LiquiForm uses consumable liquid instead of compressed air to hydraulically form and fill the container on one machine simultaneously.
The technology uses the contents of the bottle – such as soft drinks, juices, shampoos etc – to blow the bottle shape, simplifying the manufacturing and filling process.
By combining the forming and filling processes into one step, Amcor claims this dramatically simplifies the manufacture of rigid plastic containers for a wide range of consumer products.
Through combining the bottle forming and filling processes in one step, on a single line at a single site, the technology is expected to reduce energy, handling and transport costs for drinks and FMCG giants such as Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Unilever.
Amcor developed the LiquiForm concept in 2006, and subsequently set up a joint venture bottling specialist Sidel, Japanese plastic bottle manufacturer Yoshino Kogyosho, and Nestle Waters.
Amcor and Sidel each own a 50% interest in the joint venture.
This new technology is expected to reduce capital costs and improve operating efficiency and product quality.
Amcor said LiquiForm delivers a reduction in operating costs of up to 25%, reduced manufacturing risk and greater flexibility in container design.
The joint venture will target the annual demand for conversion to the LiquiForm technology, and the first full scale operation is expected to be commercialised within three years.
Ken MacKenzie, Amcor’s managing director and chief executive, said: “I have been in the packaging industry for over 20 years and in my opinion, LiquiForm has the potential to be one of the most important breakthrough technologies in liquid packaging. This technology will transform the rigid plastic container manufacturing industry, providing significant benefits to all players throughout the value chain.”
Amcor reported a net profit of £102m in the first half of this year.
