Italian stretch blow molding machines provider SIPA has developed a new hot-fillable PET ketchup bottle, which serves as an alternative to aseptic versions.
The bottle, which has been developed in response to calls from several of the company's converter customers, can be filled between 85°C and 90°C.
According to SIPA, the bottle can be produced on the company's SFR rotary stretch-blow molding equipment that is equipped with an oven intended for heat-set and oval containers.
Manufacturing of this type of bottle requires a PET resin suitable for the heat setting process used for hot-fill containers. It stays in shape afterwards and will also prevent 'label crinkling'.
The resin also needs to contain an oxygen scavenger to stop the ketchup oxidizing and discoloring over time. The container, with a suitable scavenger, can have a shelf life of at least one year, the company said.
