PETpla.net Insider 11 / 2025

No.11 2025 www.petpla.net D 51178; ISSN: 1438-9452 PETplanet is read in 162 countries Shrink film & palletising machinery MARKETsurvey Page 23 M A G A Z I N E F O R B O T T L E R S A N D B O T T L E - M A K E R S I N T H E A M E R I C A S , A S I A , E U R O P E A N D A L L A R O U N D T H E P L A N E T 10 . 11 . 25 BOTTLE MAKINGPage 13 EDITOURPage 10

GULFOOD MANUFACTURING NOV. 4 - 6 DUBA I DRINKTEC INDIA NOV. 1 3 - 1 5 MUMBA I MEET US AF COMPRESSORS ENERGY SOBRIETY The world leader of PET oil free piston compressors WWW.AFCOMPRESSORS .COM SALES@AFCOMPRESSORS .COM

We think about your caps, so you can think of everything else. www.corvaglia.com

imprint EDITORIAL PUBLISHER Alexander Büchler, Managing Director HEAD OFFICE heidelberg business media GmbH Hubweg 15 74939 Zuzenhausen, Germany phone: +49 6221-65108-0 [email protected] EDITORIAL Kay Barton Heike Fischer Gabriele Kosmehl Michael Maruschke Ruari McCallion Miriam Trotter Anthony Withers Editorial & WikiPETia. info [email protected] MEDIA CONSULTANTS Martina Hirschmann [email protected] Johann Lange-Brock [email protected] phone: +49 6221-65108-0 LAYOUT AND PREPRESS EXPRIM Werbeagentur Matthias Gaumann www.exprim.de READER SERVICES [email protected] PRINT Chroma Druck Eine Unternehmung der Limberg-Druck GmbH Danziger Platz 6 67059 Ludwigshafen, Germany WWW www.hbmedia.net | www.petpla.net PETplanet Insider ISSN 1438-9459 is published 10 times a year. This publication is sent to qualified subscribers (1-year subscription 149 EUR, 2-year subscription 289 EUR, Young professionals’ subscription 99 EUR. Magazines will be dispatched to you by airmail). Not to be reproduced in any form without permission from the publisher. Note: The fact that product names may not be identified as trademarks is not an indication that such names are not registered trademarks. 3 PETplanet In sider Vol. 26 No. 11/25 www.petpla.net When they move to a new country, many people explore the best sights, landmarks, or restaurants. Thanks to my family and professional background, I tend to notice something else first: the beverage packaging. So, when I recently moved from Germany to Austria, I didn’t just discover new mountains and dialects. I discovered something far stranger: suddenly, there were more on-the-go drinks in carton packs than in PET bottles. For someone passionate about circular packaging and recycling, that was a surprising and slightly painful realisation. After a little research, the picture became clear. More and more brands are introducing carton packs alongside their bottles. Even RAUCH, the wellknown juice and iced tea producer from Vorarlberg, now sells its iced tea in 0.5-litre Tetra Paks proudly labelled “Ohne Pfand” - “No deposit.” And why? Because since January 2025, Austria has had a deposit return scheme (DRS) for single-use PET bottles and cans. The idea is solid: reduce waste, raise collection rates, boost recycling. But instead of celebrating a big step toward circularity, some consumers (and therefore companies) seem to be taking a step back: choosing carton to avoid the DRS. Let’s be honest: switching from a 100% recyclable PET bottle to a multilayer composite carton is not exactly an environmental upgrade. PET bottles can be collected, washed, shredded, and turned into new bottles - over and over again. Carton packs? They’re a complicated mix of paper, plastic, and aluminium that can be recycled, but only through specialised processes with limited yields. So yes, avoiding a 25-cent deposit might feel convenient, but it’s hardly sustainable. If the goal was to cut waste and reduce CO2 emissions, replacing fully recyclable PET with something harder to recycle misses the point entirely. As a German, I can only say to my Austrian friends: don’t fear the Pfand! It’s not a punishment; it’s progress. You’re not saving money or the planet by avoiding PET: you’re skipping the most circular packaging we’ve got. So next time you’re standing at the shelf, make the smarter choice: go for the Pfand, take the loop, take the PET. Because sustainability isn’t about avoiding deposits - it’s about closing the circle. Yours, Emma Trotter Project Manager & Shareholder Dear readers,

