Container Cleaning Machinery
for Beverage Packaging Lines
Container Cleaning Basics
Introduction
Container cleaning systems prepare cans and bottles for filling by removing dust, debris, and static introduced during the normal process of manufacturing, storage, and conveyance. Proper pre-fill container cleaning maintains product quality and improves line reliability across a wide range of beverage applications.
Codi container cleaning machines integrate directly into high-speed packaging lines and are engineered to match container type, line layout, sanitation requirements, and available utilities.
Why Container Cleaning Matters
Empty containers are manufactured and delivered in a food-safe condition, but they are not necessarily sterile and can be exposed to particulates during normal handling.
During pallet handling, depalletizing, and conveyance, cans and bottles may encounter dust, packaging debris, or static buildup. Pre-fill container cleaning provides a controlled, repeatable step to remove these incidental contaminants before filling.
If left unaddressed, these contaminants can:
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Contaminate the filled product
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Interfere with sensors
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Increase downtime from rejected containers or cleaning events
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Undermine quality objectives, especially in carbonated or shelf-stable beverages
Pre-fill container cleaning is a standard best practice for modern beverage lines and is a critical step in maintaining consistent, repeatable packaging performance.
Common Container Cleaning Methods
Different applications require different cleaning approaches. Container cleaning systems are typically selected based on container material, sanitation requirements, and line configuration.
Dry cleaning (ionized air)
Removes dust and lightweight particulates while neutralizing static charge. Commonly used where water usage is restricted or where containers are already considered low-risk.
Water or Rinsing
Use water or sanitizing solutions to flush contaminants from the container interior, followed by controlled draining. Often selected when sanitation requirements are higher or when visible residues must be removed.
Vacuum-based conveyance and rinsing
Combines container transport, inversion, and cleaning in a compact footprint. These systems are well suited for lines with elevation changes, tight layouts, or integrated air and rinse stages.
How to Choose the Right Container Cleaning System
Selecting the appropriate container cleaning solution depends on several practical factors:
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Container type: can vs. bottle, size range, material
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Line speed: required throughput and dwell time
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Sanitation requirements: dry vs. wet cleaning expectations
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Utilities: air, water, drainage availability
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Layout constraints: floor space, elevation changes, integration points
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Changeover needs: frequency and container variety
Codi systems are designed to be configured around these variables rather than forcing the line to adapt to a fixed machine design. Still unclear on the right solution for your needs? Reach out to us and let's talk about options.
Codi's Container Cleaning Machinery
Codi offers multiple container cleaning machine designs to support a wide range of beverage packaging applications. Each system is engineered for reliable operation, clean integration with upstream depalletizing and downstream filling equipment, and long-term serviceability.
Below are Codi’s available container cleaning solutions within this category.
Lowerator Wedge
The gripper rinser (also known as a wedge or "Lowerator") grips each container between opposing belts, opening the container for full 360-degree access during rinsing or cleaning. By elevating and inverting the product in a controlled path, it ensures consistent exposure to spray nozzles while maintaining gentle handling.
Twist Rinser
The Twist Rinse inverts empty cans for rinsing with ionized air, sanitizer, or water before returning them upright to the filler. Built with commercial-grade 5/8" half-round stainless steel for stable container transfer. Multiple units can mount to a depalletizer for rapid changeovers between can sizes.
Vacuum Loop Rinser
The Vacuum Loop Rinser uses suction to move any size container from Depalletizer to Filler. Empty cans or aluminum bottles are supplied to the Vacuum Rinser from an overhead single lane conveyor. The cans are inverted via a patented “Loop” configuration where they optionally pass over an Ionized Air Rinser for pre-fill can cleaning.
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Vacuum S Rinser
The Vacuum S-Rinser uses suction to move any size container from Depalletizer to Filler. Empty cans or bottles are supplied to the Vacuum Rinser from an overhead single lane conveyor. The cans are inverted via a patented “S” configuration where they optionally pass over an Ionized Air Rinser for pre-fill can cleaning.
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