Sidel has supplied two Sidel Matrix™ Combis to the Sanpellegrino plant in Ruspino, Italy, to help increase production capacity of the famous sparkling mineral water, alongside providing cost savings and a boost to sustainability, as the global market for mineral water continues to boom.

 

Over the past few years, the global market in bottled water has grown significantly – primarily due to the increasing worldwide demand for premium, healthier drinks. Moreover, the market is forecast to expand at a 6.6-per-cent CAGR (compound annual growth rate) over the period 2016 to 2024, rising from a total value of nearly US$170bn to over US$307bn at the end of 2024. Of the different categories of bottled water available - including still, flavoured, carbonated and functional  – the segment of still bottled water is dominant and anticipated to remain so throughout the forecast period. Carbonated bottled water is presently the second leading segment of the market and is also expected to grow at a fast pace, according to Transopparency Market Research.

 

The increased need for production at the Sanpellegrino facility in Ruspino is linked to that growing global demand for both sparkling water and premium products. Promoted as the ‘finest sparkling natural mineral water’, S.Pellegrino mineral water – part of Nestlé Waters’ brands – is renowned as a fine dining water both in elegant restaurants and at home. 

 

Sidel has worked with Nestlé Waters for over 50 years – a relationship which has resulted in many important and significant developments within the beverage industry. Speaking of the latest tie-up, Salvatore Sbriglione, Plant Director at Sanpellegrino, explains: “We wanted to increase output rates according to the different bottle formats we produce in Ruspino. The line dedicated to the bigger formats – 750ml, 1000ml and 1,250ml – was projected to grow output rates to 36,000 bottles per hour, while the one used to produce the 0.5 litre bottles was intended to increase speed to 54,000 bottles per hour. In awarding the contract to Sidel – to upgrade our existing PET lines and to increase output rates and speed – we clearly considered the longstanding relationship between Nestlé Waters, the group we are part of, and this supplier. However, what convinced us most, were the high hygiene standards offered by their solutions and the fact that we both share the same, absolute focus on product and process quality.”


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Integrated blow-fill-cap system

 

Combining blow moulding, filling and capping processes into a single system, the Sidel Matrix Combi solution reduces operating costs and uses up to 30 per cent less floor space, compared with traditional standalone equipment. By integrating the different equipment types and production phases into a single system, while eliminating conveying, empty bottles handling, accumulation and storage, line efficiency is improved for a lower TCO (total cost of ownership). 

 

Additionally, using fewer component machines, Sidel claims that its Matrix Combi offers two to ofour per cent higher efficiency levels than standalone machines, alongside faster format changeovers, lower energy consumption and a reduction of operating costs by 8-12 per cent as a result of savings on labour, raw materials and spare parts. By handling the bottles by the neck throughout the latter stages of the production process and the elimination of intermediary conveying, it also offers greater freedom of shape and significant lightweighting opportunities. 

 

Featuring a unique look and feel, the PET version of the S.Pellegrino bottle was conceived and designed to be enjoyed at home and on the go. It is created in the same Vichy shape to ensure that the effervescence and bubbles of the mineral water’s unique style would be immediately recognisable.

 

Andrea Lupi, Sidel’s Global Key Account Director, comments – “Both Sidel Matrix Combis installed at the Ruspino facility feature Sidel’s Blendfill configuration, combining carbonator and filler in a single system for top quality sparkling water. This solution contributes to further reducing consumption of CO2 and results in a smaller footprint.” 

 

Installation of both Sidel Matrix Combis was performed without affecting our production planning, according to Plant Director Mr Sbriglione, who added: “We are equally confident that our collaboration with Sidel will ensure that we quickly attain our top line efficiency objectives and with the company’s ongoing support, we will maintain and maybe even – at some future point – improve them.”

 

Sidel Group was formed by the union of two strong brands – Sidel and Gebo Cermex – which together are a leading provider of equipment and services for packaging liquid, food, home and personal care products in PET, can, glass and other materials. The Group has approximately 37,000 machines installed in more than 190 countries, and employs more than 5,000+ employees worldwide.