Beverage Manufacturing Waste Management: Coca Cola Lisburn Transforms Can and Bottle Processing

Comprehensive Beverage Waste Solution

Coca Cola Hellenic’s Lisburn facility successfully transformed their beverage waste management operations through innovative custom-designed processing systems. The implementation of specialized can baling equipment and integrated bottle processing solutions converted costly waste disposal into revenue-generating material recovery operations.

The Challenge: Complex Beverage Manufacturing Waste

The Hellenic Coca-Cola site in Lisburn faced significant operational challenges managing beverage waste that was impacting both operational efficiency and cost management.

Operational Inefficiencies

Time-Consuming Processes: Getting rid of beverage cans and bottles proved very time-consuming, creating operational bottlenecks and reducing manufacturing efficiency.

Labour-Intensive Operations: Manual handling of rejected products required substantial labour resources, increasing operational costs and reducing productivity.

High Disposal Costs: Traditional waste disposal methods created ongoing expenses without recovering any value from rejected materials.

Technical Processing Challenges

Pressurised Container Issues: Bottles or cans requiring rejection and recycling were often full of pressurised fizzy drinks, creating safety and handling difficulties.

Unrealised Material Value: The facility recognised that aluminium cans and plastic bottles had inherent value, but lacked means to capitalise on this potential revenue stream.

Liquid Separation Problems: Processing full containers required effective liquid drainage and management systems.

Innovative Solution Development

After comprehensive consultation with Gradeall, two separate custom installations were designed to address the facility’s specific beverage waste challenges.

Custom Can Processing System

Specialised Can Baler Design: A new can baler was specifically designed to cope with the additional volume of waste cans that a large beverage company generates.

Integrated Drainage System: The can baler incorporated a large drainage sump and splash guards to safely channel away all leaking liquid from compressed cans.

Safety Features: Comprehensive liquid management prevents spillage and contamination whilst ensuring operator safety during processing.

Valuable Output: The system produces dense bales of aluminium cans suitable for sale to metal recycling processors.

Advanced Bottle Processing Integration

Integrated Processing Line: A comprehensive system combining multiple technologies for efficient bottle processing.

Stainless Steel Conveyor System: Custom conveyor designed for beverage industry hygiene standards and operational requirements.

Bottle Shredding Technology: Specialised shredding equipment effectively separating liquid content from valuable plastic materials.

GH500 Horizontal Baler Integration: Professional baling system producing dense, saleable plastic bales.

Custom Control Interface: Touch screen control system managing all integrated systems through one user-friendly interface.

Technical Implementation and Integration

System Design and Engineering

Comprehensive CAD Design: Detailed engineering drawings provided during design phase enabling precise planning and optimization.

Site Visualisation: Advanced imaging allowed fine-tuning of system configuration before final approval and installation.

Custom Engineering: Tailored solutions addressing specific beverage manufacturing requirements and constraints.

Integrated Processing Results

Liquid Separation: Effective separation of fizzy drinks from valuable plastic materials through controlled shredding processes.

Material Recovery: Production of dense bales of recyclable plastic suitable for manufacturing applications.

Revenue Generation: Conversion of waste disposal costs into material sales revenue.

Operational Benefits and Performance

Financial Impact Transformation

Revenue Generation: The company now produces bales of aluminium and plastic which can be sold to processors, generating revenue rather than incurring disposal costs.

Cost Reduction: Elimination of traditional waste disposal expenses through on-site processing.

Labour Efficiency: Significant reduction in manual handling requirements through automated processing systems.

Operational Streamlining: Integrated systems reducing time and resources required for waste management.

Customer Satisfaction and Results

“Gradeall were very helpful, explaining what would be involved from the very start of the design process. The CAD drawings and images of the site before we gave the go ahead were very useful and allowed us to fine tune things to how we wanted them to be. In the end we have a setup that is a lot less labour intensive and allows us to deal with the waste bottles and cans we end up with, the revenue generated from the finished bales significantly reduces the cost of waste management on site.

