to convert post-consumer polyethylene terephthalate (PET) beverage bottles into beverage cooler components. According to Tom Jezior, director key accounts, Frigoglass North America, the recycled PET comes from specially processed post-consumer bottles. "Our collaboration with Coca-Cola Recycling set the base and supported us in order to use virgin and recycled PET to create a combination that has the appropriate properties for both extrusion and injection processes," Jezior told PlasticsToday.

According to Jezior, the components, which will have some recycled content, will be injection molded and thermoformed. "Our first step was to get to a level that enabled us to substantiate this technology," Jezior said. "Since that was achieved, we see great potential in extensive use of R-PET in plastic components."

Making the announcement at the National Assn. of Convenience Stores' (NACS) Show in Atlanta, Frigoglass also showcased its 2011 range of Beverage Coolers (Miracool) developed specifically for the North American Market. The Miracool product line utilizes a cartridge-type refrigeration system that is easily removable and is interchangeable across models. —[email protected]