In a move that could revolutionise the beverage industry, PepsiCo has announced that it is exploring the use of 3D printing to create new and innovative packaging for its products.
PepsiCo is no stranger to innovation, having been the first soft drinks company to introduce the two-litre bottle back in 1976. Now, with 3D printing, it believes it can take its packaging to the next level.
The company is currently working with 3D printing specialist Nexa3D to explore the potential of the technology and has already used it to create a modular mould set that can be used to produce cold-filled, single-serve bottles.
PepsiCo is also looking into using 3D printing to create injection mould tooling for caps and closures.
"It's having a huge impact," said PepsiCo's Max Rodriguez, Senior Manager of Global Packaging R&D. "And it's going to continue to as we make it more prevalent, because (of) the ability for us to be able to go from a 3D CAD file to a physical prototype that is comparable to what you will get out of the production environment."
With 3D printing, PepsiCo believes it can reduce the time it takes to develop new packaging from weeks to months, giving it a significant competitive advantage in the marketplace.
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