Amcor Rigid Plastics has developed hot-fill PET jars that accept metal lug closures — which the company claims is a first for food packaging.
Amcor unveiled the technology, dubbed A-PEX63, at the Private Label Manufacturers Association's annual trade show Nov. 16-18 in Rosemont, Ill.
The technology allows the fitment of metal lug enclosures to blow-and-trim, 24-ounce hot-fill containers. That gives consumers the fresh “pop” sound of a metal enclosure, on a lightweight, shatter-proof PET jar. A patent is pending.
Amcor is targeting the stock containers to hot-fill food applications such as jams, jellies, salsas, apple sauce and pesto sauce. The company says the containers can be adapted to existing capping and filling equipment, requiring no additional capital investment for the conversion.
“This is a major development which firmly positions PET hot-fill containers in the food packaging industry,” said Bunlim Ly, senior marketing manager for Amcor Rigid Plastics. “We've filled an important need for consumers and brand owners who seek the benefits of PET containers with metal lug closures, delivering the same quality and freshness associated with glass along with significant performance, manufacturing and sustainability benefits.”
Amcor Rigid Plastics is based in Ann Arbor, Mich.
Tel. 734-302-2503, email [email protected].