PETcontents 4 PETplanet Insider Vol. 26 No. 11/25 www.petpla.net 11/2025 EDITOUR CIRCULAR ECONOMY 10 Minimise compressed air consumption sustainably 11 Sustainable rPET is gentle to process - Upheavals in Netstal’s distribution and machine technology are reflected in rising market shares MATERIALS / RECYCLING 12 Liquid colours, additives, and precision dosing solutions BOTTLE MAKING 13 Lasers instead of labels 14 Bottle made from 100% chemically recycled PET - Partnership realises 100% rPET bottle made with Eastman Eastar Renew EN031, converted by Doloop from approved preforms 15 First in the Lightweight Class - SIPA designed 4.95 g rPET bottle with focus on ecological responsibility 16 Optimising the blowing process - Enhancing bottle manufacturing with advanced venting and stretching technologies 17 When to use AI – and when not to - Intelligent inspection of recycled PET containers 18 Lightweight and label-free MARKET SURVEY 23 Suppliers of shrink film & palletising machinery EVENT REVIEW 19 Solutions for PET packaging 20 PET bottle inspection solution - Vision-based tethered cap & filler management for PET lines 21 The whole world of capping 26 Where air quality is crucial - Interview with Raymond Chan, Director Business Development at Adekom 27 Complete PET filling solutions 28 Inspection at a glance 29 K 2025 wraps up on a positive note 29 Yoghurt cups made from Sprit 31 Focus on recyclate quality 32 Masterbatch enables PET closure recycling - Sukano’s new additive package 33 Packaging, hotrunner and medical moulding solutions 34 Tray-to-bottle recycling - MAS launches iQonicTwin series for food-grade PET recycling 35 Fast changeover & energy saving 36 Engel presents all-electric thin-wall moulding production cell OUTER PLANET 46 Recyclable and ocean-degradable plastics BUYER’S GUIDE 40 Get listed! INSIDE TRACK 3 Editorial 4 Contents 6 News 37 On site 38 Bottles for Beverage + Liquid Food 39 Patents Editour Page 12 Page 10 Page 35 BOTTLE MAKING

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PETnews 6 NEWS PETplanet Insider Vol. 26 No. 11/25 www.petpla.net Hillenbrand announces agreement to be acquired by Lone Star Hillenbrand, Inc. announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by an affiliate of Lone Star Funds in an all-cash transaction valued at $ 32.00 per share, equating to an enterprise value of approximately $3.8 billion. The purchase price represents a premium of approximately 37% over Hillenbrand’s unaffected closing share price on August 12, 2025, and a premium of 53% over the volume weighted average price (VWAP) of Hillenbrand common stock for the 90 days ending August 12, 2025. Hillenbrand provides highly-engineered processing equipment and solutions to customers around the world through its Advanced Process Solutions and Molding Technology Solutions segments. Over the past three years, Hillenbrand has repositioned the business, strengthening and streamlining its portfolio through strategic acquisitions and divestitures and expanding its industrial food equipment portfolio. Among the key companies within Hillenbrand’s global industrial portfolio are for example Coperion, part of Hillenbrand’s Advanced Process Solutions segment, and Mold-Masters, part of its Molding Technology Solutions segment. The Hillenbrand Board of Directors unanimously approved the transaction. This agreement comes following the Hillenbrand Board of Directors’ review of several strategic alternatives for the company. The transaction is expected to close by the end of the first quarter of calendar year 2026 and is subject to customary closing conditions, including approval by Hillenbrand shareholders and receipt of required regulatory approvals. Upon completion of the transaction, Hillenbrand will become a privately held company, and Hillenbrand’s shares will no longer trade on the New York Stock Exchange. www.hillenbrand.com RecyClass launches first-ever certification focused on traceability for plastic sorting processes RecyClass official ly released its Sorting Process Certification, introducing a pioneering framework that meets the input requirements for food-contact recycled plastics in line with Regulation (EU) Nº 2022/1616. Starting in early 2026, sorting centres and downstream waste traders involved in preparing waste for plastic recycling processes will have the opportunity to apply for this certification. The new certification focuses on quality assurance and traceability throughout the sorting process, thereby further boosting transparency in the quality of recycled plastic materials from input to output. A key component of the scheme is its Module Alpha, which outlines additional criteria for sorting facilities handling plastic waste intended for potential foodcontact recycling. Looking ahead, RecyClass will initiate the training process for third-party Certification Bodies to enable the worldwide implementation of the scheme. Sorting operators committed to transparently communicating plastic waste traceability are invited to get certified upon recognition of the first Certification Bodies. www.recyclass.eu Krones wins German Sustainability Award Krones AG has been honoured with the German Sustainability Award (in German abbreviated to DNP) in the “Machinery manufacturing companies” category. With this recognition, the company underlines its role as a responsible technology provider for the beverage and food industry, sending out a strong signal for the future of the entire sector. The expert jury particularly commended the company’s consistency. Krones’ entire corporate strategy has been geared towards sustainability in order to make a contribution to solving three global challenges: avoiding plastic waste, feeding the world’s population, and mitigating climate change. The company’s pioneering role in providing energy-efficient machinery and systems technology was especially highlighted, as this enables Krones’ customers to operate more sustainably. The associated enviro product series was launched more than ten years ago. According to the written statement from the jury, Krones thereby demonstrated “early courage to embrace change.” The jury concluded: “The motivation to systematically point the Krones portfolio in a sustainable direction was an intrinsic one.” The DNP is one of the most prestigious sustainability awards in Europe. Its aim is to make the “beacons of transformation” visible and thereby provide effective impetus for a future-oriented economy. In this year’s competition round, the most sustainable companies across 100 industries were identified for the first time – based on the most comprehensive analysis to date of publicly available sustainability data. An independent expert jury of around 240 specialists from science, business and civil society decided on the winners. Krones succeeded in asserting itself as an industry leader in a two-stage process. The official prize-giving ceremony will take place on December 5, 2025 as part of the German Sustainability Congress in Düsseldorf. www.krones.com

