New resource-saving variant for the Nature MultiPack

Cleverly taken a step further: With the so-called "Bottleclip", the KHS Group is adding another resource-saving alternative to its successful packaging system, the Nature MultiPack. Thanks to the combination of tried-and-tested adhesive dots and a new cardboard carrying handle, a dimensionally stable pack of PET beverage bottles is created. KHS will be presenting its new development for the first time at the interpack in Düsseldorf from May 4 to 10.

"With the new version of the Bottleclip, we are offering an addition to our forward-looking packaging solutions," emphasizes project manager Manfred van Triel. The development is the result of a detailed customer survey: "Our new alternative reflects the beverage industry's need for environmentally friendly solutions in the field of secondary packaging. In particular, low material consumption and the reduction of plastic material are of great importance from the market's point of view."

Clever combination

With its bottleclip system, KHS meets both requirements: thanks to the tried-and-tested use of adhesive dots, there is no need for outer packaging at all. At the same time, the new cardboard carrying handle allows convenient and plastic-free transport. "Comprehensive handling tests as well as laboratory tests confirm the practicability of the pack," says van Triel. Thanks to the resource-saving solution, beverage manufacturers can completely dispense with the use of shrink film.

Successful presentation

At interpack, the sustainable packaging alternative, which was developed in close cooperation with a well-known European supplier of cardboard and paper, will be presented to the public for the first time. Versions of two to eight PET bottles per container with volumes between 250 and 2000 milliliters are planned. An optimal presentation is achieved by the exact orientation of the bottles within the pack. "Our customers benefit from an attractive billboard effect at the point of sale," explains van Triel. This can be further enhanced by the large-scale printing of the cardboard.

The new containers are processed on the KHS Innopack Kisters NMP modular packaging machine. The existing module for the application of the previous plastic carrying handle will be replaced by a newly developed one, which will take over the carton feeding and the placement of the alternative carton carrying handles on the PET containers. Previously necessary process steps such as distribution to different lanes as well as intermediate buffering and rotation of the containers are no longer necessary. As a result, up to four meters of machine length can be saved – a great advantage for users with limited production space.

Positive outlook

Van Triel sees great potential in the new bottleclip solution: "We are meeting with great interest on the customer side. In particular, the minimalist character of the material consumption is praised. We are therefore confident that our new packaging alternative will prevail in the market."