Refresco, the world’s largest independent bottler for retailers and premium beverage brands, has commissioned Italy’s first Sidel SWING® Evo tunnel pasteuriser at its Sulmona production facility. The installation marks the debut of Sidel’s latest pasteurisation technology in the country and reflects Refresco’s continued focus on improving operational performance while meeting evolving environmental and customer expectations.
The SWING® Evo system is built on a counterflow design combined with a modular structure, allowing precise control over water, energy use, and thermal treatment throughout the pasteurisation process. This approach enables manufacturers to achieve efficiency gains while maintaining product quality and operational flexibility.
At the Sulmona site, the investment aligns with Refresco’s broader environmental, social, and governance priorities. The company reports a substantial reduction in water and energy consumption compared to earlier systems, helping the facility operate more sustainably while maintaining production performance. The system also incorporates dual heat exchangers—one powered by hot water and the other by steam—allowing optimal use of recovered heat and reducing reliance on steam consumption.
Operational reliability and product consistency were key considerations for the plant, which manages a diverse portfolio of beverages. The pasteuriser ensures accurate thermal treatment across varying production requirements, while maintaining ease of use for operators. Supporting this is Sidel’s predictive control technology, which continuously monitors temperature conditions and adjusts spray settings to prevent inconsistencies in pasteurisation.
Installation of the system was completed in just one week, supported by its compact, pre-assembled design. The equipment is engineered for ease of maintenance, with accessible components and user-friendly features that simplify daily operations.
The deployment highlights how targeted investments in advanced processing technologies can help beverage manufacturers improve efficiency, reduce resource consumption, and maintain product integrity. By optimising energy and water usage while ensuring reliable performance, the SWING® Evo system supports Refresco’s commitment to sustainable production and operational resilience.
