications at Netstal. “In a figurative sense, this also says that we are opening ourselves up to new opportunities and challenges. These include topics such as digitalisation and sustainability or the conscious use of the valuable plastic material. At the same time, we remain true to our core competence, and that is the injection moulding machine,” adds Renzo Davatz. Netstal has also applied its new corporate design to the current machine portfolio. The dominant colours of the covers are dark blue and white. Three-dimensional logos in chrome steel look has been designed to emphasise high quality and independence. www.netstal.com EPBP launches design guidelines for recyclability for ‘food grade’ opaque white PET bottles The inclusion of opaque white PET beverage bottles in the targets set by the European Commission demonstrates the commitment of the industry towards a more sustainable future. EPBP (European PET Bottle Platform) has now developed design guidelines for recyclability for food grade opaque white PET bottles and expects that these guidelines will provide crucial support to the mechanical recycling industry for plastics in Europe. By providing structure and encouraging dedicated PET bottle streams, these guidelines will help to maintain the quality and safety of both the opaque white and the clear PET beverage bottle streams. This supports a circular economy by promoting the recycling of materials for the same application and adding value to each stream. By actively working towards increasing the use of recycled PET, the mechanical recycling industry for plastics is playing a vital role in reducing waste and minimising the environmental impact of plastic. By aligning with the targets set by the European Commission, and structuring the industry for ‘circularity’, the PET value chain players are actively working towards a more sustainable future. www.epbp.org Britvic Ireland announces €6 million investment in Ballygowan facility Britvic Ireland has announced an investment of €6 million in its Ballygowan facility in Newcastle West, Co. Limerick, to grow the site’s production capacity by over 20% in order to meet growing consumer demand for Ballygowan mineral water. It is expected to create 28 new jobs. In addition to the new manufacturing roles, the investment will provide additional bottling capacity for the equivalent of 50 million fully recycled and recyclable 500ml bottles of Ballygowan, enhance production capability, and underpin the sustainability credentials of the site. Ballygowan is claimed to be Ireland’s number one bottled water brand, and consumer demand has grown steadily in recent years with sales of Ballygowan products undergoing strong double digit volume growth compared to pre-Covid levels. Newcastle West is the home and source of Ballygowan mineral water, which has been produced and bottled at source since 1984. Britvic Ireland have been a local employer in Newcastle West since 2007, and the facility currently employs 55 people in addition to the newly announced roles. Ballygowan bottles are made from 100% rPET, following a €2 million investment in the Newcastle West facility in 2021. www.britvic.com Alpek: Corpus Christi Polymers (CCP) pause construction of its integrated PTA-PET plant Alpek, S.A.B. de C.V. announced that Corpus Christi Polymers (CCP) has decided to temporarily pause construction of its integrated PTA-PET plant in Corpus Christi, Texas, USA. Alpek, along with its joint venture partners in CCP, has been committed to the development of this facility. However, due to high inflationary rates, construction and labour costs have surpassed original expectations. Consequently, the partners have decided to pause and further assess options to optimise the project’s costs and timeline. The site will be properly preserved to be able to resume construction in the future. www.alpek.com"},{"@ID":38 "TRADE SHOW PREVIEW PETplanet Insider Vol. 24 No. 10/23 www.petpla.net 36 PET Technologies - hall 7 stand 646 A smart way to produce PET bottles for up to 2.25 l Late November will bring together numerous packers and beverage producers from around the world in Nuremberg, Germany. PET Technologies will again be participating there with the newest APF-Max series blowing machine on the booth. The heating system The APF-Max 2 has a NIR preform heating system. The APF-Max blow moulders are among the first SBM machines of linear type. NIR heating system for PET bottles production: Uniform temperature distribution between the inner and outer parts of preform wall Reduced heating time Compact heater size Reduced energy consumption of blow moulder The heating process is faster in comparison with the conventional infrared (IR) system. It reduces energy consumption and enables the design of a smaller (shorter) heater of the APF-Max 2. The equipment has smaller footprint and is easy to transport. The moulds PET Technologies tackle many spheres of PET bottle production, one of which is blow moulds manufacturing. PET Technologies boasts a full production cycle on its plant, featuring over 140 metal working machines and two dedicated R&D departments. PET Technologies utilises duralumin alloys of German origin. These alloys exhibit exceptional hardness of up to 100HB. This particular type of aluminium possesses special mechanical properties, offering a balance between hardness and plasticity, making it ideal for withstanding shock loads. The moulds production facility is equipped with advanced 4- and 5-axis CNC