Milacron confirms sale of first Klear Can production system
20 July 2016
Plastic processing equipment maker Milacron has announced the sale of the first Klear Can production system, which is immediately available to food companies.
Milacron Co-injection developed the Klear Can, which is claimed to be a disruptive technology in food packaging.
Klear Can is claimed to be the first-to-market clear plastic can for the food preservation industry.
It has been developed as an alternative to antiquated metal cans for fruits, vegetables, soups, meats, and other products.
Klear Can is a patented co-injection molded, polypropylene EVOH plastic can that can withstand standard retort pressures and temperatures up to 130°C.
The company plans to make the system available for the customers in the first quarter of the next year.
Milacron president and COO Ron Krisanda said: “After years of development and strong, positive consumer results, we’re excited to launch the Milacron Klear Can in key global markets.
“The Klear Can is fully recyclable. After consumer use only a small amount of metal remains on the can’s upper rim, the residual ring on the flange will separate during the grinding phase.”
The company is also using the patented co-injection systems with embedded Kortec technology to produce recyclable and single use coffee pods.
Most of the single use pods are thermoformed polystyrene and not recyclable. Manufacturers intend to move to recyclable injection molded PP cups over the next three years.
The injection molded cups feature better mechanics, enabling them to create more shapes, provide wall and barrier consistency, as well as produce better clarity in clear parts.
Milacro said its technologies ensure that the newly designed pods are able to enter the recycling stream rather than the landfill.
Milacron Systems general manager Steve Morris said: “Recyclability is driving major design changes within the coffee pod market, and will continue to create new capital equipment demand to support this growing consumer product.”
Source : foodproducts.packaging-business-review.com