Jan 6 2011
Plastipak Packaging, Inc., based in Plymouth, Michigan, has developed and patented a revolutionary technology which, for the first time ever, enables hot-filling of lightweight PET containers without vacuum compensation devices that limit container design possibilities.
After commissioning its first two ThermoShape filling lines in the United Arab Emirates and France, Plastipak Packaging will present and discuss this new breakthrough packaging solution - for the first time at any public forum - at the NOVA-PACK 2011 Conference.
NOVA-PACK 2011, the 27th International Conference on PET Containers for Food & Beverages, will take place on January 26-27, 2011 at the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island (near Jacksonville), Florida, USA. The presentation is to be given by Plastipak’s director of technology integration, Jean-Guy Delage, as a late addition to the NOVA-PACK 2011 program. The presentation will include both a 3D animation of the ThermoShape™ process and a video clip of an actual industrial operation.
The new technology offers these and other significant advantages over alternative packaging options for the global non-refrigerated, high acid-sensitive beverage food and beverage market segments: (1) hot-fill is a risk-free, inexpensive conventional filling technology which, unlike “wet” aseptic solutions, does not require chemical decontamination or sterile water rinsing of decontaminated containers and closures; (2) processors can use existing hot-fill process lines to fill PET containers that are at least 30% lighter than with conventional hot fill bottling lines in the market; (3) vacuum panels and other vacuum-resistant features required for conventional PET hot-fill processes are eliminated so that bottlers have greater freedom to design attractive packages.
For processors currently considering or using aseptic and other packaging solutions, hot-filling with ThermoShape™ offers a new viable and economically attractive alternative. Compared with aseptic cold filling methods, it requires less capital investment, a less rigorous level of technical training, avoids chemical decontamination, stringent filling conditions and the possibility of product re-contamination during filling and capping.
For these and other reasons, the new ThermoShape™ technology will certainly attract the attention of food and beverage processors worldwide. Interested processors will have an opportunity to explore commercial opportunities for this new technology by visiting the Plastipak Packaging display table during NOVA-PACK 2011