Light foamed PET process available for beer bottles

Plastic Technologies, Inc. (PTI) is now putting its oPTI ™ light foam PET container blow molding process to beer applications. The process can be used to produce bottles in various structural configurations, depending on the life of the brewer and his marketing goals. These include a single-layer PET version and two overmoulded options: an OPTI inner layer and a traditional overmoulded PET outer layer, or a traditional PET inner layer with OPTI technology used to produce the outer layer.

Overmolded options have been developed to enable point-of-sale differentiation, combined with performance attributes, at a significantly lower cost than single-use aluminum beer bottles, says PTI. Double-layered structures also allow customization of barrier attributes. For example, an oxygen barrier may be added to the inner layer, while the outer layer is made with a carbon dioxide barrier.

In addition, the oPTI process provides a unique visual aesthetic and tactile sensation in the beer category, according to PTI. The dyes can be used in conjunction with one or the other layer of the overmoulded structure to achieve a visual impact. In addition, the use of oPTI technology on the outer layer allows for brand support via high embossing capability.

PTI reports that OPTI technology can produce bottles with an improved optical barrier compared to traditional PET containers. In addition, the foaming process allows to lighten up to 5% without significant performance loss.

Launched in 2009, this technology represents a break with traditional PET processing methods. The oPTI process is based on preforms manufactured using MuCell® microcellular foam injection technology licensed from Trexel, Inc. The bottles can then be blow molded on conventional non-conventional blow molding equipment. amended.

In addition to PET, foam bottle technology is applicable to other resins such as polylactic acid (PLA) and polyethylene naphthalate (PEN). Potential applications include a range of bottles and jars for the food, beverage, personal care, household chemical and other markets.