The trend for ‘No-Low’ drinks — meaning alcohol-free (“No”) or low-alcohol (‘Low’) — is emerging as a high-potential segment, driven by changing consumer habits: the pursuit of well-being, responsible consumption, openness to new taste experiences, etc. In response, wine, beer and fermented beverage producers are innovating to offer products with controlled flavour profiles. The range of products on offer is expanding, with wines, spirits and cocktails designed to mimic classic flavours without the effects of alcohol. Thanks to technological advances such as vacuum distillation, these beverages retain their aromas and complexity while meeting market demand, but they are more fragile.
This is because reducing or eliminating alcohol also reduces a natural barrier against microbiological contamination. As a result, these products require impeccable hygiene and more rigorous packaging.
A Booming Market
Historically, wines and spirits have played a central role in French and even international culture. Today, a growing proportion of the population is opting for non-alcoholic drinks, particularly among younger generations. This shift is largely driven by an awareness of the effects of alcohol on health and well-being, as well as the influence of movements promoting moderation, such as Dry January.
The rise of no-low drinks is not limited to France. Many countries are seeing this trend transform their markets, with a notable acceleration in the spirits and non-alcoholic wine sectors. This dynamic is accompanied by significant investments to diversify product ranges and improve the quality of the products on offer.
No-Low beverages: a new technical challenge for bottling lines
In this context, some equipment manufacturers have recently highlighted their ability to handle ‘more sensitive’ beverages, which require specific packaging lines to limit microbial risks.
At Costral, we go further. We believe that hygiene is not limited to a few technical adjustments. It is at the very heart of our expertise.
Costral rinsing technology, a decisive advantage for de-alcoholised wines and beverages
No-Low beverages — de-alcoholised wines, low-alcohol beers, fermented cocktails — are more fragile than their alcoholic counterparts. Without the natural preservative effect of alcohol, they are more susceptible to microbiological contamination, oxidation and aromatic deterioration. To guarantee their stability and quality, the rinsing process must be rigorous, precise and tailored.
The NEPTUNE linear rinser meets these requirements with a complete disinfection cycle designed for sensitive products. It offers rare technical flexibility, allowing producers to configure the stages according to the type of beverage being packaged, while ensuring impeccable hygiene.
A three-phase disinfection cycle
- Chemical sterilisation → Injection of peracetic acid solution to eliminate microorganisms and ensure complete disinfection.
- Rinsing with sterile water → Neutralisation of chemical residues, without altering taste or risk of cross-contamination.
- Inerting with neutral gas (nitrogen or CO₂) → Removal of up to 99% of residual oxygen to preserve flavours and prevent oxidation, particularly in non-alcoholic beverages.
Features designed for fragile products
- Extended drainage time of up to 45 seconds depending on the operating speed, limiting residues before filling.
- Multi-media injection: water, ozonated water, peracetic acid, inert gas.
- Flow meter and parameter traceability for optimal compliance with food industry standards.
- Injection control and automatic shut-off in case of product or water shortage.
- 170 mm retractable cannulas for deep treatment.
- Adjustable speed up to 4,000 bottles/hour, with adaptation to different formats
A proven solution in the field
NEPTUNE has been used for over 30 years by German producers, a market renowned for its hygiene and reliability requirements. This longevity is testament to the robustness and efficiency of our technology. But our expertise does not stop there: many producers in France and internationally also trust Costral to treat their bottles, whether for wine or non-alcoholic beverages.
Where many are content with standard rinsing, NEPTUNE is a true bottle steriliser and offers a comprehensive approach designed for the most sensitive beverages. It enables producers to guarantee optimal bottling while preserving the organoleptic qualities of their products.