PETpla.net Insider 04/ 2013

BOTTLE MAKING 32 PET planet insider Vol. 14 No. 04/13 www.petpla.net New generation one-way PET KeyKeg launched by Lightweight Containers Double walls, doubled resistance Lightweight Containers has announced the launch of KeyKeg20, the first of a new genera- tion of KeyKegs. The cylindrical container, which will be available from Q1 2013, is claimed to offer improved logistics practicality, lighter weight and better resistance to both internal and external pressures. At its launch event at Brau Beviale 2012 in Nuremberg, Germany, rep- resentatives of Lightweight Contain- ers said that the new KeyKeg20 (for 20l) has been developed in response to customer demand for one-way, lightweight packaging that could be used for highly-carbonated bever- ages, is robust enough to withstand hot climates and long journeys, is moisture-resistant, makes use of recy- cling technologies and is safe, as well as logistically effective. The company maintains that the market share of one-way kegs containing CSD, still soft drinks and carbonated alcoholic beverages will grow in years to come and that its new package is an impor- tant step along the way. “We have worked continuously for two years to develop the Double Wall technology and the cylindrical KeyKeg20,” said Bert Hanssen, R&D director of Lightweight Containers. “We have wanted to make a cylindri- cal keg for a long time, but we couldn’t get it to meet our high requirements for deformation, resistance to damage and high internal pressure. Newly developed PET-processing technolo- gies like laser cutting and ultrasonic welding suddenly brought the cylindri- cal shape within our reach.” Key features The core innovation featured in the new package, called Double Wall technology, actually constructs a “cylinder within a cylinder”. When the product is seen unfilled, the appear- ance is of a rigid outer cylinder with a bag inside. Once filled, the two walls are claimed to work together dynami-