BOTTLE MAKING 19 PETplanet Insider Vol. 26 No. 07+08/25 www.petpla.net eliminates handle insertion errors, streamlines the blow-moulding operation and reduces weight by 25 to 30% in the 2 L and 5 L formats.” It also eliminates any possibility of seal breakdown at the interface of the handle and the bottle itself, improving product security. It also makes recycling easier. “Our aim was to simplify the recycling stream by removing the need for separation, altogether,” he continued. PET/HDPE separation is improving but it still carries contamination risk and processing inefficiency is inevitable. “A fully PET-based package ensures purity in rPET feedstock, improves recycling yields and aligns with global EPR (extended producer responsibility) circularity regulations, which favour monomaterial packaging. It also means that brands using our solution are positioned to exceed upcoming legislation, rather than just comply.” Higher performance from PET There are other benefits, as well. PET outperforms HDPE in a number of areas that are particularly crucial for food and beverage packaging. PET offers up to 50 times higher oxygen barrier than HDPE, which means extended shelf life for sensitive products, such as juices, dairy and flavoured drinks: between 40 and 60% longer, in controlled trials of cordial juices and dairy products packaged in PET, HDPE and hybrid bottles. PET can be clear or coloured, as the producer requires, which can make the product more appealing on the shelf, as well. Similar capacity PET bottles are significantly lighter than HDPE equivalents: a 2 L PET bottle will weigh 69-75 g, while HDPE will weigh 90-135 g – a saving of 20% or more and with better barrier performance. And the PET bottle is fully recyclable. Adding a PET closure The addition of a PET cap makes the monomaterial picture complete. Integrated Plastics has been collaborating with nviro1, a design company also located in Sydney, New South Wales. “Nviro1 is finalising a PET cap mould design that includes a unique demoulding system and improved tamper-evident band,” Nick Mellen said. The finished product is dualbore seal cap that compresses and expands to form two seals, which strengthen under CO2 pressure. The closure is designed for low torque and easy moulding; an imminent set of tests will validate long-term performance. Target markets “We are initially targeting the nonalcoholic beverages, dairy, edible oils and household liquids categories. They stand to benefit most from enhanced barrier properties, ergonomic handling, and full recyclability,” he said “The robust, mono-material design also makes IMH bottles ideal for e-commerce ready packaging, where durability and shelf presence are critical.” IMH technology bottles are being manufactured and distributed through a growing global network of licensed partners. In the home market of Australia, Refresco Australia produces applications for cordial juices. In South Korea, Sempio Foods bottles soy sauce and vinegar and Piskopack produces Asian cooking sauces. MPACT Plastics of South Africa specialises in bottles for edible oil, dairy and fruit juice and Raya Plastics at the opposite end of the continent, in Egypt, produces 1-2 L edible oil, liquid detergent and other household chemical bottles. In Saudi Arabia, Highgate Plastic Company makes 2-5 L bottles for edible oil, while Bottle One – Handle Preforms supplies bottles for fruit juice, edible oil and water, across the Americas. www.integratedplastics.com.au PET closures 26mm water (source: nviro1)
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