PREFORM PRODUCTION PETplanet Insider Vol. 22 No. 10/21 www.petpla.net 35 Preform range for hand sanitiser applications and cosmetic products Tried and tested for new uses The post-Covid world brings with it a greater demand for products that were previously used relatively infrequently. Whereas hand sanitiser, for example, was perhaps bought by consumers once a year, now many people keep a bottle of this liquid with them most of the time. And it’s not just consumers that want a handy bottle of sanitiser: supermarkets, shops, offi ces and public spaces are now routinely stocked with bottles of alcohol gel, which are either regularly changed or refi lled, with the heavy usage requiring sturdy products. For plastic packaging manufacturers, diverting existing or customisable bottles and closures suitable for this newly-crucial application is a good way to respond to this trend. For Retal Iberia, the Girona factory for the global Retal group of PET preforms, fi lms and closures producers, its fast-acting team has created a range of preforms that are suitable for hand sanitiser applications, as well as other cosmetic products. Raquel Oller Bosch, commercial manager at Retal Iberia, explains how the lexpertise of the team has allowed it to quickly create a viable solution. She says, “We have extensive knowledge of creating and manufacturing PET preforms that can include rPET, and we are always looking for ways to utilise our portfolio. With the increased appreciation for hygienic packaging solutions, and the greater demand for hand sanitiser and alcohol gels, we wanted to offer a cost-effective preform that was available at a range of sizes.” The new Retal DIN preform is available in a range of neck fi nishes and weights, with sizes ranging from 0.5 l up to 1.5 l, making it suitable for both individual use and more commercial volumes of hydroalcoholic gels. The neck weights available with the Retal DIN preform are 23/410 (2.23 g) and 28/400 (2.85 g). Oller Bosch continues, “This preform is based on our very successful design for mineral water and carbonated soft drinks, but the variation comes from the different demands of hand sanitiser when compared to CSD as the product is dispensed; the cap needs to be pushed or squeezed, rather than poured or drunk directly. So we’ve not reinvented anything . We’ve taken what we know inside and out and made it suitable for a new demand.” Transposition to other segments Production capabilities for these preforms are al ready establ ished at a possible 13.6 mi l l ion units per month, depending on size and order requirements. Retal Iberia has invested in state-ofthe-art equipment in order to manufacture at volume and speed, offering costconsc i ous so l u t i ons to brand owners and blowers across Europe. Wi th up to 100% rPET ‘not a problem’, the Retal Iberia preform range can be offered as standard or customised, wi th al l the product ion faci l i t ies and equipment already up and running with experienced teams. Oller Bosch explains how the long-term experience of Retal Iberia’s team in p r oduc i ng p r e f o rms a t high volumes for food and beve r age app l i ca t i ons means that this value can be transposed to the hand sanitiser segment, as well as other cosmetic products. She notes, “We’re used to producing huge volumes for the very cost-conscious bottled water market, so we are able to pass on that advantage to customers in the hydroalcoholic gel segment.” With the wider neck available on the preform, this PET bottle is also suitable for a range of other cosmetic and personal care applications, particularly with the push button closure option. Body lotions, face creams, shampoo and conditioner are all suited, as well as sprays when coupled with the right closure. www.retalgroup.com Retal Iberia premises
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