Netstal Develops Innovative Packaging Solution With Reduced Plastic Content

Netstal develops innovative packaging solution with reduced plastic content

29-Dec-21

1.2 liter pail has only 11.5 grams of PP

On an ELION 2200-1000, 1.2 liter SPIES PC round pails with paper chassis are produced. A pre-printed band of coated cardboard is inserted into the two cavities of the mold using IML robotics. A PP plastic is then injected via channels to fill the rim of the bucket and firmly bond it to the cardboard band. The cycle time is 5 seconds. Robotics removes the finished pails and stacks them on a conveyor belt after a camera check. Subsequently, the pail stacks are packed fully automatically into provided boxes with the help of a SMART COBOT BOXING robot. System partners of the exhibit are SPIES Kunststoffe, Muller Technology Conthey, Motan colortronic, EF cooling, SABIC, Storaenso and Engelhardt Etikett.

With this application, NETSTAL and its development partners demonstrate a novel 1.2 liter pail with minimal weight and maximum content of renewable raw materials. To ensure durability of the contents and tightness, the cardboard sleeves are coated with PP and have plastic seams. The design possibilities of the label are just as perfect as with the classic thin-wall packaging, which is decorated using the IML process.

The skeleton framework, injection-molded from PP, has a wall thickness of 0.92mm in the area of the flow bars. The plastic content of a round bucket is only 11.5 grams. In order to be able to reliably reproduce the fine structures with high shot weight consistency, high injection performance with precise control is essential. This is a task for which the ELION 2200 in the version with hybrid injection unit and double valve technology is predestined. The flow path/wall thickness ratio of this application is 1:305, which requires very high injection dynamics. Also of key importance: plasticizing must be perfectly designed to ensure optimum color homogeneity. Despite its enormous performance capacity, the ELION operates very energy-efficiently. For high overall system effectiveness, all peripherals have been integrated into the aXos machine control system. The optional SMART OPERATION 4- key control system supports users in achieving their efficiency targets. Guided operation reliably prevents operating errors and unplanned downtimes.

Source:- Netstal