Attached caps and the implementation of a lighter neck contribute to a 1g weight reduction on each bottle. Sidel collaborated with CCEP on this project, which presented technical challenges in terms of selecting the right preforms and caps, as well as configuring equipment to transition all existing PET packaging lines in Europe.
During the planning phase, pilot tests for the new product were conducted on two different lines, including one Sidel line in Barcelona. This line was modified to accommodate both tethered capping and the new, lighter neck. Sidel states that these tests allowed them to closely collaborate with CCEP to assess the new specifications and equipment configuration, ensuring optimal efficiency on the line. These tests also validated the quality requirements of the new necks and allowed CCEP to conduct a small-scale market evaluation to gauge consumer acceptance.
The final conversion of the lines is expected to be completed by the end of the first quarter of 2024.
Geert Marse, the technical packaging lead at CCEP, emphasized the importance of the combined project management between CCEP and Sidel. He highlighted that anticipation, planning, and collaboration among stakeholders played a crucial role in preparing the lines. The first sellable bottles were released on the Great Britain market in May 2022, as scheduled. The pilot tests in Barcelona helped identify and address any potential issues.
“The majority of the converted lines achieved the line efficiency objective. We are fully satisfied with the preparation process, including the assessment of line status, the pilot line tests, and the excellent collaboration that led to the success of this project,” Marse stated.