machining centres from renowned manufacturers such as Deckel Maho (Germany), Doosan (South Korea), and Micron MILL (Switzerland): Achieving a high level of automation (resulting in cost reductions); Ensuring precision and high processing speed; Enabling the production of products of any complexity. This infrastructure permits PET Technologies to produce moulds for all European brands of rotary and linear blow moulding machines. This infrastructure has transformed PET Technologies into an authorised partner of global brands. Design is in the detail Customers will be inspired by unique ideas for bottle design developed by PET Technologies. The bottles are claimed to be attractive and technologically advanced. The company aims to help its customers to combine lightweight with high resistance, sophisticated decoration elements with adequate blow moulding properties. Laboratory tests will save time and money by improving the bottle design to the point where it not only looks good, but also is strong enough to take care of the product and resist transportation challenges. www.pet-eu.com With nearly 25 years of experience in the PET stretch blow moulding industry, PET Technologies is proud to present the newest APF-Max 2 blowing machine at the BrauBeviale 2023 event. The APFMax 2 is a two-cavity machine from APF-Max series of blow moulding machine, designed to produce PET bottles ranging from 0.2-2.25 l, with an output capability of up to 3,500 bph. This solution is intended for those either embarking on their manufacturing journey or transitioning from semi-automatic machines to higher productivity with a linear machine. The APF-Max 2 blow moulder distinguishes itself with a range of special features. Notably, it offers quick changeover capabilities, facilitating the transition between preform types ranging from 18 to 38 mm with ease. To ensure precision and consistent quality during the moulding process, each mould cavity benefits from a set of valves. The machine’s patented mould closing system and automatic temperature regulation further contribute to its efficiency and reliability making the APF-Max 2 a serious choice for modern manufacturing needs, according to PET Technology."},{"@ID":26 "INSPECTION 24 PETplanet Insider Vol. 24 No. 10/23 www.petpla.net Integrated leakage testing system Flexblow addresses the challenges of traditional leak testing methods by integrating the process directly into the stretch blow moulding machine. This approach is not only claimed to eliminate the need for extra space as the module neatly fits in the SBM machine frame, but also to enhance overall efficiency. Utilising pressure leak testing tools, the all-in-one solution identifies packaging defects that may elude visual inspections, says Flexblow. Containers of various shapes and neck sizes can be processed as well as ultra-lightweight containers which are handled by an internal grip and reduced top-load. Beyond its structural benefits, the development excels at identifying a spectrum of defects, from distorted neck geometry to cracks and plastic curling. The system’s In the realm of bottle manufacturing, the pursuit of impeccable quality remains a constant challenge. Defective preforms or damage to preforms caused dur ing transportation, handling, and packaging processes can result in leakage-causing container defects. Conventional solutions in the market often involve separate pressure testing equipment, typically positioned between the container manufacturing equipment and the downstream production line. This approach demands additional space, with equipment size varying based on inspection speed, necessitating careful consideration of plant premises. Flexblow offers a solution that integrates leakage testing in the blowing equipment. prowess extends to detecting holes within the bottle’s geometry, regardless of their location, through meticulous pressure monitoring. In addition, it assesses packaging resistance to compressive force, simulating pressure from above on the conveyor during leakage tests. The use of pressurised air evaluates the overall integrity of the bottle geometry. The principle of operation & functional components The two-carriage ruler brings the bottles to the required position, followed by bellows grippers descending to activate and secure the bottles from the inside. Subsequently, set pressure is applied through the bellows grippers’ hole, with any observed pressure drop signalling a defective bottle. The robust frame of the system serves as the backbone, securely holding valves and sensors responsible for pressurising and measuring air pressure. A pneumatic cylinder, connected through a fast connection, manoeuvres the bellows gripper holder into the precise bottle holding/ measuring position. The bottle bottom cooler dispenses cold air, intended to ensure optimal PET crystallisation and to provide stability during measurements. Augmenting the testing process, an air receiver system supplies air to the valves, elevating the system’s overall efficacy. www.fl exblow.com"},{"@ID":1 "No.10 2023 www.petpla.net D 51178; ISSN: 1438-9452 23 . 10 . 