Packaging manufacturer Audus Noble (Cowpen Road, Blyth, GB-Northumberland NE24 5TD) has developed a wide-mouth PET container, either square or rectangular, normally produced in polypropylene. The PET product has an oxygen barrier 60 times that of the PP container, as well as higher clarity, greater strength and improved performance at lower temperatures. Audus Noble is using stretch blow moulding to manufacture the wide-mouthed container and it is now being used by Belgian sweet-maker Astra Sweets, which was a partner in the development programme. Much of the technology for production has been developed in-house by the GBP 5m turnover packaging company, which first launched the new container at the ISM show in Cologne. The container is fitted with a tamper-evident lid.

“Astra´s enthusiasm to become a partner in the development of the Noble Range was clear evidence of the container´s efficacy and potential,” says managing director Keith Stephenson. “Implications for the confectionery industry will be significant.”

Previous technology for PET containers of this type was limited to products with a round neck and having a round or square base. However, the new design has commercial and practical advantages for both confectionery manufacturers and retailers and this was a key factor in its development by Audus Noble.