Liquid-infused PET bottles for enhanced product evacuation
Revolutionary liquid-infused PET bottles designed to improve product evacuation for viscous condiments. This innovation uses food-safe liquid-infused surfaces to reduce waste, maintain recyclability, and adhere to food safety standards.
Overview
The proposed solution addresses the common consumer frustration with dispensing viscous condiments from plastic bottles. By utilizing liquid-infused surface (LIS) coatings and edible oil treatments, these PET bottles provide a stable, food-safe, and low-adhesion interface. This innovative approach ensures smooth flow of high-viscosity products like ketchup and mayonnaise, while maintaining the recyclability and compliance with FDA and EU food-contact regulations.
Technical specifications
- Food-safe materials: Utilizes GRAS edible oils such as high-oleic canola oil and MCT oil, ensuring compliance with food safety regulations.
- Microstructured surface layer: The LIS system relies on a micro- or nanotextured solid that supports a thin lubricating film, preventing products from sticking to the bottle walls.
- Compatibility with existing operations: Designed for integration into existing PET blow-molding processes with minimal disruption.
- Proven physics: Builds on concepts validated in academic studies and commercial applications like LiquiGlide™.
Technology readiness level
Currently at TRL 2, this innovative technology is in the early stages of development. Future validation plans include material selection, bottle prototyping, evacuation testing, and durability assessments. The project aims to demonstrate scalability and cost-effectiveness through pilot-scale trials.
About Kansas State University
Kansas State University is a comprehensive public land‑grant research university with multiple campuses and a strong applied mission. Industry partners tap a statewide extension network that connects companies to field sites, talent, and rapid outreach; campus pilot plants and analytical services enable bench‑to‑pilot scale validation, while co‑located high‑containment facilities support regulated studies. The Olathe campus in the Kansas City metro serves as an industry‑engagement hub with workforce pipelines, collaborative labs, and proximity to the Kansas City Animal Health Corridor. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from agencies such as NSF, NIH, USDA, and DOE, alongside state and corporate sponsors, and a dedicated technology transfer office streamlines IP, sponsored research, and startup formation.
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