7 NEWS PETplanet Insider Vol. 26 No. 11/25 Extrupet expands PET bottle-to-bottle recycling with new Cape Town plant On October 6, Extrupet opened its second PET bottle-to-bottle recycling facility. Located at the company’s Propet plant in Cape Town, South Africa, the new facility began commercial production in March 2025 and is set to add 15,000 t/a of rPET to the market. Extrupet established its first bottle-tobottle recycling line at its Johannesburg plant in 2009, followed by additional lines in 2014 and 2020. The latest facility in Cape Town marks the first stage of a two-phase expansion that will eventually double the company’s food-grade rPET output capacity. “This line represents phase one, which takes our total output f rom 30,000 to 45,000 t /a, ” exp l a i ned Ex t rupet ’s j o i nt managing director, Chandru Wadhwani . “Next year, we hope to launch phase two with new machinery, which will see us producing 60,000 t of rPET nationwide that meets international food-grade standards.” Wadhwani also emphasised Extrupet’s long-standing col laboration with the country’s producer responsibi l ity organisation, Petco. For over two decades, the partnership has supported balanced PET collection and recycling systems, while stimulating market demand for recycled materials. With approximately 70% of PET beverage bottles placed on the market by Petco members currently being recycled, Wadhwani said there was cause for optimism, despite the lack of progress in global negotiations towards a binding international plastics treaty. “For the past three years, the United Nations has been trying to reach agreement on measures to mitigate plastic pollution. Because we still don’t have clarity on the way forward, the responsibility falls back on individual countries and companies to take the necessary action,” he noted. “We are proud that South Africa has implemented Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation. This means that, by law, producers and brand owners must take responsibility for their packaging waste throughout its entire life cycle - from design to disposal.” www.extrupet.com www.petco.co.za CREATING FUTURE STANDARDS Japan’s leading Aseptic PET Filling System Provider. Our website Our solution high quality reliable technology safe & secure

8 NEWS PETplanet Insider Vol. 26 No. 11/25 www.petpla.net Sidel opens new Lagos office to accelerate sustainable packaging and regional growth in West Africa Sidel has officially opened a new office in Phoenix, Ikeja (Lagos), to strengthen its presence across West Africa. The new office will serve as a regional hub for project management, engineering, after-sales services, and customer engagement, bringing Sidel closer to its customers in Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and neighbouring markets. The Lagos office is Sidel’s third location on the African continent, in addition to the South Africa office (its first in Africa) and the East Africa hub in Nairobi. Together, these resources reflect Sidel’s long-term commitment to customer proximity, skills development, and sustainable growth across the region. Nigeria is Africa’s largest economy and home to over 230 million people, representing the continent’s biggest consumer market. In 2024, the Nigerian food and drink market was valued at USD 54.1 billion and is projected to grow at around 6% CAGR by 2033. Across West Africa, consumer trends are shifting toward healthier beverages, premium products, and sustainable packaging solutions. This is creating demand across multiple formats – from lightweight PET bottles to recyclable glass and aluminium cans. Sidel’s track record across the continent includes several landmark projects. In Nigeria, Sidel partnered with StrongPack to deploy one of Africa’s fastest PET water lines and multiple additional lines, including those with Actis coating technology for lightweight bottles with extended shelf life. In Ghana, Sidel equipped Twellium Industrial’s Kumasi plant with two highspeed PET packaging lines and advanced labelling for traceability. The company also installed Africa’s first Sidel Matrix system for Coca-Cola SABCO in South Africa. The Lagos office will also focus on developing local expertise in engineering and services to strengthen customer support and foster job creation. www.sidel.com Inauguration of Sidel’s new office in Phoenix, Ikeja (Lagos) PRESSCO PET Planet w QR Code Brochure 10/28 /2025 2:21 :03 PM

9 NEWS PETplanet Insider Vol. 26 No. 11/25 www.petpla.net

EDITOUR PETplanet Insider Vol. 26 No. 11/25 www.petpla.net 10 Minimise compressed air consumption sustainably by Alexander Büchler From recycling compressed air and minimising dead space to solutions for rPET bottles, Seitz Valve has continuously optimised compressed air valve technology for stretch blow moulding systems over the last 40 years. Editour Interview with Seitz Valve // June 11, 2025 We met: Rico Schöni, CMO, and Angel Xiao, Marketing Manager Seitz Valve Switzerland has been building valves for compressed air in stretch blow moulding systems since 1986. Initially, it was just an air-in, air-out valve for blowing the bottle, but today the valve has developed into a complex component in the SBM. In the meantime, blow moulding is carried out in several stages, with up to 10 bar in phase 1 of the stretch blow moulding process and up to 40 bar in phase 2. The valve returns the 40 bar air from the finished PET bottle and uses it for phase 1. This recuperation can significantly minimise compressed air consumption. Nevertheless, more compressed air is used than the cylinder needs to inflate. The reason for this is the volume of the compressed air supply from the switching valve to the stretch blow mould. Here, Eugen Seitz tries to minimise the so-called dead space (dead volume) with the respective OEMs. “Bottles containing rPET pose a new challenge for the control of the blowing air. As there are always fluctuations in the rPET, it is possible that the stretch blow moulding process does not always run consistently well. With the new individually controlled valves, the correct pressure can now be applied to each preform at the right moment. In this way, they also want to guarantee consistent quality for rPET bottles.” Seitz Valve in Switzerland specialises in industrial valves. Around 50,000 units leave the main factory every year. From valves for nuclear technology with the highest safety requirements to valves for gas filling stations and valves with very high requirements for simple maintenance and precise switching operations for stretch blow moulding systems. The PET sector is the core business of the Swiss company. They develop and produce for every major manufacturer of SBMs in Europe, China and India. Consultancy, design and production are separated by customer within the company. “As we produce for everyone on the market, it is important to us that every customer gets exactly the valves they need and not just any copy from the competition,” explains Rico Schöni, CMO. And so the valves differ not only in their function, but also in their design. As a logical consequence, this continues right through to final assembly. Every OEM has “its” assembly station here. Seitz Valve mills and drills its own valve blocks in an almost fully automated production facility at its main site. Mechanical components such as seals, screws etc. are purchased by the company. In conclusion, Seitz Valve has demonstrated remarkable expertise and innovation in the field of compressed air valve technology for stretch blow moulding systems. With a strong focus on sustainability and efficiency, the company continues to push boundaries in minimising compressed air consumption while ensuring consistent quality, particularly in the growing area of rPET bottles. Their commitment to tailored solutions, advanced manufacturing processes, and close collaboration with OEMs positions them as a key player in the industry. As the demand for sustainable packaging solutions grows, Seitz Valve is well-prepared to meet future challenges and contribute to the advancement of stretch blow moulding technology. www.seitz.ch Sponsors to date Seitz Valve CMO Rico Schöni and Marketing Manager Angel Xiao