23 MAGAZ I NE FOR BOT T L E R S AND BOT T L E - MAK E R S IN THE AMER ICAS, AS IA, EUROPE AND AL L AROUND THE PLANET PETplanet is read in 159 countries MARKETsurvey Filling equipment & Inspection systems supplier Page 27 Page 30"},{"@ID":27 "INSPECTION 25 PETplanet Insider Vol. 24 No. 10/23 www.petpla.net New software packages Smart vision partner In the packaging world, Sacmi CVS is a partner for the design of smart vision systems. ‘S’ as in systems, the set of mechatronic solutions that performs quality control on individual products, with the range of machines on the market. CVs as in software, which Sacmi develops to build a solutions ‘package’, configured according to usability and cybersecurity principles. The interconnection of systems is the first step. The introduction of AI and deep learning techniques, in fact, is pivotal to giving machines autonomous decision-making capacity. These techniques are driving the development of systems tailored around the individual product being inspected: plastic polymers (caps, preforms, containers), labels, metal and so on. Machines and vision systems: The opportunities provided by ‘integrated’ control The company directly incorporate some of the inspection systems into its machine range (e.g. the PVS156 on the latest generation of IPS preform presses). Sacmi says that it combines production process expertise with vision systems that provide exact, meaningful information on the efficiency and effectiveness of the process itself, anticipating any deviations and aiding real-time correction. This multi-material approach spans from the production of preforms and containers to caps and labels. It extends to the metal sector with the DMD, the Sacmi digital decorator for metal sheets, now offered in combination with Eclipsim Deco and various systems specifically designed to inspect can lines, such as Elioscan (external decoration) and iCan for the inside and neck. New software packages: CVs software suite All Sacmi computer vision solutions for PET, metal and other packaging materials have been developed with a sharp focus on modularity, compactness and user-friendliness, as highlighted by the new Classy AI system, available across the entire range, stated Sacmi. The system creates automatically a classification of detected defect types, displayed on a user-friendly dashboard, providing a valuable process ‘snapshot’. Classy AI can also be used by non-expert workers with ease, according to Sacmi. The CVsWeb, the software, which can be used on any connected device, analyses and logs the data, boosting the potential of the CVs22 software incorporated on the machines and shared by all the systems. Together, the three software solutions make up the new Sacmi ‘Suite’, configured to comply with the recent data protection and security standards (encryption, strengthened authentication, etc.). Not only a matter of eyes In designing a complete range of inspection systems, configured around the needs of the individual process, product or customer, Sacmi seeks to provide not just ‘eyes’ but a real ‘brain’: providing factory workers with valuable support and, more generally, identifying and correcting any process inefficiencies. The development of ‘self-driving’ systems - which are easier to use and, in a general sense, better at providing significant information on the process - is a key aspect of Sacmi strategy. www.sacmi.com DNC boosters Turnkey all-in-one system • Compact powerhouse with a footprint of only 2.35 m² ,QLWLDO SUHVVXUH XS WR EDU ² ÀQDO SUHVVXUH XS WR EDU • Plug and play: ready for immediate operation 3UHPLXP HˣFLHQF\\ ,( PRWRU GHOLYHUV LPSUHVVLYH SHUIRUPDQFH DQG HQHUJ\\ VDYLQJV • Sigma Control 2 controller: RSWLPXP HˣFLHQF\\ DQG QHWZRUN FDSDELOLW\\ ,QGXVWULH www.kaeser.com 1UQEHUJ , ² 1RYHPEHU , Hall 4, Stand 441"},{"@ID":41 "TRADE SHOW PREVIEW PETplanet Insider Vol. 24 No. 10/23 www.petpla.net 39 TRADE SHOW PREVIEW 39 SMI - hall 7A booth 503 One case packer - multiple applications SMI has developed a wide range of applications that can be achieved with the pick & place case packers of the ACP Ergon series. Thanks to its solid monobloc structure, the ACP case packers can pack various types of containers in multiple types of packages. In addition, the ACP Ergon can also be used for other applications, such as the production of cardboard basket packaging. On the occasion of the Brau Beviale trade fair, SMI will exhibit an ACP 20 S Ergon case packer to pack 66 cl beer glass bottles in cardboard baskets in the 3 x 2 format, with adhesive tape closure, at a maximum speed of 20 packs/min. The automatic case packers with pick & place system of the ACP Ergon series allow user companies to obtain a simple, effective packaging suitable for maximising the visibility of the package on the shelves at the points of sale. The cardboard basket presented at the fair is claimed to be an ideal solution to create a micro-wave cardboard multipack, which guarantees easy graphic customisation of the packaging used for easy handling by consumers, thanks to the integrated handle, of beer bottles (but also cans, PET bottles, etc.). The ACP range of machines is particularly suitable for packaging even very delicate and exclusive products, without damaging the labels of glass bottles during the packaging process. The ACP case packers feature a solid monobloc structure that combines all the machine functions: product separation, product insertion with top loading system, carton magazine, box sealing. The packaging process is alternate (stop & go) by means of a pick & place system capable of making RSC packs at the maximum speed of 20 packs per minute (depending on the format). ACP Ergon case packers are equipped with Sercos fieldbus-based MotorNet System automation and control technology, which ensures compatibility with Industry 4.0 and Internet of Things (IoT) platforms within the