Carbonated and still products can place different demands on a packaging project. Define the product range, containers and cleaning plan before comparing candidate lines.
- Which still and carbonated products must the line handle?
- What product changeover and cleaning arrangements can be demonstrated?
Specify the soft-drink product range
Separate still and carbonated products in the production brief and include package sizes and closures. Record the planned changeovers and cleaning requirements. Compare the installed filling configuration with each application rather than treating all soft drinks as interchangeable.
Define the application
Record product, container material and size, closure, nominal speed, format range, utilities and available floor space.
Compare like with like
Separate the machine itself from optional conveyors, change parts, controls, manuals, guarding, inspection systems and spare parts.
Build the delivered cost
Include inspection, dismantling, packing, loading, transport, duties, installation, modifications, validation and production start-up.