16 Oct 2013
Latest Innovations in Two-Step HDPE ISBM Technology
Blending their unique expertise and industry-leading technologies, Total, Husky and Sidel teamed up to deliver a new cost-efficient solution for the packaging market. Their two-step HDPE ISBM technology combines the advantages of High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) resin and Injection Stretch Blow Molding (ISBM) technology. As an innovative alternative to both Extrusion Blow Molded (EBM) HDPE and ISBM PET, it offers specific plus points that reduce material and conversion costs.
To respond to new market requirements for lighter and more effective consumer and food packaging, the focus must be on technologies and developments that significantly reduce bottle weight while meeting or improving on packaging requirements. Through a joint effort involving both technical validation and cost modeling, Total, Husky and Sidel have demonstrated that a two-step HDPE ISBM solution can deliver cost efficiency and product differentiation to the packaging industry.
Their innovative technology captures the benefits of both two-step ISBM, a superior conversion process, and of HDPE, a polymer widely used in packaging. Two-step ISBM provides exceptional bi-orientation, which increases bottle performance in general and mechanical performance specifically, while considerably reducing the weight of the package. Two-step ISBM technology also offers outstanding productivity levels, making it possible to reach throughputs of around 60,000 bottles per hour.
Husky with its expertise in injection molding machinery, Sidel with its expertise in stretch blow molding machinery and packaging design and Total with its expertise in polymer development — in this case the HDPE SB 1359 resin for ISBM processing — conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the total cost of ownership of two-step HDPE ISBM, including material costs, capital investment and fixed and variable costs.
The evaluation concluded that from a financial standpoint the two-step HDPE ISBM technology can be an attractive alternative to the traditional EBM process in many typical industry cases. An example comparing 30 million bottles using two-step HDPE ISBM technology to EBM production has shown cost savings of at least 15%, principally due to lightweighting and lower operating costs as a result of higher output, less maintenance and reduced energy consumption.
“HDPE ISBM technology opens up new possibilities for converters and brand owners for more sustainable and cost-efficient packages,” says Philippe Thiriaux, Rigid Packaging Manager at Total. “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.”
Reader enquiries
TotalEnergies
Total Refining & Chemicals
rue de l’Industrie,52
Nijverheidsstraat,52
BE-1040 Brussels
Belgium
Notes for editors
The Refining & Chemicals Division of Total, one of the largest integrated oil and gas companies in the world, encompasses the refining and petrochemicals activities, the specialty chemicals and the fertilizers, with more than 50,000 employees worldwide. The Refining & Chemicals Division is the first refiner and the second petrochemicals producer in Europe, includes 13 refineries, 21 petrochemicals production sites and more than 150 locations in specialty chemicals and fertilizers worldwide. The Refining & Chemicals Division produces and commercializes a wide range of product from petroleum products to commodity polymers including base chemicals intermediates. Those products are used in many consumer and industrial markets.
Husky Injection Molding Systems is a leading supplier of injection molding equipment and services to the global plastics industry. The company designs, manufactures and integrates the industry’s most comprehensive range of injection molding equipment, including machines, molds and hot runners. Its value‐added services include factory planning, customer training, systems integration and complete asset management.
Customers use Husky equipment and services to produce a wide range of products for the beverage packaging, closures, thinwall packaging, medical and consumer electronics markets. With more than 40 service and sales offices and employing approximately 4,000 people worldwide, Husky supports customers in over 100 countries. Its main manufacturing facilities are located in Canada, the United States, Luxembourg, Austria and China.
Husky’s core values — a passion for excellence, bold goals, proactive environmental responsibility, making a positive contribution and uncompromising honesty — are the foundation of the company’s business practices worldwide.
Sidel is the leading global provider of PET solutions for liquid packaging. We are also a driving force for glass and can solutions. We are committed to being the most innovative, responsive and reliable partner, providing sustainable solutions for the beverage industry.
Headquartered in Switzerland, we have production sites in 13 countries and 30,000 machines installed in more than 190 nations worldwide. With over 5,400 employees worldwide, we provide optimal PET, glass and can packaging solutions for water, soft drinks, milk, sensitive products, edible oils and alcoholic beverages including beer.
We aim to create value for our customers by giving them A Better Match. This is the tailored solution that caters to their needs exactly. We do this by offering flexible and reliable production systems that are easily adaptable to market developments and future technology, supported by value-added services.
We are Sidel. We are A Better Match.
