Page 9 - Plastcs News August 2017

FROM THE EDITOR'S PEN

The Latest innovation ‘Sure Handle’

This issue we have again an innovation ‘Sure Handle’ in PET to discuss, but before that I would
like to tell you RPC protec has won the sustainability award in the category of Cutting Food
Waste category of the Packaging Europe Sustainability Awards, for its X-Hance film used
to pack potato an innovation and creativity that make significant environmental advances
across the supply chain.
The Sure Handle

Missouri based Pretium Packaging has developed a 64-ounce, stock PET container with an
integrated handle a breakthrough product called the SureHandle.

The handleware bottle has been engineered for products that need fill temperatures up to
120° F. It can accommodate an induction seal or a foam liner. The integrated-handle PET
preform is loaded in the same manner as a conventional preform. The container combines
preform technology (developed by Practically Impossible Labs), and Pretium’s injection and
blow molding manufacturing expertise.
The capability begins with the preform, which is structurally different than traditional straight-
sided, injection molded preforms used to blow mold PET containers. This preform features an AjAY DESAI
injection molded handle attached to the side wall. The integrated-handle preform is loaded
in the same manner as a conventional preform. Proprietary enhancements have been made to
standard blow cavities to accept and position the handle during the blowing process. Because no
secondary operation is required to add the handle to the container, the end result is increased
structural integrity. SureHandle is currently available only in mono layer PET.

This new technology creates all sorts of possibilities for products including beverages, foods
and household and industrial chemicals that could benefit from a monolayer container with an
ergonomic handleware solution. Additionally, the container has been designed with enhanced
top load capabilities. This enables the use of a shrink wrapped tray pack (vs. a corrugated
case), which can withstand stacking of five layers to a pallet, four pallets high. Using a tray
pack can potentially reduce secondary packaging costs by up to 80 percent. This also means
easier unloading at the retail level, as well as retail-ready displays for big box stores.

It seems that Pretium invested significant resources to be able to injection mold the preform
and blowmold a bottle with an integral handle addressing challenges such as handle
orientation, preform handling to protect the handles, special ovens for preform heating and
blow mold cavity design, and still meet the substantially higher container durability and top
load performance criteria.
As we know there have been a variety of attempts over the years to develop handled PET
containers, but most have fallen short of the mark. The container is easier to handle for
children and older adults, and people with physical challenges, compared to pinch grip or
straight-sided packages. It is easier to carry and gives improved control when pouring. The
entire all-PET container can be recycled.

Hon. Editor
Ajay Desai

9 Aug ust 2017 | Plastics News