Press release
- LIMEX
Launch of "LIMEX Pellet" direct blow molding grade
Utilize existing molding machines to promote the use of plastic as an alternative material for bottle containers
TBM will start selling direct blow molding grade of LIMEX Pellet, a pellet made mainly from limestone, with the aim of expanding its application in bottle containers.
LIMEX Pellet contains more than 50% inorganic materials such as calcium carbonate, which is expected to reduce the use of petroleum-based plastics and greenhouse gas emissions including CO2. In addition, LIMEX products made with LIMEX Pellet can be mechanically recycled in the same way as products designed with a single material.
Direct blow molding is a process in which resins such as polyethylene are heated and melted, extruded into a cylindrical shape, sandwiched between molds, and inflated with air. It is widely used for toiletry bottle containers for liquid detergent, shampoo, and other toiletries. The direct blow molding grade LIMEX Pellet to be launched this time has been optimized for direct blow molding and can be used as an alternative material to polyethylene. Compared to conventional polyethylene bottles, the new product has superior environmental performance, including reduced use of petroleum-derived plastics and reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and existing molding machines can be used to produce bottle containers with the same physical properties as conventional products. In developing this product, we collaborated with Soda Nikka Corporation, a major trading company specializing in chemicals, and Daiichi Kako, a comprehensive manufacturer of plastic containers, to launch the product.
TBM will continue to expand sales and molding partners for direct blow molding grade LIMEX Pellet and promote the use of LIMEX in bottle applications with the aim of contributing to the realization of a sustainable society.
Features of LIMEX Pellet Direct Blow Molding Grade
１．Reduction of petroleum-based plastics usage and greenhouse gas emissions
LIMEX Pellet (direct blow molding grade) is expected to reduce the use of petroleum-based plastics by approximately 28% and greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 10% compared to polyethylene.
*These are estimates by TBM based on specific specifications and manufacturing conditions (raw material procurement to incineration) and are not guaranteed values. It is subject to change depending on specifications and manufacturing conditions.
２．Various shapes of bottle containers can be handled by existing molding machines
We can utilize existing molding machines for direct blow molding of single-layer and multi-layer structures according to the contents.
３．White bottles can be produced while reducing the amount of white masterbatch
This enables the production of white bottles that take advantage of the original color of limestone, the main raw material of LIMEX, while reducing the amount of white pigment used in conventional plastic bottles.
４．Achieves a matte texture unique to LIMEX
Unlike bottles made of general plastic, the unique matte texture of LIMEX, which is mainly made of limestone, can be achieved.
５．Design with in-mold labels is also available.
In-mold labels, which are thermally bonded to the container during the molding process, can also be produced with LIMEX Sheet, and further reduction of environmental impact can be expected by integrally molding bottles and labels with LIMEX.