PETpla.net Insider 10 / 2014

BOTTLE MAKING 24 PET planet insider Vol. 15 No. 10/14 www.petpla.net the PET bottle as an alternative to the more traditional multi-layer cardboard and HDPE containers, or as an effec- tive way to open new sales channels. Building on the experience accu- mulated in these years with “Dairy” PET resins, Novapet has developed a DCU concentrate (TiO 2 based). DCU provides greater flexibility to its offer by means of an adjustable light barrier, which has a range of barrier properties from lesser to total. These qualities are achieved by the addition of the product to conventional bottle- grade PET, when this is injected to produce the preform. The level of light protection pro- vided can be customised by adjusting the concentration of DCU in the pre- form, according to the needs of each individual product. Tests have shown that DCU concentrations between 16% and 18% have the ability to pro- vide a virtually complete light barrier. Concentration can be reduced to 14% with little difference in effectiveness and cutting it to 9% still provides a level of protection that is acceptable for ESL operations of up to 95%. This enables control of production costs. There is no need for dedicated technology for the injection process. With little investment, and in a very short time, preforms can be produced by a standard high-speed mono-layer injection machine at whatever TiO 2 concentration is required. The single- layer process eliminates the risk of delamination during blow moulding. Because the process uses GEA Procomac ABF (Aseptic Blow Fill) technology, which sterilises the pre- form rather than the blown bottle, it is possible to reduce package signifi- cantly, without any risk of deformation during heat treatment. P.E.T. Engi- neering and Novapet, in collaboration with Husky Injection Molding Sys- tems, developed the 1l ‘White & Safe’ bottle, designed specifically for ABF technology. The result of this coop- eration is a 19.5g, ultra-light bottle for milk that provides extended shelf life. The UHT version weighs 21.5g. The two versions deliver 15.2% and 10.4% (respectively) weight savings, compared to the lightest containers currently on the market. The 1l milk bottle with DCU was among the finalists in the Best Pack- aging innovation category in the 2014 World Dairy Innovation Awards. www.gea.com www.husky.ca www.petengineering.com www.novapet.com