General Manager, Coca Cola Hellenic Lisburn

Measurable Operational Improvements

  • Less Labour Intensive: Automated systems dramatically reducing manual handling requirements
  • Revenue Generation: Baled materials sold rather than creating disposal costs
  • System Integration: Liquid drainage integration supporting further processing opportunities
  • User-Friendly Operation: All equipment designed for easy operation with comprehensive training provided
  • Ongoing Support: Service and maintenance contracts ensuring sustained performance

Beverage Industry Applications

Manufacturing Waste Management

The Coca Cola installation demonstrates effectiveness across beverage manufacturing applications:

  • Soft Drink Production: Managing rejected products and production waste
  • Brewery Operations: Processing bottles and cans from quality control and returned products
  • Juice Manufacturing: Handling packaging waste and rejected containers
  • Water Bottling: Managing plastic bottle waste and rejected products

Food and Beverage Sector Solutions

Similar applications across food and beverage manufacturing:

  • Processing packaging materials from production lines
  • Managing quality control rejects and returned products
  • Handling seasonal production waste fluctuations
  • Converting waste streams into revenue opportunities

Technical Specifications and Features

Custom Can Baler Capabilities

  • High-Volume Processing: Designed specifically for large-scale beverage manufacturing operations
  • Liquid Management: Integrated drainage and splash protection systems
  • Safety Systems: Comprehensive operator protection during pressurised container processing
  • Material Quality: Produces dense, clean aluminium bales meeting recycling industry standards

Integrated Bottle Processing Line

  • Conveyor Integration: Stainless steel construction meeting food industry hygiene requirements
  • Shredding Technology: Effective liquid separation whilst preserving plastic material value
  • Baling Integration: Seamless connection with horizontal baling systems
  • Control Systems: User-friendly touch screen interface managing complete processing line

Regional Manufacturing Applications

Lisburn Industrial Estate

The installation demonstrates Gradeall’s expertise in regional manufacturing applications:

  • Local Industry Support: Understanding of Lisburn industrial requirements and logistics
  • Regional Compliance: Equipment meeting local environmental and safety standards
  • Community Impact: Supporting local employment through efficient manufacturing operations
  • Economic Development: Contributing to regional manufacturing competitiveness

Why Choose Gradeall for Manufacturing Solutions

Proven Beverage Industry Experience

Gradeall International delivers comprehensive solutions with demonstrated success across beverage manufacturing applications:

  • Industry Expertise: Deep understanding of beverage manufacturing waste challenges and requirements
  • Custom Engineering: Proven capability developing tailored solutions for specific operational needs
  • Quality Construction: Robust equipment designed for demanding manufacturing environments
  • Long-Term Support: Comprehensive service and maintenance ensuring sustained performance

Contact Gradeall for Manufacturing Waste Solutions

For comprehensive beverage and food manufacturing waste management solutions that convert disposal costs into revenue opportunities, contact our manufacturing waste specialists.

Our specialised baling systems can transform your manufacturing waste operations with proven performance for demanding manufacturing applications.

Transform your manufacturing waste management with custom-engineered solutions that deliver operational efficiency whilst generating revenue from previously costly waste streams.

  • Less labour intensive way to dewater cans and bottles
  • Baled plastic and aluminium can be sold rather than cost the company
  • Integrates into liquid drainage system so liquid can be further processed
  • All machines installed are easy to use, Gradeall provided full training upon installation
  • Service and maintenance contract ensures machines are taken care of by gradeall

"Gradeall were very helpful, explaining what would be involved from the very start of the design process. The CAD drawings and images of the site before we gave the go ahead were very useful and allowed us to fine tune things to how we wanted them to be. In the end we have a setup that is a lot less labour intensive and allows us to deal with the waste bottles and cans we end up with, the revenue generated from the finished bales significantly reduces the cost of waste management on site."

General Manager, Coca Cola Hellenic Lisburn

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More Information

Our customer focused sales team have a combined 100+ years in the recycling industry and have a deep understanding of the Tyre Recycling Industry and waste baling/compacting industry to ensure our customers are getting the best advice and products to improve recycling processes at their business.

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