KHS Supreme offers glass-like performance in PET
KHS Supreme (source: Frank Reinhold) The KHS Supreme PET bottle combines high-quality design with the product protection properties of glass bottles.
The KHS Group has officially unveiled KHS Supreme, a next-generation PET bottle system designed to bridge the gap between the lightweight convenience of plastic and the superior product protection of glass.
The innovation centres on KHS’s tried-and-tested Plasmax barrier technology — a wafer-thin, transparent layer of silicon oxide (glass) that coats the internal wall of the PET bottle. At less than 100 nanometers thick, this “glass-like” lining creates a formidable shield against oxygen, extending the shelf life of sensitive products like premium green teas, juices, and wine by up to ten times.
Oxygen-sensitive beverages, particularly high-quality teas popular in Asian and European markets, are prone to rapid oxidation, which leads to unwanted changes in colour, aroma, and nutritional value.
“Our barrier system is ideal for premium products that have to satisfy the highest requirements,” explains Philipp Langhammer, product manager for barrier technology at KHS. By preventing oxygen ingress and CO2 loss, the Supreme bottle ensures that “fresh-from-the-factory” quality is maintained throughout the supply chain.
While Plasmax technology has been used in the pharmaceutical and food sectors for two decades, KHS has now scaled the process for industrial high-speed production. The system can now output up to 60,000 bottles per hour without compromising the integrity of the protective layer.
Critically, the Supreme solution addresses the industry’s urgent need for circularity:
- 100% recyclable: during the standard PET recycling process, the wafer-thin glass coating is completely removed by the caustic wash.
- Pure PET stream: unlike “oxygen scavenger” additives, which can tint or contaminate recycled PET (rPET) streams, Plasmax leaves behind high-purity, clear PET.
- rPET compatible: the technology can be applied directly to bottles made from 100% recycled material.
“We refer to this as a fully circular barrier technology,” says Langhammer. “It combines all the benefits: top barrier performance, high-quality design, and full recyclability.”
The KHS Group will be showcasing the Supreme system at interpack 2026 in Düsseldorf (May 7–13), positioning it as a key tool for global manufacturers looking to reduce food waste while meeting strict plastic packaging regulations.
