The petainerKeg Linestar is based on the petainerKeg classic blown, one-way, recyclable PET keg, and features a significantly redesigned outer shell which enables it to fit specifically on existing steel-keg filling lines; reduce logistics costs up to 30% and maintain taste quality equal to that of steel.
(11th-13th Nov 2014 in Nuremberg).
Petainer Group Commercial Strategy Director, Annemieke Hartman-Jemmett says, “It used to be unthinkable to transport beer, wine and cider in steel kegs, instead of wood. PET is simply part of the ongoing evolution of the keg. With the petainerKeg Linestar we’re now taking that evolution a step further – making it even easier for fillers and brewers to benefit from a lightweight, more flexible packaging system that reduces freight costs – without the need for them to invest in new filling lines or systems.”
New branding opportunities
Steel kegs have traditionally been filled with the fitting of the keg facing downwards. Petainer’s newly adapted addition to the petainerKeg family is available in 20 and 30 litre formats and can be filled on an existing filling line, from the bottom up on a filling head. A specially designed, rigid casing means that the petainerKeg Linestar travels efficiently and smoothly on existing steel-keg lines. The casing also makes the keg easier to handle in bars, clubs and restaurants; it can be printed to users’ specifications to create new branding opportunities, and is fully recyclable.
Taking oxidation seriously
Petainer has invested heavily in anti-oxidation research. The connection between the keg line’s filling head and the keg fitting of the petainerKegT Linestar has been optimised to minimise oxygen intake, whilst an active scavenger ingredient within the keg material, ‘eats oxygen’, which means the contents stay fresher for longer. Independent taste tests show that the taste of the beer, wine and cider stored within, rates equal to that of steel kegs.
Blow by blow account
At the BrauBeviale show, Petainer will also unveil new plans for local blowing hubs that can facilitate on-demand production, in-country or at a customer facility.
Annemieke comments, “The inbound logistics costs associated with using Petainer preforms are a fraction of those for metal kegs because more than 30,000 keg preforms can be transported in a single container. This makes our local blowing solutions perfect for minimising CO2 footprint, whilst providing maximum flexibility on a seasonal product, facilitating natural demand fluctuation, and supporting premium products as well as introducing new entrants to market faster.
New rental system
The Petainer team will also present a new equipment rental system, in partnership with KHS, which has been designed for brewers, fillers and brand owners who want to start using PET kegs with no capital expenditure restrictions. Annemieke concludes, “With zero return logistics and the ability to carry 25% more liquid in a truck, the petainerKeg portfolio is here to stay – eliminating costly steel return systems and reducing environmental impact. We’re welcoming everyone to come along and visit us in Hall 4, on Booth number 137, to find out how our portfolio can enable them to access new markets and innovate their marketing mix.”
