In the quest for more sustainable and efficient production methods in the beverage industry, Sidel has unveiled its latest innovation: the StarLITE-R STILL bottle base. This cutting-edge design incorporates patented technology aimed at enhancing material stretching, distribution, and venting, facilitating easier shaping of bottles. A significant advancement in this design is its efficient cooling circuit, specifically tailored for recycled PET (rPET), which ensures optimal performance during production.
One of the standout features of the StarLITE-R STILL base is its ability to reduce blowing pressure by up to 20%. This remarkable reduction not only leads to substantial energy savings but also lowers production costs while preserving the highest standards of product quality. The environmental benefits are equally impressive, with projections indicating a decrease of approximately 51 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e) emissions. This reduction significantly contributes to a smaller environmental footprint for manufacturers.
Importantly, the design of the StarLITE-R STILL base is compatible with existing production lines, allowing for easy retrofitting. This adaptability means manufacturers can enhance their operations without the need for complete overhauls of their production systems. Further reinforcing its reliability, the base maintains its shape throughout production, storage, and transportation, ensuring product integrity is never compromised.
The efficient cooling process of the StarLITE-R STILL base is particularly beneficial for high-speed production. Since rPET materials typically necessitate higher processing temperatures, this innovation optimizes the production environment, accommodating various bottle shapes—round, square-round, and rectangular—in single or multi-serve sizes ranging from 250ml to 2.5 litres. The production rates are impressive, with capabilities of up to 2,700 bottles per hour for single-serve formats and up to 2,400 bottles per hour for multi-serve options.
As Mikael Derrien, Sidel’s Packaging Innovations Manager, noted, food and beverage manufacturers are increasingly prioritizing designs that strike a balance between lightweighting, aesthetic appeal, and compatibility with high-speed production. In response to regulatory pressures and growing consumer demand for sustainable options, manufacturers are keen to reduce costs through increased energy efficiency, diminished blowing pressures, and a lower carbon footprint.
In alignment with these objectives, Sidel has also been proactive in expanding beverage production capabilities, recently enhancing CR Beverage’s operations in China. The deployment of three high-speed aseptic packaging lines is a testament to Sidel’s commitment to meeting the burgeoning demand for high-quality, health-conscious, and environmentally friendly packaged beverages.
As the beverage industry continues to navigate the challenges of sustainability and efficiency, innovations like the StarLITE-R STILL bottle base represent a significant step forward in fostering environmentally responsible production practices.
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