Thai Coconut Public Company Limited, a manufacturer of coconut-based products, has implemented an aseptic PET line from Sidel to expand exports of coconut juices. The company, which had previously used mainly metal and carton packaging, chose the PET solution to combine food safety requirements, line efficiency and packaging performance with the expectations of international markets. The new installation was designed to produce both still and carbonated beverages while maintaining distinct packaging formats. According to the information provided by the companies, the line is intended to ensure compliance with international standards for efficiency, low resource consumption and high packaging quality. For Thai Coconut, it was also important to obtain a flexible solution capable of handling different product variants on a single line, as well as support in developing a new bottle design. Montri Banraungsanor, Chief Technical Officer at Thai Coconut, said: "We chose Sidel because of its strong reputation and proven expertise in the aseptic market. Sidel’s packaging team also developed a new bottle design that enhances our product’s marketing impact and shelf presence."
Safety and efficiency with real-time monitoring
The line installed at Thai Coconut integrates Aseptic Combi Predis technology and operates at a capacity of 45,000 bottles per hour. The system combines preform sterilisation, blow moulding, filling and capping in a single process. This solution is intended to maintain product integrity and extend the shelf life of sensitive goods, including coconut products.
Predis technology uses a dry preform decontamination method which, according to the manufacturer, significantly reduces water and chemical consumption without lowering the level of food safety. For the user, this means the ability to maintain high safety standards while optimising resource use.
The line also integrates the Evo-ON Performance solution, which is used to monitor and optimise production in real time on the basis of operational data made available to operators and management.
Flexibility for different packaging formats
The aseptic PET line can process both carbonated and non-carbonated aseptic products on a single installation. This is intended to increase the plant’s flexibility in terms of product range and packaging formats.
The line handles different bottle types for coconut beverages, including the 350 ml format for still variants and the 350 ml format for carbonated variants, using the same filler. According to the supplier, this approach underlines the installation’s versatility and supports optimisation of total cost of ownership.
Aseptic Combi Predis was also designed for operational simplicity. The system is intended to facilitate management of the sterilisation process, reduce downtime and decrease the need for extensive staff training.
Export readiness
One of the main reasons for Thai Coconut to partner with Sidel was the need to meet regulatory requirements in international markets, particularly FDA requirements. The aseptic PET line supplied by Sidel is prepared to meet these requirements, which is intended to enable product exports to the United States and other global markets.
Currently, 90% of output from the new line is designated for foreign markets. According to the information provided, this is expected to open access for Thai Coconut to new growth opportunities and strengthen the company’s position as a supplier of quality and reliable products in the global beverage sector.
Support in packaging design
An important part of the project was also cooperation in packaging construction. Sidel’s expertise in aseptic technology and packaging design was intended to help Thai Coconut introduce a new bottle design that is expected to increase the product’s market opportunities and improve its shelf differentiation.
Parkpoom Praprom, Sidel’s Sales Director for Southeast Asia Pacific, said: "Customers recognise us as a reliable partner in PET packaging and aseptic solutions. Confirmation of our commitment to the results achieved by customers is the fact that, during customer validation, the line recently installed at Thai Coconut achieved 100% efficiency."
