In the spring of 2007, Coca-Cola Icecek purchased a used SBO 6 Series1 and asked Sidel to perform a diagnostic visit. The company wanted to evaluate the machine’s condition to see how much work would be needed to achieve an ambitious goal. Coca-Cola Icecek wanted to overhaul the machine, which had been out of service for three years, and modify it to produce returnable and reusable 98g PET bottles!

In July, Selim Mizrahi, Engineering Services Manager, awarded the project to Sidel. Specifications were very precise, calling for 1.5 L bottles that could be cleaned and reused many times. Their weight had to be shaved by about ten grams compared to a traditional refill bottle (108 g) while maintaining their ability to withstand cleaning agents. That requirement would result in stretching stress and would require major process adjustments. Lastly, the bottles would feature the famous Coca-Cola glass bottle shape.

The stakes were high for both partners. Coca-Cola Icecek wanted to offer a bottle that would be environmentally friendly due to lighter weight and reusability and wanted to lower production costs. For Sidel, the project was more than an engineering challenge; it fit squarely into the Group’s sustainable development framework.

The companies embarked on a lengthy project, each partner fully aware of the formidable challenge. From the time of the project offer through completion, Ludovic Dussaux, Sidel Customer Service Manager, coordinated the efforts of the Process Department, Options & Upgrades Department, and field service engineers on site. Some problems arose during the overhaul, due in part to the fact that the machine had been out of operation for so long. But Selim Mizrahi and his teams supplied valuable assistance and cooperation to Ludovic Dussaux during the process to contribute to the joint project’s resounding success.

By mid-January 2008, the production line was up and running at full yield and the SBO 6 Series 1 is now blow molding refill bottles weighing 98 grams. Since then, Coca-Cola Icecek has awarded another bottle lightweighting project to Sidel for its other blow molding machines.