CAPS & CLOSURES 32 PETplanet Insider Vol. 26 No. 03/25 www.petpla.net The used-machinery market for cap production: Trends and challenges by Isidro Gutiérrez, MachinePoint Consultant The cap manufacturing sector has undergone significant changes in recent years, driven by technological advancements and environmental regulations. Increasing European regulations and the need to optimise costs have reshaped the industry’s dynamics, particularly in the used machinery market. Based on MachinePoint’s experience, having actively participated in the buying and selling of these machines, there is a clear preference for rotary compression and injection moulding technologies, with Sacmi and Husky being the most dominant brands in the market. Dominant machinery brands in the used cap production Sacmi leads the demand with approximately 50% of sales, making it the preferred choice for second-hand cap equipment buyers due to its rotary compression technology, which enables efficient large-scale cap production. Sacmi’s machinery has proven to be highly reliable, making it the top choice in this market. Husky, on the other hand, accounts for about 25% of the used cap machinery market, dominating the injection moulding segment for beverage caps. Its injection moulding technology remains one of the most sought-after in the second-hand market due to its fast and precise production capabilities. Other brands such as Netstal, Engel, and Plastic Metal have a smaller but still significant market share, ranging between 5% and 10% of the used cap machinery market. The used-machinery market has been affected by changes in cap formats. Machines producing cap formats older than 10 years are increasingly difficult to sell, as companies aim to optimise plastic usage and reduce production costs. As formats evolve, compatibility with current standards becomes crucial. In the industry, a standard cap must be compatible with different types of bottles. Impact of European regulations One of the key factors affecting the market in Europe is the European Directive 2019/204, which, since 2024, mandates that all plastic bottles up to 3 l in the EU must have tethered caps. The goal of this regulation is to reduce plastic pollution and facilitate packaging recycling. To comply with this regulation, many companies have opted to modify their existing machines rather than replace them, provided the investment is cost-effective. However, in some cases, adapting older machines is not viable, leading to an increase in the supply of used machinery in the market. Technological evolution has also played a key role in format changes. To reduce costs and minimise environmental impact, the industry has focused on manufacturing lighter caps, using less plastic, and consequently reducing energy consumption during production. This trend not only represents significant material savings for companies but also contributes to sustainability by lowering the amount of plastic waste generated.
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