Packaging company takes German Packaging Prize with lightweight design

German-based packaging company Krones has won the German Packaging Prize for its ShoulderFlex water bottle, which weighs just 5.9 grams, or 0.2 ounces.

Krones customizes process technology for products including juice, plant-based drinks, milk, alternative proteins and beer.

The ShoulderFlex is designed to reduce the carbon footprint of water bottles with material savings of up to 50% in comparison with conventional 0.5-liter, or 16.9-ounce, bottles, according to a news release.

The bottles also enhance stackability even without the stabilizing effect of nitrogen pressurization, with a filled topload of up to 40 kilograms, or 88 pounds.

“One of the key messages in Krones’ vision is the responsible use of packaging materials,” ShoulderFlex development team members Martin Loistl and Jochen Forsthövel said in the release. “That includes developing sustainable packaging solutions that are not only resource-economical but also practicable. ShoulderFlex meets those requirements in full.

“Despite the smaller amounts of PET needed to produce them, these containers are in no way inferior to conventional bottles currently on the market as far as stability and convenience are concerned.”