Like so many other bottling companies currently, Erikli – part of Nestlé Waters Turkey and a subsidiary of Nestlé Waters – wanted to switch its production to PET bottles with shorter necks. By doing so, it is possible to reduce the quantity of raw materials employed in the manufacture of preforms and also in caps. This can bring about substantial economies and savings in post-consumer waste. The move can also help producers to boost efficiency, to stay competitive in the marketplace and to reduce carbon emissions.
Sidel was tasked with carrying out the conversion of three bottling lines at the company’s Bursa plant in northwestern Turkey. From the planning phase through to full completion of the work took just seven months, just in time for the client’s peak production period. The operation involved three complete lines equipped with a Sidel SBO 20 blow moulder, a Sidel Combi 20 and a Combi 34, as well as two Series1 blow moulders. “Having originally supplied most of the site’s equipment, Sidel was in the best position to provide technical support and fit-for-purpose skills,” explained project manager Volkan Esmeray.
?Running production at a rate of 200,000 bottles per hour to meet the constant demand, the company could see significant potential in switching to bottles with shorter necks. The resulting bottles after conversion, in 1.5 litre, 50cl and 33cl formats and with neck heights typically decreasing from 18.5mm to 12.6mm, achieved reductions of 1.42 grams on the preform neck and 0.6 grams on the cap.
Providing a complete solution for Erikli, Sidel drafted the technical specifications, validated the preform drawings with the customer, handled project management on the complete line and adapted parts for the new neck – blow moulder, filler, rinser, cap feeder, capper and bottle inspection. Sidel also managed the technical and operating warranty.
Source: Sidel
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