APPE partnering with liquid colorants and additives firm ColorMatrix, specialist mold maker KTW to develop new barrier technology, closure system for PET, other plastic containers

Liling Tan

BARCELONA , September 29, 2011 (press release) – APPE, the packaging division of LSB, has announced a major collaboration with ColorMatrix, a leading supplier of liquid colorants and additives for plastic applications, and specialist mould manufacturer KTW in the development and launch of a unique new barrier technology for PET and other plastic containers.

The system, which will initially be targeted at the juice industry and subsequently introduced for wine and food applications, will be unveiled at the World Juice Conference, which takes place in Madrid, from 3rd to 6th October.

The concept of the new barrier technology has been devised by ColorMatrix. As Europe’s leading convertor and manufacturer of PET preforms and bottles APPE has worked with ColorMatrix to develop the system for commercial and industrial use. This has included the development of a special closure, created in association with KTW that forms an integral part of the barrier.

APPE says the new system will offer a number of important enhancements over existing barrier technologies in terms of clarity of material and recycling potential. Extensive product shelf life trials have shown that it delivers excellent results in vital areas such as prevention of vitamin C loss and oxygen ingress.

APPE is the only company licensed to sell the technology and will initially target a number of market segments, including juice and wine, with food sectors to follow.

“We are delighted to be working with APPE,” comments Dr Steve Tattum of ColorMatrix. “The company was chosen as our development partner because of its excellent record in the industrialisation of new technologies as well as its acknowledged leading position in the PET packaging market.”

APPE selected and worked with KTW in the design of the new closure, with both companies benefiting from their shared knowledge and expertise in bottle and closure design and manufacture.

“KTW is a closure designer and mould maker, which makes them an attractive partner to work with,” explains Cor Jansen, R&D Director of APPE/LSB. “We are very excited by this new barrier technology and the potential it offers for our key market sectors,” he continues. “Working with such esteemed partners as ColorMatrix and KTW has enabled us to bring this
system to market and we look forward to long and successful working relationships with both companies as we seek to revolutionise oxygen barriers as we know them, opening up further opportunities for many products and brands”.

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