Expertise for producing and filling large-sized PET containers

When exactly is a PET container deemed “large-sized”? If you’re looking for a clear dividing line, then the answer is five litres. Containers with this or greater volume are generally considered bulk containers. The water industry is a typical application for them: In many countries, for instance those with high daytime temperatures or insufficient drinking-water quality, large-sized PET containers are available in supermarkets. Elsewhere, they’re commonly seen atop the water cooler in office workplaces and doctors’ practices.

Big customers and companies are the primary target group for large-sized containers: In the food service industry, edible oils and cleaning agents are often purchased in ten- or twelve-litre canisters. But the household products and chemical industry also manufactures large containers for household use, such as windshield wiper fluid for cars.
And if we go even bigger, the beer sector also belongs on the list. Beer in PET? Yes. Because for shipping and logistical reasons, beer used in the food service industry in some countries is filled in plastic kegs with a volume of up to 20 litres.

Kosme is a specialist for large-sized containers

The examples above make it clear that, as with standard containers, the target groups for large-sized containers are just as diverse as are the shapes and sizes of the containers themselves. And since there are many particularities and specifications to be borne in mind, it’s only logical to have experts who specialise in precisely this container category. Within the Krones Group, those experts are the Kosme teams. 

“Teams” in plural because Kosme has two offices: One in Sollenau, Austria, where stretch blow moulders for large-sized containers are developed, and one in Roverbella, Italy, where the matching fillers and block solutions are built. And the machinery portfolio is every bit as diverse as the containers produced on them.

KSB XRG: New rotary machine series for large-sized containers

For years now, Kosme Austria has been developing and manufacturing stretch blow moulders for large-sized containers – typically in a linear configuration, as Gerald Weber of the site’s sales team explains: “We’ve been in the PET business of big containers for a very long time now and we have seen a trend on the market for water bottles in the range of four to five gallons at a production speed which is perfectly in line with our linear-machine portfolio. A second trend is now booming for containers up to eleven litres at production speeds that require rotary blow-moulding technology.“

And now, Kosme is expanding its portfolio, adding another stretch blow moulder model for large-sized containers: The KSB XR was already available for standard containers up to 3.8 litres. The new XRG makes it possible to produce containers with a volume of up to ten litres – on a rotary machine. “In cooperation with Krones, we have developed a new state-of-the-art blowing station featuring a servo-controlled opening-and-closing mechanism for the moulds,” explains Gerald Weber.

3Bloc Linear: Block solution for containers up to 20 litres

This 3Bloc made its debut at the drinktec 2017. And now, five years later, it’s making its second coup: It is now available as an inline machine combination consisting of a KSB Linear stretch blow moulder, a Volufill filler, and a Sensicol Linear label.