In a world where sustainability and environmental consciousness take center stage, Krones, a prominent player in the packaging industry, has achieved a significant victory with its revolutionary lightweight bottle design. This innovation has earned the company accolades from the prestigious German Packaging Prize jury.
Kim Cheng, the Managing Director of the German Packaging Institute, expressed the evolving landscape of packaging challenges. She emphasized the need for fresh solutions in meeting ever-growing expectations and requirements in this industry. Cheng stated, “What hasn’t changed is the pivotal role that packaging plays for our well-being and health and for a reliable supply of fast-moving consumer goods. So it’s all the more important that our sector never slackens its efforts to live up to this vital task by demonstrating outstanding innovative vigor, regardless of all the crises and challenges it has to overcome.”
The German Packaging Prize 2023 showcased a wide array of creative solutions submitted by participants across various categories, including aluminum, plastic, wood, cardboard, software, and machinery. Sustainability, the circular economy, climate, and environmental protection remained focal points for the competition.
Krones’ standout entry was the 500-milliliter ShoulderFlex bottle made of PET. This ultra-lightweight water bottle, weighing less than six grams, contributes significantly to reducing the carbon footprint of water bottling, offering material savings of up to 50 percent compared to conventional water bottles. Moreover, the innovative design allows for bottles to be stacked reliably without nitrogen pressurization, supporting a filled topload of up to 40 kilograms.
Crucially, the unique design ensures the bottle’s stability and visual appearance, even under pressure, making it a game-changer for the packaging industry. Krones’ achievement reflects the ongoing commitment of the sector to overcome challenges and deliver innovative, sustainable solutions.