HuJin (Suzhou) Industry produces thin-walled glasses using in-mould labelling (IML) with Arburg's Allrounder H hybrids.
In China, where tea is far more popular than coffee, HuJin has become the main partner for more than 1,000 tea brands over the past 10 years and is the country's number one supplier of high-quality, low-cost glasses.
Contrary to what is often the case in the Chinese market, HuJin has decided to dispense with the injection moulding machines and moulds of the local market and has opted for technology from Arburg.
In fact, the Chinese company is using eight Allrounder 820 H Hybrids, which operate with automation technology from Machines Pagès and six-cavity injection moulds from Kebo, with cycle times that have been significantly reduced from 9 to the current 5.25 seconds.
Liu Wei, General Manager of HuJin, recognises the particular advantages of IML technology:
"We need to provide not only a simple and safe container for the consumer, but also high-quality packaging which meets the required aesthetics".
With several years of production experience, innovative products, new cup shapes and new designs have been created to meet the needs of the market and provide customers with more and more choices.
According to Liu Wei, the secret of HuJin's success lies in the rapid development of new products, the design of product models, tens of thousands of tests and the colourful appearance of the bubble tea glasses.
The 700 ml jars of this popular drink are customised by simply changing the labels. With the reduced cycle time on the Allrounders, the wall thickness has also been significantly reduced. With a flow length ratio of 1:400, it is now only 0.42 mm without a label and 0.48 mm with a label.
The average material saving is 18%, which equates to around 2,000 tons less PP per year.
As Liu Wei explained:
"With its subsidiary in neighbouring Shanghai, Arburg has proven to be a suitable partner with its support and facilities that produce flawless products. We will continue to rely on Arburg for a win-win solution in the future".
