SK Chemicals has unveiled its latest innovation in sustainable packaging, introducing ‘ECOTRIA CLARO 300′, a copolyester designed to enhance recyclability and processing versatility. The announcement was made on 16th October by CEO Ahn Jae-hyun, who highlighted the material’s potential impact on the packaging industry.
ECOTRIA CLARO 300 boasts the key properties of copolyester, including exceptional transparency and chemical resistance. However, it also sets itself apart by being recyclable and highly suitable for Extrusion Blow Molding (EBM), a method ideal for producing large-sized containers. The company noted that this new material has a higher viscosity compared to existing copolyester products, making it especially effective under high-temperature molding conditions.
The EBM process allows manufacturers to create containers in various shapes by heating extruded plastic tubes and inflating them with air, akin to blowing a bubble with bubble gum. This technique necessitates the use of high-viscosity materials that retain their shape without melting during the high-temperature molding process. Traditionally, transparent materials like PET and copolyester have struggled with heat resistance and viscosity, which has limited their use in high-capacity containers. As a result, opaque materials such as polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) have dominated this market segment.
SK Chemicals is optimistic that ECOTRIA CLARO 300 will quickly gain traction in the large-capacity container market, particularly where transparency is essential. The company aims to capture this market, targeting applications such as large water bottles, juice, and beverage containers. By expanding its copolyester sales in the EBM application sector to around 30,000 tons, SK Chemicals is poised to make a significant impact.
Kim Eung-soo, Head of the Green Materials Business at SK Chemicals, expressed enthusiasm about the launch, stating, “With the introduction of ECOTRIA CLARO 300, we can now offer a diverse range of customised sustainable packaging solutions, from cosmetic sample bottles under 100 ml to large-capacity beverage containers.” He further emphasised the company’s commitment to developing technologies that enhance the physical properties and quality of materials required for various injection molding applications.
The launch of ECOTRIA CLARO 300 aligns with SK Chemicals’ broader sustainability goals. The company is dedicated to producing environmentally friendly packaging solutions that not only meet consumer demands for quality and functionality but also contribute to reducing plastic waste. As global concern over plastic pollution intensifies, innovations like ECOTRIA CLARO 300 are critical in steering the industry towards more sustainable practices.
With this new material, SK Chemicals aims to solidify its position as a leader in the sustainable packaging sector, actively promoting its vision for a greener future. As the demand for eco-friendly packaging solutions continues to rise, the successful implementation of ECOTRIA CLARO 300 could signify a major step forward in the industry’s ongoing transition towards sustainability.