PETplanet Insider Vol. 26 No. 11/25 www.petpla.net 11 EVENT PREVIEW Upheavals in Netstal’s distribution and machine technology are refl ected in rising market shares Sustainable rPET is gentle to process by Alexander Büchler Even before the takeover of Krones, Renzo Davatz, CEO Netstal, launched the “Efficiency & Effectiveness” programme. The focus was on leaner processes in sales, assembly, logistics and product development - accompanied by a strengthened cost base. Davatz on this: “Our USP is that our customers produce ... with the lowest cost per piece - with the highest precision”. Editour Interview with Netstal // June 12, 2025 // We met: Renzo Davatz, CEO at Netstal & Harald Schweighofer, Head of BU PET The takeover of Krones in March 2024 finally paved the way for Netstal to fundamentally change its sales structure. The focus is now shifting away from sales partners towards a global subsidiary network. In the key markets USA, UK, Belgium, France and Spain, Germany, Italy, Thailand, Singapore and China, Netstal employees are now looking after customers locally. Davatz announced at the beginning of the year 2025: “As part of our strategy, with this step we are further expanding the worldwide Nets-tal organisation under the umbrella of Krones. Following the opening of Netstal Dubai last year, we are now establishing the next subsidiary in the growth market of Mexico.” Parallel to the structural changes, Netstal has also initiated significant new developments. The introduction of the PET-Line 3000 in 2020, a PET system with side entry, is certainly at the top of the list. This was followed by the 4000 and 5000 versions. In the same year, a new screw geometry was also introduced, which shears the material less and therefore plasticises it more gently. This allowed the AA content to be reduced to best in class through plasticisation. The new geometry has also reduced the thermal load in the dryer. The required temperature is 20 degrees below the previous design. As PET bottles become lighter and lighter, the wall thickness of the preforms continues to decrease. According to Harald Schweighofer, Head of Business Unit PET, the preform industry is now almost in the thin-wall packaging sector, where Netstal has a strong history and market presence. “The pressure requirement has adequately increased significantly compared to a a few years ago,” continues Schweighofer. Netstal has long relied on a great feature, the Responsive Filling Control (RFC) which combines highest reproducability of the process conditions including identification of material dependent influences. As the proportion of rPET increases, the system proves its worth. This feature enables the Netstal to convert even the fluctuating qualities of rPET into good preforms. Netstal also has a treat for the converter who has to change the mould frequently. The removal robot can be moved to the side and then the team on site can access the mould from both sides and replace it very quickly. Customers also appreciate the fact that Netstal not only combines all components relating to the injection moulding machines as an overall concept, but can also control them centrally via a single control system using Smart Operation. Harald Schweighofer is very pleased that the customers are accepting the sum of the measures and that Netstal is now growing much faster than the rest of the PET injection market. Netstal will retain its independence, but will benefit from the synergies and financial strength of Krones. www.netstal.com Sponsors to date Mr Renzo Davatz began his professional career in 1989 as an apprentice electrician at Netstal. He took on management responsibility early on as Head of Technical Service and later as Head of After Sales. In 2012, he became Vice President Service at Netstal. On July 1, 2016, Davatz succeeded Dr HansUlrich Golz and became CEO of Netstal Maschinen AG. Mr Harald Schweighofer studied plastics technology and business administration in Vienna and Zurich. In his professional career, he has gained experience in the areas of film packaging, beverage cartons and injection moulding, particularly for PET preforms, across a business spectrum ranging from FMCG to capital goods. Here he was able to contribute to various tasks and functions. He has been with Netstal for a total of 20 years, holding positions in application technology, sales and now for some time in the PET business unit.

