Dear Readers,
It is no coincidence that PET stands for sustainability and circular economy like no other plastic. This is the result of the consistent implementation of innovative ideas in companies along the entire PET packaging value chain - whether preform, bottle, film, fibre or tray. More than ever, the system approach is contributing to energy-efficient production and sustainable, responsible packaging
However, the ecological and economic challenges facing machine manufacturers, converters and bottlers are not diminishing - our work is not yet done. Great efforts and creative achievements are needed to fulfil the goal, which is also our PETnology motto - connecting comPETence - to keep PET packaging ahead.
The latest topics and developments were presented and discussed at the 29th PETnology Conference by high-calibre experts in their field in front of over 150 specialists from the PET packaging value chain. My conclusion: The innovative developments in PET raw material production, in PET recycling and, without doubt, the developments in the many individual process steps through to the filled bottle are a guarantee that the success story of the PET bottle will continue.
PETnology Europe 2024 on Lake Zurich - there was music in it all. Feel the passion for PET and technology in this issue’s review and photo gallery, which captures the atmosphere of our technology conference.
What has music got to do with PET, you ask? In this issue you will read about what I think is an exciting project: The Ocean Cleanup has teamed up with Coldplay for their new album “Moon Music”. The result of this collaboration: a limited ‘Notebook Edition’ LP, made with a high proportion of PCR-PET, collected from the Rio Las Vacas in Guatemala and processed in South America and Europe to become the finished product - a “vinyl” record. The CD of the album will be released as an Eco CD, made from 90% PCR polycarbonate.
This approach may not yet return tonnes of PCR from the environment to the cycle, but it is an innovative one - and the large number of partners involved in the process chain speaks for its future viability. I have already pre-ordered the rPET album and look forward to its release in October.
Yours,
Prof. Dr.-Ing. Otto Appel
PETnology/tecPET GmbH