plant. www.smigroup.it (MKMXEP VEXMSREP TVSƤXEFPI ;LEX IPWI# SACMI.COM 4VIJSVQ MRWTIGXMSR ERH TVSGIWW IRLERGIQIRX MRGPYHIH DIGITAL (MKMXEP TVSGIWW GSRXVSP VIEGLIW TVIZMSYWP] YRXLMROEFPI PIZIPW STIRMRK YT XLI MRHYWXV] XS -S8 WGIREVMSW RATIONAL 7%'1- 4VIJSVQ :MWMSR 7]WXIQ MRGPYHIH JSV EHZERGIH GSQTVILIRWMZI TVSGIWW GSRXVSP PROFITABLE '330 TSWX GSSPMRK MRWMHI GSSPMRK W]WXIQ\r WLSVXIRW G]GPI XMQIW ERH PIEHW XS QSVI TVSƤXEFPI TVSHYGXMSR momic"},{"@ID":58 "PETplanet Insider Vol. 24 No. 10/23 www.petpla.net 45 BOTTLES PETbottles Beverage + Liquid Food Special bottle neck The company Orkla Danmark fills several flavours of a sugar-free drink under the “Scoop” 500ml brand in waisted bottles with a striking moulding in the neck area. Four recesses are incorporated in this area to give the bottle an improved grip and stability when gripped. A transparent self-adhesive label and an opaque screw cap with brand lettering on the top complete the bottle. www.madværkstedet.dk Malt extract in PET The Norwegian company Jensen & Co sells 450g of malt extract in a stable PET bottle that tapers towards the top. The bottle is closed with a screw-on hinged cap with an integrated silicone valve. Before taking the first sample, the cap must be unscrewed and a sealing membrane removed from the bottle. Two labels in matching colours explain the product. www.jensenco.no Water from Denmark Under the Denice brand, Coop Trading A/S in Denmark sells 500ml mineral water in a slightly bluish coloured bottle with an opaque screw cap and guarantee band. What makes the bottle stand out on the shelf is the design and colour of the surrounding paper label. The reduced appearance has a high-quality effect. www.cooptrading.com Milkshakes with 24 grams of protein Products with a lot or addi t ional protein are in vogue and many manufacturers of fer such products. A colourful example of this is the milkshakes from t he company Ba r e - bells Functional Foods Deutschland GmbH from Hamburg. Under its own name, it fills 330ml of a lactose-free milkshake, which does not contain added sugar, into a fitted bot t le wi th colour ful sleeve labels that match the respective flavour. The sufficiently large drinking opening is closed via a screw cap with a first-opening safety device. www.barebells.de"},{"@ID":20 "BOTTLE MAKING 18 PETplanet Insider Vol. 24 No. 10/23 www.petpla.net Sipa off ers solutions for the evolving landscape of cosmetics, personal care and home care packaging Where aesthetics matter In the dynamic world of cosmetics and personal care, packaging plays a pivotal role in attracting consumers and ensuring product integrity. There is a growing trend among producers to transition to PET from other plastic resins, driven by PET’s flexibility and easy recyclability. Sipa offers solutions such as ISBM (Injection Stretch Blow Moulding) technology for this target group. One of their featured offerings is the ECS SP system, available in 80 and 25-ton models. The ECS SP system has been tailored for producing a variety of containers for food, beverage, cosmetic, and personal care markets. It is claimed to ensure precise moulding and to result in containers with consistent dimensions, high clarity, and a flawless finish. This is crucial in the cosmetics industry, where aesthetics matter. As cosmetic packaging comes in various shapes and sizes, Sipa designed the system to be versatile. It can be tailored to produce bottles and jars with diverse designs, including a recent addition of a small jar for cosmetics. With cavitations ranging from 1 to 16, the ECS SP is claimed to optimise production efficiency. This means meeting high demand for output while maintaining the required quality. In addition, the system can produce containers in a range of colours, offering versatility for packaging aligned with a brand’s identity through fast and easy colour change. Cosmetic jars production To exemplify the capabilities of the ECS SP system, Sipa recently designed and produced a small cosmetic jar using their industrial machine, the SP80. This small jar, with a neck finish of 89mm and a weight of 29 g, exemplifies the precision and flexibility of the technology, according to the company. The system, with its 4-cavity design, allowed for efficient production of these jars with consistent quality even at low cycle time. The range of masterbatch colour options, enabled Sipa to create these jars in amber, white, and transparent variants, catering to diverse customer preferences. The ECS SP integrates the ability to produce containers with both flat and embossed bottoms without the use of the so called “bottom mould delay”, an option required on competitors’ machines, as Sipa states. Sipa says that its commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction becomes evident in their recent design and production of the small cosmetic jars using the SP80 and ECS SP 25 machine, which required adaptation to changing market demands. As the cosmetic and personal care markets continue to evolve, the Italian company aims to offering flexible systems that can quickly adapt to changes in bottle colour and shape, ensuring that a brand remains competitive and appealing to consumers. www.sipasolutions.com BEYOND THE HORIZON PROCESS SOLUTIONS FOR POLYMER RECYCLING AND SOLID STATE POLYMER UPGRADING Polymetrix, a Sanlian Buhler Company, provides process technology including EPCM services for the polymer recycling and manufacturing industry. Leading supplier of rPET systems and integrated rPET plants for single line capacities up to 70’000 tons per year. www.polymetrix.com www.slhpcn.com"},{"@ID":4 "MARKET SURVEY 29 PETplanet Insider Vol. 23 No. 10/23 www.petpla.net Sacmi Imola S.C. Krones AG Newamstar Packaging Machinery Co., Ltd. Via Selice Prov.le 17/A Imola (BO) Italy +39 0542 607111 www.sacmi.com Mr Stefano Severi Sales Area Manager +39 0542 607553 stefano.severi@sacmi.it Böhmerwaldstr. 