PETpla.net Insider 11 / 2014

BOTTLE MAKING 24 PET planet insider Vol. 15 No. 11/14 www.petpla.net Edible oil PET bottle with a compression moulded T-hanDle Handling down to a T-hanDle Based on a report by David Birkby Side, blow-moulding manufacturer located in Barcelona, Spain, has collaborated with two other companies to launch a 3l PET bottle incorporating a moulded handle into the North American market. Demand for large-capacity con- tainers of edible oils and other prod- ucts is increasing across the world and especially in North America. Richardson Oilseed, Canada’s larg- est privately-owned agribusiness, challenged IntraPac, the Canadian division of IntraPac Group, to come up with a bottle that would meet market demand for a clear, 3l bottle with a consumer-friendly grip. The specifications for a clear, edible oil container narrowed material choices down to polypropylene (PP) or PET. While larger, blow-moulded PP bottles can be produced with integrated handles, the clarity, impact resistance and higher oxygen barrier qualities of PET would normally make it a better choice. However, PET tech- nology had previously been able only to offer indented “easy grip” features on 32 and 64oz (950ml and 1.9l) juice bottles. This feature was not accept- able for larger packages, which often have a “snap-in” or even an integrated “moulded in” handle, normally made from PP. While this technology offers a developed by Pano Cap specifically for this application worked well, it placed some limits on preform design. After nearly a year and several iterations on both preform and bottle design, the 90g “T” handle mould made by Compact Mould was ready for production and market trials. According to the company, the finished article was positively received by consumers and has demonstrated good performance, as well as being cost-effective. Side has continued to evolve the T-hanDle system to apply to other market sectors, such as detergents, juices and bottled water and has developed lighter packages, includ- ing a T-hanDle for 2.5l bottles weigh- ing just 54g. It has also developed the T-hanDle system for up to four- cavity machines and outputs of up to 4,000bph, depending on container sizes. www.t-handle.com www.sidemachines.com reliable commercial solution, it is con- siderably more expensive as it requires specialised tooling and equipment, resulting in higher unit prices. Side provided a vital step in developing the solution. It makes a machine that has the facility to compression-mould a “T” handle into larger-capacity PET bottles during the moulding process. Its idea and technology is already proven in Italy, Canada, Mexico, Chile, Spain, Morocco and other markets. Its auto- mated equipment will produce up to 1,200bph per cavity, oriented towards the exit for easy palletising. Richard- son required a design that would be compatible with their existing line, which would produce cartons at a competitive price point. Their specifications included top load capacity of at least 35lbs (15.9kg). The package requirements mean that design parameters would be very tight. While the 43mm thread finish