MATERIALS / RECYCLING PETplanet Insider Vol. 26 No. 11/25 www.petpla.net 12 Liquid colours, additives, and precision dosing solutions Ventura Horizon Limited specialises in liquid colourants, performance additives, and precision dosing technologies. The Hong Kong-based company is delivering integrated solutions that support visual appeal of the packaging, product safety and sustainability. Ventura Horizon’s high-concentration liquid additive systems are designed to integrate seamlessly into high-speed production lines, aiming to ensure both consistency and efficiency. Addressing key industry challenges such as sustainability, product protection, and process optimisation, Ventura Horizon presents itself as more than a materials supplier, taking an active role in supporting production improvement. With regional expertise, tailored formulations, precision dosing systems, and ongoing technical support, the company’s technical teams work closely with customers to achieve reliable and efficient production performance. Currently, the company is focusing on expanding business in the Middle East. Additives for rPET As the shift toward recycled PET continues, issues such as yellowing and clarity loss can compromise brand perception. Ventura Horizon offers solutions designed to maintain both performance and aesthetics. The company’s Liquid Anti-Yellow Additive aims to ensure high clarity and neutral colour in rPET, helping brands meet sustainability goals without visual compromise. Red and Blue Toners are designed to deliver stable colour tones and process consistency in virgin PET applications. Protecting product integrity and shelf life For the food and beverage sector, protecting flavour and freshness remains paramount. Ventura Horizon’s functional additives are designed to help maintain product quality throughout its lifecycle. Acetaldehyde reducers (AA scavengers) work to reduce AA levels in bottled water and soft drinks, preserving taste and odour even under warm storage conditions. The oxygen scavenger additive is claimed to eliminate residual oxygen with the goal of extending the shelf life of oxidation-sensitive beverages. Meanwhile, the liquid UV barrier additive shields contents from UV degradation while retaining PET’s transparency, making it suitable for beverages, personal care, and household products. Production efficiency Efficiency and sustainability are closely linked in modern production environments. Ventura Horizon’s fast reheat additive is designed to boost energy efficiency and reduce cycle times during PET preform heating, potentially lowering production costs without compromising bottle quality. Precision dosing technology The performance of any liquid colour or additive depends on precise delivery. The company’s precision dosing units are developed to integrate into PET production lines, ensuring consistent, minimal-waste dosing for all colourants and additives. This technology aims to enable manufacturers to achieve repeatable, high-quality results across production runs. www.venturahorizon.co

BOTTLE MAKING 13 PETplanet Insider Vol. 25 No. 0/24 www.petpla.net Lasers instead of labels Today’s packaging solutions have to do more than simply convey information: They must also conserve resources, enable recycling and at the same time effectively display a brand’s message. Krones exhibited at drinktec technologies that show how these needs can be met without traditional labels. With DecoBeam, Krones offers a solution for putting content directly onto PET bottles – even 100% recycled PET. Instead of using printed labels, a laser etches all relevant information such as net fill volume, ingredients, best-before date and any design elements directly onto the PET bottles. Because no traditional labels are used, the packaging requires less material and can be completely – and more easily – recycled. The technology thus offers a sustainable solution with cost-saving potential. Another benefit is that the product inside the bottle is also more visible now that it is not obscured by a label. Providing the relevant information by laser engraving puts the focus on the product. Two tried-and-tested processes are available for this marking technology: a CO2 laser provides a white colour impression while a fibre laser gives the marking a black tint. Besides text, the system can also apply logos, graphics and other design elements. A bottle design developed specifically for laser marking further highlights the beverage maker’s brand identity. In practice, sophisticated machine engineering ensures secure and precise handling. A special housing protects operators from laser radiation, and any text can be split across multiple lasers. Servo motors rotate the containers with precision, enabling a wide range of design options. Depending on the size and complexity of the “label” content, the speed, and the type of laser technology involved, the system can also be equipped with an extraction system to ensure a safe working environment. The innovations extend to the bottle cap. With InkJet printing systems, the cap can be used as optimal added space for high-contrast QR or bar codes or for additional marketing options. www.krones.com BOTTLE MAKING

BOTTLE MAKING 14 PETplanet Insider Vol. 26 No. 11/25 www.petpla.net The bottle is produced from Eastman’s Eastar Renew EN031, a chemically recycled PET resin that, according to the company, delivers performance comparable to virgin material. The 100% recycled content, ISCC PLUS certified using a mass balance approach, is claimed to maintain clarity and purity as virgin PET. The material is approved for food contact, enabling its use across a wide range of beverage applications. Eastman’s methanolysis technology plays a key role in creating this circular resin. The company uses hard-to-recycle polyester waste - including coloured and opaque PET, polyester carpet fibres, green strapping, thermoforms, and polyester textiles - as feedstock. These materials would otherwise end up in landfills or incineration, making the technology a complementary solution to mechanical recycling. By reintroducing this material into existing rPET streams, Eastman intends to help strengthen and maintain overall quality. The Kingsport, Tennessee methanolysis facility, which came online in the first quarter of 2024, is already operating at scale. Designed to recycle 110,000 metric tons annually, Eastman reports that it has achieved 105% of its design capacity, demonstrating the technology’s scalability and readiness for broader market adoption. Compared to virgin production, the process delivers 20–30% lower greenhouse gas emissions by replacing fossil feedstocks with waste plastics and eliminating several manufacturing steps, says Eastman. Through the partnership, Doloop is uniquely positioned to convert Eastman’s PET Renew resin into highperformance beverage packaging. “Doloop has long been a pioneer in regenerative PET packaging,” said Dovydas Stulpinas, CEO of Doloop. “Partnering with Eastman enables us to offer the beverage industry a solution that meets the highest sustainability and quality standards.” According to Eastman, Drinktec proved to be a good opportunity to engage the market, generating significant interest from brand owners. The company reported that it had many promising conversations now being followed up. Eric Dehouck, managing director of Eastman’s circular economy platform, emphasised the role of supplier partnerships in meeting current and future regulations on recycled content in packaging: “The Doloop relationship illustrates how supplier partnerships play a key role in preparing a market to address not only existing regulations but also those on the horizon.” The companies are targeting markets with established depositreturn systems, particularly in Nordic countries, where demand for recycled packaging materials is increasing. At their joint presence at drinktec, the companies highlighted that their collaboration provides beverage producers, packaging engineers, and sustainability leaders with a clear path to confidently adopt circular, chemically recycled PET. www.doloop.com www.eastman.com Partnership realises 100% rPET bottle made with Eastman Eastar Renew EN031, converted by Doloop from approved preforms Bottle made from 100% chemically recycled PET Eastman and Doloop recently announced their partnership for beverage packaging, aiming to take the next step toward a circular economy. The two companies introduced the beverage bottle made entirely from chemically recycled PET at drinktec 2025. BOTTLE MAKING Eric Dehouck, managing director of Eastman’s circular economy platform Bottles realised from hard-to-recycle polyester waste via chemical recycling The doloop booth at drinktec

