PETplanet Insider Vol. 26 No. 11/25 www.petpla.net 11 EVENT PREVIEW Upheavals in Netstal’s distribution and machine technology are refl ected in rising market shares Sustainable rPET is gentle to process by Alexander Büchler Even before the takeover of Krones, Renzo Davatz, CEO Netstal, launched the “Efficiency & Effectiveness” programme. The focus was on leaner processes in sales, assembly, logistics and product development - accompanied by a strengthened cost base. Davatz on this: “Our USP is that our customers produce ... with the lowest cost per piece - with the highest precision”. Editour Interview with Netstal // June 12, 2025 // We met: Renzo Davatz, CEO at Netstal & Harald Schweighofer, Head of BU PET The takeover of Krones in March 2024 finally paved the way for Netstal to fundamentally change its sales structure. The focus is now shifting away from sales partners towards a global subsidiary network. In the key markets USA, UK, Belgium, France and Spain, Germany, Italy, Thailand, Singapore and China, Netstal employees are now looking after customers locally. Davatz announced at the beginning of the year 2025: “As part of our strategy, with this step we are further expanding the worldwide Nets-tal organisation under the umbrella of Krones. Following the opening of Netstal Dubai last year, we are now establishing the next subsidiary in the growth market of Mexico.” Parallel to the structural changes, Netstal has also initiated significant new developments. The introduction of the PET-Line 3000 in 2020, a PET system with side entry, is certainly at the top of the list. This was followed by the 4000 and 5000 versions. In the same year, a new screw geometry was also introduced, which shears the material less and therefore plasticises it more gently. This allowed the AA content to be reduced to best in class through plasticisation. The new geometry has also reduced the thermal load in the dryer. The required temperature is 20 degrees below the previous design. As PET bottles become lighter and lighter, the wall thickness of the preforms continues to decrease. According to Harald Schweighofer, Head of Business Unit PET, the preform industry is now almost in the thin-wall packaging sector, where Netstal has a strong history and market presence. “The pressure requirement has adequately increased significantly compared to a a few years ago,” continues Schweighofer. Netstal has long relied on a great feature, the Responsive Filling Control (RFC) which combines highest reproducability of the process conditions including identification of material dependent influences. As the proportion of rPET increases, the system proves its worth. This feature enables the Netstal to convert even the fluctuating qualities of rPET into good preforms. Netstal also has a treat for the converter who has to change the mould frequently. The removal robot can be moved to the side and then the team on site can access the mould from both sides and replace it very quickly. Customers also appreciate the fact that Netstal not only combines all components relating to the injection moulding machines as an overall concept, but can also control them centrally via a single control system using Smart Operation. Harald Schweighofer is very pleased that the customers are accepting the sum of the measures and that Netstal is now growing much faster than the rest of the PET injection market. Netstal will retain its independence, but will benefit from the synergies and financial strength of Krones. www.netstal.com Sponsors to date Mr Renzo Davatz began his professional career in 1989 as an apprentice electrician at Netstal. He took on management responsibility early on as Head of Technical Service and later as Head of After Sales. In 2012, he became Vice President Service at Netstal. On July 1, 2016, Davatz succeeded Dr HansUlrich Golz and became CEO of Netstal Maschinen AG. Mr Harald Schweighofer studied plastics technology and business administration in Vienna and Zurich. In his professional career, he has gained experience in the areas of film packaging, beverage cartons and injection moulding, particularly for PET preforms, across a business spectrum ranging from FMCG to capital goods. Here he was able to contribute to various tasks and functions. He has been with Netstal for a total of 20 years, holding positions in application technology, sales and now for some time in the PET business unit.
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