PTI, Toyo Seikan expand representation agreement into Europe

PLASTIC Technologies Inc. (PTI) is expanding its representation agreement with Toyo Seikan Co. Ltd, Tokyo as the exclusive agent of Toyo Seikan’s Fi-Cell foamed PET bottle processing technology for packaging applications.

PTI, a worldwide leader in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) package development, will be the exclusive agent in Europe for sales and licensing of the Fi-Cell technology. It was made the exclusive representative in the U.S. last year. 

The Fi-Cell foamed PET bottle technology from Toyo Seikan produces lightweight containers with good barrier attributes and striking visual/tactile attributes. Unlike other foamed bottle technologies that require an overmolded bottle to achieve a similar result, Fi-Cell technology yields monolayer bottles with a smooth inner and outer wall surface. This makes it ideal for carbonated beverage applications requiring a smooth inner wall to ensure an accurate fill. 

PTI president Scott Steele said the company’s representatives in Europe have been exploring brand-owner interest in Fi-Cell technology over the past six months. The Holland, Ohio-based company is recognised worldwide as the preferred source for preform and package design, package development, rapid prototyping, preproduction prototyping, and material evaluation engineering for the plastic packaging industry. 

“We are already working with companies in those areas to develop commercially viable bottles. This new announcement is a natural extension of the relationship that was already in place,” Mr. Steele added.  

Toshio Sue, deputy head of technical headquarters at Toyo Seikan, said, “PTI’s European office has extensive experience in working with brand owners on the continent, as well as supporting the needs of multinational companies. Due to our compatible areas of interest and ongoing working relationship, it was logical to expand the geographic boundaries of the relationship.”  

Toyo Seikan is a diversified global packaging company with technical and manufacturing expertise in a wide variety of primary container materials. It also sells packaging equipment and technical services for food and other applications.