The new aseptically configured line will handle fruit juices, teas, and milk-based products. The project has been divided into two stages. Initially the line will be based on a linear filler with an output of 6,000 bph for 1.5 l bottles. Then in spring 2004 a rotary filler will be installed with a rated output of 24,000 bph for 1.5 l bottles.
The containers are made of PET, with 38 mm plastic screw tops and 38 mm flat and sport caps. Six bottle sizes can be handled: 1.5-litres, 1-litre, 75cl, 50cl, 33cl and 20cl. The bundle is heat shrink-wrapped with plastic only. Spumador believes that the new flexible system will enable the company to expand its customer base.
"In addition to being well-known producers of mineral water and soft drinks with our own brands - S. Antonio, S. Francesco, S. Andrea and Spumador - we are also committed to both industrial production and private labels of big names in supermarket chains in Italy," said Tullio Tiozzo, director of plant and suppliers at Spumador.
"We guarantee them a product with a long shelf life, constant quality, service, and all the flexibility of PET in terms of marketing. This means customising the product with specially designed molds and sophisticated labels creating a striking presence on the shelf, which helps build up customer loyalty and sales. But, most importantly, we create products with high added value from the organoleptic point of view, characterised by the health and naturalist features that only the aseptic process can guarantee at present."
The aseptic line in the Sant'Andrea Bagni facility features a Blomax 16 Series III blow-moulder, with compressor, cooling tower and refrigeration unit. The Simonazzi Aseptica L-DSP aseptic filling line also comes with with dry sterilization and free-standing PK 6T capper level control. In spring 2004 the line will be enhanced with a Simonazzi Aseptica R rotary filler.