Sidel SABMiller India Bottle

SABMiller launches PET bottles as part of its sustainable development agenda

SABMiller, one of India’s premier beer manufacturers, launches the first-ever PET bottling line on the Indian subcontinent

Programme of 'sustainable packaging'

With ten breweries across nine Indian states, SABMiller plc is now using the first-ever line of PET bottles on the Indian subcontinent and in the South East and Pacific region.  The new line is part of the company's global 'sustainable packaging' strategy and part of its wider sustainable development agenda. "SABMiller has a well developed programme which covers ten priorities ranging from HIV AIDS to water and energy usage reduction," explains Martin Lehmacher, SABMiller India Technical Director.

 

Sidel SABMiller India WomanRapid growth and fast-emerging markets

SABMiller is one of the largest brewers, with brewing interests and distribution agreements across six continents.  Its history is one of exceptional growth: over the past 21 years it has grown rapidly from its original South African base into a global operation with a wide portfolio of brands,  such as Pilsner Urquell, Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Miller Genuine Draft and Grolsch. SABMiller is also one of the largest bottlers of Coca-Cola products in the world  with a wide range of markets, including China and India. 

 

Highlights

  • First-ever PET bottling line on Indian subcontinent, SE Asia and Pacific region
  • Flash pasteurisation
  • Bottle dryers and warmers
  • Carton packing equipment
  • Preform dumper

 

Sidel SABMiller India ManOvercoming a market dominated by returnable glass bottles

SABMiller has experience of bottling beer in PET  in Eastern Europe and invested in the Sidel technology along with flash pasteurisation, bottle dryers and warmers, carton packing equipment and preform dumper to combat any problems.  It can be difficult to find the right grade of plastic that can hold the beer without destabilising problems. However, the overall volume cost of bottling in PET is lower. SABMiller is currently launching its Haywards 24145, Knockout and Foster's beer brands in 1 litre PET bottles in Maharashtra with plans to expand throughout the country.  The beer market in India is dominated by returnable glass bottles but Sidel's non-returnable PET packaging gives SABMiller flexibility in addressing the bottle shortages during peak periods.
 

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