Innovation Pack #9: Colgate’s Soft Soap Body Wash

Video Transcript

Hi, I’m Neal Konstantin, president of PDC International. Welcome to Innovation Pack number nine, Colgate’s heart-shaped bottle, which is used for a number of household and personal products. Why does this shrink label package qualify as a PDC Innovation Pack? Well, the challenges were multiple and complex.

First, this oval PET bottle needed to be labeled empty and at high speeds of over 250 bottles a minute. A PDC R-Series labeler fit the bill perfectly. With the empty bottles being light and top-heavy, any mishandling would knock them over, potentially causing a jam and stopping the line. So for product handling, we used our dual, counter rotating timing screw drive, which then feeds into a pair of servo-controlled cleated belts. These belts positively guide the bottles at their base near the conveyor, controlling them throughout the sleeve application process. This was a great solution to a difficult challenge.

Very precise orientation of the graphics on the oval bottle was also required, so PDC used our proprietary oval-shape mandrel design to match the container profile for accurate side-to-side positioning of the label graphics.

Shrinking PET labels on empty PET bottles is also a challenge. In forming to bottles contours without deforming, the empty containers require very precise directing of the steam at exactly the right places at exactly the right time. PDC’s reliable KST 80 Dual-Zone Steam Tunnel, thermostatically controlled, did a great job providing beautiful end results.

PDC has the right sleeve applicators, product handling, and shrink tunnels to accomplish not only simple applications, but even the most challenging. Let us review your upcoming shrink sleeve challenges. You’ll have the commitment of our entire team for a successful project and startup. We guarantee it. Thank you.

For your next shrink sleeving project, please contact PDC. You can reach us at SALES@PDC-CORP.COM or call (203) 853-1516.