Graham Packaging Commercializes Technology for Lightweighting Blow Molded Handleware
Graham Packaging’s “AccuStrength” technology for selectively reinforcing extruded parisons with vertical ribs now has a commercial application in laundry detergent.
AccuStrength technology from Graham Packaging adds vertical ribs of extra material at selected locations on the parison. The ribs can be continuous or intermittent, providing reinforcement that enables lightweighting of up to15%. Source: Graham Packaging
First announced in 2021, a proprietary technology for lightweighting extrusion blow molded polyolefin containers by selectively reinforcing parisons with vertical ribs has now reached commercial fruition. Graham Packaging reported last month that it launched a commercial bottle using its patented “AccuStrength” technology last fall in collaboration with a prominent maker of laundry detergent.
As reported previously, AccuStrength helps in lightweighting by providing extra material exactly where it is needed to provide strength against buckling and deflection, and resistance to damage such as denting. It supplements conventional parison programming, which applies more or less material in horizontal bands on the parison. In contrast, AccuStrength adds material to the parison just before it leaves the extrusion head to create vertical ribs that can start and stop as desired.
This technology is aimed particularly at larger oval or rectangular containers, such as handleware for home care and automotive products. This selective reinforcement has enabled up to 11% weight reduction in gallon containers. Graham says up to 15% weight savings are possible.
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