German packaging and bottling machine manufacturer Krones has improved its NitroHotfill process in order to make the hot-filling process cost-efficient and energy efficient.
The process allows the users to produce bottles with a minimized weight without featuring vacuum panels, while allowing filling temperatures of about 90°C.
The process uses Contiform 3 stretch blow-molding machine, which could process about 2,250 bottles per cavity and the system can be used for both aseptic and hotfill lines.
Krones has also improved the bottles' base design and the new containers permit light container weights of 15.5g for 500ml bottles.
According to the company, the improved process uses 40% less energy compared to conventional hotfill processes, while providing high potential for lightweighting and better design with panel-free sidewalls and flat base.
Image: A bottle displaying features of the NitroHotfill process. Photo: Courtesy of Krones AG.