New ISBM technology yields ultra clear jars for food storage applications

Total and RPC Promens Corby teamed up to create plastic packaging solution that resulted in the produciton of polypropylene (PP) jars with ultimate clarity and gloss. This injection stretch blow molding (ISBM) technology opens up opportunities in the retail sector, especially in markets such as cook-in sauces, instant coffee, ready meals, fruits and baby foods, where clarity, convenience and safety are prime considerations.  

The plastic jars also weigh a lot lighter to help retailers and brand owners meet sustainability targets in terms of packaging and carbon emission reductions.

RPC Promens Corby has utilized Total's expertise in polymer development using a unique metallocene-based PP specially developed for ISBM technology. This provides better aesthetics together with ultra-low extractables, reducing by far the overall migration, especially at high temperature conditions.

With the new manufacturing process, RPC Promens Corby can produce multilayer, ultra-clear containers that are also highly-effective oxygen barrier for long-term shelf life. The containers  can withstand temperatures in excess of 100°C for pasteurization and sterilization. A number of popular retail jar sizes are being developed with additional sizes planned for the future. Caps, also supplied by RPC, are manufactured in Polypropylene leading to a mono material pack, which facilitates recycling.