Packaging manufacturer Sidel (Parma / Italy; www.sidel.com) has supplied two of its “Matrix Combi” integrated blow-fill-cap PET packaging lines to Sanpellegrino (Ruspino / Italy; www.sanpellegrino.com). The Italian mineral water brand based in the northern part of the country is part of Nestlé Waters (Paris / France; www.nestle-waters.com). The investment is intended to increase performance, hygiene standards and production capacity of the sparkling mineral water, amidst rising global demand for bottled beverages. Sidel belong to the Swiss group Tetra Laval (Pully; www.tetralaval.com).

Sanpellegrino plant director Salvatore Sbriglione says the company wanted to raise output at Ruspino according to the different sizes of bottles it produces. “The line dedicated to the bigger formats – 750 ml, 1000 ml and 1250 ml – was projected to grow output rates to 36,000 bottles per hour, while the one used to produce the 500-ml bottles was intended to increase speed to 54,000 bottles per hour.”

The newly installed Matrix Combi integrates blow moulding, filling and capping processes into a single system, which Sidel says reduces operating costs by 8-12% and uses up to 30% less floor space, compared to standalone equipment. It also promises 2-4% higher efficiency as well as faster format changeovers and lower energy consumption. The machines at the Ruspino site are equipped with Sidel's “Matrix Filler SF300 FM”, for high hygiene standards via a reduced filler enclosure.

According to Transparency Market Research (Albany, New York / USA; www.transparencymarketresearch.com), the market for bottled water has grown substantially, in particular through increased global demand for premium drinks. From 2016 to 2024, the market is forecast to expand 6.6% annually, rising from USD 170 bn to over USD 307 bn. Here, carbonated bottled water is the second largest segment of the market.