Label-less bottle in Oman, a first step towards b2b recycling?
Barzman, headquartered in Muscat, is taking a significant step toward sustainability with the introduction of its innovative “label-less bottle.” Although b2b recycling has yet to gain much traction in the region, Barzman is setting a bold example with this initiative. We spoke with Eldho Mathew, General Manager of Barzman, about this new development, their production processes, and the in-house pallet logistics system that powers the operation.
September 19, 2024
We met: Eldho Mathew, General Manager of Barzman
Mr Saif Mohamad Khatrosh Alnoumani, Chairman of International Foods and Beverages LLC
Photo top: Mr Eldho Mathew with the classic design of the 250 ml bottles and the two label-less bottles.
Founded in October 2003 near the village of Barzman in the Sharqiyah Governorate, about 200 km from Muscat, Barzman initially focused on bottled water and other food products. The company expanded significantly with the opening of a second production facility in Muscat in 2009. Eldho Mathew, who has been with the company for over 20 years, has played a pivotal role in its success.
In 2014, Barzman reached a turning point by switching to a short neck design with a 29/25 mm opening, optimising bottle weight by 10-20%. The company also installed a Sidel Matrix Combi 10 production line with a capacity of 22,000 bph. Barzman’s flagship product, developed by its R&D, is the 250 ml still water bottle, produced alongside formats up to 1.5 l.
The production line employs a classic block system from Sidel, connecting the stretch blow-moulding machine directly to the filler. After filling, bottles are labelled and shrink-wrapped in packs of 24 and 30. Following this success, Barzman added an identical production line just a year later, boosting daily output to over 40,000 bph. The company also developed its own pallet logistics system, which allows 28 pallets to be loaded into lorry trailers in just two minutes.
Barzman’s water source is a natural aquifer, rich in minerals, filtered and purified using specialised equipment. Five years ago, Barzman tripled its production capacity with the installation of a new Krones bottling line, capable of producing 81,000 bph. This line includes an integrated labelling station and inspection processes for fill levels, caps, and labels, while also expanding the pallet logistics system.
Label-less bottle
Despite limited waste separation and PET bottle collection initiatives in the Gulf States, Eldho Mathew has prioritised the sustainability of PET bottles. Barzman’s lightweight bottles are seen as a more energy-efficient alternative to cans or glass. Looking toward the future, Barzman has introduced the “label-less bottle,” a bottle free of labels and adhesives, simplifying the recycling process. The new bottle was unveiled on February 15, 2024 by Chairman Saif Mohamad Khatrosh Alnoumani at Barzman’s Muscat facility.
The label-less bottle features flat surfaces around the circumference, similar to hot-fill bottles, and is available in two variants—one with four panels and one with six. These structural features are added during the stretch blow-moulding process. The development took several years, requiring adjustments to preform temperature control and bottle stability.
According to Mr. Alnoumani, this innovation is intended to lead the way for bottle-to-bottle recycling, incorporating recycled PET (rPET) and promoting environmental sustainability at every stage of production.
Barzman, the flagship bottled water brand of International Foods and Beverages LLC, celebrates 20 years of excellence in 2024. Production began in 2004, and Barzman quickly set industry benchmarks with its high-quality water sourced from natural underground wells rich in minerals. The company’s Al Mawaleh facility, launched in 2009, boasts a production capacity of over 130,000 bph. Barzman was the first company in the GCC to introduce 250 ml bottles as a sustainable alternative to plastic cups. Committed to quality and innovation, Barzman remains at the forefront of Oman’s water industry.
