The Water Bottling Market Opportunity
Water bottling represents one of the largest and most accessible segments of the beverage industry. Used equipment offers an efficient entry point for new producers or capacity expansion for existing operations. The relatively simple product characteristics of water (compared to dairy or carbonated beverages) make used equipment particularly suitable.
Still vs Sparkling Water Equipment
| Feature | Still Water | Sparkling Water |
|---|---|---|
| Filler type | Gravity or volumetric | Isobaric (counter-pressure) |
| Filling speed | Higher | Lower (CO₂ handling) |
| Equipment cost | Lower | Higher |
| CIP complexity | Standard | More complex (CO₂ circuits) |
| Container options | PET, glass, large format | PET, glass, cans |
Water Treatment Integration
Used bottling equipment for water requires integration with water treatment systems. Evaluate the treatment chain: source water quality, filtration stages, UV sterilisation, ozonation, and mineral dosing if required. The filling machine must be compatible with the treated water specifications.
PET vs Glass Water Lines
PET lines widely used the still water market due to lower container cost and lighter weight. Glass is preferred for premium positioning and sparkling water. Used glass filling lines require additional components: depalletizer, bottle washer, and careful handling systems throughout.
Large Format Considerations
5-gallon and 19-litre returnable water containers require specialised filling and capping equipment. Used 5-gallon lines are readily available as the market shifts, but inspect the bottle washer thoroughly — it is the most critical component in a returnable container line.
Regulatory Requirements
- Food-grade contact surface certification
- Water source approval and testing documentation
- CIP validation records
- Microbiological testing capabilities
- Traceability systems for batch tracking
Frequently asked questions
What speed should a water bottling line be?
Entry-level lines start at 3,000–6,000 BPH. Mid-range operations typically run 10,000–20,000 BPH. High-volume producers operate at 30,000–60,000 BPH.
Is used equipment suitable for water bottling?
Yes, water is among the simplest products to bottle, making used equipment particularly suitable. The key requirement is proper CIP capability and food-grade contact surface condition.
Do I need a blow moulder for PET water bottles?
You can either blow your own bottles with a blow moulder (lower per-bottle cost at higher volumes) or purchase pre-blown bottles (lower capital investment, suitable for smaller volumes).
What certifications do I need for water bottling?
Requirements vary by country but typically include food safety certification (HACCP), water source approval, regular microbiological testing, and packaging material compliance documentation.