The Cremona-based cooperative invests in innovative SMI technologies to produce PET and rPET bottles with 50% recycled plastic, reducing energy consumption by 30%.
125 years without ever stopping. Latteria Soresina, Italy's historic dairy cooperative, once again demonstrates how tradition and innovation can coexist perfectly in the modern food industry. The investment in the SMI EBS 6 KL ERGON stretch blow moulding machine represents a significant step towards environmental sustainability without compromising the quality that has always distinguished the company's products.
Sustainable packaging: from the 4Rs to industrial reality
Latteria Soresina has adopted a packaging strategy based on the 4Rs of sustainability: Reduction, Recycled, Recyclable and Renewable. This philosophy translates concretely into the use of PET and rPET bottles produced with 50% recycled plastic and the employment of increasingly lighter preforms, optimising distribution and reducing environmental impact.
The choice to invest in SMI technology is not coincidental: the Cremona-based company has identified blow moulding as one of the most critical phases for energy efficiency in the entire production process.
Technological innovation for energy efficiency
The heart of innovation lies in moulds equipped with "ReduxAir" technology, a patented solution that enables stretch blow moulding operations to be performed at significantly reduced pressures. Whilst traditionally the process requires pressures of around 35 bar, the new technology allows 0.5L bottles to be produced at just 20 bar and 1L bottles at 25 bar.
This reduction translates into energy savings of approximately 30%, thanks to reduced use of the high-pressure air compressor. The "ReduxAir" system optimises the release of air between the bottle's external walls and the mould surface, accelerating the process and improving overall efficiency.
Air recovery: circularity in production processes too
Latteria Soresina's circular approach is not limited to materials, but embraces production processes as well. The EBS 6 KL ERGON stretch blow moulder is equipped with the "AirMaster" system, an innovative two-stage air recovery device that enables part of the high-pressure blow system air to be recycled.
In parallel, the preform heating oven uses high energy efficiency IR lamps and an aluminium diffuser that ensures optimal temperature control, preventing overheating and reducing energy costs.
The numbers of sustainability
Latteria Soresina's commitment to sustainability is reflected in concrete figures:
- 46,000 cows reared in the Po Valley according to animal welfare standards
- Over 200 contributing farms to guarantee short supply chains
- Daily processing of fresh milk to preserve organoleptic qualities
- 30% reduction in energy consumption in the blow moulding phase
- Use of 50% recycled plastic in rPET bottles
Towards a replicable model
The Latteria Soresina case represents a virtuous model of how food & beverage sector companies can combine environmental respect with economic competitiveness. The integration of innovative technologies whilst respecting production tradition demonstrates that sustainability is not only an ethical imperative, but also a strategic lever for the future of business.
The partnership with SMI also highlights the importance of collaboration between food producers and technology suppliers for developing increasingly efficient and environmentally-friendly solutions.
