Aseptic PET line for Coca-Cola products in Sicily utilises new stretch-wrap system

A new aseptic installation at Sibeg, official Sicilian partner to the Coca-Cola Company, is able to fill up to 18,000 bottles per hour (bph), says Sidel, and is central to its zero-emissions ambition.

The new line at the Catania site has allowed the company to bring in-house the production of sensitive products which were previously handled externally through contract manufacture.

Sibeg’s new line features Sidel’s Aseptic Combi Predis, EvoFilm Stretch and PalKombi machines, digitally integrated to deliver substantial water, energy, chemicals, and plastics savings, says the equipment supplier.

Its 100% recycled PET (rPET) production capability allows Sibeg to further reduce environmental impact, Sidel adds.

Sibeg chief executive Luca Busi points out that the two companies share a long-standing partnership, with Sidel having previously supplied another complete soft drinks line.

“This move reflects our strategic effort to both expand our product portfolio and enhance flexibility in meeting customer demands, while also cutting down on pollution from truck transport from Northern Italy,” he adds, with reference to the new installation. “The complete aseptic PET line will enable us to diversify into energy drinks and tea production.”

Unlike traditional shrink-wrapping, the EvoFilm Stretch system works at ambient temperatures, eliminating the need for energy-heavy shrink tunnels. This cuts plastics use by up to 60%, says Sidel, and reduces energy consumption by as much as 90%, helping Sibeg to save costs while reaching sustainability goals.

The Aseptic Combi Predis integrates preform sterilisation, blow moulding, filling and capping into a single process. This contributes to product integrity and extended shelf-life for sensitive beverages. The system utilises dry preform decontamination using a hydrogen peroxide mist, dramatically reducing water and chemicals usage.

Sibeg is said to be targeting zero Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2030, and full carbon neutrality by 2032, aligning all investments with this long-term sustainability vision.

With around 400 employees and eight production lines, Sibeg handles the production, bottling, distribution and development of products for Coca-Cola and Monster Energy, as well as local brands.

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www.sidel.com