SHERIDAN, WYOMING – October 16, 2024 – In response to the growing ecological concerns and stringent environmental regulations, Sidel, a leading global provider of packaging solutions, has introduced its Eco-Audit service. This comprehensive approach aims to assist manufacturers in maximizing their environmental performance by optimizing PET container production processes. The service will soon be extended to other equipment in Sidel's portfolio.
"The production process for PET containers is complex. Many factors come into play: the quantity of material and the design of the preform, heating and blowing technologies, and the technical configuration and operation of the machine, from production to maintenance. What's more, these factors vary greatly from one manufacturer to the next, depending in particular on their economic and strategic choices, their mastery of the blowing process, their knowledge of the latest technological innovations, and the compatibility of these innovations with each machine model".
This in-depth understanding of the challenges led Sidel to develop the Eco-Audit. "Sidel is a pioneer in the development of stretch blow moulding technology, and in over 40 years of designing blow-moulding machines, we have developed proven expertise in all aspects of PET container production. So it was only natural that Sidel developed the Eco-Audit to help owners of Sidel blow-moulding machines better control and reduce their machines' consumption".
A Multi-Phase Approach
The Eco-Audit service is divided into three phases:
- Eco-Assessment: An in-depth audit of the production process and associated consumption, from preform characteristics to machine configuration and operating parameters. A detailed report is provided to the client, outlining actual consumption, its ecological and economic impact, and potential reduction avenues.
- Eco-Value: Implementation of adjustments for quick savings in materials and energy, including recipe management, machine settings, air usage, and leak detection.
- Eco-Partner: Based on the Eco-Assessment and Eco-Value findings, this phase supports clients in transforming their production facilities for fundamental energy performance improvement. This may involve installing custom parts, optimizing container design, and reducing material usage. The Eco-Partner phase concludes with another audit and a quantified report on achieved and forecasted savings.
Significant and Rapid Gains
"It's hard to quantify because every industrial case is different. That's why our intervention always begins with a detailed audit under real conditions: it enables us to evaluate precisely and factually the savings we can generate for the client. And this is precisely what enables us to deliver the results we announce when we work on our clients' lines to implement our recommendations. Nevertheless, I can mention the results of two test audits we carried out with clients: in one case, we achieved annual reductions in carbon footprint of 7 tonnes of CO2 equivalent for over 80,000 Euro in savings, and in the second case, no less than 157 tonnes and over 180,000 Euro! And in both cases, the return on investment was barely a few months".
Expanding the Eco-Audit Offer
Sidel plans to expand the Eco-Audit service to other equipment in its portfolio, starting with bottle washers and pasteurizers. "Our long-term ambition is to enable our clients to have the most cost-effective production possible throughout their packaging line".