Caps & closures 22 PETplanet Insider Vol. 25 No. 07+08/24 www.petpla.net with you a concept that we considered very carefully during the entire development. I am referring to the importance of keeping under control the efficiency that our customers expect as we convert our manufacturing processes to the tethered cap whilst also ensuring that the line operators maintain their current productivity. To get these results, our technical, automation and vision system department did a great job demonstrating considerable flexibility by adapting the range of new machines to the new requirements, but also designing upgrade kits to meet the needs of our customers. At the forefront of our minds every day is the importance of our customers’ machines and moulds. What drives Sacmi is a consultancy approach helping customers decide whether for example to replace existing equipment or the feasibility of continuing with their current machines. Another key factor that played a role has been the configuration of the Sacmi technology in respect of the scoring process, which is always done outside the mould. Not only does this make conversion easier but it makes the manufacturing process more flexible. In many cases where the customer has decided to invest in a new line, Sacmi has been able to come up with a new closure design which, coupled with a higher production output, delivers a much better ROI. PETplanet: Mr Chiozzini, do you have an overview of how many customers have already introduced the new technology? Are there any consequences for being late? Mr Chiozzini: Tethered closures are required to be on the shelves of stores and supermarkets from July 3rd and this is essentially in the hands of the beverage supply chain. The supply chain is made up of a number of players each contributing to every aspect of the process which lies behind the water or soft drink that we look forward to consuming on a summer’s day. So far as we are aware, all European customers that use our machines have been able to adapt their production on time and ready to supply closures to the beverage industry. As for the consequences of being late, every EU Member State will introduce penalties on a national level, as per article 14 of the Directive. PETplanet: Mr Chiozzini, a lot of investments have been made to realise the tethered cap technology. Is it paying off for Sacmi? Mr Chiozzini: The vital concern for Sacmi has been, from the beginning, to support in the smoothest way possible the beverage industry in this important conversion. The investment has been high in terms of people and resources, but it will not be long before the investment pays off. To give more details, the investment of Sacmi has principally been in three areas: 1) Testing equipment and laboratory resources to shorten the time from conceptual phase to piloting and testing.
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