Eastman Chemical claims its Aqualor resin is the first and only reheat-enabled PET for still-water bottles. In addition to its processing capabilites, the new resin's low acetaldehyde values gives bottles high barrier properties against the loss of carbon dioxide and against the ingress of oxygen and other unwanted substances, the company claimed. Up to 30 per cent less energy is required for reheating the preforms when blowing bottles using Aqualor, according to an estimate by Eastman Chemicals. The low viscosity of the PET allows fast injection speeds and extends the lifetime of preform moulds, the company claimed. "For both preform and bottle manufacturers, Aqualor enables improved processing economics through faster line speeds and lower energy consumption," the company said. Eastman said the low viscosity also allows a better definition of bottle imprints, either embossed or engraved. The company claims to have engineered Aqualor to produce still-water PET bottles with high sparkle and clarity. "While other reheat resins often produce an unattractive haze, Aqualor PET results in unsurpassed neck and sidewall clarity, a key to enhancing shelf appeal and brand image," the company claimed.
