A new method for making high- density polyethylene (HDPE) bottles was recently introduced by Polyplastics, Colgate- Palmolive, and PTI at The Packaging Conference in Austin, Texas
FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich., February 26, 2026 — The injection stretch blow molding (ISBM) technique – used to make today’s ubiquitous PET water and soft drink bottles – has now been adapted to efficiently create thin, attractive, and hot-fillable HDPE containers.
Today, almost all HDPE bottles are made using extrusion blow molding (EBM). This process has a relatively long cycle time and generally results in excess container weight, for instance at the base. Significant (>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 copolymer known as TOPAS® COC (cyclic olefin copolymer), greatly enlarges the processing window for HDPE, rendering ISBM practical and efficient while delivering a recyclable container. TOPAS COC is widely used in thepackaging industry in combination with polyethylene (PE) for property enhancement, and in medical applications where extremely high purity is required.
Colgate-Palmolive is exploring the use of COC to enable 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 confirmed the hot-fill capabilities of the new technology. PTI expects to work with several brands to aid in preparing for commercial launch of ISBM HDPE for cosmetic, food, medical, household, industrial, and general packaging applications.
About Colgate-Palmolive
Colgate-Palmolive is a global consumer products company focused on oral care, personal care, home care and pet nutrition. For more information, visit www.colgatepalmolive.com.
About PTI
PTI, based in Holland, Ohio, consults with the world’s leading consumer products companies to deliver expertise in advanced materials testing, packaging analysis, and engineering consulting services. The company works with the world’s biggest consumer brands to design, engineer, test and deliver the highest-integrity packaging. For more information, visit www.plastictechnologies.com.
About Polyplastics
Polyplastics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in the development and production of engineering thermoplastics. The company’s product portfolio includes POM, PBT, PPS, LCP, PET, COC, and LFT, with global-leading market share for POM, LCP, and COC. With more than 60 years of experience, the company is backed by a strong global network of R&D, production, and sales resources capable of creating advanced solutions for an ever-changing global marketplace.
TOPAS® COC is a registered trademark of Polyplastics Co., Ltd. in Japan and other countries.
PRESS CONTACT:
Erica Hartmann
Marketing Manager
e.hartmann@plastictechnologies.com
