KwaZulu-Natal Business 2023-24

to chemicals, we have a sophisticated electronic
machine known as the sniffer that samples the
vapours in each bottle. If it detects chemical
substances, it rejects the RefPET bottle which is
then destroyed.
What was your experience of the project?
While it was exciting, the project, like any other,
came with its challenges such as the late arrival of
equipment. The equipment was ordered in 2021
but owing to the continued impact of Covid-19,
we only began receiving equipment from late
2022 which delayed the installation.
Another challenge was ensuring a continued
supply of 1.25L RGBs. Line 4 was the only 1.25L
RGB line in KZN, so we had to minimise the
production downtime for its removal. We
therefore phased preparation for Line 9 by
removing Line 2 in 2022 and completing all the
intensive construction work in the open area
while Line 4 ran through our December peak. In
early 2023, we shut down and removed Line 4
to prepare the floor, while we started installing
Line 9 in the old Line 2 area.
The design and planning of the line and the
sequence of installation was a huge collaborative
effort between our team and all the suppliers
involved. Condensing a three-to-four-month
construction and build phase into a 10-week
shutdown was a major achievement!
How much training was required to get
production staff up to speed to operate the
new line?
We arranged training internally as well as through
the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) to
upskill employees and expand their capabilities.
This included both theory and practical training
on the new equipment. It is through our incredible
and passionate people that we have been able to
successfully commission this line.
recycled content in all packaging and make 25%
of its packaging reusable by the same year, while
making all its packaging 100% recyclable by 2025.
This is part of our World Without Waste
Vision 2030, which relies on partnerships with
customers, consumers, communities, industry and
governments to succeed. This returnable 2L plastic
pack helps us contribute to achieving that vision.
Aside from helping to reduce waste, what are
the other advantages?
The 2L RefPET selling price to consumers is 33%
lower than one-way plastic packs, making it more
affordable for consumers and increasing sales for
both our customers and our business.
What do consumers need to know?
The returnable PET bottles became available
for the first time in KZN stores from June 2023.
The plastic packs are identifiable by a new paper
label, with ‘RETURNABLE’ appearing in green
on the front of the bottle. Similar to returnable
glass bottles, consumers will need to pay a
deposit which they will get back upon their next
purchase, encouraging returns. ■
What are the advantages of the new pack in
terms of sustainability?
CCBSA, a subsidiary of Coca-Cola Beverages Africa
(CCBA), and a bottler for The Coca-Cola Company,
has committed to help collect a bottle or can for
every single one it produces by 2030, use 50%
15 KWAZULU-NATAL BUSINESS 2023/24