From preform to logistics: the challenges of mineral water packaging

Mineral water is part of the daily routine of millions of consumers. Behind every bottle on the shelf is a complex technical chain shaped by sanitary, production, logistics, and quality requirements. 

 From material selection to packaging closure, from water filling to transportation, every stage needs to work seamlessly together to preserve product integrity and meet market requirements. 

 This means that packaging serves a purpose beyond simply containing water. It helps protect the product, maintain the integrity of the filling system, and support the product throughout the different stages of the supply chain. 

What makes the mineral water market so unique? 

 The production and filling of mineral and table drinking water are subject to specific regulations in Brazil. Brazil’s National Mining Agency (ANM) establishes requirements for the use of these water resources, including aspects related to water extraction, filling, and distribution. 

 Packaging, therefore, must be viewed as an integral part of a broader system encompassing the product, the process, and logistics. Materials and components must be fit for purpose and deliver performance suited to industrial processes. 

Packaging as part of product safety and integrity 

 For packaging intended to come into contact with food and beverages, material selection must meet specific technical and sanitary requirements. 

 The Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (Anvisa) establishes requirements for materials and packaging intended for contact with food, taking into account different materials and applications. When it comes to packaging for mineral water, evaluating characteristics such as composition, properties, compatibility with the product, and suitability for production processes is essential. 

 Compliance is also related to the control of materials and the traceability of information throughout the supply chain. 

rPET and food-contact applications 

 There are specific requirements for packaging development when using rPET. 

 For applications intended for food and beverage contact, regulatory requirements must be met, taking into account aspects such as the recycling process, decontamination, quality control, and traceability. 

 Therefore, the use of recycled material must be supported by processes that ensure its suitability for the intended application. 

Packaging performance: from filling to logistics 

 Packaging integrity and performance depend on how different components work together and on their ability to perform throughout the supply chain. 

 Preforms, bottles, and caps must be dimensionally compatible and perform reliably throughout the filling and closure processes. In large-scale operations, dimensional control, clearly defined specifications, and production consistency all contribute to operational efficiency. 

 This performance must also be maintained throughout storage, handling, and transportation. Industrial films and unitization solutions, for example, help organize and protect loads throughout these stages. 

 Accordingly, the packaging must comprehensively meet the needs of filling, storage, and distribution. 

Control and traceability throughout the supply chain 

 Throughout the entire production chain, quality and compliance are built into every stage. 

 Controlling specifications, materials, processes, and batches makes it possible to track key information for quality management and the traceability of the components used, particularly in applications involving materials intended for food and beverage contact. 

Technologies designed for market needs 

 Each stage of the supply chain requires specific solutions that work together seamlessly. That is where Valgroup brings together different areas of expertise to serve the beverage industry. 

• PET preforms: Solutions in different weights, formats, and finishes for a range of applications. 
•  Caps: High-precision solutions for carbonated and non-carbonated beverages, tailored to the specific requirements of each application. 
•  Industrial films: Solutions for protecting and unitizing loads during storage and transportation. 
•  Labels and identification solutions: Options for different projects and communication and identification needs. 

This integrated approach provides a comprehensive view of packaging, taking into account the interaction between its components and the production and logistics processes. 

Technical expertise in every detail of packaging 

 Throughout the entire supply chain, mineral water requires safety, precision, compliance, and efficiency at every stage. 

 Material selection, closure performance, process control, and protection throughout logistics all contribute to maintaining the integrity of both the packaging and the product. 

 Valgroup brings together technology, technical expertise, and industrial capabilities to develop solutions tailored to the needs of the beverage industry. 

 Because when it comes to an essential product, every packaging detail matters. 

Discover Valgroup’s solutions for the beverage industry.