Grolsch 330ml PET Bottle
Objective
To build on an existing relationship with Coors UK, the UK principle for Grolsch, and exploit knowledge and experience gained in small PET filling technology to enhance the Bass range of products which at the time were already in the market and being filled by another contractor. Synergy's were recognised with the Carlsberg project in that our output would help to develop an emerging market sector for beers in barriered PET and continue to support this market through consistency in quality.
Project Details
Using existing competencies we embarked on a project to fill a 330ml. container with a range of products including Grolsch.
The handling and load bearing properties of the containers were found to differ from other recent experience with Carlsberg though any problems were quickly overcome.
Close working partnerships were established with Bass and the container supplier, PET PLAS, particularly to develop the container to a point where it could be filled, crowned and labelled at high speeds.
A mechanism to support the bottles during crown application was developed in collaboration between KHS and our own in-house engineering staff. This combined with relentless attention to detail on line produced a system to reliably apply a crown cork to a PET neck finish at speed.
Use of established hygiene disciplines and bespoke cleaning equipment ensure that clean fill conditions were achieved consistently with a minimum of product risk.
Extremely low dissolved oxygen figures were achieved using our KHS long tube filler, a fact of paramount importance where the filling of multi-layer barrier PET containers is concerned.
Project Outcome
Grolsch was successfully established as a brand in the small PET beer sector. The success of this was extended to other Bass beer brands and a number of flavoured alcoholic beverages, each of which was filled by Jarvis Solutions.
Shelf lives were successfully extended to a point where small PET was realistic option for the retail grocery market.
A review of the market for this type of package was carried out with a view to further investment in equipment. at that time, it was apparent that the market remained static, hence a conscious decision made to strategically withdraw from this format. However, small PET remains an example of the Jarvis approach to novel technical solutions.