Foam Label Technology Keeps Beverage Containers Colder
BLOOMFIELD, N.Y.—That first sip of cold beer from an aluminum can or a bottle tastes great, doesn’t it? But don’t you wish there was a convenient way to keep that can colder, longer? Commodore Plastics has the answer with its new Labec® foam label stock, and is targeting both large and small breweries. Material for sampling is available from Commodore Plastics.
How Labec Technology Works
Commodore has developed a technique for co-extruding polystyrene (PS) foam shrink-label stock that insulates aluminum, glass and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) beverage containers, keeping liquids colder for longer. The label also provides breakage protection to glass. Commodore tests have demonstrated that Labec foam PS labels keep beverages colder an average of 15 to 20 minutes colder than plain cans, based on a beverage-temperature gain without the label of 20 to 30°F over the course of one hour.
Good Looks, Dry Hands and Recyclability
One notable feature of the labels is their aesthetics. Labec PS foam labels may be printed, hot-stamped for a premium look, metallized and embossed, among other options. Also, the insulating properties of Labec foam mean the beverage may be enjoyed straight from the can without any of the extra moisture and condensation inherent in aluminum cans as they warm towards room temperature. In addition, says Brad Braddon, president of Commodore Plastics, “The labels can improve recyclability of containers, if left on aluminum cans or ground up with glass bottles. The fuel value of the label replaces 5 to 8 percent of the natural gas used in recycling.”
About Commodore
With headquarters in Bloomfield, N.Y., outside of Rochester, Commodore consists of two different business operations. Commodore Plastics is a world-class custom manufacturer of expanded polystyrene foam products, while Commodore Technology is an industry leader in the design and manufacture of machinery and tooling for producing expanded polystyrene foam products. For more information, please visit www.commodoresolutions.com.