A game-changer for creating and filling plastic bottles

LiquiForm uses consumable liquid instead of compressed air to hydraulically form and fill the container on one machine simultaneously. By combining the forming and filling processes into one step, LiquiForm dramatically simplifies the manufacture of rigid plastic containers for a wide range of consumer products.

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So, why is this such a big deal? Well, combining the bottle forming and filling processes in one step, on a single line at a single site, promises to reduce energy, handling and transport costs by up to 25%. Amcor claims it also reduces manufacturing risk while allowing greater design flexibility.

It will also create a new revenue stream for Amcor and its joint venture partner Sidel through selling licences to equipment manufacturers and end users.

Amcor believes that the addressable market may be about 800 machines a year, and to deliver those orders, it’s currently recruiting.

There’s one more aspect that defines a clear trend in innovation development. This technology breakthrough has been achieved through a partnership. Beyond the 50/50 joint venture between Amcor and Sidel, agreements have already been signed with Japan’s largest plastic bottle manufacturer Yoshino Kogyosho and Nestlé Waters.

So, a breakthrough delivered through a joint venture, which reduces energy, transportation and handling costs, improves safety, creates new revenue streams and employment. All good news and hence, in my view, a game-changer.