PETpla.net Insider 12 / 2014

EDITOUR REPORT 13 PET planet insider Vol. 15 speaking, easier to take the step towards investing in one’s own stretch blow moulding capacity than in extru- sion blow moulding lines. Even for smaller capacities (less than 1 million PET containers per year) it makes sense because there is a free preform market for these appli- cations in Italy. In 2013, however, the market for these products collapsed by between 10 and 15% and recovery is proving to be a slow process. Here, too, the trend is towards less expensive, private-label suppliers. This in turn leads to an aggressive defensive reaction from the larger market players. “We are not currently on course for expansion; the market situation will not enable it,” Mr Fröis says. “The preform market itself is a volume market with a high credit rating. Payment dates of between 90 and 120 days are standard. We are aiming at total pack- aging solutions and new applications that are developing as a result of the conversion of other packaging materials into PET and into which we can grow. This applies primarily to the non-bev- erages market; however, we envisage potential in specific beverages market, such as fruit juices, that call for over- all solutions. Innovations are only accepted on the Italian market if they come hand in hand with a reduction in costs.“ Mr Fröis outlined the company’s technological policy. “We are working continuously towards cost optimisation in rela- tion to the product itself, based on the exploita- tion of weight potential or design adaptation, as well as at reducing energy costs through heat recovery and the use of photovoltaics. Further measures include the optimisation of process sequences within the company and specific training pro- grammes for employees.“ We extended our thanks for the interview but also (and more particularly) for the penetrating insights into the Ital- ian market and then resumed our journey northwards. www.alpla.com