Eastman introduces PET resins

Eastman Chemical Company has launched new PET resins Vorcalor CB11E and Vorcalor 9921W.

Introduced at the PETnology Conference in Munich, Germany, for the European market, Vorcalor CB11E and 9921W is claimed to offer improved processing in preform and bottle production allowing for significant energy and cost savings. The bottles made of Vorcalor PET shine with ‘unparalleled gloss and clarity’, according to a statement.

‘The new Vorcalor PET resins feature best-in-class reheat performance allowing for up to 60 per cent energy savings when reheating preforms. The fast reheat rate allows for high speed in blowing bottles at very economical conditions. Its controlled and consistent reheat performance guarantees constant blowing conditions even of the latest light-weighted bottles designs,’ the statement continued.

‘This new generation of Vorcalor resins reinforces Eastman’s reputation for excellence in PET for packaging,’ said Roland Leimbacher, Eastman’s market manager for performance polymers in Europe. ‘Vorcalor CB11E’s reheat performance and optical clarity is unparalleled, and Vorcalor 9921W’s versatility and reliability will make it the industry's best general purpose PET.’

Vorcalor CB11E is claimed to feature the highest reheat level of commercially available PET, while offering ‘superb clarity and sparkle’. Compared to non-reheated PET, ‘up to 60 per cent of the preform reheat energy may be saved’. Vorcalor CB11E has an elevated viscosity of IV 0.82 which improves stress crack resistance and reduces creep. It also makes it suitable as the base resin for blending with lower IV, recycled (PCR) PET in bottle-to-bottle recycling.

Vorcalor 9921W succeeds the Eastman PET 9921W. The new Vorcalor PET 9921W provides the same versatility but offers improved processing and performance. The optimized resin has a viscosity of IV 0.80 and allows fast injection speeds with the potential of shorter cycle times. Its moderate and consistent reheat performance results in very efficient blowing of bottles, whether it is on older, heat-limited machines or for the latest light-weighed bottle designs. Compared to non-reheated PET, up to 30 per cent of the preform reheat energy may be saved.

Typical applications include carbonated drinks, still water, juices, dairy, household products, pharmaceuticals and other general purpose containers. Vorcalor 9921W is also suitable for high quality film and sheet.

‘Overall, both Vorcalor PET resins provide best-in-class injection and blow molding performance without compromising the bottle appearance – this translates to significant cost savings for preform and bottle makers, but will also be attractive for brand owners requiring optimal shelf appeal of their products,’ said Leimbacher.