More and more companies in the beverage sector are investing in the progressive lightweighting of PET preforms in order to reduce the weight of the final bottle. Reducing the weight of preforms means using fewer raw materials, decreasing the environmental impact and CO2 emissions during production and logistic.
This process not only makes the supply chain more sustainable, but also allows for significant cost savings, improving efficiency without compromising the quality and safety of the final product.
In this article, we will explore the needs of Nera Kritis S.A., the solution proposed by SIPA, the path taken and the results achieved.
Who is Nera Kritis S.A.
Nera Kritis S.A. is a Greek bottling company that owns a natural water source in the White Mountains of Crete. Founded as a family business, the company combines two crucial elements: high-quality fresh water and 30 years of technical experience in PET packaging and bottling materials.
At its plant in Crete, which is over 8,000 m³, it has 3 fully automated production lines, equipped with the latest technologies.
The initial needs of the company
The main goal of Nera Kritis has always been to create innovative and unique products that satisfy consumers and create new proposals on the market. Added to these is a progressive respect for the environment.
This has led the company to the desire to lighten PET packaging as much as possible.
From this assumption, the identification of SIPA as a strategic partner was born, with the ambitious goal of introducing the lightest preforms on the market in Greece, promoting sustainable production and supporting eco-friendly innovation.
SIPA's solution for Nera Kritis
SIPA proposed an innovative solution for Nera Kritis.
In 2023, the Greek company started producing preforms with the XFORM GEN4 system with a 72-cavity injection mold by SIPA. This technology allows to produce preforms with a 26 mm Hexalite neck (never before adopted in Greece) with weights of 9 gr/10.5 gr/22 gr, setting new standards of lightness.
XFORM GEN4 is the ideal machine to satisfy the most demanding applications ensuring maximum preform quality.
This also means:
- extremely fast cycles,
- extreme energy efficiency,
- the lowest maintenance costs in the industry
- full flexibility in using existing molds.
XFORM GEN4 is also absolutely easy to use: operators can benefit from a totally innovative 21.5" HMI, with process set-up auto-setup and troubleshooting tutorials.
READ ALSO: "Latest generation of PET preform injection molding machine: XFORM"
Results achieved
This technological choice has allowed Nera Kritis to maintain its commitment to environmental sustainability, offering a more eco-friendly packaging for water while ensuring excellent quality.
The collaboration with SIPA represents a turning point for the Greek market, building an example of a packaging solution that can fully meet both business and consumer needs.
Nera Kritis establishes itself as a pioneer of change, committing to a more sustainable future in the beverage packaging industry, in collaboration with SIPA.
