Sidel has presented Evofill PET, a new solution for filling water and still beverages into PET bottles. According to the manufacturer, it is the fastest filling machine ever developed by Sidel, combining an advanced approach to fluid dynamics engineering with a next-generation filling valve. The solution is intended to address the needs of plants seeking higher output within limited floor space, while maintaining product quality and line flexibility. Sidel also points to growing pressure on beverage producers to increase production while maintaining high hygiene standards and sustainability requirements, making filling technology a key differentiator on the production line.
The release also highlights market changes in the bottled water segment. While still and sparkling bottled water remain the most popular categories, the growing popularity of functional and flavoured waters is said to be reshaping the market, improving profitability and supporting brand innovation. Sidel cites a forecast according to which, in 2024–2028, this segment will grow at a CAGR of 3.7%, driven by rising health awareness, lifestyle changes and increasing incomes.
Evofill PET was designed for filling still beverages into PET bottles, with a focus on high operating speed, optimised product flow and a more compact and ergonomic machine design. The manufacturer states that the solution is intended to support throughput increases without compromising quality and while retaining the required production flexibility.
Performance and the new filling valve
Sidel indicates that the core of Evofill PET is a completely redesigned filling valve. Its design was developed based on research in fluid dynamics in order to optimise product flow during filling. According to the manufacturer, this enables an increase in filling speed of up to 20%, and the machine’s maximum output is said to reach 90,000 bottles per hour, while requiring less floor space.
Hygiene, cleaning and downtime
The solution description emphasises hygiene as a priority in the machine design. In addition to the hygienic design of the filling valve, cleaning procedures have been implemented to reduce downtime as well as water and chemical consumption.
The filling valve is equipped with a volumetric flow meter and is designed to operate in a non-contact filling mode. The manufacturer states that this eliminates the need to change parts when switching fill levels, simplifies operation and improves overall line hygiene. This is intended to support beverage quality across a wide range of still products.
Measures cited as contributing to more efficient cleaning include automatic CIP dummy cups, shorter internal and external cleaning cycles, reduced heat losses, and a reduced number of components and surfaces requiring cleaning.
Design and ergonomics
Evofill PET features a base-less design, which Sidel says reduces the footprint by up to 15% compared with previous models. This configuration is intended to simplify line integration and enable better use of space in the filling hall.
The material also points to improved access to key areas, including the external cap hopper and HEPA filters located on the machine roof. This is intended to improve ergonomics and facilitate maintenance activities, providing safer and more efficient working conditions for line operators and maintenance teams.
Configuration variants and flexibility
The machine is available in several variants, including stand-alone, Combi and Super Combi solutions. According to the manufacturer, this is intended to enable configuration selection to match current plant requirements while maintaining readiness for future changes in product range and production volumes.
"Sidel’s new Evofill PET filler has been designed to help customers increase efficiency while simplifying operations and maintaining the highest standards of beverage protection, delivering performance without compromise," explains Tommaso Tegoni, product manager for filling at Sidel.
"With fast and easy automatic changeovers, extended lifetime of key components and optimised total cost of ownership, the Evofill PET has been designed for long-term value and high performance."
