Refresco uses the new EvoBlow laser technology from Sidel at its Bruchsal site. The system enables more precise heating of PET preforms, reduces the amount of material used and improves the efficiency of the production line.
With the EvoBlow Laser, Sidel has developed a new generation of preform heating that relies on lasers instead of conventional halogen-powered preform heating. The technology has been in industrial use in Bruchsal for more than a year. The aim was to further reduce the weight of a 1.5-litre PET bottle without compromising stability and quality.
The laser technology enables precise heating of the preforms with up to 36 individually controllable heating lines. According to Refresco, this reduces the amount of material used by up to 15 per cent, while the bottles remain robust and dimensionally stable. At the same time, the technology improves process control and ensures stable production conditions on a day-to-day basis.
Use of rPET possible
Another advantage is the use of recycled material. The EvoBlow Laser was tested at Refresco with up to 100 per cent rPET. Bottles with 50 or 70 per cent rPET can be produced with an identical blowing recipe. Energy savings during production are also possible.
The changeover also simplifies day-to-day production. Recipe changes are made digitally, without multiple readjustments. The technology requires no warm-up or cool-down phases and is always ready for operation. This increases productivity and reduces unplanned downtime.
The introduction of the EvoBlow Laser was the result of close co-operation between Refresco and Sidel. Refresco operates more than 45 plants worldwide and is recognised as one of the leading providers of beverage solutions for private label and international brand manufacturers. The partnership demonstrates how technological innovation can be realised on an industrial scale.
Source: Sidel
