Technology
Materials
Post consumer recycled PET (rPET)
Intrinsically PET is a very environmentally friendly material, that is 100% recyclable. It is also light in weight, which minimises the energy required to convert it, transport it and recycle it. In order to reduce their carbon footprint, Esterform has engaged in a progressive programme to reduce energy usage, minimise waste and reduce bottle/preform weights. Further information on the recylability of PET can be found at http://www.recycle-more.co.uk/nav/page687.aspx
In addition to this, Esterform has trialled post consumer recycled PET from a wide range of sources. To date, out of the 15 materials evaluated, 3 have been approved.
Our Technical Data Sheet on the new “Esterpet” rPET materials will soon be available for download.
Heat Resistant PET
A wide range of beverages and food products are now packed in PET. However, some of these products, such as fruit juices, teas, sports drinks, flavoured milks and ketchup sauces need to be hot-filled or pasteurised. Esterform is now working with patented resin formulations specifically designed for pasteurisation and hot fill applications.
The Esterform range offers a monolayer construction, with excellent clarity on a wide range of in-house and bespoke customer designs, in various neck finishes from 28mm to 38 mm.
This advanced resin technology coupled with Esterform’s in-house preform design and bottle blowing expertise is designed to produce lightweight containers that can withstand hot-fill temperatures over 85°C, and bottles that can be pasteurised at 75°C for 40 minutes.
To complete the extended shelf life package various optional additives such as passive and active oxygen scavengers, AA reducers and UV blockers are also a possibility.
The first generation of these products are currently being rolled out. More will follow over the next 12 months.
Barrier Materials
There are a number of routes to improving the barrier qualities of PET for extending the shelf life of sensitive products.
At Esterform the focus is on blends of materials incorporating active and passive Oxygen scavengers that can also provide excellent Carbon Dioxide retention.
Depending on the sensitivity of the beverage, Esterform can deliver a PET Barrier package to meet the most demanding of requirements.
Bottle Design
The design staff at Esterform have been creating attractive PET bottle designs for longer than any other organisation in Europe. Optimum performance in the supply chain, plus maximum shelf impact, are the key drivers in this process.
