PET – the ideal candidate
China’s consumers are increasingly demanding healthy drinks in sustainable packaging
As a company that is active in moulds and services for bottles, with a considerable R&D department, Foshan-based GDXL has a good overview of the latest market requirements. In our interview, they explain current trends and developments in the Chinese market and beyond.
PETplanet: How do you see the PET industry in China developing?
GDXL: Consumers are now more interested in safe, healthy, individualised and sustainable products, which in turn creates corresponding requirements for the packages. PET is by its nature one of the ideal candidates. Its demand should go in pace with the growth and consumption ability of the economy, whose prospect is good and steady. On the contrary, sustainability of the material can be further improved by means of R&D of bio-based raw materials, development of the collection and recycling industry, and product design, etc. Meanwhile, safety and performance of the package should not be compromised amid the post-pandemic era. These lead to opportunities and challenges to brand owners and suppliers in the industry.
PETplanet: Do you observe any trends that are particularly in demand from customers in the PET bottle sector?
GDXL: In response to the pandemic, customers have developed a consumption preference for choosing food and beverage products which are safe, healthy and credible, especially for essential commodities such as PET bottled water. Traditional renowned brands have intrinsic advantages in terms of consumer confidence. Meanwhile, compared with general consumers, younger generations tend to be more satisfied with creative, individualised and sustainable products which reflect their values. Adoption of sustainable materials, green and fashionable design, as well as cross-boundary elements into PET bottles may give some insights.
PETplanet: Last year you announced turnover growth for the first pandemic year 2020, which was mainly due to growth in the domestic market. How have things progressed since then? Has the foreign business already recovered somewhat, and how did the 2021 financial year develop for GDXL?
GDXL: In 2021, we achieved turn-over growth year-on-year both in our domestic and overseas markets. The growth rate in overseas business is higher than that in our domestic market, with overseas turnover exceeding the pre-pandemic figure in 2019. It somehow reflects a sign that some of the foreign suppliers and converters are becoming more optimistic towards their local or regional beverage markets.
PETplanet: In the last few years, you have focused on the multilayer co-injection area solutions strongly. Can you briefly explain the advantages and the applications for which the system is particularly suitable?
GDXL: The main advantages of multilayer co-injection are the improvements in product shelf life and market appeal. Application of barrier materials into PET packages in the form of a laminated structure can improve the package’s resistance to permeability of gases and light depending on the type of barrier applied. Durability and shelf life of the product contained are extended as a result. It is particularly suitable for products which are sensitive to oxygen such as juice, and light such as dairy products. The technology also helps retain CO2 content in carbonated drinks, thus preserving their taste and flavour for a longer period. Moreover, multilayer co-injection can also realise colour gradation, delivering a new option for market appealing impression.
PETplanet: Can you say something about the recyclability of the finished product?
GDXL: While multilayer packages have potential in enhancing food safety and food conservation, their recyclability is worth improving from technological and commercial aspects. Research in bio-based and bio-degradable barrier materials, and a realisable way to process them in existing sorting and recycling systems are needed to attain sustainability goals.
PETplanet: GDXL is strongly committed to research and development. What improvements/modifications in the field of preform, cap or blow moulds have been realised recently?
GDXL: Continuous dedication in R&D of mould products have improved our overall competitiveness in the sector.
For moulds, recent developments involve further improvement in performance. For instance, we developed a new structural design for enhancing uniform cooling capability of mould cavities, and a new base mould design achieving low pressure blowing, etc. There are also developments in preform designs. For instance, we are developing a preform design with an optimised base to achieve uniform distribution of base material during the blowing process, enhancing the performance of the resulting bottle while creating a bonus in the possibility for weight. Developments in other areas include inspection methods and improvements in our digital production system, etc.
PETplanet: Thank you very much!
