At drinktec 2025, scheduled for 15–19 September at the trade fair center in Munich, Sidel will present the EvoBLOW Laser technology, intended to set a new standard in blow molding of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) packaging, including recycled material. The premiere will take place in Hall A6, stand 361. According to the manufacturer, the solution redefines the approach to reducing the weight of PET and rPET bottles and raises expectations for performance, quality, ease of operation, and environmental metrics on blow-molding lines.
For decades, halogen technology has dominated preform heating. In its statement, Sidel points to its limitations and to growing market pressure in the areas of cost, sustainability, and operational flexibility. "For more than 45 years, Sidel has been a leader in blow-molding technology. At drinktec, we will present the world's first industrial solution based on laser technology, a breakthrough in this field. Our pioneering PET blow molder introduced in 1980 revolutionized the packaging industry. Now EvoBLOW Laser will once again change the face of the industry, setting a new standard for line performance and opening new possibilities for lightweighting," says Pietro Cassani, president and CEO of Sidel.
A key element of the solution is precise, linear laser heating of preforms. Comparable halogen systems use eight heating zones, while EvoBLOW Laser uses up to 36 heating lines. This enables accurate control of the thermal profile along the preform and the wall-thickness distribution of the finished container. As a result, weight reduction can be combined with maintaining or improving mechanical performance, including by forming consumer-invisible "reinforcing rings" that replace traditional geometric ribs and expand design freedom. Additionally, the manufacturer highlights the ability to lightweight areas that have been difficult until now, for example just below the bottle neck.
According to Sidel, laser technology is less sensitive to variability in ambient conditions compared with halogen systems and requires only a single process setting for each heating line, i.e., intensity. This is intended to support product repeatability from the first to the last preform, regardless of ambient temperature fluctuations. The oven design also allows a cold start, without waiting for heat-up or cool-down, which reduces downtime and eliminates the need to run in standby to maintain temperature.
Precise heating and material distribution
Using up to 36 heating lines enables shaping the local temperature profile at higher resolution than typical halogen systems. This translates into control over preform stretch and the container wall-thickness distribution throughout its volume. The use of "reinforcing rings"—zones of increased thickness—improves bottle stiffness and resistance while reducing material usage. The solution also supports designing package surfaces without the need for visible geometric reinforcements.
Process stability and product quality
According to Sidel, laser heating is resistant to environmental influences, reducing the need for frequent, complex setpoint adjustments typical of halogen ovens. A single intensity setting per heating line simplifies process configuration and is intended to deliver a constant thermal profile for every preform. The goal is to achieve the desired result from the first piece, without a prolonged ramp-up period.
Performance, flexibility, and operation
Cold start and the oven's readiness to work after a stop-and-restart reduce downtime related to heating and cooling. Real-time speed modulation allows the blow molder to temporarily adapt output to current line conditions. According to the manufacturer, the system also facilitates blowing a wider range of formats and shapes from the same preform, simplifying tooling logistics. Access to the oven without waiting for cool-down improves safety, and the "touch-and-shape" interface enables quick setting changes. The absence of fans and filters, along with the long service life of the laser diodes, reduces maintenance tasks.
Sustainability and pilot deployments
The manufacturer notes that the technology supports increasing the share of rPET thanks to lower process sensitivity to variation in material properties and the ability to adjust parameters instantly. Faster heating and achieving higher preform temperatures support optimal stretching. Compared with halogen solutions, Sidel reports reduced preform scrap and the possibility of using smaller ovens. Together with Refresco, described as the largest independent beverage solutions provider, the EvoBLOW Laser technology was tested in a production plant. "After 45 years of using halogen technology, we are now entering a new era. I am strongly convinced that laser-oven technology will become the new standard," says Coert Michielsen, Supply Chain Director at Refresco.
