One step. One operation. One machine. And a step-change in efficiency and flexibility. This is what Amcor's launch of its breakthrough technology LiquiForm brings to the packaging market.
LiquiForm uses the consumable liquid instead of compressed air to hydraulically form and fill the container on one machine simultaneously.
By combining the forming and filling processes into one step, LiquiForm dramatically simplifies the manufacture of rigid plastic containers for a wide range of consumer products and significantly reduces cost and waste.
Amcor's managing director and CEO Ken Mackenzie says this is “one of the most important breakthrough technologies in liquid packaging” seen in the last two decades.
Amcor developed the LiquiForm concept in 2006, and subsequently set up a joint venture which owns the patented LiquiForm technology and related intellectual property. The joint venture has signed agreements with Sidel, an industry leading manufacturer of bottling machinery, Yoshino Kogyosho Co, Japan’s largest plastic bottle manufacturer, and Nestle Waters.
Amcor and Sidel each own a 50% interest in the joint venture.
The process differs from traditional blow moulding and filling operations in that when the preform is placed in the mould then the actual beverage, or whatever liquid product is to be bottled, is forced at high pressure into the preform, moulding it into the bottle shape. This results in a filled bottle, ready for capping and labelling.
For consumer product manufacturers, this breakthrough is expected to reduce capital costs and improve operating efficiency and product quality.
Amcor says LiquiForm delivers a reduction in operating costs of up to 25%, reduced manufacturing risk and greater flexibility in container design.
The joint venture will issue licences allowing machine manufacturers to produce and sell equipment using the LiquiForm technology.
Global demand for new blow moulding and filling machines for which LiquiForm would be suitable is estimated to be approximately 800 machines per annum. The joint venture will target a significant portion of that annual demand for conversion to the LiquiForm technology, and the first full scale operation is expected to be commercialised in two to three years
“This technology will transform the rigid plastic container manufacturing industry,providing significant benefits to all players throughout the value chain,” Mackenzie said.
“LiquiForm™ is an outstanding example of how Amcor is translating its deep understanding of the needs of customers and consumers into new and improved ways of operating. Innovation is a core value for Amcor, and this breakthrough further establishes the company as an innovation leader in the packaging industry.”
