Trusted Aseptic PET Systems by China’s Top Water Brand

Water Filling Machine Case Study — Nongfu Spring Infant Water PET Line (China)

As of 2022, DNP has received orders for more than 20 aseptic filling systems for PET bottles over the past 12 years from China’s largest bottled water company, Nongfu Spring. Why? Because DNP has the leading share in the Japanese aseptic filling systems market, which has extremely high quality requirements.

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Nongfu Spring 1-L infant mineral-water PET bottle produced on DNP’s aseptic line

Project overview of the water filling machine installation

Location: Jilin Province, China (water sourced from Changbai Mountain)
Start-up: 2015
Product: Infant & young children natural mineral water (1L PET)
Aseptic validation: Microbiological validation conducted by APS (Aseptic Systems Co., Ltd.)
Technology scope: Chemical-free sterilization system for bottles and caps & 1L ergonomic bottle design with an easy-open cap

Nongfu spring: Natural and healthy philosophy and values

Aerial view of Thousand-Island Lake in Zhejiang Province—the original water source for Nongfu Spring’s first packaged bottled water in 1997

Nongfu Spring was established in 1996 and launched its first packaged water in 1997, sourced from the Thousand-Island Lake in Zhejiang Province. The company is a dominant force in packaged water and has maintained the number one position in China in terms of market share since 2012. As for retail sales in 2019, Nongfu Spring ranks among the top three in the Chinese market for tea, functional beverages and juice. Nongfu Spring’s breakthrough stems from three strengths: a deep commitment to water source quality, strict safety and reliability standards, and innovative product development. This article highlights the technical journey shared with DNP.

Our chemical-free PET bottle water filling machine solution

Nongfu Spring launched a natural drinking water for infants and young children in 2015. The concept is the safest water in the world. Due to relevant regulation and legislation, it needs to be boiled before infants and young children consume the water. Therefore, Nongfu Spring adopted DNP’s PET bottle water filling machine for natural mineral water, which has been used by many major Japanese beverage companies.

This aseptic filling machine achieves sterility for bottles and caps without using any chemicals. The natural water source from Changbai Mountain reflects Nongfu Spring’s commitment to quality. The uniquely designed 1-liter bottle is easy to hold and open-even for those with smaller hands or limited strength-showcasing thoughtful design focused on user comfort.

At the installation site, APS validated the microbiological safety of specially shaped bottles, successfully leading to commercial production.

DNP’s aseptic PET bottle filling machine

For sustainability: Impact of the PET bottle water filling machine

Aseptic packaging can be stored at room temperature, thus reducing greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions compared to chilled distribution. It also contributes to the reduction of food loss due to its long shelf life. On the other hand, food safety is a common issue not only in Japan but also worldwide. Therefore, more reliable and safer aseptic filling systems are required. DNP has been developing aseptic packaging for over 50 years, since 1972. We will continue to help solve social issues by leveraging aseptic technologies and contribute to the realization of a sustainable society.