BOTTLE MAKING 21 PETplanet Insider Vol. 24 No. 12/23 www.petpla.net Giant water cooler jug in 100% rPET In a collaborative effort centred on environmentally conscious packaging, Ice River Sustainable Solutions has teamed up with Sipa Spa to develop sustainable practices within the beverage industry. Ice River’s commitment to eco-friendly solutions, coupled with Sipa’s innovative platforms, prioritises the use of recycled materials in a sustainable production of beverage containers. At the core of this collaboration is Ice River’s approach towards ecoconscious packaging. Their use of 100% post-consumer PET recyclate for their 500ml spring water bottles not only demonstrates their commitment to sustainability but also establishes a precedent for responsible packaging practices. Ice River’s achievement as the first beverage company in North America to procure “blue box” materials for producing 100% rPET bottles emphasises their proactive stance in environmental stewardship. Expanding their product range to include sizes up to 15 l (4 US gal) and subsequently updating the design of their 15 l water cooler bottle reflects their ongoing pursuit of improvement. The decision to collaborate with Sipa for the enhancement of their 15 l water cooler bottle speaks to Ice River’s pursuit of excellence in sustainable packaging solutions. Sipa’s specialised stretch-blow moulding machine, the linear SFL 2/2 (now marketed as the SFL Maxi 2), played a crucial role in this redesign process. This linear blowmoulder incorporates several key features, including energy efficiency, the ability to process preforms made from 100% rPET, and the integration of additional kits for increased flexibility. Other features of the SFL Maxi 2 include a smart clamping unit, simplified mould changeover procedures, and optimised blowing blocks, resulting in a 30% decrease in dead air volume and a substantial reduction in total air consumption. Through careful development work and optimisation of container properties, Ice River and Sipa achieved significant milestones. The bottle now boasts improved top-load strength and increased resistance to vacuum formation during the bottle’s depletion. This achievement stems from the strategic distribution of materials within the container, made possible by the bottle’s unique design and optimised process conditions. Ice River Sustainable Solutions’ commitment goes beyond production and extends to the entire life cycle of its products. The creation of Blue Mountain Plastics, Ice River’s recycling company, underscores the company’s commitment to a circular economy. This is operated in a closed loop, from kerbside collection to responsible bottling of natural spring water and the repeated recycling of plastic packaging. Through the joint efforts of Sipa and Ice River Sustainable Solutions and by combining the expertise of both companies, new opportunities for innovation in the beverage industry have been created. www.sipasolutions.com Ice River’s 100% rPET bottle range Ice River maintains its own recycling company through Blue Mountain Plastics. While the beverage company operates a closed loop for the PET bottles, the caps are upcycled into other products such as outdoor furniture.
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