dispatches from K Show 2013

Total partnership for two-step HDPE tech

By Joseph James Whitworth

- Last updated on GMT

Related tags Packaging Technology

ISBM machine running SB 1359 and SB 1461 at 60,000 bottles per hour. Picture: Total
ISBM machine running SB 1359 and SB 1461 at 60,000 bottles per hour. Picture: Total
Total has teamed up with Husky and Sidel to develop and demonstrate two-step high density polyethylene (HDPE) injection stretch blow molding (ISBM) technology.

The group claims it reduces material and conversion costs and provides an alternative to extrusion blow molded (EBM) HDPE and ISBM PET.

Two-step ISBM technology makes it possible to reach throughputs of around 60,000 bottles per hour.

It targets market needs for lighter packaging while ensuring packaging requirements.

Partnership at work

Husky (injection molding machinery), Sidel (stretch blow molding machinery and packaging design) and Total (polymer development) used the HDPE SB 1359 resin for ISBM processing and evaluated  the cost of ownership of two-step HDPE ISBM, including material costs, capital investment and fixed and variable costs.

From a financial standpoint the two-step HDPE ISBM technology can be an attractive alternative to the traditional EBM process in typical industry cases, said the group.

They cited an example comparing 30 million bottles using two-step HDPE ISBM technology to EBM production, which showed cost savings of at least 15%, due to lightweighting and lower operating costs because of higher outputs, less maintenance and reduced energy consumption.

Philippe Thiriaux, rigid packaging manager at Total, said: “This revolutionary technology, a breakthrough in the packaging industry, should provide our customers with a wider range of applications and features for the consumer and food packaging market.”

Total at K Show

Total ran workshop presentations at K Show in Dusseldorf on different subjects, including “Food safe rigid packaging: ultra-low migration solutions​” and “Bimodal technology for industrial packaging.”

The firm said thinner packaging could still be a bigger barrier and pointed towards their Supertough range, which enables up to 25% thinner but stronger films.

Supertough 32ST05 and Supertough 22ST05 are the first members in their metallocene portfolio.

Total Lumicene grade slate covers low (mLLDPE), medium (mMDPE) to high (mHDPE) densities.

Supertough 22ST05 offers the potential to downgauge by up to 25% opening greater development perspectives for wide width films.

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