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Monolayer PET jar cuts weight, filling time for tomato sauce

Predictive engineering software and a panel-less design have resulted in a polyethylene terephthalate jar for tomato sauce that is nearly 11% lighter than the existing PET jar and can be labeled and filled 25%. Created by Constar Inc. (Philadelphia, PA), the monolayer PET jar has been recognized with the 2009 Ameristar Award for Food Packaging.

MPW Staff

April 9, 2010

2 Min Read
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Predictive engineering software and a panel-less design have resulted in a polyethylene terephthalate jar for tomato sauce that is nearly 11% lighter than the existing PET jar and can be labeled and filled 25%. Created by Constar Inc. (Philadelphia, PA), the monolayer PET jar has been recognized with the 2009 Ameristar Award for Food Packaging. Designed for LiDestri Foods' 45-oz Francesco Rinaldi brand pasta sauces, the new jars are 8g lighter than their PET predecessor, having replaced their side grips and applied Constar's Vertical Compensation Technology (VCT), which utilizes a rigid "ribbed" geometry to eliminate the need for vacuum panels and improve stability. Ringing the shoulder of the jar is a circle of embossed tomatoes, part of an overall design that LiDestri says enhances the product's shelf appeal.

Constar's monolayer hot-fill PET jar cut 8g from a previous polyester design.

Constar Marketing Director Alex Fioravanti says that while PET containers have been previously used for hot-fill, VCT technology speeds overall production. "PET containers with VCT have improved rigidity and symmetry," Fioravanti said, "which accelerate the labeling process. The round design facilitates high-speed label application when compared to more complex grip designs." Constar's wide-mouth hot-filled PET containers with VCT technology are available in stock and custom designs, with the option of incorporating DiamondClear oxygen-scavenging technology to allow shelf life up to 24 months. Last July, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration provided Constar with a food-contact notification for DiamondClear.

The Ameristar Awards will be formally presented to all winners at the Institute of Packaging Professionals (IoPP) annual packaging summit (May 18; Hyatt Regency O'Hare; Chicago). In 2008, Constar won both Ameristar and WorldStar Awards for its monolayer PET wine bottle with Monoxbar oxygen scavenging technology for French wine-maker, Boisset Family Estates. The company has 13 U.S. and four European plants, and employs 1400. —[email protected]

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