14/10/2015
Sidel consulted with its PET packaging expertise in the BioHub® programme as the selected representative for the beverage industry.
This open innovation programme has enabled the
development and production of new chemicals using renewable
agriculture materials, such as cereals which are a sustainable
substitute for well-known fossil-based chemicals. The new
bio-based forms of polyester have many possible end-user
applications, including packaging in which Sidel was recognised for
its PET packaging competence. The programme was undertaken by
international French biorefining group, Roquette, a global leader
in the processing of plant-based raw materials, and subsidised by
BPI France, the French agency for industrial innovation.
Luc Desoutter, Sidel's Special Project Director, comments: "Sidel has a longstanding relationship with Roquette and Sidel's R&D Packaging experts in Octeville in particular contributed with important and innovative PET packaging expertise in this breakthrough project. I am convinced that the innovative materials resulting from the project will soon be adding value to the already substantial benefits that PET offers as a liquid packaging solution, in terms of both performance and sustainability. Satisfying market needs and providing an alternative to established raw materials, they will be of great interest and benefit to the beverage packaging industry and many others."
PET packaging expertise at Octeville France proves useful
Sidel was one of several, select private sector and public partners in the BioHub programme, which was originally launched in 2006. The Sidel expertise at Octeville brought the company's many years' experience in the field of beverage and liquid food packaging - and in the industrial production of PET packaging - to the project. The company's solid technological expertise in complete line solutions that starts with the blow moulding process in bottling of beverages, oils and other liquids was particularly useful to the project, as was its viewpoint as an end user of the potential new bio-based performance plastics within the beverage industry.
Vincent Le Guen, Sidel's Vice President for
Packaging, says: "Our understanding of bio-based polymers through
our participation in this open innovation programme brings great
value to Sidel's PET packaging expertise in Octeville. It enables
us to continue to stay at the forefront of the liquid packaging
industry and to be ready to meet the future needs of beverage
producers. The close relationships we have with our partners
throughout the PET value chain, and also across other industries,
is really valuable to Sidel. This helps ensure we stay in
contact with the latest industry developments and continue to
improve our packaging solutions for beverage producers."
Many beverages, food items and other consumer products are currently marketed and packaged in bottles or containers made from PET, the most common thermoplastic polymer resin of the polyester family. It makes the ideal beverage packaging material because it is safe, strong, transparent, light and versatile. Customers appreciate it for its safety compared to traditional materials. It is resealable, shatter-resistant and, importantly, can be recycled again and again.
The successful completion of the BioHub Project - and Sidel's integral role within it - can lead to the production of new bio-based forms of polyester demonstrating excellent transparency and UV resistance and a good resistance to high temperatures. Leading names within the beverage industry, such as Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Danone and Nestlé, are looking into the possibility of bottles made from fully renewable resources and are said to be already assessing the most promising options to incorporate these next-generation materials into their production lines. For example, Coca-Cola recently unveiled PlantBottle™, a PET bottle based on plant materials.
For more information about the benefits of PET packaging, click here.
Download high quality pictures
In this short and insightful video, Sustainable Designer - Niels Peter Flint - talks to us about the wonders of PET, from a design perspective as well as in everyday living. We live it. We wear it. And, most of all, we drink out of it. Let's discover the benefits of today and the opportunities for tomorrow.