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. 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 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]