With KHS SUPREME, the KHS Group elevates the protection of oxygen-sensitive beverages, embodying advancements in food and drink packaging. This innovative system merges the advantages of glass with the versatility of PET through the application of Plasmax barrier technology.
KHS proudly introduces the culmination of extensive research: the KHS SUPREME PET bottle, designed specifically for the protection of oxygen-sensitive beverages like tea. Leveraging its proven Plasmax barrier technology, KHS coats the inner surfaces of PET bottles with a transparent, wafer-thin layer of silicon oxide. At less than 100 nanometers in thickness, this barrier effectively shields the contents from oxidation, preserving taste, color, and quality for significantly longer durations—up to ten times that of standard packaging.
For over 20 years, KHS has successfully implemented Plasmax technology, continuously refining it at its Hamburg facility. This site serves as KHS’ competence center for PET, where a dedicated team channels their expertise into innovative developments, aiding customers globally in creating cutting-edge packaging systems.
Protection for Quality-Sensitive Beverages
“Our barrier system is ideal for premium products such as green tea that’s extremely quality-sensitive and has to satisfy the highest requirements on markets such as Asia,” explains Philipp Langhammer, product manager for barrier technology at KHS. Tea is prone to oxidation, causing undesirable changes in color and flavor. The glass barrier prevents these changes, ensuring extended shelf life, freshness, and safety.
Originally designed for pharmaceutical glass containers, this technology is rooted in years of research and process optimization. KHS piloted its first Plasmax systems in the food sector in the early 2000s. Since then, the company has enhanced its Plasmax barrier technology and has recently scaled production to reach industrial speeds of up to 60,000 bottles per hour, all while maintaining its protective properties.
Technology Meets Sustainability
Beyond technical precision, the Plasmax barrier is also notable for its environmental sustainability. One of the significant advantages of Plasmax technology is its complete recyclability. During the recycling process, the glass coating is efficiently removed by caustics without compromising the quality of the PET material. Unlike chemical scavenger technologies that complicate recycling, the purity of the separated PET is preserved. Furthermore, the coating is fully compatible with 100% recycled PET, promoting a circular economy in food and drink sustainable packaging. “We thus refer to this as a fully circular barrier technology,” says Langhammer. “Our style of packaging combines all the benefits: top barrier performance and full recyclability.”
KHS will showcase its innovative system at interpack in Düsseldorf, Germany, from May 7 to 13 in Hall 13, Booth A31. With KHS SUPREME, the Dortmund systems manufacturer highlights its robust innovation capabilities within the PET segment.
