PET barrier bottles challenge aluminum cans.

PET is taking a determined run at the 12-oz aluminum can. A new development in multi-layer barrier preforms is expected to make possible the first large-scale introduction of 12-oz PET bottles in the U.S. Kortec Inc., Ipswich, Mass., has sold the first 144-cavity PET preform coinjection system to a leading converter for one of the world's largest carbonated soft-drink (CSD) companies. Kortec's Ultra 144 coinjection system will produce 20-g preforms at up to 250 milllon/yr. The three-layer preforms have an MXD6 nylon barrier to meet the 20-week CSD shelf-life requirement. Up to now, CSD makers have test marketed heavier (28-g) monolayer, 12-oz PET bottles that provided only seven to eight weeks' shelf life. According to Kortec, the cost to produce the 12-oz PET bottles is similar to that for aluminum cans. More important, CSD makers say consumers prefer PET for its clarity and aesthetics.

The Ultra 144 preform system uses Kortec tooling and a G-600 injection machine (600 tons) from Husky Injection Molding Systems, Bolton, Ont. Kortec expects to deliver the machine in mid-November for a major rollout of the 12-oz PET bottle next year. Kortec: [phone] * PTDirect: 821YM