Sustainability is a complex issue, especially when it comes to the beverage industry, due to the vast number of plastic bottles used for its products. Even so, the demand for PET bottles remains high around the world. Part of that is because this material is repeatable and cost-effective. The good news is that PET stretch blow molding meets the increasing demand yet supports sustainability.
Valuable Information
Unfortunately, some advocates continue to slander the stretch blow molding machine process and the PET bottles they produce. However, these individuals don’t understand that this isn’t just another throwaway plastic. Instead, thanks to technological advances, it offers some unique benefits, including sustainability.
As a perfect example, the various industries that use a PET stretch blow molding machine can recycle waste material, as well as old and used PET bottles. Not only that, but they can use recycled material to create new bottles and containers. So, rather than contribute to the problem, they’ve become a part of the solution.
But there’s more good news. The same industries can upcycle the same PET bottles and containers made via the stretch blow molding process. Even better, they can upcycle the material so it’s food grade. That alone extends the options for this particular type of clear, strong, and lightweight plastic.
No Upgraded Machinery Required
Here’s something incredibly awesome. Companies that want to utilize recycled PET material don’t need to upgrade the stretch blow molding machine used. To explain, going through multiple recycling cycles produces a darker-colored material. During the heating process, these cycles allow the material to absorb thermal energy.
That reduces the amount of time required before using the material in a PET stretch blow molding machine. Also, the machine itself doesn’t need as much energy to complete its process. These two benefits are why so many industries now prefer recycled PET material.
The Decoration Part of the Equation
The decoration of PET products also came under fire as not supporting the sustainability movement. Again, along with the stretch blow molding concerns, a reputable manufacturer took action on this. In place of traditional labeling, which isn’t completely recyclable, it decided to use direct digital printing. While that made plastic bottles and containers more eco-friendly, it did create a few challenges.
For instance, getting the ink to adhere to the surface of PET bottles wasn’t easy. The experts with this company needed to overcome this challenge for two primary reasons. First, products that get stocked in stores must look pristine, including the labels. Second, the label on bottles can’t have any kind of scratches during consumption. This was when the company came up with a brilliant idea.
To use recycled material in a PET stretch blow molding machine, it can’t have any residue, which comes from conventional labels. This led to a loss of reusable material for bottles and containers. With direct digital printing, there’s no residue. So, companies can decorate the labels however they want without the risk of compromising the PET material for recyclable purposes.
There’s another benefit of using the Dekron technology for digital printing. With this, companies can print labels for PET bottles and containers while in an upright position. That means they can integrate this technology into existing lines for processing. Ultimately, that eliminates extra steps.
An Industry That Cares
The leading manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors of the PET stretch blow molding machine take sustainability seriously. For that reason, they pay close attention to the public’s concerns. At the same time, they hone in on breakthrough technologies that improve materials and processes.
As mentioned, the current demand for the stretch blow molding machine is at an all-time high. However, experts predict it’ll become even more intense. Considering this machine can produce precision products quickly and cost-efficiently, it makes sense. So, the demand for these machines won’t stop.
The industry has made changes that provide customers with what they need, made with sustainable materials. Again, the PET stretch blow molding machine is also more eco-friendly because it doesn’t consume as much energy as when non-recycled material is used.
Getting a Stretch Blow Molding Machine from a Trusted Source
Does your organization utilize a stretch blow molding machine for PET products? Do you want to do your part to create a healthier planet? If so, contact us. Just as we have from the beginning, we will continue to provide our customers with superior solutions.
