South American Beverage Player Postobón Deploys Three KHS Lines

South American beverage giant Postobón has achieved a significant milestone by installing three KHS filling lines simultaneously. This collaboration has quickly demonstrated considerable synergies between Postobón and KHS, leading to the integration of various block systems across the newly installed lines. This multi-line installation not only highlights the effective partnership but also underscores the efficiency and strategic advantage gained through their combined efforts.

Historically, Postobón's long-standing partnership with KHS centered around the provision of stretch blow molders. However, in 2018, the Colombian bottler expanded its collaboration by acquiring its first block system from the Dortmund-based supplier. This initial setup included an InnoPET TriBlock for water in plastic bottles, integrating a stretch blow molder, labeler, and filler with a maximum capacity of 54,000 bottles per hour. Notably, the system’s advanced neck handling from preform to finished product was a key technical advantage. KHS’s Bottles & Shapes program facilitated the development of a specialized 600-milliliter bottle, which is lightweight and material-efficient, while the Innopack Kisters SP’s multifuel burner provides flexible heating options using natural or propane gas.

César Bohórquez, Postobón's national project manager, praised KHS as a leading plant engineering manufacturer known for its advanced technology in high-speed lines. He highlights KHS's role as a crucial technology partner, noting their ability to develop comprehensive and efficient systems that align with Postobón's growth needs.

Impressed by the first line, Postobón swiftly ordered two additional KHS block systems within 18 months. The second line, operational in Bogotá in 2021, features a BloFill duo block for hot filling of juices, teas, and energy drinks, with optional nitrogen dosing. The third KHS line, installed in 2023, is a TriBlock for carbonated beverages such as Pepsi Cola.

The new HotFill+ line stands out technically for several reasons. Operating at a rate of 2,250 half-liter bottles per hour per station, it boasts a total capacity of up to 54,000 containers per hour, making it the fastest KHS line of its kind globally. This impressive performance is attributed to KHS’ Bottles & Shapes experts’ optimization of container weight and the line’s highly stable process control. The versatile line handles thirteen products across three categories, with eight different formats ranging from 200 milliliters to 1.5 liters.

The third KHS line expands its capabilities by processing both water and carbonated soft drinks. This setup includes an InnoPET TriBlock equipped with a KHS roll-fed station for hot-melt wrap-around labeling, achieving a maximum capacity of 54,000 bottles per hour. It accommodates a range of formats from 300 and 400 milliliters to 1.0 and 1.5 liters, as well as the popular 2.5-liter container widely used in Colombia.

The latest development from the technological partnership between KHS and Postobón is the new KHS InnoPET Blomax V stretch blow molder. Installed in an existing PET line by Postobón’s converter Iberplast at the Caloto bottling plant, capable of producing up to 45,000 bottles per hour, with sizes ranging from 500 milliliters to one liter. The bottles produced on this line are filled with beverages including juice, tea, and energy drinks, which are processed at temperatures of up to 85°C.