A new type of plastic bottling technology allows companies to package hot-fill products in containers with smooth rather than ribbed or panelled walls. Previously plastic bottles used for hot-filling at between 182F-192F needed ribs or panels in the sidewall to absorb the distortion that occurs as the beverage cools to room temperature, said Amcor, the manufacturer that developed the new type poly ethylene terephthalate (PET) container. PowerFlex bottles can be run on existing glass filling lines with little or no equipment modification, Amcor stated, adding "Tradewinds Tea" became the first company to use the PowerFlex PET bottle. "PowerFlex is the first-ever, true panelless, ribless, hot-fill PET bottle. It provides the aesthetics, performance and feel of glass, which is what beverage marketers, such as Tradewinds, have long been anticipating," Amcor stated.
