Successful field test at PepsiCo in Rodgau
To counter that, the label manufacturer CCL has developed a new product: EcoFloat sleeves. These consist of polyolefin and therefore possess a lower density than the PET that bottles are made of. This allows the sleeve labels to be separated from the bottles in recycling systems, using the sink-float method.
In a field test conducted on a high-speed Pepsi-Co line in Rodgau, a sleeving machine from Krones has now successfully dressed 0.5- and 1.5-litre Lipton Iced Tea bottles in these recyclable EcoFloat polyolefin sleeve labels, which are applied using the following kit:
- a Sleevematic TS sleeve labeller with a Multireel S magazine for the sleeve reels,
- a Shrinkmat steam tunnel,
- two Linadry container dryers, one installed upstream of the labeller and the other one downstream of the steam tunnel.
In order to maximise both machine availability and efficiency with the EcoFloat sleeves, the Sleevematic TS has been equipped with special add-on components suitable for processing polyolefin, like specifically adapted rollers and cutting tools. It took just one day to install them, with the machine then immediately reaching top speed and maximum efficiency.
The shrink-fit quality obtained with the EcoFloat sleeves is at a high level, similar to that achieved with standard PETG sleeve labels. So the Sleevematic TS is able to process polyolefin sleeves with only minimal adjustments to its design, making it a sound investment for the future which guarantees the highest possible level of sustainability.
To quote PepsiCo’s Ronny Liere from Manufacturing Operating Support: “At PepsiCo, we were thrilled to see the intensive collaboration between all parties involved and are delighted about the immediate success it brought to our existing Krones line. All we needed was a small add-on kit, with only minimal line downtime for its installation. Lipton Packaging R&D and our commercial team worked closely together to complete the test runs. We’re very satisfied with the result and see this project as an excellent example of the efforts undertaken by PepsiCo and the beverage industry in general to create a sustainable future, as represented by the two leading brands Krones and CCL.”
The Krones Group, headquartered in Neutraubling, Germany, plans, develops and manufactures machines and complete lines for the fields of process, filling and packaging technology. And Krones also offers a fit-for-purpose solution for bottle-to-bottle recycling of PET containers. The product portfolio subsumed in the House of Krones is rounded off by numerous products and services from Krones’ subsidiaries, themed around digitalisation, for example, digital container decoration, intralogistics and in-house valve production. Every day, millions of bottles, cans, and special-shaped containers are handled on lines from Krones, particularly in breweries, the soft-drinks sector and at producers of still or sparkling wines, and spirits, but also in the food and luxury-goods industries, plus the chemical, cosmetics and pharmaceutical sectors. Worldwide, Krones employs around 17,200 people. Consolidated sales in 2022 totalled 4.209 billion euros. Around 90 per cent of its products are sold abroad. The group includes not only Krones AG (listed on the stock exchange), but also more than 100 subsidiaries and further sales and service companies worldwide.
Krones AG
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93073 Neutraubling
Telefon: +49 (9401) 700
Telefax: +49 (9401) 703323
http://www.krones.com
Press Relations
Telefon: +49 (9401) 70-5924
E-Mail: peter.moertl@krones.com