BOTTLE MAKING 15 PETplanet Insider Vol. 25 No. 0/24 www.petpla.net SIPA designed 4.95g rPET bottle with focus on ecological responsibility First in the Lightweight Class SIPA has designed what it describes as the world’s lightest PET bottle, aiming to improve resource efficiency in beverage packaging. The single-serve, 0.5 L container weighs 4.95 g. The emphasis on ecological responsibility extends beyond the reduction in material usage; the bottle is manufactured entirely from 100% recycled PET (rPET), further minimising its environmental footprint, and is produced using energy-saving low blowing pressure. The bottle features a 25/22 neck finish, making it compatible with SIPA’s XTRA series of rotary blow moulding machines. This series encompasses a range of configurations from 6 to 24 blowing cavities. This versatility allows for efficient and scalable production to be adapted to different market requirements. According to SIPA, one of the main technological features of the new design is the low blowing pressure of around 18 bar or less. This reduced energy consumption during the manufacturing process directly translates to lower operational costs and a decreased carbon footprint. The 4.95g bottle can be produced using the SIPA SINCRO TRIBLOC, the company’s synchronised system that blows PET bottles, applies labels, and fills and caps them in a single unit. This integration is intended to streamline the production process, to maximise efficiency and to optimise space while maintaining quality control. The lightweight bottle was presented at the drinktec and K trade shows. SIPA positions this development as part of its efforts to reduce dependence on fossil-based resources in packaging and to promote circular solutions in PET packaging. The project illustrates how process optimisation and design innovation can support environmental objectives in the beverage industry. www.sipasolutions.com BOTTLE MAKING www.kaeser.com • Newly developed, oil-free airend – designed and manufactured by KAESER • Compressor stages with SIGMA PROFILE , food-grade PEEK coating and vibration monitoring +LJKHVW HˣFLHQF\ FODVV IRU WKH GULYH V\VWHP ,( 6)& ,( 8S WR PRUH HˣFLHQW WKDQ FRQYHQWLRQDO RLO IUHH FRPSUHVVRUV $ FODVV DERYH LQ SHUIRUPDQFH DQG HˣFLHQF\ &6* VHULHV OILFREE.AIR – Rotary screw compressors with SIGMA PROFILE

BOTTLE MAKING 16 PETplanet Insider Vol. 26 No. 11/25 www.petpla.net Enhancing bottle manufacturing with advanced venting and stretching technologies Optimising the blowing process Advances in blow moulding technology continue to focus on improving efficiency, product quality, and energy use. Recent developments by Italian machinery manufacturer SIAPI illustrate how refinements in air distribution, cooling, and heating systems can contribute to more consistent bottle production with lower resource consumption. Through solutions such as enhanced mould venting, improved base cooling, and optimised preform stretching and air recovery systems, the company aims to address key challenges in process stability, material distribution, and energy efficiency in PET container manufacturing. Enhanced venting system In bottle manufacturing, precision and efficiency are key. A recent development in this field is the enhanced venting system (EVS), designed to improve the blow moulding process by reducing pressure and energy demand. The system optimises air evacuation between the preform and the mould cavity, allowing bottles to be manufactured with accuracy and strength. EVS technology features a refined distribution of air vents across the mould surface, preventing the build-up of air pockets that can interfere with proper shaping. Improved venting enhances the overall blowing process, contributing to increased machine performance in terms of production speed, aesthetic and functional quality of the container (such as handle solidity), and lower air and energy consumption. The performance of the blow mould is further improved through a new internal base cooling system, which includes a dedicated air channel to accelerate cooling in the lower part of the bottle, accelerating the formation of the base of blown containers. Preform stretch booster Another advancement is the preform stretch booster (PSB), a process designed to improve the radial stretch ratio during preform blowing through a pre-blowing phase. This results in an intermediate preform that enhances stretching performance, maximising the yield of engravingtexture and handle insertion. SIAPI’s SX2 machines are currently the only models equipped with PSB on a double cavity. To ensure consistent temperature control and process repeatability, SIAPI has implemented thermoregulated heating ovens. These systems are claimed to stabilise thermal conditions and to reduce the influence of external environmental conditions. Thanks to advanced heating system management, the time required to achieve thermal stability is shortened, increasing production efficiency. The heating path is divided into multiple zones, each with dedicated sensors that monitor preform temperature. This allows for rapid and precise adjustment of heating power, resulting in uniform material distribution and consistent bottle quality. Energy efficiency is further addressed with the air recovery system (ARS) 5.0, which reduces air consumption by up to 50% during blow moulding, particularly for largeformat bottles. The system incorporates three recovery phases - two dedicated to blow air recovery - enabling substantial energy savings and a more sustainable production process. Automated control via a PLC ensures consistent performance and eliminates the need for manual parameter adjustments. www.siapi.it BOTTLE MAKING Preform stretch booster (PSB) is a process designed to improve the radial stretch ratio during preform blowing through a pre-blowing phase. Improved venting enhances the overall blowing process, contributing to increased machine performance in terms of production speed, aesthetic and functional quality of the container and lower air and energy consumption.

