Performance Reheating rPET, so that it can be molded into a bottle preform shape, also decreases the plastic’s intrinsic viscosity (IV) due to a decrease in polymer chain length. Colored PET—As manufacturers look to transfer packaging away from less recycled polymers to PET, there is an expectation that color will remain an important brand differentiator on the shelves. One common challenge with using rPET bottles is the breakdown of the polymer chains that occurs as the material is heated and remelted during processing.

ColorMatrix™ Optica™ Toners - Masks yellowing of rPET preforms and improves aesthetics. Standard ColorMatrix toners to mask yellowing of rPET preforms are also available. Contact us for even more ideas on how we can help you reach your current and future sustainability goals. https://www.avient.com/products/polymer-additives/clarifier-and-toner-additives/colormatrix-optica-toners-pet https://www.avient.com/products/polymer-colorants/liquid-color-concentrates/hiformer-liquid-masterbatches https://www.avient.com/products/polymer-additives/reheat-additives-pet/colormatrix-joule-reheat-additive-pet https://www.avient.com/products/polymer-additives/reheat-additives-pet/colormatrix-smartheat-rhc https://www.avient.com/products/polymer-additives/processing-enhancement-additives/colormatrix-reprize-iv-builder-pet https://www.avient.com/products/polymer-additives/processing-enhancement-additives/cesa-extend-additives https://www.avient.com/products/polymer-additives/processing-enhancement-additives/colormatrix-eze-slip-agent-pet https://www.avient.com/products/polymer-additives/acetaldehyde-scavengers-pet/colormatrix-aazure-acetaldehyde-control-technology-pet https://www.avient.com/products/polymer-additives/acetaldehyde-scavengers-pet/colormatrix-triple-aa-scavenger-pet OXYGEN SCAVENGERS Challenge: Oxygen can permeate PET bottles, reducing a product’s shelf life.

Polymer Additives

Process Optimization for Preform Molding and Bottle Blowing Optimizing the preform molding and bottle blowing processes is essential for reducing energy consumption and improving the quality of PET bottles, especially when incorporating rPET.

Enhances heat-up rate of the preform for energy reduction during bottle blowing. Controls preform acetaldehyde levels during the injection molding process, which can lead to an off-taste in bottled water. Improves preform quality and reduces packing density.

Pressure from the media, the scientific community, end-consumers, and legislation is pushing members of the polymer industry value chain to play their part, in proposing alternative sustainable solutions that can perform in terms of recyclability. Picture of plaques originally made from preforms containing Fortis Amber-1 and Amosorb Solo2-2. To do so the following procedure was carried out: • Preforms were produced by dosing 0.09% of Avient Fortis Amber-1 and 4% of our nylon- based oxygen scavenger Amosorb SolO2-2 • Preforms were ground down to a coarse granule size (~2mm) using a Retsch mill • The coarse ground preforms were crystallized in a vacuum oven at 160°C before drying the material in a PET drier at 160°C for approx. 4 hours • This material was then injection molded and blown into bottles with a) 50:50 dilution with Virgin PET with no color and b) 50:50 dilution with Virgin PET + Fortis Amber-1 at 0.045% Figure 2.

Performance Reheating rPET, so that it can be molded into a bottle preform shape, also decreases the plastic’s intrinsic viscosity (IV) due to a decrease in polymer chain length. Colored PET—As manufacturers look to transfer packaging away from less recycled polymers to PET, there is an expectation that color will remain an important brand differentiator on the shelves. One common challenge with using rPET bottles is the breakdown of the polymer chains that occurs as the material is heated and remelted during processing.

Process Optimization for Preform Molding and Bottle Blowing Optimizing the preform molding and bottle blowing processes is essential for reducing energy consumption and improving the quality of PET bottles, especially when incorporating rPET.

Process Optimization for Preform Molding and Bottle Blowing Optimizing the preform molding and bottle blowing processes is essential for reducing energy consumption and improving the quality of PET bottles, especially when incorporating rPET.

Such recipes define the overall power input as well as the lamp configuration and other important process variables consistent with the resin and preform/ bottle design. Such advice, for example how to set up blow molding machines, is not equipment specific and therefore ColorMatrix would always recommend using local or expert technicians in addition to following best practice points listed below; • Preforms should be conditioned for minimum 24 hours prior to blowing • Preforms should always be used in a FIFO manner (First In, First Out) • Octabins of preforms should be segregated and blown per resin type, i.e. not mixed with other resins • A preform traceability system should be in place such that any process upsets can be quickly followed up and corrected • Enhanced QC preform checking resources for bottle distribution, aesthetics and integrity should be on-hand during the performance optimization trials • Prior to any process optimization, the blowing machine performance should be verified as being within normal i.e. accepted standard ranges and all important components and control features are working satisfactorily. CAUSE AND EFFECT DIAGRAM Methods Machines Materials Manpower Variable energy saving during SBM Maintenance instructions Operating instructions Faulty Operator Job spec NIR Lamps SBM Type/Design vPET reheat content vPET formulation rPET blend/quality Temperature recording Temperature measurement probe External temperature Faulty Incomplete Inappropriate Incomplete Incomplete Different Different Different Manual Different Variable Variable Variable Training New Faulty Alignment Same Throughput Too many tasks Time conflict Age/intensity variable Set up conditions Configuration - When starting to process a new resin, first run through new preforms for 15 minutes at ‘standard’ conditions to establish steady state conditions prior to any process optimization - Slowly start to reduce preform blowing temperatures until failures are present (visible pearl internal wall or pearl feet) - Increase blowing temperatures until defects are eliminated - QC check bottle quality for acceptance versus established tolerances - Change the power consumption profile in the ovens for early heat and longer sink times but ensure overall temperatures do not exceed cold crystallization temperature - Repeat temperature reduction stage and then defect elimination stage to test if further optimization is possible - Recheck QC bottle quality for acceptance versus established tolerances - Log all process parameters and create new specific ‘recipe’ for future use