In Bruchsal, Germany, Refresco is making history with Sidel’s latest breakthrough technology – the EvoBLOW Laser. Now in operation at Refresco for over one year, this industrially proven innovation is redefining PET bottle lightweighting while bringing unprecedented efficiency to packaging line operations.
A new standard at Refresco
When Refresco sought to lightweight their 1.5L PET bottle while maintaining consistent, top-quality performance, the unique new innovation for the task was Sidel’s EvoBLOW Laser. Unlike traditional halogen-powered preform heating, this laser-powered solution enables precise, pinpoint preform heating, with full control and up to 36 heating lines along the preform.
The breakthrough precision of this laser-based technology enables a result that is not possible with today’s halogen solutions. Gabriele Luna, Head of Indirect Procurement, shares “We’ve been able to lightweight the bottles while keeping them robust and strong. For us, the real value is the level of control and stability this technology brings to everyday production.
“Innovations like this support Refresco’s broader ambition to continuously reduce material use, increase recycled content and improve operational efficiency across our European footprint. What’s important for us is that new technologies are scalable, industrially robust and ready for high‑volume operations – that’s where they start to make a difference.”
Lightweighting, stability, ease
Lightweighting without sacrificing bottle performance is a significant advantage of the EvoBLOW Laser, and Refresco was able to reduce its material use by up to 15% without compromise.
The technology also brings a new level of efficiency and way of working. It offers improved line operations, ease and efficiency, especially when working with recycled PET (rPET) – a significant leap forward for sustainability.
EvoBLOW Laser has been tested at Refresco with up to 100% rPET and produces bottles with 50% and 70% rPET with the same blowing recipe. It also saves energy during production.
Daniel Debruijn, PET Expert at Refresco shares: “Every day, I manage many changes of preform or material. With the traditional halogen oven, we often have to adjust the process multiple times. With the laser, you reload a new recipe, start the blower, and the bottle is right the first time.”
The stability and simplicity of process settings make unplanned stops stress-free for the operators. By eliminating warm up and cool down time, this stable technology is always ready, increasing productivity.
Innovation partnership
A strong partnership between Refresco and Sidel made this breakthrough possible. As a leading beverage solutions provider for retailers and Global, National and Emerging (GNE) brands, Refresco offered a highly dynamic, demanding testing environment and worked closely with Sidel to turn this innovation into a reality for the industry.
Coert Michielsen, Chief Supply Chain Officer at Refresco, shares: “We’re very happy with the relationship we have with Sidel. They keep us sharp and challenge us constructively and they are available across more than 45 of our plants worldwide.”
Marina De Barros, EVP Customer Management Europe & Central Asia, shares: “Trust is something Sidel and Refresco have built over time, across several innovations and shared projects. We are working side by side with Refresco, sharing and exchanging on market trends and business challenges. This guides us to continuously adapt and develop the technologies of the future.”
By combining Refresco’s operational expertise and scale with Sidel’s technological development, this partnership demonstrates how innovation can move from concept to reliable industrial performance.
Find out more about EvoBLOW Laser and how you can access this kind of support for your business on the Sidel website.
