New 64-oz Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Growler Jug Provides Barrier Protection for Extended Shelf Life

Press Release Summary:

• Comes with a 38-mm finish and amber color for the 64oz barrier bottle is supplied by Penn Color
• Event-friendly, unbreakable and 100% recyclable jug weighs 106 grams versus 1.2 kg for the glass version, thus reduces shipping costs
• Plastic growlers are also available in a clear color with or without barrier protection for ciders, craft sodas, craft cocktails and liquor

Original Press Release:

W. Amsler Introduces New 64oz PET Barrier Container with Handle for The Craft Beer Market

Bolton, Ontario, April 8, 2019 – W. Amsler Equipment Inc., a leading supplier of all-electric linear PET stretch blow molders, has announced the launch of a new 64-oz polyethylene terephthalate (PET) growler jug that mimics the competitive glass design and provides barrier protection for extended shelf life. The PET containeris believed to be the first in the industry to include a handle and provide barrier protection. W. Amsler made the announcement April 8-11 at the Craft Brewers Conference & BrewExpo America in Denver.

 The amber PET container is manufactured by W. Amsler at its Bolton, Ontario, facility on behalf of JMS International Packaging, a leading packaging solutions provider, on a W. Amsler all-electric linear series stretch blow molder. The PET barrier container weighs 106 grams versus 1.2 kg for the glass version, thus resulting in reduced shipping costs. It is also event-friendly, unbreakable, and 100% recyclable, according to Heidi Amsler, sales and marketing manager for W. Amsler. A growler is a jug commonly sold at breweries and brew pubs as a means to sell take-out craft beer. The significant growth of craft breweries and the growing popularity of home brewing have also led to an emerging market for the sale of growlers.

“We’re proud to be part of this highly collaborative effort that has resulted in a breakthrough in PET barrier containers for the craft beer market,” said Amsler. “We’ve set a new benchmark in terms of shelf life and provided craft brewers a highly viable alternative to the standard glass container.” Unbreakable and portable PET growlers provide an entry into such venues that do not allow glass because of the potential for breakage and other security requirements.

The 64-oz, 106-gram container was designed by W. Amsler with standard preforms supplied by Preform Solutions Inc., Sioux Falls, S.D. The PET growlers have a flat champagne base rather than a carbonated base design and withstand 15 psi of pressure.

For the Craft Brewers Conference, W. Amsler selected a barrier with a monolayer structure which includes a Sherwin Williams’ barrier additive. The barrier prevents oxygen ingress and egress and loss of CO2, thus providing a 120-day shelf life versus 48 hrs for standard PET growlers. This monolayer barrier solution is compatible with existing recycling streams. The high-density polyethylene (HDPE) handle, designed by JMS International Packaging, is produced separately and attached to the container via a secondary process. The PET container comes with a 38-mm finish. The amber color for the 64oz barrier bottle is supplied by Penn Color.

In the future, the JMS production bottles will be manufactured with a new patented PET plastic (PETB1) that has been developed by JMS International Packaging Inc. The new patented plastic (PETB1) offers the best barrier to CO2 plus oxygen egress and ingress on the market. This unique material also protects the product from UV rays and is available in transparent or opaque versions. The product resists impact and ensures a certain economy compared to glass. The formula has enabled JMS to obtain a recycle code 1. It has strong resistance to hot filling and is much lighter than glass.

The PET plastic growlers are also available in a clear color with or without barrier protection for ciders, craft sodas, craft cocktails, and liquor. Pressure-sensitive labels can be applied and a screen printing process can also be used. 

 W. Amsler has focused new resources and expanded its participation in the beer packaging market. The company sees strong opportunities in glass conversion applications where barrier PET bottles have a strong fit due to their light weight and portability. The company introduced 12oz barrier PET bottles in a long-neck style with a crown cap at NPE 2018. Later, a second 12oz format with a slightly different design and label panel was launched.

About JMS International Packaging Inc.

JMS International Packaging, based in Sherbrooke, Quebec, specializes in design, manufacturing and delivery of complete packaging solutions. Through a combination of 30 years of plastic knowledge, JMS International Packaging specializes in the production of high-quality packaging materials. Through the years, the company has evolved into a multi-product and multi-service business which provides customers with an endless variety of packaging possibilities.

The company’s product line is diversified and responsive to the needs of the entire food market. JMS International creates innovative products through established and proven technology and advanced R&D. The new patented plastic PETB1 offers the best performing air index on the market. It’s a unique material that protects a product from UV rays and offers transparent or opaque options. The product resists impact and ensures a certain economy compared to glass. The formula has enabled JMS to obtain a recycle code 1. It has strong resistance to hot filling and is much lighter than glass. For more information, visit www.jmsintpackaging.com.

About W. Amsler Equipment Inc.

W. Amsler Equipment Inc. is the only North American manufacturer of all-electric linear PET stretch blow molders, 100% designed, built and serviced in North America. W. Amsler is a privately-held Canadian company founded in 1994 by Werner Amsler. In addition to PET stretch blow molding machines, Amsler supplies equipment for complete blow molding plants and filling lines. These products include bottle inspection units, blow-dome spin-off trimmers, air compressors, vacuum conveyors, blow molds, gaylord dumpers, mold temperature control units, and process chillers. For more information, visit www.amslerequipment.net.

Press Contact:

Joseph Grande

J. Grande communications Inc.

413.684.2463

joe@jgrandecommunications.com