CAPS & CLOSURES 26 PETplanet Insider Vol. 26 No. 03/25 www.petpla.net Overcoming market challenges with quality and innovation San Benedetto started producing bottled water in 1956. Since then, it has grown to become Italy’s n°1 in the ‘total beverage’ sector and stands out as the only company in the industry with fully Italian capital. Mauro Pelosin, Technical Manager Closures Acqua Minerale San Benedetto, SpA, talked about his experience with Sacmi’s Continuous Compression Moulding (CCM) technology. “Our mission is all about quality, safety and innovation, which we pursue by constantly investing in better internal quality standards and optimising processes,” explains Mauro Pelosin. Over the years, San Benedetto has invested in technology, for example, installing Sacmi CCM compression presses for cap production. The recent tethered challenge comes to mind: “We were the first Italian company to launch the tethered cap, long before the standard came into force. However, technological upgrades are only a part of a wider approach, which involves detailed analysis of every stage of the process to boost efficiency and performance.” The Continuous Compression Moulding Machine (CCM) hydraulic rotary presses by Sacmi are specifically designed for beverage cap production. A continuous work cycle is carried out, during which the plastic material is fed by a plasticisation unit, cut into suitably sized pellets and then inserted inside the cavities. Compression moulding is a well-known technology worldwide. More than 45% of plastic beverage caps are produced through compression. Smart services: enabling data-driven decisions After years of investment in innovation, San Benedetto now takes up the challenge of process control by introducing new digital services codeveloped with Sacmi. These include the installation of sensors on the production lines via the Smart Pack system. “Doing so has allowed us to optimise recipes and settings. It has also enhanced process control by letting us monitor performance and plan proactive maintenance,” highlights Mr Pelosin. Another key component is Sacmi Smart Care, which involves sharing and analysing data from machines and processes. “We meet regularly with Sacmi technicians to analyse the ‘health status’ of the machines, identify any potential drift and plan maintenance. This approach lets us make data-driven decisions and optimise maintenance plans according to actual machine condition” explains Pelosin. “With the adoption of Sacmi HERE software, we constantly monitor plant performance indicators. HERE is an open system that connects not only Sacmi lines but other equipment such as presses, vision systems and assembly machines, interlinking them with specific modules, such as the one for barcode-based tracking,” continues Pelosin. “This system has allowed us to completely digitalise processes and reap huge advantages in terms of efficiency”. Towards ‘zero waste’: digitally powered sustainability Likewise, sustainability is digitally driven: “Getting the most from the data allows us to identify areas of improvement, monitor performance and plan activities, reducing both cost and waste. Further advantages include significantly lower environmental impact,” observes Pelosin. “For example, optimising the use of raw materials. The partnership with Sacmi - and the integrated technological and digital solutions it provides - is vital to a ‘zero waste’ approach”. San Benedetto’s investments in a technological-digital approach have enormous strategic value, as they deliver greater productivity, sustainability and the ability to respond to market needs proactively. www.sanbenedetto.it www.sacmi.com Mauro Pelosin, Technical Manager Closures Acqua Minerale San Benedetto, SpA
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