A patented PET paint container has become the first in the category to use a two-stage production process capable of reducing freight by 90% and associated costs, claims its developer The Plastic Can Company (PCC).
The PET can is suitable for both solvent and water based paint and offers the option of ‘sparkling crystal clear clarity’.
Two-stage reheat blow technology revolutionised the production of beverage bottles, and PCC believes it is the first to bring the technology to paint packaging.
Two-stage production allows preforms and lids to be manufactured centrally and then economically shipped and stored at the paint filling plant, before being blown into finished cans.
Preforms are delivered with the handle ready fitted. The handle clips securely onto the rim of the preform and remains in place during the reheat-blow process and paint filling.
Nested preforms with handles take up one-tenth of the space of finished cans. It lowers ‘dramatically’ the cost of transportation and enables paint companies to respond to seasonal demand without having to stockpile bulky containers, says PCC.
A single reheat stretch-blow moulding machine can produce up to 34,000 PET cans a day.
The PET can is suitable to manufacture from post-consumer recycled (PCR) PET, to reduce cost and boost the green credentials of the product it contains, according to PCC CEO Richard Lawson.
He says: “With increased collection rates, PCR material is more available than ever before, but at present most of it goes into low value end-use applications such as fibre and strapping. The PCC Plastic Can is an ideal high-end application.”
Different blow moulds can be used to produce a variety of shapes from the same preform
Square cans could reduce freight volumes by up to 10% and increase label visibility. Products can also be grip shaped and embossed.
“There’s really no limit,” says Mr Lawson.
A ring-pull opening feature, which means the lid can be removed without a tool, is clipped back onto the lid prior to replacement for repeatable use.
PCC is currently seeking licensees in North and South America for its PET paint can.
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