BOTTLE MAKING 17 PETplanet Insider Vol. 26 No. 11/25 www.petpla.net Intelligent inspection of recycled PET containers When to use AI – and when not to Bottles that use recycled PET have become a growing challenge for quality control: recycled material introduces greater optical and surface variability, making defects harder to detect with traditional vision systems. AND & OR tackles this problem with ACUITY, an intelligent inspection solution that combines classical image processing with deep learning to spot anomalies in both virgin and recycled PET containers in real time. Drawing on years of experience in advanced machine vision, AND & OR has developed ACUITY, a machine vision software designed to detect patterns, objects, and defects with millimetre-level accuracy. It is claimed to allow rapid identification of issues that may be missed by other systems. Through native integration via OPC UA, the company’s vision platforms can communicate directly with MES, SCADA, and PLC systems, enabling standardised data exchange to support monitoring and control across production lines. Inspection of virgin and recycled bottles via classical vision and deep learning A challenge for quality control is the increased use of rPET, which exhibits greater optical and surface variability and can make defect detection more difficult with conventional vision systems. To address this, the ACUITY system from AND & OR has been implemented on PET bottle inspection lines - both for virgin PET and for bottles containing varying amounts of recycled content - enabling real-time, comprehensive monitoring of production quality. ACUITY combines classical image processing algorithms with deep learning models trained to detect anomalies, leveraging the strengths of both approaches, says AND & OR. The classical processing component, running on CPU, handles tasks such as inspecting ovality, geometric measurements, injection points, black spots, opacity, and dimensional control, while the deep learning component, running on GPU, enables the intelligent detection of more complex defects and visual variations associated with the use of recycled materials. Additionally, the system integrates anomaly detection and one-shot learning, enabling it to identify new defect types without extensive prior training, learning from reference patterns of correctly manufactured bottles. Flexibility and advanced analysis The system’s algorithms allow inspection settings to be tailored to each client’s requirements. It can count black spots and calculate their coverage on the container surface with customisable filters, classify defects based on size and actual measurements, and measure ovality while performing geometric checks at the bottle neck. It can also evaluate injection points and surface defects, analyse material distribution to identify areas of irregular thickness, and inspect opacity or translucency uniformity - even in semi-transparent or coloured containers - using independently configurable zones. Operators can manage these settings through an intuitive interface or integrate them directly with the PLC for automatic recipe and format management, AI in industrial vision The use of AI in industrial vision is becoming increasingly common, but it is not always the most suitable solution, says AND & OR. The company applies AI selectively when defects are diffuse, irregular, or poorly defined, such as optical variations in rPET or contamination-related flaws. For repetitive, well-defined, or geometrically measurable defects, classical processing can achieve higher precision with lower computational load. So, AND & OR designed its systems modular and hybrid, enabling AI modules to be activated or deactivated depending on the product and the complexity of the defects. In testing, ACUITY demonstrated an inspection rate exceeding 40,000bph. The system’s self-adjustment capability and reduction of false rejects translated into a 15% improvement in operational efficiency, particularly on high-speed lines, says AND & OR. www.andyor.com BOTTLE MAKING

