BOTTLING / FILLING PETplanet Insider Vol. 26 No. 07+08/25 www.petpla.net 22 Synchroblock for sensitive bottling & canning products As the beverage and liquid food industries continue to evolve toward more hygienic, efficient, and sustainable operations, the demand for advanced integrated packaging solutions grows stronger than ever. STM Pack Group Hall A5 - Booth 502 FILLING STM Group responds to this demand with its Synchroblock CombiFill_S 4/216/6 FM HiTech, a system designed specifically for bottling and canning of sensitive products such as juices, dairy, beer, wine, coffee, tea, and edible oils. This solution merges two traditionally separate processes - bottle manufacturing and product filling - into a single, highly integrated unit. The result is a compact, hygienic, and efficient system. The Synchroblock CombiFill_S combines the Blueline 6 HiTech linear blow moulder with filling and capping in one compact unit. Designed for up to 8,000 bph, it is claimed to optimise space and reduce system complexity. The fully electric blow moulder handles 500–2,500ml PET bottles with precise servomotor control. It features a recuperation system that reuses hot air to preheat preforms and a compressed air recovery system, eliminating the need for external air supply. Automatic temperature control ensures consistent PET forming, maintaining high product quality in all conditions. Hygienic filling for sensitive products Sensitive products such as milk and juice demand rigorous sanitary standards during filling to prevent contamination and preserve shelf life. The Synchroblock addresses these challenges through a 16-valve filling system equipped with electronic flow meters by Endress+Hauser, delivering dosing precision within ±0.4% of the target volume. There is no physical contact between the filling nozzles and the bottles, reducing the risk of microbial contamination. The six-head capping unit uses UV-disinfected closures, and the entire filling module is Cleaning-InPlace (CIP) ready, featuring open-system cleaning and integrated nozzles throughout the filling area. Hygiene is further reinforced by the arrow purity system, ensuring productfree zones within all valve components, and a self-draining transfer table that channels contaminants away from the product zone. A Hepa filtration system (H14 class) filters incoming air with 99.99% efficiency for particles down to 0.3μm, maintaining a clean working environment. Diagnostics and optional sterilisation Operational continuity is a critical metric for any production line. The CombiFill_S addresses this need with a robust diagnostic platform, providing real-time system health analysis via internet connection. This includes temperature monitoring of drives and tracking of execution element timings to predict and prevent potential failures. For customers requiring an elevated level of hygiene, the Synchroblock offers an optional Claranor bottle thread sterilisation system. This solution uses powerful xenon-based UV light flashes, 1 megawatt in just 0.3ms, to achieve instant and chemical-free surface sterilisation. Proven to deliver a 3-4 log reduction on Aspergillus Brasiliensis DSM 1988, this technology ensures added protection for ultra-sensitive filling applications. Space-saving and sustainable achievements The system has a small floor space. Traditional setups involve multiple standalone machines - blow moulder, rinser, filler, capper - each requiring its own space and personnel. In contrast, Synchroblock merges these into one streamlined unit, minimising the operational footprint and headcount. The system is claimed to eliminate the need for bottle rinsing, saving litres of water, while the electric drives and recuperation feature help reduce energy consumption. This translates into operational cost savings and into a reduced environmental footprint, an increasingly important metric for brands and consumers alike. An alternative to pre-blown bottle logistics For manufacturers that currently rely on buying pre-blown PET bottles, the Synchroblock offers compelling logistical advantages. Storing and handling preforms instead of bulky bottles saves warehouse space, a benefit that becomes even more pronounced with a larger number of SKUs and bottle formats. Furthermore, by producing bottles in-house, companies mitigate risks associated with supply chain disruptions, ensuring continuous production even during market fluctuations or transport delays. With rising consumer expectations around product safety, sustainability, and quality, the Synchroblock CombiFill_S 4/16/6 FM HiTech is claimed to offer a future-proof solution for manufacturers of sensitive liquid products. Its compact footprint, energy efficiency, and integrated hygienic technologies contribute to its suitability for the competitive landscape of beverage and food packaging. For companies aiming to upgrade their bottling operations, reduce environmental impact, and enhance product safety while simplifying their production line, the Synchroblock offers a comprehensive solution designed to support clean, efficient, and reliable packaging processes. www.stm-pack.com
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