PETpla.net Insider 07+08 / 2021

46 PRODUCTS PETplanet Insider Vol. 22 No. 07+08/21 www.petpla.net Bottles with built-in handles An increasing number of food compa- nies are embracing PET bottles with built-in handles, as they provide an easy dispensing solution. Pouring oil from a container with han- dles is a different experience than pouring it from a standard bottle without them. Not only do handles provide a more comfortable and precise, hassle-free dispensing experience but their eye-catching design is an effective tool to stand out on the store shelves. Today, there are many types of bottles with built in handles to choose from. SMI manufactures both pre inserted handles and post inserted handles with their state-of-the -art stretch blow moulding machines. Pre- inserted handle bottles are made through special moulds that ensure the easy insertion of the handles into the bottle. Rotary stretch-blow moulders For large-scale production of PET and rPET containers, SMI offers a wide range of rotary stretch-blow moulders from the EBS Ergon range, available both in stand-alone and Ecobloc version. In the Ecobloc combi version, stretch-blow moulding, filling and capping are integrated into a single bloc that does not require a rinser or the conveyor belts between the stretch-blow moulder and the filler. The equipment design reduces energy costs thanks to a preform-heating module with high-efficiency IR lamps and a double- stage air recovery system. SMI says that the fast format changeovers and mould replace- ments were a special focus when designing this modular technology. www.smigroup.it New bottle design and water line for Durrat AI Khaleej in Iraq Established in 2007, Durrat Al Khaleej is one of the leading bottled water producers in Iraq. Inspired to improve production to ensure they meet stringent standards, Durrat Al Khaleej has a laboratory that systematically checks the water produced, guaranteeing high levels of quality and safety throughout the supply chain, from raw materials to the point of consumption. To optimise bottle design as well as line performance, Durrat Al Khaleej chose Sidel to deliver a complete water line. As the site for the line was a greenfield project, the collaboration between Sidel and DaK was key to the successful development of a new PET bottle design as well as managing the installation and commissioning of the equipment. Following a meeting in Dubai, Sidel’s packaging experts proposed a lightweight solution, which could also incorporate the bottles’ original premium look, fully meeting the client’s expectations. Weighing only 10.5 g, the lightweight PET bottle in the 500ml bottle format, also has high stability and has so far proved to be successful in the market. The line operates with a speed of 24,000 bph for 500ml. Not only has it helped the client save water on bottle cleaning, but also no air conveyer is needed. “Sidel provided extra support well beyond the scope of delivering the equipment to Europe, by choosing trusted shipping companies and recom- mending approved experts for installation and commissioning of the line in Iraq. This ensured that the entire logistic flow was well planned and smoothly implemented,” explains Mr Ibraheem Ghudaib, CEO at Durrat Al Khaleej. The installation and commissioning was successful, achieving 98.1% line efficiency during the customer acceptance validation (CAV). Thanks to Sidel’s great teamwork, the project kick-off was in March 2020, and the first sellable bottle was launched in December 2020. www.sidel.com BOTTLE MAKING