Investment in advanced CAD software means RETAL can create precise bottle simulations without incurring the cost or time of prototyping.
PET and rPET packaging producer RETAL is dedicated to delivering responsible solutions to its global beverage customers, so this latest development supports its focus on creating lighter, stronger bottles that meet the precise performance and sustainability goals of brand owners.
Designer Andzejus Buinovskis explains, “We searched the market for a dedicated software suite that would allow us to simulate the stretch blow moulding process, but we couldn't find what we wanted, so we worked with Dassault Systemes to add several plug ins to its ABAQUS software product that provided the exact 3D modelling and types of parameters we require.”
The bespoke simulation software now in operation at RETAL's dedicated R&D Centre means that it is able to create precise information regarding performance relating to the distribution of the thickness and stretch ratio of the bottles without needing to produce a physical product. Buinovskis adds, “With the 3D model of the preform and bottle, we can simulate different temperatures, movements, pressures and pre-blow and blow variations. It's a powerful tool that saves the considerable time and money associated with prototyping; in one case, two bottles of the same weight but different geometry showed that one had a better stretch ratio, making it stronger.”
Comparing bottles of the same weight with different geometry, it is possible to choose the most durable bottle in terms of stretch ratio. This means that physical tests can be conducted for the most optimal model, avoiding the cost of testing all intermediate versions.
Investing in this complex software makes it faster, cheaper and easier for its global brand customers to choose the precise bottle for their food and beverage applications.
Leading global packaging manufacturer Retal develops and produces a range of closures as part of its varied portfolio, alongside preforms, containers and films. Offering PET and, increasingly, rPET, Retal provides standard and bespoke solutions to its large roster of global food and beverage brand customers. Read more
Among the products that packaging manufacturer Retal exhibited on its stand at Brau Beviale 2018 was its new High Grip closure. This system, which was presented for the first time at the trade fair, features a taller overall design and continuous slats, which are intended to provide an optimised, non-slip opening and closing of beverage bottles. The closure height is at the same level as the classic PCO1810 closures and also fits PCO1881 bottle necks, but only at a weight of 2.45g. Read more
Co-packers can now reuse existing stacking trays designed for standard 1810 specifications thanks to RETAL's High Grip closure solution – with over 20million units already sold.
High Grip helps customers reduce the plastic in their beverage packaging as it's the same height as a standard closure, at 19.85mm, but just 2.45g, saving around 1.3g of weight per bottle, thanks to its deeper grooves that distribute the weight across the taller lid.
Using less plastic but still maintaining excellent rigidity due to the height, the RETAL High Grip is also ideal for older people or those with reduced mobility in their hands as it's easy to hold and use – helping beverage brands to meet their CSR targets while keeping consumers happy.
RETAL worked closely with a market-leading bottle filling company to create this functional solution that delivers high market acceptance thanks to its consumer-friendly attributes such as being easy to open and grip.
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Confirmed investment will allow RETAL to use up to 100% recycled material starting mid 2019, decreasing waste and increasing overall production efficiency at its APET film factory in Lithuania. The new line in Lithuania will add a further 40% capacity to the global packaging company's extensive APET film capability to ensure a high-quality product and excellent consistent service for its customers throughout Europe and beyond.
With the growing market demand environmentally-friendly packaging, RETAL Baltic's APET film is aligned with the trend. Viktorija Jureviciute, General Manager RETAL Baltic, says, “APET film can create a closed loop for raw materials. We can take up to 100% secondary material to produce our films, so that's a lot of industrial and post industrial waste being utilized in a sustainable and effective manner. APET films from RETAL bring environmental and economical value for our customers.”
Post consumer- and post industrial waste is taken from the market, alongside its own PET waste, to create the rPET used in its films, bringing RETAL Baltic as close as possible to the closed loop strategy it aims to achieve.
Jureviciute says, “We also support our customers' own closed loop; we take back waste material to recycle, and not just our own waste. Every year we use less energy and recycle more. We work together with our customers to deliver better value – not just a better price - throughout the production process.”
Total Film
RETAL's film business has been consistently growing as its customers' demand has increased. Jureviciute notes, “We have many long-standing customer relationships; our investment and development runs alongside their changing needs. We have a significant share of the thermoforming and FFS (Form, Fill, Seal) markets in Europe, not just for monolayer PET but also with multilayer solutions, which is growing considerably.”
“In the growing niche market of metallized films, we are also developing a strong reputation as preferred supplier,” adds Jureviciute. “They're particularly popular in confectionery packaging – we have ten different shades of gold metallized film for chocolate packaging! We supply the leading chocolate brands.”
RETAL has been producing high quality films for over a decade, including a range of BOPET and LDPE heat shrink films, made in its factories outside of Lithuania, to meet the exacting demands of its customers.
RETAL is fast-growing manufacturer of high-quality packaging solutions, including preforms, closures, bottles, containers and films. Read more
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