Two Sidel Matrix Combis in Sanpellegrino plant to help increase production capacity

Sidel has supplied two Sidel Matrix Combis to the Sanpellegrino plant in Ruspino, Italy, to help increase production capacity of its famous sparkling mineral water. Sidel Matrix is the most powerful solution to date in terms of performance, flexibility, cost savings and sustainability.

A premium 'niche' product exported to countries around the world

Over the past few years, the global market in bottled water has grown significantly primarily due to the increasing worldwide demand for premium, healthier drinks. The market is forecast to expand at a 6.6% CAGR (compound annual growth rate) over the period 2016 to 2024, rising from a total value of nearly US$170 billions to over US$307 billions at the end of 2024. Of the different categories of bottled water available - including still, flavoured, carbonated and functional - the segment of still bottled water is dominant and anticipated to remain so throughout the forecast period. Carbonated bottled water is presently the second leading segment of the market and is also expected to grow at a fast pace.

The increased need for production at the Sanpellegrino facility in Ruspino is linked to this growing global demand for both sparkling water and premium products. Promoted as the ‘finest sparkling natural mineral water’ and chosen by top chefs and diners all around the world, S.Pellegrino mineral water - part of Nestlé Waters’ brands - is well renowned as a fine dining water on tables worldwide, both in elegant restaurants and at home. It flows from natural springs in Val Brembana in the San Pellegrino Terme area, at the foothills of the Italian Alps. After an estimated 30-year journey inside the earth that mineralises the water through contact with underground rocks, S.Pellegrino mineral water becomes naturally enriched with salts, including the essential calcium and magnesium. A slightly bitter note completes the drinking experience, making it famous and unmistakable throughout the world.

Long standing, successful partnership with Nestlé Waters

Sidel has worked with Nestlé Waters for over 50 years, a relationship which has resulted in many important and significant developments within the beverage industry. Salvatore Sbriglione, Plant Director at Sanpellegrino, explains: “We wanted to increase output rates according to the different bottle formats we produce in Ruspino. The line dedicated to the bigger formats - 750ml, 1000ml and 1250ml – was projected to grow output rates to 36,000 bottles per hour, while the one used to produce the 0.5 litre bottles was intended to increase speed to 54,000 bottles per hour. In awarding the contract to Sidel – to upgrade our existing PET lines and to increase output rates and speed – we clearly considered the longstanding relationship between Nestlé Waters, the group we are part of, and this supplier. However, what convinced us most, were the high hygiene standards offered by their solutions and the fact that we both share the same, absolute focus on product and process quality.”

The blow-fill-cap solution in a safe, integrated system

As Sanpellegrino wanted to increase performance and production capacity, with no compromises on food safety, Sidel Matrix Combi came as the natural choice. Combining blow moulding, filling and capping processes into a single system, this solution reduces operating costs and uses up to 30% less floor space, compared with traditional standalone equipment. By integrating the different equipment types and production phases into a single system, while eliminating conveying, empty bottles handling, accumulation and storage, line efficiency is improved for a lower TCO (total cost of ownership).