If you're in food canning, you've got to be into Kortec's newly launched packaging technology: 'Klear Can' multi-layer, BPA-free polypropylene see-through plastic can.
Russell Bennett, Kortec VP sales and marketing, says the company has taken its expertise in co-injection packaging systems to the next level and applied new multi-layer co-injection technology to the production of clear PP plastic cans for food packaging.
Commenting on the choice of shape of the can (akin to a typical metal can) he said that at the outset of the development work, the company had engaged in market research which revealed key consumer insights that informed the design direction: 1) consumers see canned food as safe food, so it was important to retain the can format and shape, and the closure system; 2) consumers want to see the food product on shelf so the plastic had to be see-through; 3) they want extended shelf life, so the plastic can's barrier properties had to provide this -- the multilayer (PP outer layer, EVOH barrier layer, PP inner layer) construction, he stated, provides shelf life of up to five years.
Suitable for retort up to 130°C (265°F), these clear plastic cans have been tested and approved for both retortability and the integrity of the double seam, which was designed to allow the plastic can’s flange to accept traditional (easy open and non-easy open) metal can ends.
Bennett said that one of the main advantages Klear Can has over metal cans is its ability to show the quality of the food products to the consumer at point of sale.
Another major advantage of Klear Can is it is designed so existing metal can-filling facilities can easily shift to the use of the plastic cans, with no need for investing in new downstream equipment.
“These plastic cans use the same steel or aluminum can ends, same filling equipment, same seaming equipment, and the same retorting and cooling equipment,” Bennet said.
In terms of decoration and branding, options include coloured cans, in-mould labels or standard labels.
The first Klear Can introduction is the commonly used 41cl size, with a 75mm end, also common. The total can height is 110mm.
Kortec uses multi-layer co-injection technology to produce clear PP plastic cans for food packaging.
