Bottles Options When it Comes to Hot Filling
It is important to note that not all bottles are hot fill compatible. A quick review of our Which Plastic Is Right For Me Infographic reveals that most common plastic resin cannot withstand hot filling temperatures (Refer to Temperature Tolerance characteristics section for details). However, there are common technologies that will enable a specific type of PET plastic to be hot fill compatible. They are generally referred to as "Heat-set PET".
Heat-set PET is now a common plastic container type in many hot fill beverage applications. They are specifically made to withstand hot-fill temperatures, in some cases up to 192 F, while maintaining clarity and lightweight characteristics. PET is also recyclable, making it a good alternative to glass, which is also hot fill compatible. We have compiled a short (not exhaustive list) of heat-set PET bottles here as a reference.
In Review : The Benefits of Hot-Filling
There are many options, and considerations, when it comes to hot-filling your beverage, such as barrier properties required, UV coating to reduce sunlight reaction and extend shelf life. It is best to consult with an knowledgeable expert to find a proper match for your product.
In summary, hot-filling is a good option for many fruit and vegetable juices, water enhancing and tea drinks as it eliminates the need of preservatives, while preserving ambient temperature shelf life of 6 - 12 months, and stock available hot-fill compatible containers are readily available these days making the process more feasible than before. While the aforementioned shelf life is merely an estimate, the duration is actually determined by the oxygen barrier sensitivity of the beverage, size and type of beverage bottle, and storage conditions.