Plastic Technologies' oPTI(TM) Bottle Technology Offers Significant Improvement in UV Barrier for Dairy Applications
Holland, Ohio -For the first time, Plastic Technologies, Inc. (PTI) is making its oPTI(TM) lightweight foamed polyethylene terephthalate (PET) container blow molding process available for dairy applications via both stock and custom options.
The process enables up to 50% improvement in ultraviolet (UV) barrier when compared to traditional monolayer PET or HDPE dairy bottles. The first stock container is 300 ml (10-ounces) and features a tall, square profile, with a 38 mm finish. The capability targets milk, drinkable yogurts and other specialty dairy products. Ideally-suited are those with organic positioning who want package performance attributes without additives.
Launched in 2009, the technology represents a departure from traditional PET processing approaches. Marketed under the oPTI(TM) (pronounced "opti") brand name, the process is based on MuCell® technology licensed from Trexel, Inc.
The capability will now provide dairy brand owners with a broader range of PET container aesthetics and performance capabilities than previously possible. For example, the process enables white or silvery foamed bottles to be made without additives which can limit package recycling. (White or silvery foamed bottles will mold into a transparent bottle after remelting and subsequent processing.)
Containers also have a unique surface feel and provide tactile "traction" which minimizes slipping. The process blow molds details more prominently which enables decorations (embossed logos, art elements) to stand out better.
"Dairy applications, such as milk, specialty drinks, etc. are sensitive to UV rays which decrease shelf life. To solve the problem, additives such as titanium dioxide [TiO2], are frequently added to high-density polyethylene or traditional PET containers to achieve shelf-life objectives. In addition to impacting the recycling stream, these additives are expensive, significantly increasing packaging costs," explains Frank Semersky, vice president, chief innovation officer, PTI.
oPTI(TM) technology can produce bottles with up to 95% reduction in transmitted light when compared to traditional PET containers. (Approximately 50% percent without additives and up to 95% with reduced loading of TiO2.) Additionally, the foam process enables lightweighting of up to 5 percent without significant loss of performance.
"The oPTI(TM) technology's light barrier properties are uniquely suited for dairy applications. Even in those situations where a higher level of barrier is required, the technology requires a lower additive percentage, which also has a positive impact on cost," Semersky said.
In addition to white or silver options, blue and green colorants also can be used since those colors already exist in traditional PET recycling streams. The technology also is capable of producing bottles in a variety of pastel colors to support varieties (chocolate, strawberry, etc.). However, these cannot be recycled as part of the clear PET stream. Containers can be made from translucent to opaque depending on the desired aesthetics and performance characteristics.
PTI's oPTI(TM) bottle capability is based on using the MuCell® microcellular foam injection technology to mold preforms, which then can be blow molded on conventional equipment. The bottles are made in four basic steps:
In addition to PET, the foam bottle technology is applicable to other resins such as polylactic acid (PLA) and polyethylene naphthalate (PEN). Potential applications include a wide range of bottles and jars in food, beverage, personal care, household chemical, etc. markets.
About Plastic Technologies
Plastic Technologies, Inc. (PTI) is recognized worldwide as the preferred source for preform and package design, package development, rapid prototyping, pre-production prototyping, and material evaluation engineering for the plastic packaging industry. For more info: www.plastictechnologies.com.
Please forward sales inquiries to:
Pam Douglas
Marketing Coordinator
Plastic Technologies, Inc.
1440 Timberwolf Drive
P.O. Box 964
Holland, OH 43528-0964
Phone: (419) 725-5620
Email: info@plastictechnologies.com
