Amcor Rigid Plastics, a manufacturer of rigid plastic packaging for foods and beverages, has announced the development of unique hot-fill polyethylene terephthalate (PET) containers which accept metal lug closures – a first for the food packaging industry.
The breakthrough technology, called the A-PEX63TM system, was unveiled at the Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA) annual trade show, which was held from November 16-18 in Illinois, US. Amcor’s innovative new system allows the fitment of metal lug closures to blow-and-trim 24oz hot-fill containers and ensures sealing integrity is maintained. The new product meets the industry average for removal torque (ease of opening) and targets food applications such as jams, jellies, salsas and sauces.
“This is a major development which firmly positions PET hot-fill containers in the food packaging industry,” said Bunlim Ly, senior marketing manager for Amcor Rigid Plastics. “We’ve filled an important need for consumers and brand owners who seek the benefits of PET containers with metal lug closures, delivering the same quality and freshness associated with glass along with significant performance, manufacturing, and sustainability benefits.”
Peter Bates, Amcor’s senior R&D engineer said: “This is a unique solution which mimics glass in its acceptance of metal closures while also providing all the inherent benefits of plastics.”
Amcor’s 24oz stock hot-fill containers are a drop-in solution for manufacturers, providing reduced total cost of ownership and environmental benefits such as reduced carbon footprint. The shift to A-PEX63 TM PET containers requires no capital investment and Amcor’s new technology can be adapted to existing capping and filling equipment. Hot-fillable up to 205°F (96°C), the creations can be designed to include Amcor’s unique PowerflexTM vacuum absorbing base.
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