Following four years of development work and field experience, PET stretch blow moulding specialist Krones (Neutraubling / Germany; www.krones.de) has announced key improvements to its "NitroHotfill" process. Filling temperatures of up to 90 degrees Celsius are possible, according to Krones, which it says is particularly relevant in Asian countries. In addition, it has set a new high-speed record of up to 2,250 bottles per cavity per hour on its “Contiform 3" stretch blow-moulding machine. Bottles with a flatter, design-optimised base have also been developed which Krones says significantly improves their visual appearance.

Krones says its NitroHotfill process, developed in 2009, uses 40% less energy compared with conventional hotfill technology. It also offers very high potential for lightweighting and enhanced scope for creative design with panel-free sidewalls and new, flatter bases, says the company.

Earlier this month, Krones launched the latest generation of its Contiform 3 machine series – see Plasteurope.com of 13.11.2013.