Sidel has introduced a tool, which is designed to estimate possible savings in primary packaging under different production scenarios.

Available on the company’s website, the packaging optimisation tool lets users adjust a series of variables and view projected yearly changes in costs and greenhouse gas emissions.

The calculator covers several packaging elements, including modifications to the bottle neck, body and base.

It also allows users to test the effect of partial labels and recycled PET content against their existing production setup.

The company said packaging design changes can reduce PET use through lightweighting measures.

The figures outlined include reductions of up to 40% in bottle neck weight, 35% in body weight and 20% in bottle base weight.

Sidel said it also provides support for line conversions and mould changes, alongside packaging feasibility and performance checks.

The company further pointed to other equipment that can reduce material use.

These include the EvoBLOW Laser, which it said can provide an average additional 10% lightweighting without affecting performance, a partial label roll-fed labelling system with up to 75% less label material, and the EvoFilm Stretch secondary packaging system, which it said cuts plastic film use by 50%.

Sidel packaging and moulds product manager Jerome Neveu said: “This new online calculator is flexible, interactive, easy to use, and freely available, helping create awareness of what is possible for cost savings and advancing sustainable packaging.”

Sidel packaging, moulds and line solutions vice-president Vincent Le Guen said: “Rising and dynamic costs of PET are a significant challenge for customers, and every opportunity to optimise the package weight helps, both for their bottom line, and their sustainability goals.”

In February, Refresco partnered with Sidel to deploy EvoBLOW Laser technology for PET bottle blowing in Germany, moving away from halogen-based methods.