Borealis’ bottling innovation gives on-and off-the-shelf benefits to KKT

Kaller Kunststoff Technik GmbH (KKT), a specialist in the production of plastic bottles for the food, beverage, cosmetic and paint industry, has selected a biaxially oriented polypropylene (PP) grade from Borealis to manufacture injection stretch blow moulded (ISBM) bottles for water-based paint. The choice of this material gives KKT a competitive edge in this specialised market traditionally dominated by extrusion blow moulded high density polyethylene (HDPE)-based bottles. Lower production costs, improved aesthetics and better impact resistance are among the advantages provided by Borealis’ PP ISBM grade RF926MO.

Bottles produced from PP ISBM material can be more than 30 per cent lighter than traditional PE bottles. Higher productivity of the ISBM process compared to extrusion blow moulding leads to a reduction in energy consumption. In addition, no production waste is generated thanks to the use of pre-form moulds in the injection stretch blow moulding process.

The biaxial orientation of the PP stiffens the material, producing bottles with greater impact resistance than those made by extrusion blow moulding. This is of particular importance for paint packaging. The enhanced bottle strength protects the content during transportation and storage, benefiting converters like KKT, retailers and the final purchaser.

From a consumer perspective, the flexibility and excellent transparency and gloss achieved with this PP ISBM grade for bottles, has allowed KKT to produce easy to use squeezable bottles that allow consumers to see the exact colour of the paint inside more clearly than before.

Arno Caspers, Key Account Manager KKT, comments: “Bottles for water-based paint must have a high moisture vapour barrier to prevent paint from drying out and limiting shelf-life. Borealis’ innovative PP ISBM material, which offers not only excellent moisture vapour benefits but also the chance to reduce production energy costs and improve bottle aesthetics, has given us a great opportunity to differentiate our packaging from that of our competitors.”

Gilles Rochas, Vice President Moulding Borealis, adds: “This PP ISBM grade opens new opportunities for the bottle market. Water-based paint is among a variety of sectors within the bottling industry looking at the benefits that can be gained from switching to PP ISBM. We are working closely with partners across the value chain to drive this innovative development forward.”

KKT’s bottles for water-based paint are available in 250ml, 500ml and 750ml sizes.

With an in-depth understanding of the value chain and a focus on customer needs, Borealis is a preferred supplier and development partner of innovative, value creating PP and PE solutions for a broad range of moulding applications such as technical parts, advanced packaging and healthcare.