Seeking solutions to minimize quality and aesthetic challenges of increased rPET content in packaging

we are seeking solutions to minimize quality and aesthetic challenges of increased rPET content in packaging, allowing for reduced use of virgin PET and lower packaging GHG.

Solution Requirements:

Must-Haves

Properties

• Methodologies to sequester metal contaminants (like Fe), reducing side-reactions and color
• Counteract aesthetic challenges from higher use of rPET including yellowing or tinting and black specs
• Decontamination technologies that reduce excessive heating
• Potential technologies for eliminating one melt step (flake to preform)
• Reduced GHG preferred

Packaging Forms - Water, CSD, hot fill, and aseptic

Usage Occasion – Extend higher rPET content in packaging from 33% and higher

Organoleptic Properties - No adverse effect to product (appearance, taste, flavor)

Capabilities

• Pilot Capabilities with the ability to create physical samples from concept creation.
• Commercial Capabilities

Durability & Handling

Packaging should be able to withstand the manufacturing process, warehousing, and distribution.

Performance Requirement

• Run seamlessly on high-speed blow molding lines
• Acceptable aesthetics for 100% brands
• Should develop standardized plaque specifications for rPET color using 3mm plaques (we use a patchwork of wall color and preform color)
• Low NIAS, as in benzene, BPA.
• Relax rPET AA levels specification to <5ppm

Nice-to-Haves

• Improved color and aesthetics by reducing the number of melt histories
• Technology pathways that go from flake to preform
• 100% perform inspection systems to maximize bottle yield

Preferred Collaboration Types

Collaboration types are to be negotiated and PepsiCo will consider solutions from early-stage ideas to commercially ready technologies.