11 Aug 2016 Commercialisation of breakthrough LiquiForm technology

The two companies have entered into a technology licensing agreement to build upon Krones’ existing bottling machinery with LiquiForm, which uses liquid product instead of compressed air to create a rigid plastic container from a preform.

Ann O’Hara, president, LiquiForm, told DairyReporter two years ago it expected the technology to be commercialised in 2016.

Developed in 2006 under the trademark DISCMA, Amcor and Sidel (part of the Tetra Laval Group) own 50% in the project and will issue licences allowing machine manufacturers to produce and sell equipment using the technology.

Sidel, Yoshino Kogyosho, (a plastic bottle manufacturer in Japan) and Nestlé Waters jointly own the patent for the technology.

Amcor claims LiquiForm is a breakthrough because it reduces operating costs of up to 25%, reduces manufacturing risks and offers flexibility in container design.

Ken MacKenzie, CEO, Amcor, said the technology, by combining the forming and filling processes into one step, will transform the rigid plastic container manufacturing industry, providing significant benefits to all players throughout the value chain.

Source: BeverageDaily.com