ALPLA's foaming technology recognised with packaging awards

Plastic packaging specialist ALPLA has received PackTheFuture and WorldStar awards for its application of foaming technology in extrusion blow moulding (EBM).

The successful application of foaming technology in the production of EBM plastic bottles is the result of research and cooperation between ALPLA, Unilever and MuCell. In microcellular foaming technology, a gas is injected into the middle layer of the bottle wall. This creates bubbles in the material, similar to the structure of a honeycomb, reducing plastic consumption and weight by up to 15%.

Unilever has utilised the process for shower gel bottles since 2014 and estimates it has saved up to 275 tonnes of plastic per year across Europe for this product line.

The process is a purely physical one that does not require any chemical additives, therefore the bottles are fully recyclable.

“The thickness of the material is reduced, but the thickness of the wall remains the same. The bottles therefore have practically the same high level of functionality in the bottling plants and during transportation and handling as conventional EBM bottles,” explained René Plattner, head of packaging management at ALPLA.