Coca-Cola installs KHS InnoPET Blomax at its German Knetzgau plant
Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) has made strides in energy conservation with the installation of KHS’ latest-generation InnoPET Blomax stretch blow moulding technology at its plant in Knetzgau, Germany. The new equipment replaces two older machines from 1998, with the goal of increasing energy efficiency and reducing operational costs.
The InnoPET Blomax features KHS’ Double Gate (DoGa) heating concept, which is claimed to significantly cut energy consumption. The system uses near infrared radiation (NIR) in its preform heaters, offering higher efficiency than conventional infrared heaters. Additionally, the Double Gate design allows for more effective energy use by conveying preforms without primary reflectors in two lanes on both sides of the lamps, leading to further energy savings, says the company. In addition, the Double Gate is also more compact than standard preform heaters.
Ralph Sauter, project manager at the Knetzgau site, noted that after careful consideration of various options, the decision to invest in KHS’ system was driven by the company’s sustainability goals. With the new system, the plant expects to save up to 560,000 kWh/a, an important achievement amid rising energy prices.
The InnoPET Blomax is capable of processing 20,000 2-liter and 30,000 1.5-liter containers per hour, offering flexibility for integration into the existing production line. The installation also involved overcoming engineering challenges, such as adapting the bottle air conveyor to accommodate the new machine.
Photo: InnoPET Blomax Serie V (source: Frank Reinhold)
