As its contribution to easing the burden of the coronavirus pandemic, Sidel (Octeville-sur-Mer / France; www.sidel.com), French manufacturer of blow moulding machines for PET packaging, has converted its centre of excellence for PET packaging development and blowing solutions into a production facility for bottles to contain gel hand sanitiser. The company was able to convert the R&D unit in only two days, said Vincent Le Guen, vice president Packaging. The bottles are being made from an existing 500 ml mould, with preforms provided by an unnamed key beverage producer and sport caps supplied by a closures manufacturer. Sidel said the sport closure is a safety feature that allows controlling the gel flow.

The blow moulding specialist said it is responding to the French government’s call for assistance in increasing availability of hand sanitiser, which is in short supply everywhere. The PET bottles will make it easier for hospital employees to dispense the gel, which usually comes in large containers, it said. Sidel has already delivered a first batch of 5,000 PET bottles to a hospital in Dijon / France. A second contingent is being distributed to pharmacies and hospitals in Le Havre / France.