Danone is committed to staying competitive in the bottled water market by adopting innovative technologies. By the end of 2023, the company will have completed installation of five ErgoBloc L wet-end blocks across different plant locations in France and Spain. The move is part of a European strategic partnership between Danone and Krones, aimed at upgrading water production technology throughout the company in Europe.
According to Bruno Perrier, engineering manager at Volvic, the Krones ErgoBloc L was the most sustainable solution for Danone’s future challenges in terms of energy and space savings, bottle lightening, and the use of recycled materials. Four of the five wet-end blocks will go to France, while the remaining one will be installed in Spain. The first ErgoBloc L is already in operation in Volvic, France, and the second one is expected to go online in spring 2023.
Volvic chose the Krones wet-end block because it provides high-speed labeling possibilities. The combination of the Contiform 3 Speed blow moulder, the Modulfill VFJ filler, and the Ergomodul labeller ensures high-speed production of labeled bottles. This is particularly important for Volvic as their bottle labels are square-shaped and not cylindrical, which presents a challenge for proper labeling.
Overall, Danone’s investment in the ErgoBloc L and partnership with Krones is a turning point for the company in Europe. The sustainable solution will enable the company to remain competitive while paving the way for improved technologies in water production.
