Thai Coconut has adopted a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottling system from Sidel, transitioning from cans and cartons as it aims to scale global exports.

The company selected a full aseptic PET line that can handle both carbonated and still coconut juice products.

The line uses Sidel’s Aseptic Combi Predis system and runs at 45,000 bottles an hour.

It combines preform sterilisation, blow moulding, filling and capping within one process.

Thai Coconut chief technical officer Montri Banraungsanor said: “We chose Sidel due to its strong reputation and proven expertise in the aseptic market. Sidel’s packaging team also developed a new bottle design that enhances both our marketing impact and shelf presence.” 

Predis uses a dry method to decontaminate preforms, lowering the use of water and chemicals without affecting food safety standards.

The line also includes Sidel’s Evo-ON Performance system, which tracks production and supports line adjustments in real time using operating data for staff and managers.

Thai Coconut’s new setup can make both carbonated soft drinks (CSD) and non-CSD aseptic drinks on the same line.

It can also run different bottle formats for coconut juice, including 350ml non-CSD and 350ml CSD products, with the same filler.

A main factor in the project was compliance with international rules, especially those linked to requirements set by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Sidel said the aseptic PET line is FDA-ready, adding that 90% of the line’s production is allocated to international markets.

Sidel Southeast Asia Pacific sales director Parkpoom Praprom said: “We’re recognised by customers as a reliable partner for PET packaging and aseptic solutions. Demonstrating our commitment to the performance of our customers, during customer validation, the recent line installed at Thai Coconut delivered 100% efficiency.”  

In April, Sidel introduced the EvoFILL PET, a filling machine designed for water and other uncarbonated beverages in PET bottles.