BOTTLE MAKING 18 PETplanet Insider Vol. 26 No. 11/25 www.petpla.net Lightweight and label-free by Gabriele Kosmehl The Italian agency Gentlebrand, based in San Vendemiano, specialises in brand identity and packaging design, creating solutions that blend current trends with emerging technologies, with a strong focus on sustainability. At drinktec, PETplanet met with Gentlebrand Director Andrea Rizzardi, who presented several of the company’s latest projects. When helping clients refresh their product’s “outfit,” Gentlebrand aims to make the transition as seamless as possible. “One of the projects we’re showcasing here in Munich is the ROSAE wine bottle, which can be partially made of bioPET,” explains Rizzardi. “It behaves like a glass bottle on filling lines and can be run on existing equipment - yet at 50 g for a 750 ml format, it’s significantly lighter than glass and fully recyclable in PET streams.” To ensure compatibility, Gentlebrand partnered with Husky to develop a preform that can be sealed with traditional cork caps. The material, which includes UPM Biochemicals’ carbon negative, wood-based BioMEG, is enhanced with oxygen scavengers and UV protection additives to achieve a shelf life of 12-18 months. “This avoids the need for multilayer solutions, which is the key point, while still providing a shelf life suitable for fresh wines,” Rizzardi adds. ROSAE was recognised at the 2025 Pentawards, receiving the Silver Award for successfully combining aesthetic refinement with environmental responsibility. The jury particularly praised how the design reduces environmental impact without compromising elegance or functionality. Label-free solutions Gentlebrand has applied a similar bioPET approach to its new Zelda mineral water bottle. The label-free design enhances recyclability and reinforces a minimalist brand identity, while Smartweight technology reduces material use without affecting strength or performance. This approach aims to optimise every stage of the product lifecycle, from production to transport and disposal. Available in four sizes and for both still and sparkling water, the bottle balances elegance with efficiency throughout its lifecycle. For the Aroma bottle, Gentlebrand also chose a label-free design. To convey product information, Rizzardi has explored multiple options: “In the future, we could use secondary packaging instead of a label. On display, the Aroma bottle features a label made from organic paper on the neck - no glue required, which facilitates recycling. Having the label as a separate element encourages consumers to dispose of label and bottle separately. Another option is printing directly on the bottle, for example via laser. Finally, inserts in the bottle moulds are possible. This is a very flexible solution as the inserts are easy to replace.” www.gentlebrand.com BOTTLE MAKING Andrea Rizzardi, Director at Gentlebrand, at drinktec 2025 The ROSAE wine bottle in PET was recognised at the 2025 Pentawards, receiving the Silver Award for successfully combining aesthetic refinement with environmental responsibility. Instead of traditional labels, the Aroma bottle uses a paper element on the neck to convey product information.

EVENT REVIEW 19 PETplanet Insider Vol. 26 Solutions for PET packaging DEMO offers start-to-finish project management: from the design proposal to the design of the PET container, from the evaluation of the impact on the lines of the new container to the conversion of the neck, from the construction of the blowing mould up to the installation and launch of production at the client’s plant. PETplanet met Alberto Castellan, General Manager at DEMO - Design and Moulds. At drinktec, the company presented its portfolio of premium PET bottle design, from PET containers for still or sparkling water, CSDs, bottles for milk or syrup and a lovely highlight, a complex shape PET bottle for Woof, water for dogs. Lightweight engineering The future of PET packaging revolves around respect for the environment and the concept of lightweightness. That is, the new bottles should reduce their environmental impact by using the minimum possible amount of raw material without, however, losing their communicative effectiveness. DEMO explained that, thanks to many years of gradually developed expertise, the most important brands in the beverage industry have entrusted DEMO with the research and development of new containers with low environmental impact. The new containers enable a reduction in raw material and electricity consumption of approximately 15% compared to previous containers. www.designandmoulds.com

EVENT REVIEW PETplanet Insider Vol. 26 No. 11/25 www.petpla.net 20 Vision-based tethered cap & fi ller management for PET lines PET bottle inspection solution Plastic containers and their components have changed rapidly over the years, and the Kestrel Vision companies have continually kept pace by refining and expanding their inspection capabilities for closures, bottles and preforms. Leveraging specially designed optics and lighting technology they offer dedicated inspection modules that facilitate full part inspection. Based on customers’ application requirements, integration into blow moulders and injection moulding machines, as well as a variety of conveyor applications are provided. The Kestrel Vision companies that offer PET monitoring/inspection solutions are: PRESSCO, FILTEC and Somex. PETplanet insider met Dr Joachim von Meyer, Managing Director FILTEC Europe, Middle East, Africa at the drinktec trade fair. He told us about FILTEC’s OMNIVISION 4. OMNIVISION 4 with INTELLECT (OV4) is FILTEC’s all-surface, empty glass bottle and refPET inspection system that detects foreign objects and flaws in the base, sidewall, finish, and threads of empty transparent containers. With speeds of over 84,000 bph, OV4 has a powerful and fast image-processing technology. The OV4 operates using the FILTEC INTELLECT inspection platform. INTELLECT is a container inspection platform designed to track, monitor, and report on container quality through each step of the entire packaging process. It is equipped with a 19” touchscreen with a smartphone look and feel, RFID Login, and coded test bottle tracking. Fill level system FILTEC also presented its new High Frequency (HF) Fill Level System. This system is claimed to ensure precise fill-level measurement for both glass and PET lines. The company says that its modular design enhances line efficiency by delivering comprehensive filler valve and capper head performance statistics. The system offers cap inspection via sensor or camera, including tamper band detection. Notably, the HF system operates without a licence and includes foam compensation functionality. Preform and can inspection PRESSCO highlighted its latest can inspection systems, designed and engineered to detect critical flaws in beverage cans prior to filling. PRESSCO inspection solutions also include preform and cap inspection integrated into blow moulding systems. The IMASS system provides real-time monitoring of PET material distribution, replacing traditional manual QC methods and enabling enhanced control of the blow moulding process. Vision-based tethered cap & filler management for PET lines A new vision-based inspector for PET bottles marks a leap forward in fill-level and cap inspection. The system detects typical cap defects - including tethered cap faults - and assesses both low/high fills. It goes further by diagnosing root causes through detailed filler valve and capper head statistics. It also offers a sampling function for quality control and supports OMAC/Weihenstephan protocol via Ethernet for SCADA system integration. www.fi ltec.com www.kestrel-vision.com Dr Joachim von Meyer, Managing Director Filtec Europe, Middle East & Africa

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