Powerblock 3.0 slashes nine grams or 13.2% from a typical 68 gram PET container, said the firm.
The patent-pending technology is aimed at juices and teas and Amcor said it plans to roll out the technology into other hot fill bottles in the future.
One patent covers an optimized conical base pushup with special diameter and height ratios and relationships and another details a round or rectangular base with strap-like features that are added to create a footed-style base.
Packaging details
The segmented standing surface consists of four standing one-inch columns, which are lightweight, strong, and rigid.
The hot fill container also boasts a 38mm lightweight finish compared to the standard 43mm finish for 64oz PET bottles.
These technologies work together to unlock material normally trapped in the base area, said Amcor.
“This allows for better material distribution in the container body, resulting in a lighter weight container without sacrificing performance. Angles, ratios, and other bottle geometry are optimized to obtain a balanced response to vacuum, pressure, and top load forces,” they added.
Virtual modeling
Virtual modeling techniques were utilized to predict performance parameters like quantified hot-fill characteristics and warehouse stack performance.
“The Powerblock 3.0 container is a major breakthrough because we achieved a highly sustainable packaging solution without compromising performance,” said Michael Lane, Amcor principal engineer.
“Our unique lightweight design retained line/stack handling performance and maintained ergonomic features for consumer handling.”
Amcor has completed development and the stock bottle is commercial in locations across the US.
Meanwhile, Amcor has bought the gravure assets of AGI-Shorewood Group (ASG) in the US, Mexico and Asia for an undisclosed amount, principally aimed at its tobacco business.