Sidel has launched its StarLite-R Still solution, a new bottle base for still products that uses the company's patented technology to ensure 100% recycled PET (rPET) integration.
Sidel's technology offers lightweighting and high-speed production for water, juices, milk and edible oil from 0.25 litres up to 2.5 litres.
While balancing the production speed, type of material and bottle weight could be a very challenging issue for manufacturers, Sidel said its StarLite-R Still solution counters these through accurate bottle base shaping and efficient material distribution.
The innovative design also allows for seamless retro-fitting onto existing production lines, so it's very versatile. It requires a low blowing pressure, which is very good for sustainability.
The bottle base is designed with Sidel's patented technology, which consists of smooth material stretching and precise distribution, optimized venting for easy shaping and an efficient base cooling circuit ideal for rPET, which will likely be processed at higher temperatures.
The new design was created to prevent the base from deforming or breaking, which is essential for maintaining integrity during production, conveying, storage, transportation, and use.
The rounded edge of this moulded base better allows for shaping during blow moulding, and hence increases its resistance to defects in products, especially bursts during the blowing process. As a consequence, lightweight bottles are more susceptible to such issues because they are thinner.
According to Sidel, structural design aims for functionality and stability in high temperatures and efficient cooling ensures the reliable performance of the bottle base even in high-speed production.
The company claims that the production of bottles also can use up to 20% less blowing pressure because of improved mould venting of the solution's mould base. Air is released very efficiently through the grooves and venting holes in the mould, and it will take its desired shape as a bottle base even at low pressures. Energy consumption and costs of production will be reduced, and quality maintained.
The solution can be used with transparent or white PET and supports single-serve production rates of up to 2,700 bottles per hour per machine, and multi-serve rates of up to 2,400 bottles per hour per machine.
CMI Research: Key Eco Friendly Water Bottle Industry Insights
According to Coherent Market Insights (CMI), the eco-friendly water bottle industry is expected to grow with 9.9% CAGR during the period from 2023 to 2030, driven by growing health and environmental awareness. The market was valued over US$ 7.91 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach US$ 15.32 billion by 2030.
Analyst Opinion: Strategic Role in Eco Friendly Water Bottle Industry Growth
The water bottle industry, with an eco-friendly tag, has a strong potential for the next five years, says senior management consultant Yash Doshi as health consciousness and environmental focus are on the rise.
Conclusion: Business Takeaways
The StarLite-R Still rPET bottle base unveiled by Sidel is a significant step forward in sustainable packaging. With the addition of recycled PET, it improves eco-friendliness without sacrificing strength and performance. For businesses in the eco-friendly water bottle industry, embracing such innovations can help reduce environmental impact, attract eco-conscious consumers, and be in line with growing sustainability trends, making brands leaders in the green revolution and driving long-term value.