5 93073 Neutraubling, Germany +49 9401 70 0 www.krones.com East Xinjing Road, Zhangjiagang Economic & Technological Development Zone, Jiangsu 215618, P.R. China +86 512 5869 1111 www.newamstar.com market@newamstar.com No Yes Yes No Yes Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes and high frequency Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Camera with special peripheral lens to control 360° of the sidewall, real 3D technology for 360° precise inspection Yes Yes Yes, +/- 1° Yes Yes Yes, +/- 1mm Yes Yes Yes, both inkjet or laser printed, through proprietary AI algorithms Yes Yes Camera 360° with real 3D technology Yes Yes No Yes Yes Up to 150mm 50-105mm 50-250mm Up to 340mm 60-340mm & closure diameter 27-46mm 100-470mm Single or multi push devices Yes, without air consumption Yes Up to 72,000bph Up to 84,000bph 1,000-72,000bph Panorama supervisor Yes Yes Newamstar Packaging Machinery Co., Ltd. Enoberg s.r.l. Sacmi Beverage S.p.A East Xinjing Road, Zhangjiagang Economic & Technological Development Zone, Jiangsu 215618, P.R. China +86 512 5869 1111 www.newamstar.com market@newamstar.com Via del Lavoro, 14, 24060 Telgate BG, Italien +39 035 845908 www.enoberg.it Mr Fabio Bonaldi Sales Manager +39 0345 40545 / Mobile +39 347 5448971 fabio.bonaldi@enoberg.it Via Enzo Ferrari, 1, 43058 Sorbolo Mezzani PR, Italy +39 0521695411 www.sacmi.com Ms Federica Marozza Marketing & Communication Innofi ll PET NV XGF Rinser, fi ller and capper machine in stand alone confi guration Equafi ll ESF Equafi ll AWF 32/144 12-130 9-114 for standard bottle (up to 3 l), 9-20 for high capacity bottle (up to 10 l) 12-192 12-120 0.1/3.0 0.25-20 0.25-10 0.1-3.1 0.05-11 Up to 90,000 1,200-81,000 1,000-55,000 Up to 82,000 Up to 48,000 Up to 44,000 Up to 72,000 Up to 72,000 Up to 36,000 Up to 28,600 Up to 65,000 Up to 36,000 Up to 33,500 Up to 60,000 Up to 36,000 Up to 34,400 Up to 65,000 Up to 60,000 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No Yes Yes No Yes Yes Water valve, hot fi lling valve, isobaric valve, electronic valve; Flometer, weight, liquid level inspection Electronic volumetric fi lling valves by means of Flowmeters, Level fi lling: counter-pressure fi lllers and gravity fi llers Volumetric electronic fi lling by magnetic fl owmeter (or massic) Contact-free fi lling Intelligent Factory Management Platform Compact modular frame, with a wide choice of customisation options; operating and maintenance costs cut; easy and quick format changeover; high hygiene, easy maintenance and cleaning; precise and fast fi lling and capping processes, thanks to electronically controlled operations and to the use of high-effi ciency valves controlled by fl ow meters; the machine base plate is inclined towards the drainage points. This allows the drainage of liquids that are on the machine base and a higher level of hygiene. Intergrated mixer, automatic dummy bottles, easy changeover by grippers neck handling, clean room, automatic external cleaning No contact bottle fi lling, easy solution with 1 fl owmeter (water), integrated cip, automatic dummy bottles, easy changeover by grippers neck handling, clean room, automatic external cleaning"},{"@ID":21 "BOTTLE MAKING 19 PETplanet Insider Vol. 24 No. 10/23 www.petpla.net ClipAside, drink, love! On an exponential grow path: Tethered ClipAside passes 4 billion. Contact us and arrange your line trials now! www.bericap.com PET 38 PET 29/25 PCO 1881 PET 33 PET 26 PET 26 GME 30.40 A consumer real-life “study” conducted in France found a high level of acceptance among consumers for our innovative new closure. After just one or two experiences, even the youngest and oldest users could handle the smart closure without difficulty – often with one hand. What’s more, many praised the eco-friendly nature of the cap, which remains on the bottle neck and avoids creating additional plastic waste. Best of all for you, this premium product can be integrated into most lines and any popular bottle neck format without major modification of your production equipment. Visit us at BrauBeviale Hall 4, Booth 4-219"},{"@ID":57 "1 The worldwide round trip with The Middle East Roadshow PET world in the Middle East In a spectacular project taking us well into 2024, we will be travelling in a wide variety of ways to various countries and regions of the Middle East with different mobile editors. There we will interview machine manufacturers, the supply industry, bottle and beverage producers, as well as PET recyclers and everyone involved in the process chain. What market-specific trends are there now or will arise in the future? What developments and technologies are in vogue on the consumer and plant construction site in some of the hottest regions of the world? What special requirements are there? What role do topics such as food safety, shelf life and sustainability play in PET packaging and how are companies preparing themselves for the coming years? This, and much more we will be discussing face-to-face with all the key players and then our results will be presented to you in a series of must-read reports in