Thermoformers Using OCTAL’s DPET Sheet Achieve Major Scrap Reduction

GN Thermoforming Equipment, a key manufacturer of thermoformers, plastic packaging machines and tooling, jointly works with OCTAL, a producer of PET resin and PET sheet, to help customers achieve major scrap reduction. GN Thermoforming has exhibited its new GN760 plug-assist thermoforming machine with advanced tooling technology at NPE 2012.

The technology considerably decreases skeletal web scrap from about 30% to 18% when compared to standard form-cut-stack machines. It also reduces energy consumption by 35% compared to competitive equipment.

The GN760 machine comprises a compact plug drive system equipped with twin-servo motors, a robotic handling station, an electronic regeneration system to conserve energy, an infrared heating system with 60 zones and an on-line diagnostic system. It is ideal for manufacturing a range of disposable plastic containers.

In order to remain competitive, many companies know that they need to select the right equipment for thermoforming packaging. In addition, the selection of a PET sheet that perfectly fits on machines like the GN760 will provide additional benefits. GN Thermoforming has tested a wide range of PET sheets for its clients during trial runs. Jerome Romkey, Marketing Manager of GN, stated that they were able to observe that the use of OCTAL’s DPET sheet allowed them to take full advantage of their thermoforming system’s capabilities.

DPET from OCTAL offers the required clarity and rigidity for thermoformers and also provides an attractive, eco-friendly, re-usable and packaging solution. The application of DPET sheet for thermoforming packaging will help molders to decrease scrap and their total cost. Additionally, thermoforming systems using DPET sheet delivers enhanced sustainability than other competitive products. According to the analysis performed by Intertek Expert Services, OCTAL’s DPET utilizes 67% less grid energy per kg of sheet. This leads to decrease in carbon footprint, which is 25% less than that of conventional APET films.