Representatives from Nestlé Waters joined Sidel, the leading global provider of PET solutions, to see many of the latest developments from Sidel as part of celebrations to mark 50 years of collaboration between the two companies.

The latest developments included the first Sidel Matrix Combi Hotfill, a Predis dry preform decontamination system and two blowers that are soon to be supplied for operation at Nestlé Waters’ sites.

The developments also included the first Sidel Matrix Lab blower which will produce bottles for Vittel, a still natural mineral water which originates from the Vosges region in the east of France, and a Sidel Matrix Combi that will be used in the bottling of the naturally carbonated iconic Perrier brand.

Both are among the many brands to benefit from the close partnership between Sidel and Nestlé Waters.

Vittel was first commercialised in plastic bottles in the 1960s when Sidel supplied the extrusion blow moulders.  Since then Sidel has been involved at every stage of the brand’s development. Sidel has also worked with Perrier to validate the design of their first ever PET bottle, providing a range of equipment which continues to be used for a brand that is widely exported all around the world.

Another partner to benefit from Sidel products is Erikli in Turkey. Part of Nestle Waters Turkey and a subsidiary of Nestle Waters, the world’s leading bottled water company, Erikli decided to invest in order to respond to the growing consumer demand, and the evolving lifestyles.

Erikli ordered a complete line from Sidel equipped with a Combi that integrated blow moulding, filling and capping functions. With the installation, performance records were set: five weeks to produce the first marketable bottles at a rate of 61,200 bph (then a record in Europe and Asia) and one month to exceed 92 per cent line capacity.

Much of the success of the relationship is attributed to a partnership approach rather than operating on a simple customer-supplier basis, said David Findlay, Nestlé Waters executive SVP Operations.

“This long standing relationship has helped us to perform and better compete in our business. I have every confidence we have built a great platform to be even more successful in the future,” he added.

Clive Smith, VP GMEA Zone at Sidel said: “This year marks 50 years of partnership, collaboration and numerous successes in the field of bottled water.  For half a century, teams at Nestlé Waters and Sidel have worked together to support the development of the international brand portfolio of Nestlé Waters and ensure operational excellence. And we intend to continue.”

The CEOs of both companies, Mart Tiismann (Sidel) and Marco Settembri (Nestlé Waters), have expressed their ongoing commitment to a partnership with a history built on common goals and many common beliefs.

This has been captured in a commemorative book produced to celebrate the 50 year milestone which highlights many of the key projects and developments, as well as points to future opportunities. – TradeArabia News Service