Artenius, the PET resins division of plastic packaging group La Seda de Barcelona (LSB, Barcelona / Spain; www.laseda.es/index_en.php), has developed a new PET packaging material – Artenius “FastFlow+” – the latest generation of “fast-reheat” PET resins.

The company said FastFlow+ captures heat in the blowing process more efficiently, reducing the overall amount of energy required and leading to energy savings of more than 20% in comparison to standard PET resins, while increasing production rates. Artenius FastFlow+ offers wider injection stretch blow moulding (ISBM) and stretch blow moulding (SBM) windows and allows the blowing of thinner walled preforms into more complex bottle shapes that otherwise would not be possible. Its viscosity level is especially suited for light-weighting, Artenius said.

The resin is claimed to have superior reheat absorption, even in ultra-high speed stretch blow moulding and the formulation includes an additive for absorbing near infra-red (NIR) radiation to heat the polymer and bring lower energy consumption when blowing the preform into a bottle.

The faster absorption of heat inside the preform results in a more efficient blowing process, Artenius said. The additive used in the production of the resin is suitable for packaging intended to come into contact with foodstuffs and is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

The material is characterised by exceptional colour, its luminescence has a minimal impact on the final product, excellent clarity and ultra-low haze, the manufacturer said.