Phoenix Technologies Starts up New Commercial, Food-Grade rPET Line |
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Phoenix Technologies
1098 Fairview Ave.
Bowling Green, OH, 43402
USA
Press release date: June 2, 2009
Bowling Green, Ohio (June 2, 2009) -Phoenix Technologies cut the ribbon yesterday on its new commercial recycled polyethylene terephthalate line (rPET) for the production of LNO(TM)c food grade resin. Production is projected to be 10 million pounds of resin annually.
The line has been built as a response to increased demand for post-consumer, food grade rPET for a variety of blow molding, injection molding and thermoforming applications. The new capacity is based on Phoenix's patented rPET technology that produces resin under the company's LNO(TM)c brand.
Phoenix has teamed with Conair, Cranberry Township, PA, to build modular LNO(TM)c processing equipment. This includes a grinder that converts rPET flake into extra small particle-size powder, a compactor to compress the powder in pellets and a standard resin dryer. The system requires a small foot print (less than 2,500 sq. ft.) and can easily be taken apart and transported to a new location, if desired.
In addition to supplying rPET from the Bowling Green, OH location for sale directly to blow/injection molding and thermoforming operations, Phoenix Technologies' sister company Plastic Technologies, Inc. is responsible for making the technology available to others. Companies wishing to set up their own rPET operation (via partnership or turnkey system installation) will now be able to set up their own LNOc(TM) operation.
"Our philosophy is that rPET supply is better suited to multiple, smaller, processing operations across North America, vs. one or two large capacity plants. We believe in a local 'consume, collect, convert' approach. By locating rPET production in closer proximity to resin users, you improve supply times and reduce the carbon footprint. As such, we envision that this modular production capability will become a new global standard," Lori Carson, sales and marketing manager, Phoenix Technologies, said.
The LNO(TM)c process relies on Phoenix's patented "extremely small particle size" technology. The tiny particle size enables much more efficient decontamination compared to other processes, resulting in faster output and significant energy savings. (The "c" in the brand name refers to the "compacted" resin that is the end result.)
"We've listened to the marketplace and have been able to engineer a resin that eliminates or minimizes many of the challenges that have prevented rPET from becoming a commercially viable alternative for many applications in the past. These include color, viscosity, acetaldehyde (AA) content and others. We are pleased to announce that our LNO(TM)c resin is currently being trialed for a variety of containers-including water, beverage, deli, drinking cups, etc.," Carson explained.
LNO(TM)c technology produces rPET with superior color and yield as compared to other methods. Further, it has lower AA levels which positively impact taste properties. Another benefit is its higher intrinsic viscosity (IV) or molecular weight which more closely matches the IV found in virgin resins. This enables higher package performance.
"Color, yield and taste attributes have traditionally been stumbling blocks in producing viable rPET-particularly with very sensitive liquids, such as water. Our LNO(TM)c process overcomes those obstacles," Carson said.
Although there have been successful trials of up to 100%, Phoenix is expecting most food grade applications to run between 25-50% rPET. The percentage of rPET vs. virgin resin will depend on individual product and processing parameters coupled with supply and economic impact.
About Phoenix Technologies
Phoenix Technologies is a global leader in recycled rPET manufacturing. The company produces clean, consistent and high-grade rPET resin pellets from post consumer recycled plastic flake shipped from all over the world. As the foremost manufacturer of rPET, Phoenix sets standards for quality, technology, service and value. Phoenix Technologies is a member of Plastic Technologies, Inc., Holland, OH family of companies. For more information: www.phoenixtechnologies.net.
Please forward sales inquiries to:
Lori Carson
Sales and marketing manager
Phoenix Technologies, Inc.
1098 Fairview Ave.
Bowling Green, OH 43402
Phone: (419) 353-7738
Email: l.carson@phoenixtechnologies.net
Media Contacts:
Lori Carson
Phoenix Technologies
(419) 353-7738
l.carson@phoenixtechnologies.net
Sophia Dilberakis
SD Communications
(312) 787-5800
sophiad@att.net
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