Trexel and W. Müller bring lightweighting and PCR content to EBM bottles

Trexel announces a partnership with W. Müller GmbH to supply a physical foaming solution for multi-layer, extrusion blow molded (EBM) containers that offers reduced weight multi-layer EMB bottles. Trexel will provide customers with the physical foaming equipment and expertise, and W. Müller will supply the multi-layer EBM equipment and expertise.

Growing demand for the use of post-consumer content, surcharges on virgin resin and global legislative policy proposals & adoptions are being enforced to create a more circular economy.

Recent legislation is requiring minimum recycled content. For example, the recent European Commission Proposal published in November 2022, set forth that by 2030 and 2040 there must be 30% and 65% recycled content respectively.

Trexel has been developing solutions to reduce overall plastic consumption and minimize the cost increase associated with PCR content requirements. In addition, it has found a new and unique way to maintain the impact, ESCR (Environmental Stress Crack Resistance) and topload properties of the bottles so it can function in the same way as a solid bottle.

Trexel partners with W. Müller to offer technology and equipment that brings light weighting and PCR content to extrusion blow molding foamed bottle production.

As a technology leader in multi-layer extrusion blow molding, W. Müller supplies essential equipment for the blow molding machinery that includes the parison head, extruders and controls. It works to make the multi-layer blow molding process more reliable, easier to operate and with low-maintenance components. It also further develops the process and to be prepared for new materials, article designs and barrier requirements.

“Trexel offers unparalleled expertise in controlling the introduction of supercritical nitrogen or CO2 for use in microcellular foaming applications,” introduced Levi Kishbaugh, President & CEO of Trexel.

“Our foaming solutions for EBM containers can be implemented with minimal machine modifications and without license fees.  As sustainability has taken center stage in plastics manufacturing, this technology complements the incorporation of PCR as a core layer in a multi-layer bottle and serves to meet brand’s sustainability goals.”

The Trexel/Muller partnership allows for trials to be conducted in technical centers located in North America and Europe, equipped with the latest machinery and advanced engineering support.  The foaming technology can easily be retrofitted to an existing screw and barrel.

“We accept market challenges. We don't wait for someone to ask,” added Christian Müller, Co-Owner of W. Müller GmbH. “When we identify trends in the market, we examine what contribution we can make. The close exchange with our customers and our partners like Trexel inspires us to create timely solutions that serve the demands of the day.”