Extrusion International 2-2026-USA

25 Extrusion International 2/2026 New Game-Changing Technology for Lightweight HDPE Bottles A newmethod for making high-density polyethylene (HDPE) bottles was recently introduced by Polyplastics, Colgate-Palmolive, and PTI at The Packaging Confer- ence in Austin, Texas. The injection stretch blowmold- ing (ISBM) technique - used to make today’s ubiqui- tous PET water and soft drink bottles - has now been adapted to ef ciently create thin, attractive, and hot- llable HDPE containers. Today, almost all HDPE bottles are made using ex- trusion blow molding (EBM). This process has a rela- tively long cycle time and generally results in excess container weight, for instance at the base. Signifi- cant (>25%) weight and cycle time reductions have been demonstrated with the new process, which involves incorporating a second component in the HDPE. This component, a Polyplastics ethylene co- polymer known as TOPAS ® COC (cyclic olefin copo- lymer), greatly enlarges the processing window for HDPE, rendering ISBM practical and efficient while delivering a recyclable container. TOPAS COC is widely used in the packaging industry in combina- tion with polyethylene (PE) for property enhance- ment, and in medical applications where extremely high purity is required. Colgate-Palmolive is exploring the use of COC to en- able cost-effective, high-performance packaging that meets increasing regulatory requirements for lighter weight. Results to date are encouraging and the company plans to continue moving toward commercialization. Polyplastics has conducted extensive testing at PTI's development site in Holland, Ohio, and PTI has con- rmed the hot- ll capabilities of the new technology. PTI expects to work with several brands to aid in prepar- ing for commercial launch of ISBM HDPE for cosmetic, food, medical, household, industrial, and general pack- aging applications. TOPAS ® COC is a registered trademark of Polyplastics Co., Ltd. in Japan and other countries. Colgate-Palmolive www.colgatepalmolive.com PTI www.plastictechnologies.com Polyplastics Co., Ltd. www.polyplastics.com Silver EcoVadis Rating Earned SI Group, a leading global developer and manufac- turer of performance additives, process solutions, and chemical intermediates, has earned a 2026 Silver sustain - ability rating from EcoVadis placing the company in the 85th percentile of all companies assessed worldwide. The recognition marks an improvement from SI Group’s 2025 Bronze rating and re ects the company’s continued progress in advancing its sustainability strategy. EcoVadis is one of the world’s most widely recog- nized providers of business sustainability ratings, evaluating companies across four key areas: Environ- ment, Labor & Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement. In the 2026 assessment, SI Group scored above the industry average in all four categories, dem- onstrating the company’s commitment to responsible operations and transparent, ethical business practices in chemical manufacturing. The improved rating builds on the progress out- lined in SI Group’s 2025 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report, which details measurable achievements across the company’s global operations. SI Group has advanced initiatives focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving energy ef cien - cy, strengthening responsible resource management, and enhancing supply chain transparency. In addition to operational improvements, the com- pany has implemented new policies, expanded sustain- ability programs, and achieved additional certi cations that support stronger governance and environmental performance across its global manufacturing network. “EcoVadis provides an important benchmark for evaluating our sustainability performance and identi- fying opportunities to continue improving,” said Mike Farnell, SVP General Counsel and Chief Sustainability Of cer. “Achieving a Silver rating is an encouraging milestone that re ects the dedication of our teams worldwide to operating responsibly and supporting our customers with solutions that contribute to a more sustainable future.” SI Group continues to integrate sustainability across the development, manufacture, and application of its chemical technologies, helping customers meet evolv- ing performance and environmental goals while main- taining a strong focus on safety, compliance, and re- sponsible growth. SI Group www.siigroup.com/sustainability EcoVadis http://ecovadis.com/