PETplanet Insider. Please join on this enchanting voyage to the world of PET in the Middle East. We look forward to welcoming you on board! Our previous Road Shows at a glance 2010-2011-2012-2013-2014-2015- 2016-2017-2018-2019-2020-2022 Interested in being visited? barton@petpla.net Autumn 2023 - 2024 EDITOUR - THE MIDDLE EAST ROADSHOW 6 countries numerous interviews with PET companies Sponsors to date Editours"},{"@ID":23 "PREFORM PRODUCTION 21 BOTTLE MAK NG PETplanet Insider Vol. 24 In order to get to these times there are usually three or more speed settings that the processor can use. These are mostly open-loop controls that can be set depending on the screw position. On the machine a proportional valve receives speed percentages as variations of milliamps and allows a proportional amount of oil flow into the injection device. Recommended is a slow start, a fast middle, and then a slowdown before the screw reaches the transition point. Choosing the transition point As explained earlier the transition point should be chosen as that point when the injection cavity is completely filled with material. There are several ways to calculate it. The first takes advantage of our knowledge of melt density versus solid density. For PET these values are 1.16 and 1.335g/ cm3, respectively. We assume that the material is at the melt density during injection and at solid density after hold and cooling, even though this may not be that correct as explained later. Because melt density is about 87% of solid density our initial shot calculation should allow 87% of the stroke to happen in injection and 13% of it during hold. The 13% hold phase stroke allows the material to grow in density, that is, shrink to the solid density. The reason this is not as accurate is that the material, especially the melt front, cools down during injection and increases in density as a result. This is especially true for thin preforms that cool down quickly. The 13% density difference may be as low as 8% or even 6% thereby changing the necessary settings. Another way of finding the transition point is to observe hydraulic injection pressure. During injection the cavity is empty (except for air) and there is little resistance to the flow of plastic into it. Once the cavity is filled with material injection pressure will increase immediately as the material now blocks further injection. An experienced processor can thus determine at which point the cavity is filled. A third way is to calculate the screw stroke with the screw diameter, the melt viscosity and the shot weight as parameters. Hold pressure and time During hold time the material shrinks to solid density as explained and the main purpose is to allow some material to enter the cavity to compensate for this shrinkage. Most machines have three hold pressure and time settings. The first is responsible for the neck area of the preform, the second for the body, and the third for the gate. A general guideline would be to set the three timers to equal"},{"@ID":22 "PREFORM PRODUCTION PETplanet Insider Vol. 24 No. 10/23 www.petpla.net 20 BOTTLE MAK NG ‘Stretch Blow Molding’, part 16 Injection stretch blow moulding machines by Ottmar Brandau Ottmar Brandau has newly revised his book ‘Stretch Blow Molding’, first published by hbmedia / PETplanet Publisher, and now re-issued in a third edition under the Elsevier Imprint. PETplanet Insider is publishing extracts from successive chapters in a serie of articles. 8.3 Injection Controls All machines on the market use reciprocating screws. That is, the screw turns and pushes material to the front of it while retracting backward in the barrel. This is called recovery. During injection the screw moves forward pushing material into the hot runner while a check valve located at the front of the screw prevents material from moving back. The parameters that can be adjusted on the machine are discussed as follows: injection pressure injection speed transition point or switchover point hold pressure hold time cooling time cushion length Injection pressure and speed Processors can dial in injection pressure either from the screen or manually on a pressure relief valve. A maximum of 100bar (1,500psi) is recommended for PET to avoid shearing the material too much. This is hydraulic, not material pressure and the difference should be explained. The hydraulic injection piston has a 5–7 times bigger area than the screw area leading to pressure intensification. For example, a 200mm injection piston has an effective area of 31.4cm2. The 80mm screw is connected to have an area of 5.024cm2. Using 100bar in the piston results in a force of 3,140kg acting now on the smaller screw area. This leads to the screw experiencing a pressure of 3,140bar/5.024cm2 or 625bar. This is the pressure the material is subjected to and 700bar (10,000psi) is the recommended maximum for PET. It is possible to increase this pressure slightly during start-up to get the process going but many machines run well below the maximum. A notable exception is very thin preforms (2.3mm), as these require fast injection and with it high pressure to prevent freezing off in the cold tool. Pressure is also not actually regulated by the pressure setting. Instead, this setting is just limiting the pressure to the dialled-in value, draining oil to tank when the actual pressure reaches the selected threshold. What actually creates the pressure is the speed of injection. The faster the speed the higher is the resulting pressure. Speed