Eastman Introduces New High-Performance PET Resin

The new Vorcalor PET resin achieves the best level of reheat performance and can save up to 60% in energy when the preform is heated. The rapid reheating capability enables high speed processing of blown preforms in the most economical conditions. Its controlled, stable reheat performance guarantees a stable blow molding environment, even in the latest lightweight plastic bottle design environment.

Roland Leimbacher, Eastman's marketing manager for functional polymers in Europe, said: “The new generation of Vorcalor resin reinforces Eastman’s reputation in PET packaging. The repeat heating performance and optical transparency of Vorcalor CB11E are unsurpassed, Vorcalor 9921W The versatility and reliability will make it the industry's most versatile PET grade."

Vorcalor CB11E Features

Vorcalor CB11E is the most important reheatable resin in the industry and is ideally suited for carbonated soft drinks and bottled beer. It has excellent transparency and gloss effects, and it has the highest level of repeatable heating capability in the current PET brand on the market. Compared with non-reusable PET resin, the energy consumption of the preform can be saved by up to 60%. Vorcalor CB11E has an intrinsic viscosity of 0.82 which increases stress crack resistance and reduces creep. This feature makes it ideal for blending as a base resin and low-viscosity recovery (polymer chain reaction) PET material in bottle-to-bottle recycling.

Vorcalor 9921W Features

This new resin inherits the well-known PET 9921W from Eastman. The new PET 9921W has the same versatility, in addition to its improved processing properties. This optimized resin has a viscosity with an intrinsic viscosity of 0.80, allowing for fast injection speeds and the potential for shorter cycle times. Its moderate and stable reheat performance improves the production efficiency of blow-molded plastic bottles, whether it is for processing on older, heat-limited equipment or for the latest lightweight plastic bottle designs. Compared to non-reheatable PET, the preform's repeated heating energy can save up to 30%. Typical applications include carbonated drinks, purified water, juices, milk, daily necessities, pharmaceuticals, and other containers for general use. Vorcalor 9921W resin is also suitable for high quality films and sheets.

Leimbacher said: "Overall, both Vorcalor PET resins have excellent injection and blow molding properties without affecting the appearance of plastic bottles - which not only helps cost savings for pre-finished and plastic bottle manufacturers," said Leimbacher. And it is also attractive to brand owners who need the best shelf appeal for their products.”

Reprinted from: International Plastics Processing Technology Network