January 2026 Blow Molding Blog
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January 5, 2026
California Resolves Loopholes to Ban Plastic Bags at All grocery stores and Pharmacies
California Resolves Loopholes to Ban Plastic Bags at All grocery stores and Pharmacies
California has officially entered a new stage of its waste‑reduction efforts with a statewide ban on all plastic shopping bags at grocery stores and pharmacies. As of January 1, retailers can no longer offer single‑use plastic bags or the thicker “reusable” versions that previously slipped through regulatory cracks.
Under Senate Bill 1053, shoppers must now bring their own bags or pay a 10‑cent fee for paper options at checkout. Individuals using food assistance programs are exempt from the charge. The rule does not affect produce sections, where compostable plastic bags will continue to be available for fruits and vegetables.
The updated legislation was created to close a loophole left behind by California’s 2016 plastic bag ban. According to State Senator Catherine Blakespear, stores were able to sell heavier plastic bags labeled as reusable, even though most customers rarely reused or recycled them. The new law eliminates that workaround entirely.
Public reaction has been mixed. Some shoppers say they’ll adapt by keeping reusable bags on hand, while others worry about the durability of paper alternatives — especially for people who walk or rely on public transit. Social media comments range from frustration over inconsistent rules to concerns about how the change affects low‑income residents.
More adjustments are coming. By 2028, all paper bags offered at checkout must contain at least 50% recycled material. learn more about this topic here.
Under Senate Bill 1053, shoppers must now bring their own bags or pay a 10‑cent fee for paper options at checkout. Individuals using food assistance programs are exempt from the charge. The rule does not affect produce sections, where compostable plastic bags will continue to be available for fruits and vegetables.
The updated legislation was created to close a loophole left behind by California’s 2016 plastic bag ban. According to State Senator Catherine Blakespear, stores were able to sell heavier plastic bags labeled as reusable, even though most customers rarely reused or recycled them. The new law eliminates that workaround entirely.
Public reaction has been mixed. Some shoppers say they’ll adapt by keeping reusable bags on hand, while others worry about the durability of paper alternatives — especially for people who walk or rely on public transit. Social media comments range from frustration over inconsistent rules to concerns about how the change affects low‑income residents.
More adjustments are coming. By 2028, all paper bags offered at checkout must contain at least 50% recycled material. learn more about this topic here.
January 17, 2025
Cypet Technologies Showcases Breakthrough Large‑Format PET Innovations
Cypet Technologies Showcases Breakthrough Large‑Format PET Innovations
At the K 2025 exhibition in Düsseldorf, Cypet Technologies highlighted how far PET processing has evolved for large‑format applications. The Cyprus‑based ISBM machine builder, already established with customers in the U.S. and Mexico, showcased new developments aimed at pushing PET into markets traditionally dominated by other materials.
A major focus was the company’s progress on two 1,000‑liter PET products moving toward commercial launch. One of these is a lightweight water tank engineered to reduce both mass and production cost by roughly 40% compared with similarly sized HDPE tanks. The tank is molded on the Cypet K185 one‑stage ISBM system, which uses a horizontal‑style layout and a single 1,850‑ton clamp for both injection and blowing. Prototype runs at a customer facility in India have explored various PET grades, colorants, and processing conditions. While the demonstration model at the show was clear, the commercial version will incorporate a light‑blocking color to prevent algae formation. Production is targeted for the end of the first quarter of 2026.
Cypet also reported promising early trials for a second 1,000‑liter application: PET intermediate bulk containers. Initial testing has delivered encouraging results, with potential commercialization by the same customer in early 2026.
Beyond large containers, the company introduced what it describes as another industry milestone, a 15‑liter PET bottle for edible oil featuring integrated handles and a built‑in pouring spout. Designed for the European market, the 540‑gram container stacks four high and runs on the Cypet K35XL system now being installed at a customer site in Belgium. Learn more about this topic here.
A major focus was the company’s progress on two 1,000‑liter PET products moving toward commercial launch. One of these is a lightweight water tank engineered to reduce both mass and production cost by roughly 40% compared with similarly sized HDPE tanks. The tank is molded on the Cypet K185 one‑stage ISBM system, which uses a horizontal‑style layout and a single 1,850‑ton clamp for both injection and blowing. Prototype runs at a customer facility in India have explored various PET grades, colorants, and processing conditions. While the demonstration model at the show was clear, the commercial version will incorporate a light‑blocking color to prevent algae formation. Production is targeted for the end of the first quarter of 2026.
Cypet also reported promising early trials for a second 1,000‑liter application: PET intermediate bulk containers. Initial testing has delivered encouraging results, with potential commercialization by the same customer in early 2026.
Beyond large containers, the company introduced what it describes as another industry milestone, a 15‑liter PET bottle for edible oil featuring integrated handles and a built‑in pouring spout. Designed for the European market, the 540‑gram container stacks four high and runs on the Cypet K35XL system now being installed at a customer site in Belgium. Learn more about this topic here.
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