Global specialty chemicals company Eastman has added the new polyethylene terephthalate (PET) polymer, Aspira One to its portfolio of resins, which can be used for beverage packaging applications.
Molded for electron beam melting (EBM) processes and packaging applications such as clear handleware and large-size bottles, Aspira One provides an optimal balance of recyclability, product performance and production aesthetics.
The new polymer has four key attributes including sustainability, design flexibility, bottle strength and process efficiency on existing EBM platforms, which are desired by bottle converters and brand owners.
As it is compatible in the PET recycle stream, Aspira One is sustainable and received resin recognition from the Association of Postconsumer Plastic Recyclers (APR) in July 2012 for meeting the PET Bottle Critical Guidance Document protocol.
For bottle performance, the polymer offers toughness and is free of bisphenol A and halogens. Its crystal-clear clarity enables consumers to see the contents of their packages.
Aspira One pellets are not crystalline or solid-stated and are amorphous, thereby compatible with the regrind in a dryer setup. They can be dried and processed at lower temperatures which results in reduction of energy usage, improvement in melt quality and minimization of thermal degradation of the polymer.
starting in 2013, major global beverage companies are expected to use Aspira One bottles.
