W. Amsler Equipment Inc., a maker of all-electric PET stretch blow molding machines is increasing its pitch as an alternative packaging source for the craft beer market.
The company recently introduced a 64-ounce PET growler jug that mimics traditional competitive glass growlers and provides barrier protection for extended shelf life.
Amsler officials said the amber PET growler is believed to be the first PET container to include a handle and provide barrier layer.
Amsler announced the PET growler at the Craft Brewers Conference and BrewExpo America held in in Denver April 8-11.
Amsler molds the PET container at its headquarters facility in Bolton, Ontario, on behalf of JMS International Packaging Inc. in Sherbrooke, Quebec. Amsler designed the growler with standard preforms supplied by Preform Solutions Inc. of Sioux Falls, S.D. The PET growlers have a flat champagne-style base rather than a carbonated base design.
For display at the Craft Brewers Conference, Amsler selected a barrier with a monolayer structure which includes a Sherwin Williams barrier additive. In the future, the JMS production bottles will be manufactured with a new patented PET plastic (PETB1) developed by JMS International Packaging. According to Amsler, PETB1 offers the best barrier to carbon dioxide, plus oxygen egress and ingress, on the market. The PET material also protects the product from UV rays. It comes in transparent or opaque versions.
The PET barrier growler weights 106 grams, vs. 1.2 kilograms for the glass version, reducing shipping costs. Heidi Amsler, sales and marketing manager for W. Amsler, said it is unbreakable, so the growler can be used at special events, and is 100 percent recyclable.
“We're proud to be part of this highly collaborative effort that has resulted in a breakthrough in PET barrier containers for the craft beer market,” Heidi Amsler said. “We've set a benchmark in terms of shelf life and provided craft brewers a highly viable alternative to the standard glass container.”
Tel. 905-951-9559, email [email protected].