PETpla.net Insider 12 / 2010

BOTTLING / FILLING 26 PET planet insider Vol. 11 No. 12/10 www.petpla.net Small footprint for aseptic production Sidel has obtained final technical acceptance of its first com- plete aseptic PET line in Germany, equipped with a Combi Predis for dry decontamination of preforms and Axo-Smart secondary packaging flexibility. The line has been up and run- ning since June at the Hauser plant, producing flavoured teas in lightweight 500ml and 1.5 litre bottles. Family-run company Hauser Wein- import GmbH specialises in vermouth, liqueurs, wine-based drinks and, more recently, fruit juices and flavoured teas. It has, historically, packaged its products in glass and cartons. In 2009, the company decided to adopt PET as the packaging material for its range of flavoured teas, branded as Eis Tee, in 0.5 and 1.5l formats. The teas are filled without preservatives and sold at room temperature, with a shelf life of about one year. Hauser wanted an aseptic solution that would ensure product sterility, without alter- ing its organoleptic and microbiologi- cal characteristics. After investigation, it opted for Sidel’s Combi Predis FMa. Dry decontamination The Combi Predis uses hydro- gen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) to ensure 100% decontamination of the preforms, which also means there is no water consumption and minimal chemical use. In producing 100% sterile bottles, TCO (total cost of ownership) opti- misation and environmental aspects were important factors in Hauser’s choice. The Predis system is well- established; lower chemical and water consumption of dry decontamina- tion technology, when compared with conventional technology, significantly lowers costs and reduces waste water.