Refresco leverages Sidel laser tech for rPET optimization

GERMANY – Global beverage solutions provider Refresco has deepened its technology partnership with Sidel, deploying the EvoBLOW Laser system for PET bottle blowing at its German operations.

This move, Refresco says is aimed at improving recycled PET (rPET) processing, lightweighting and energy efficiency.

The EvoBLOW Laser technology replaces conventional halogen lamp ovens with laser-powered heating to prepare PET preforms before stretch-blow moulding.

Unlike traditional systems, which distribute heat less precisely, the laser platform enables control of up to 36 individual heating lines per preform, ensuring highly targeted and consistent heat distribution.

After more than a year of operation, Refresco reports that the system has enabled a material reduction of up to 15% in its 1.5-litre PET bottles, while maintaining required mechanical strength and quality standards.

The precision heating approach has also improved process stability, particularly when working with high percentages of recycled content.

The system has been tested with bottles containing up to 100% rPET, as well as standard production recipes incorporating 50% and 70% recycled content.

As beverage brands across Europe push toward higher recycled content targets under tightening regulatory frameworks, improved process reliability remains critical.

“Every day, I manage many changes of preform or material,” said Daniel Debruijn, PET expert at Refresco.

“With the traditional halogen oven, we often have to adjust the process multiple times. With the laser, you reload a new recipe, start the blower, and the bottle is right the first time. The stability and simplicity of process settings make unplanned stops stress-free for the operators.”

He added that eliminating warm-up and cool-down time allows the system to remain production-ready, increasing uptime and overall productivity.

Sidel noted that the laser heating method also contributes to lower energy consumption during bottle manufacturing, supporting both cost reduction and decarbonization goals.

The two companies collaborated closely during the industrial trial phase, with Refresco providing a live production environment to validate the technology at scale.

Marina De Barros, EVP Customer Management for Europe and Central Asia at Sidel, said the partnership reflects a long-standing relationship built on joint innovation and market insight.

The development aligns with broader industry investments in advanced PET technologies.

Earlier this week, Britannia Industries announced the installation of its first aseptic PET packaging line for dairy products using Sidel equipment, underscoring growing demand for high-performance, recyclable PET solutions across beverage and dairy segments.

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