Netstal will showcase sustainable and recyclable thin-wall packaging at the NPE (Booth W223). The demonstration will feature a thin-wall cup made from 100% PET, optimized for joint recycling with PET bottles.
Despite low global recycling rates for thin-walled plastic packaging like dairy product or sandwich toppings cups, PET bottles lead the way in recycling. In Europe, half of all PET bottles were recycled in 2020, with a rising trend worldwide. Utilizing PET for thin-walled packaging is an attractive option due to its recyclability and established recycling systems in many countries. To ensure PET packaging is collected and processed with PET bottles into high-quality rPET resin, certain criteria must be met. Reto Gmür, Product Manager Packaging at Netstal, emphasizes the importance of clear packaging for optimal rPET quality.
Achieving a sustainable thin-wall cup produced in a climate-friendly manner
Netstal, along with its system partners, will demonstrate a recycling-optimized solution at the NPE. The 15g clear cup, with a 450ml filling volume, is made from virgin PET from the Eastman Chemical Company. Cups are reintegrated into the PET cycle through the NPE recycling program. The labels, made of PET, are supplied by Verstraete, and the IML robot and mold are provided by StackTeck.
The PET cup is molded in around 4 seconds on the Elion 3200, known for its speed, performance, and energy efficiency. The machine recuperates kinetic energy and operates in high efficiency classes, ensuring precise shot-to-shot consistency. By regulating the hydraulic system pressure at the optimum point, Netstal users benefit from improved availability, reduced energy consumption, and lower unit costs.