A new multi-layer co-injection technology from Milacron’s Kortec brand allows the production of clear PP plastic cans for food packaging.
‘Klear Can’ multi-layer plastic cans – showcased at Arabplast by UAE-based Al Shihab Al Thahabi and Milacron at the Indian Pavilion – provide an attractive alternative to metal cans by providing brand owners with clear, see-through PP in a container that features extended shelf life of up to five years.
- An ideal alternative to metal cans for fruits, vegetables, soups, meats, and other products, this new technology was presented by Milacron and Kortec at Arabplast 2015.
Klear Can is suitable for retort up to 130°C (265°F), these clear plastic cans have been tested and approved for both retortability and the integrity of the double seam, which was designed to allow the plastic can’s flange to accept traditional (easy open and non-easy open) metal can ends.
Klear Can provides numerous advantages over metal cans, most notably the ability to show the quality of the food products to the consumer at the point of sale.
Other advantages include:
- Metal can ends for easy opening, hermetically sealed to the plastic can
- Three-layer plastic construction (PP outer and inner layers, with an EVOH barrier) for shelf life up to five years
- BPA-free
- Options for colored plastic cans, in-mold labels, or standard labels
- Stackable
- Molds up to 32 cavities
- Simultaneous Kortec co-injection process allows same cycle times as single-layer plastic injection
Designed for Easy Metal Can Replacement: Canners Can Use Their Existing Equipment
Another major advantage of Klear Can is it is designed so existing metal can-filling facilities can easily shift to the use of the plastic cans, with no need for investing in new downstream equipment.
“These plastic cans use the same steel or aluminum can ends, same filling equipment, same seaming equipment, and the same retorting and cooling equipment,” said Russell Bennett, Kortec Vice President Sales & Marketing. “For the canner and the brand owner, there is no need for significant modifications over what happens today. We see this as a major advantage.”
The first Klear Can introduction is the commonly used 41cl size, with a 75mm end, also common. The total can height is 110mm. Kortec invites brand owners and canners to evaluate the Klear Can for their specific product requirements. Kortec is ready to work on alternate size cans with companies who require something other than this initial 41cl size.
Along with Milacron’s co-injection technology a number of other Milacron technologies will be on display from Ferromatik, Uniloy and DME.
Ferromatik (In the India Pavilion) will be running the Elektron 200 producing cutlery with in cell automation. The Elektron is the product of Milacron’s years of innovation in all-electric injection molding technology. Designed for a full range of applications, in a wide variety of sizes, it offers outstanding value to customers to help them achieve their plastics manufacturing goals.
Milacron’s Elektron uses 60% less energy and 90% less water than hydraulic injection molding machines, reducing operating costs substantially. Setting the standard for movement repeatability, Elektron’s stroke precision of servo-driven axes is significantly greater than top hydraulic systems, making it the best injection molding machine for the reliable production of high-precision parts. With no oil disposal, leaks or slipping hazards, Elektron is perfect for clean room environments regardless of machine size needed.