should be chosen so that the maximum pressure is not reached. Most machines show the actual pressure on the screen while on some it can be read on a dial gauge at the extruder. Figure 8.5 Recommended injection fill time versus preform weight. This graph should only be taken as a general guideline. Other process considerations may force processors to change the time significantly. Injection time is the time between start of injection and when the screw reaches the transition or switchover point. The actual injection time is not a time that can be dialled in. Instead, it is the result of the speed setting and how long it takes to move the material from start of injection to the transition point. This in turn depends on the chosen speed setting and melt viscosity. As discussed earlier, melt viscosity is a function of the material intrinsic viscosity (IV) and melt temperature. Fig. 8.5 gives a guideline what injection time should be for PET."},{"@ID":37 "35 TRADE SHOW PREVIEW PETplanet Insider Vol. 24 No. 10/23 www.petpla.net PERFECTION DRIVES US. 50 Y E AR S ANNI VERSARY 1973 – 2023 WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF PREFORM HANDLING: www.mtannerag.ch Floor level solution, soft handling, LMKL IJ½ GMIRX GSQTEGX PE]SYX 'SQTPIXI WSPYXMSR JVSQ E WMRKPI WSYVGI WE ARE EXHIBITING AT: s/^/d h^ d ^d E ^ϭͳϯϳ Heuft Systemtechnik GmbH - hall 8 booth 104 In-line quality assurance An empty bottle inspection that reaches a new level not only in glass-in-glass detection; a full bottle inspection that identifies glass splinters, foil, or mould in the beverage more reliably; a high-precision high-speed empty can inspection; a label inspection with new teach-in; and a truly gap-free inspection of tethered caps on disposable PET bottles - these are just a few of the developments presented at the Heuft stand, with a central emphasis on AI-supported image processing technologies for enhanced detection reliability and a significantly reduced false rejection rate, exemplified by the Heuft Reflexx A.I. X-ray images are smartly de-noised with this so that even smaller splinters become visible during the pulsed glass-inglass inspection. Glass thickness variations are compensated for by the AI. During optical in-line inspection, it not only filters out harmless objects such as drops on the bottle, but even makes visible what is hidden behind them. And also realises, among other things, full coverage in top-down inspection of empty beverage cans, as well as a novel teach-in for immediate start-up of new brands in label inspection. Numerous intelligent QA technologies which are claimed to realise a higher detection accuracy with a lower false rejection rate – such as the Heuft Reflexx A.I. drop filter, the smart approach for the complete inspection of tethered closures or the innovative Multi Color Image Processing (MCIP) – will be demonstrated at special enlightenment stations on the Heuft stand. www.heuft.com Röders – hall 7A booth 301 Base technologies with a high potential for energy saving Reducing energy consumption is a huge topic for the beverage industry and mould manufacturer Röders has introduced a new base technology for reducing blowing pressure: The “low pressure” (LP) base is combining a unique design with extra venting to let the air exhaust easily. Due to the optimised material flow, less air will be required to blow out all areas of the base. Blowing bottles with less than 20 bars instead of 30 was feasible at several CSD bottlers in Europe and some were able to even reduce to 15 bars. All potential results are related to local conditions such as the preform, condition of the machine and moulds as well as the bottle shape itself, Röders said. With its 50 years of exper ience, Röders at tr ibutes i ts success to the use of modern technology, especially the highspeed cutting machines developed in-house. The company sees high flexibility, fast response times and consistent quality of all moulds produced as its core competencies. www.roeders.de"},{"@ID":40 "TRADE SHOW PREVIEW PETplanet Insider Vol. 24 No. 10/23 www.petpla.net 38 Cold pressed juices, safely packed Arden’s Garden, based in Atlanta, USA, is a notable player in the production of fruit juices, extracts, and wholesome foods, with a foundation rooted in the founder’s belief in the health benefits of fresh fruits and vegetables. Arden Zinn, the visionary behind the company, started during the 1990s with a simple juicer, eventually transforming her passion for health into a flourishing business. Today, the cold-pressed juices are packed with latest generation packaging systems and distributed safely throughout the United States. The history of this Atlanta-based company, revolves around Arden’s passion and desire to ensure everyone’s good health. In addition to personal and family use, this enterprising woman from the East Coast used to share her juices with friends and acquaintances, because she believed that everyone has to have the opportunity to be healthy. From these assumptions, a modern company was founded and grew quickly. Today, the company, which is Atlanta’s largest producer of fresh juices, with two East Point processing plants, is run by her daughter Leslie, who preserves and continues her mother’s legacy. Arden’s Garden produces a wide range of cold-pressed juices, a system that does not use heat, oxygen or other pasteurisation methods that damage the nutrients found in fruit and vegetables. The company also produces other foods and delicacies, such