Despite attractive environmental credentials, returnable PET containers remain a niche product. Krones and plastic packaging provider Alpla want to change that by collaborating on a research project aimed at better realising the packaging type’s potential.
Be it due to regulations, voluntary climate targets, or growing environmental awareness among consumers, sustainability issues have fast become a critical factor in packaging decisions.
This thinking has been one of the main drivers for the collaborative research.
In the project’s first phase, the material and process parameters underwent a comprehensive scientific evaluation.
Based on these findings, Krones and Alpla developed a returnable PET container, which they say provides an optimal environment for sensitive ESL (extended shelf life) products, such as juice and milk in the cold chain.
“Which type of packaging performs best from an ecological perspective depends on a number of factors and must be evaluated individually for each use case, but returnable PET containers often don’t even enter consideration,” explained Martina Birk, head of the environmental sustainability programme at Krones.
“And yet they can offer outstanding environmental performance, especially if they are distributed mainly regionally.”
Bottle samples and cleaning processes tested
Krones and Alpla teamed up to make these benefits available for use for a wide range of beverages.
“Until now, the main applications for returnable PET containers have been carbonated soft drinks and water,” said Jorg Schwarzler, returnables expert and project lead at Alpla.
“But we were certain that, if we combined our expertise in materials science, preform design, container design, and systems engineering, we could find a solution for sensitive beverages like juices and dairy products.
“The option of using a 38mm bottle neck offers particular advantages for sensitive returnable applications.”
The partners dedicated particular attention to the container cleaning process because, according to them, PET is less heat-resistant than glass.
“So, we had to find a way to ensure both a high level of microbiological safety and a high number of use cycles, while cleaning at lower temperatures,” added developer Ines Bradshaw.
To obtain an objective and meaningful base of data, Krones’ development plant for washing technology in Flensburg carried out an elaborate series of tests, analysing the interaction of different bottle designs and cleaning processes.
“The test provided us with a very clear picture of the respective thermal, chemical and mechanical factors,” said Bradshaw.
“With the right combination of parameters – especially lye concentration, temperature, additive, and mechanical impact – temperatures around 60°C are sufficient to reliably remove even dried protein, fat and starch contamination from the containers.”
Direct comparison with returnable glass
A direct comparison of returnable PET and returnable glass brought to light another interesting discovery.
Over the course of several cleaning cycles, the alkaline cleaning medium visibly roughened the surface of the glass bottle, whereas nothing comparable could be observed with the PET containers.
“For the filling of sensitive beverages in particular, consistent container quality can be an advantage that should not be underestimated,” noted Bradshaw.
Microbiological test are currently being conducted to definitively establish whether the technology is safe. Initial results confirm the observations made thus far.
“Microbiologically, PET bottles that had gone through 25 cycles could not be distinguished from new ones,” added Bradshaw.
With this proof of concept, the project has reached an important milestone and is now ready for the next major step – preparations are already well underway for the technical field test.
