Bolstering brewing with new blow moulding machinery

In Moldova, brewing company Beermaster has collaborated with PET Technologies to install its APF-Max series blow moulding machine for sustainably packaging its beer and other beverages.

The brewery previously used two semi-automatic machines equipped with seven blow moulds which caused frequent production halts. The time-consuming mould changes and the inconsistent operation of the older equipment were creating bottlenecks. As a result, the bottling line was unable to achieve its goal capacity of 4000 bottles/h — this led to delays in meeting the demand for its beers and beverages.

PET Technologies helped Beermaster achieve its goals by introducing the APF-Max 4 L blow moulder. This machine is capable of producing PET bottles ranging from 0.2–3.0 L, with an output of 7000 bottles/h. With 500 mL bottles, the output is higher at around 8000 bottles/h.

The blow moulding machine has allowed for quick bottle format changes — taking as little as 20 min to switch moulds. This was particularly advantageous for the brewery, which now produces five different bottle sizes on the new system, including a popular 3 L format, thanks to the machine’s capability to handle larger volumes, up to 3 L.

The machine is designed to reduce energy consumption and features an NIR heating system, aligning with the brewery’s commitment to sustainable production practices. The robust construction of the machine accommodates heavy preforms, which are crucial for maintaining the integrity of the bottle design, resembling a traditional beer keg, after filling.

An essential aspect of this partnership was the company’s ability to tailor the bottle designs to incorporate the brewery’s branding, embedding its logo distinctly on each bottle. The brewery said that this customisation has not only strengthened brand recognition but also enhanced the visual appeal of the products.

Image caption: PET Technologies’ APF-Max series blow moulding machine. Image credit: PET Technologies.