ZIMBABWE – Schweppes Zimbabwe Limited (SZL) has made a significant leap towards sustainable manufacturing with the installation of a state-of-the-art non-returnable PET line by KHS.
This advanced system has tripled production capacity, drastically reduced costs, and enhanced resource efficiency, aligning with the company’s sustainability goals.
The new PET line, located in Harare’s Willowvale industrial area, features cutting-edge technology, including the compact InnoPET BloFill stretch blow molder/filler block capable of producing up to 36,000 containers per hour, the efficient Innoket Neo labeler, the Innopack PSP Advanced shrink packer, and the versatile Innopal PB N palletizer. Continuous monitoring ensures only top-quality products leave the plant.
According to Ropafadzo Gwanetsa, Corporate Affairs Executive at SZL, the decision to partner with KHS was driven by its reputation for providing reliable, efficient systems.
“KHS is a trusted supplier for our parent company, The Coca-Cola Company, and their extensive technical support has been invaluable,” she said.
Unmatched production efficiency and flexibility
Since the installation, production capacity has surged by 300%, compelling SZL to consider expanding its warehouse.
The new line processes various packaging formats, from 400ml to 2 liters, with quick format changeovers offering a competitive edge. Automation has minimized operator intervention, boosting efficiency.
The benefits extend to cost reduction, with overall expenses slashed by 80%, partly due to a 10% drop in personnel needs. Energy consumption has decreased by 30%, alongside reduced water usage, CO2 emissions, and labeling costs.
These improvements reflect SZL’s ambitious sustainability strategy, which aims for climate neutrality.
SZL is also saving resources through lightweighting, producing PET containers using 10–15% less raw material.
The durable design of KHS machines ensures a long service life, with the new PET line projected to operate for 20 years. Bradley Naicker, KHS Sales Manager for South Africa, highlighted the project’s unique challenge: adapting the machinery to fit a confined space.
The line was installed in an L-shaped configuration, achieving full operation within six weeks.
KHS tailored the robot palletizer to accommodate SZL’s unique bottle and pallet requirements, delivering optimal results. Gwanetsa praised the holistic support provided, from on-site training to remote diagnostics via the KHS ReDiS system.
Reflecting on the collaboration, Naicker stated, “We’ve surpassed expectations in capacity, economy, and resource use. SZL now produces beverages of higher quality, at lower costs, and with a smaller carbon footprint.”
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