The joint winner of the coveted Gold Pack Trophy and a Gold medal in the Packaging Related Component, Material, Machinery, Process, Supply and Point-Of-Sale Display category was Mpact’s PET bottle with an integrated moulded handle (IMH™), which is the first of its kind in South Africa and is produced at the Wadeville plant in Gauteng.

This recognition reaffirms Mpact’s philosophy of creating smarter, sustainable solutions, says Neelin Naidoo, managing director of Mpact Plastics. ‘We constantly strive to reduce plastic waste and our latest internationally patented technology epitomises this. It enables customers to meet environmental standards and exceed the demands of EPR legislation.’

Neelin explains that unlike alternative packaging where handles are clipped on or inserted, the IMH container handle is injection moulded during the preform production process and requires no separation prior to recycling. ‘We are future-proofing packaging with this technology. The bottle is designed to support the circular economy by using mono-materials and eliminating additional packaging components such as inserted or clip-on handles, which also add to its cost effectiveness.’

He adds that the bottle’s relevant degree of chemical resistance and transparent, glass-like appearance make it ideal for the personal care, chemical and homecare markets.

The PET also offers a fit-for-purpose alternative to the dairy industry with its refined, quality appearance. For the edible oil industry, it reduces UV degradation while to the beverage, juice and cordial markets it extends the appropriate CO² and O² ingress and egress. Moreover, the approved food grade recyclate content is compatible with colourants, UV stabilisers and barrier agents to further improve the shelf life of bulk alcoholic packs or vinegars.

Ed’s note: The IMH™ bottle is one of nine Mpact products that jointly scooped 11 accolades at the awards, including five Gold, one Silver and two Bronze medals and three finalist placements.