Tokyo-based Mitsubishi Plastics is setting up a new production line for high-barrier PET bottle at Hiratsuka plant at an estimated cost of $9.95 million.
The new production line aims to meet a growing demand for high-barrier PET bottles that are used as containers of wine, sake and other alcoholic beverages as well as cooking oils and seasoning agents. The new production line is expected to begin operation by November 2013, which is expected to double the production capacity.
Currently the company produces the high-barrier PET bottles, with technology that deposits a layer of thin carbon film on the inside of the bottle, at its Azai factory in Nagahama City. The new Hiratsuka plant will give it stable supply throughout Japan, the company said in a news release.
The material is 10 times better at preventing oxygen permeation, seven times better at limiting carbon gas permeation, and five times better at controlling water vapor permeation, the company said.
“These superior characteristics have been highly appreciated by major wine and sake manufacturers, and employed as alternatives for glass bottles and cartons,” the company said. “The demand for high-barrier PET bottles is expected to increase further, given the strong sales of wines and sake in PET bottles and more diversified applications of these bottles.”
By setting up a new production line within the Hiratsuka Plant in eastern Japan in addition to the Azai Plant in western Japan, the Company will secure a stable supply system covering throughout Japan.
Positioning high-barrier PET bottles as a core product of its container business, Mitsubishi Plastics plans to enhance its R&D and marketing and actively explore the demand for the bottles in various industries. It will also consider further expansion of production capacity according to the increase in demand while focusing on the market trend of PET bottles.
