VPET USA again adds additional injection molding capacity in the United States to support the growing demand for sustainable, recyclable PET containers for the food and beverage markets. This will be the second new installation in the last eight months, including the previous installation of new injection and blow molding capacity at VPET’s Fontana, California site.

The newest expansion at the company’s Garland, Texas facility will add two custom, state-of-the-art electric Husky injection molding machines. These machines are capable of supporting existing growth of current preforms while adding new big jar preform capacity to support the growing demand for big jars used in high-visibility displays and retail promotions.

“The team is working hard and looking forward to placing these two state-of-the art systems in production in July 2021,” said Henry Hsieh, PMP, engineering project manager at VPET USA. The expanded capacity and big jar capabilities provided by the new machines illustrate how market dynamics, consumer appeal and the sustainability of PET containers is driving growth in multiple channels, replacing traditional flexible packaging.

The clarity of PET enables brands to present their products as the hero, enhancing purchase intent among consumers who are attracted to product colors and shapes. In addition, PET jars feature excellent barrier properties and the resealability of screw-on caps, suggesting that products can be kept fresher longer. The big jars are also great for display building as end-aisle and freestanding displays, helping drive incremental growth for brand owners. Finally, PET is the world’s most recycled plastic, with recycle rates exceeding both glass and flexible packaging.

“It’s all about the quality of the product and the speed of delivery,” said Jeff Kellar, chief executive officer at VPET USA. “The added capacity means we can meet the production volume requirements of our customers in a much shorter delivery timeframe compared to our competition.” And, Kellar noted, “The quality of injection molding and then blowing two-stage bottles can’t be overstated. The two-step process enables more quality checks, and the superior sealing surface that comes from an injected finish supported by Husky technology gives us great performance and repeatability.”