as raw vegan snacks, made with nuts, rolled oats, kale, cashews, almonds, peanut butter and chocolate, suitable for providing nutrient-rich foods. In terms of packaging, Arden's Garden relies on SMI's solutions, such as the ASW 50 F Ergon shrink wrapper, for their 15.2 oz and 2 oz PET bottles. This equipment, with a 90° product feeding system, exemplifies the adaptability required in a dynamic market. Its ergonomic structure, featuring a single-lane infeed system, is claimed to ensure the proper channelling of bulk containers on a conveyor belt, utilising low friction, thermoplastic chains. The rotating infeed operation smoothly pushes loose products from the single-lane conveyor to the pack conveyor. Linear and continuous grouping of containers is facilitated by dividing bars, accompanied by a twin belt system guided by an electronic cam, effectively separating products based on the desired format. In terms of versatility, the ASW Ergon series offers models capable of shrink film packaging at speeds of up to 80 packs/min, accommodating cylindrical, oval, or square/rectangular containers. The specific model installed at Arden's Garden meets production requirements of up to 50 packs/min. www.smigroup.it Victor Gaffney, COO of Arden’s Garden and Leslie Zinn, CEO and daughter of the founder Arden Zinn"},{"@ID":9 "7 NEWS PETplanet Insider Vol. 24 No. 10/23 www.petpla.net Sliding preform for 100% production feedback IMDvista PECO LUX Process monitoring shot by shot Easy integration into your production line Requires QR DGGLWLRQDO ƝRRU VSDFH Low investment and IDVW SD\\EDFN The alliance with Coperion gives Herbold Meckesheim’s growth more impetus Herbold Meckesheim is reporting a good order situation for PET and film washing lines towards the end of the current fiscal year. The company is referring to the end of the US financial year, because since last summer Herbold has been part the US group Hillenbrand Inc. Last October, a separate Recycling Business Unit was set up under the umbrella of Hillenbrand with the machinery building company Coperion to cover the entire process chain of plastics processing. The company says that this gives the Meckesheim-based plant manufacturer an even stronger basis and more impetus for its steady growth. The Recycling Business Unit is claimed to offer comprehensive and innovative overall solutions based on the complementary and aligned technologies of Herbold and Coperion. From mechanical processing size reduction, washing, separating, drying and agglomeration of plastics to bulk material handling, feeding and extrusion, as well as compounding and pelletising, the Business Unit covers the entire process and thus value chain. A global network of engineering sites, project management and service centres ensures fast order fulfillment, whether in the USA or Asia, and, thanks to literally short distances, enables installation and commissioning as well as competent and fast on-site service. State-of-the-art test centres for product development and customer trials round off the Recycling Unit’s range of services. PET washing lines dominate order intake PET washing lines continue to dominate the order intake alongside those for films. There is also strong demand for lines for big bags and hard plastics in general, says Herbold. In addition, the special machinery manufacturer is supplying those customers who are interested in single machine solutions. These are mainly granulators and fine mills as well as plastcompactors. Moreover, Herbold Meckesheim maintains an extensive program for overhauling, retrofitting and selling used units. www.herbold.com Coca-Cola is the first bottler in India to launch 100% rPET CSD bottles Following the successful launch of a 1 l bottle made from 100% rPET for its Kinley drinking water brand, Coca-Cola India is now introducing Coca-Cola in 250ml and 750ml rPET pack sizes. These rPET bottles are being manufactured by Coca-Cola bottling partners – Moon Beverages Ltd., and SLMG Beverages Ltd. The bottles, made from 100% food-grade rPET (excluding caps and labels), feature an on-pack call-to-action message, “Recycle Me Again” displayed on the pack. The PET is recycled using technologies approved by the US FDA and the European Food Safety Authority (Efsa) for foodgrade recycled material and repurposed into new PET bottles, reducing the need for virgin plastic for producing PET bottles. The Food Safety Authority of India (FSSAI) has approved the use of recycled PET in food packaging in 2022. Similarly, the Government of India’s, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and the Bureau of Indian Standards has enabled befitting regulations and standards to facilitate the use of recycled plastics in food and beverage packaging. Coca-Cola aims to make it convenient for consumers to return their empty PET bottles by recycling them at conveniently placed drop-off points or Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs). Earlier this year, Coca-Cola India launched a ‘Return and Recycle’ initiative with Zepto that focuses on gathering PET bottles directly from consumers. This also helps in establishing an organised process of collecting PET bottles with 100% traceability. Specifically for India, Coca-Cola introduced ASSP (Affordable Small Sparkling Pack) for the 250ml PET bottle. ASSP, a proprietary Coca-Cola innovative technology is used to reduce plastic usage in the production of PET bottles for sparkling products by up to 40 per cent. www.coca-cola.com"}]}}