Sidel unveils innovative bottle washer to cut water usage and CO2 emissions

FRANCE – Sidel has introduced its latest innovation, the Hydra Ultrasonic bottle washer, which combines chemical and ultrasound technology to minimize water consumption, CO2 emissions, and steam usage in beverage production.

The solution aligns with increasing global demands for sustainable packaging, driven by regulatory reuse targets and heightened environmental awareness.

By promoting the use of returnable glass and PET bottles, the Hydra Ultrasonic aims to reduce reliance on primary raw materials while maintaining product safety and quality, says the company.

The Hydra Ultrasonic optimizes bottle washing by reducing temperature and washing time while improving performance.

Its ultrasound technology effectively cleans bottles’ and carrier beams’ interior and exterior surfaces, even removing stubborn caustic-resistant dirt.

This results in a 15% production increase and lower rejection rates with washing temperatures at 75°C.

Sidel reports that the machine achieves a 20% reduction in steam consumption and a 15% reduction in water usage.

Additionally, it enables 100% electrification through a heat pump, replacing traditional steam with hot water, significantly cutting CO2 emissions.

Designed with beverage bottlers in mind, the Hydra Ultrasonic reduces operational costs by requiring fewer components such as motors and chains and decreases plant heating by up to 50%.

The machine also occupies 20% less floor space than traditional bottle washers, offering significant savings in total cost of ownership (TCO).

Sidel will showcase the Hydra Ultrasonic at BrauBeviale 2024 in Nuremberg, Germany, from November 26 to 28, at Hall 7A, Booth 223.

Expanding global sustainability efforts

In addition to its bottle-washing innovation, Sidel recently partnered with Twellium Industrial Company to establish a PET packaging facility in Kumasi, Ghana.

The facility features Africa’s fastest PET water line, capable of producing 80,000 bottles per hour. It uses Sidel’s Combi solution, a compact system that integrates blow molding, filling, and capping.

Meanwhile, KHS, another packaging technology leader, announced its support for Mattoni 1873 in the Czech Republic.

This enables the brand to fill mineral water into beverage cans made with 70% recycled aluminum—a first for the region.

Sidel’s Hydra Ultrasonic and ongoing collaborations underline its commitment to providing innovative, sustainable solutions for beverage bottlers worldwide.

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