Amcor, Spadel advance sustainable, inclusive packaging with recyclable tethered cap

BELGIUM – Amcor has partnered with European bottled water producer Spadel to develop a customized tethered cap for its premium natural mineral water brand, Wattwiller, combining recyclability, lightweighting, and inclusive design.

The newly developed closure is manufactured from HDPE and designed to be fully recyclable alongside PET bottles, supporting circularity within existing recycling streams.

Amcor says the cap is lighter than Wattwiller’s previous closure, with its 26 mm format contributing to overall material reduction and improved environmental performance.

These design changes align with Spadel’s wider sustainability ambitions. Wattwiller claims to have achieved 100% carbon neutrality across its product life cycle as early as 2020, and the new closure supports the brand’s ongoing efforts to reduce packaging-related impacts.

Beyond sustainability, accessibility was a core design objective. The tethered cap has been engineered to improve ease of use for consumers with limited dexterity, including elderly users and people living with disabilities.

Its distinctive flower-shaped design incorporates both smooth and ribbed surfaces to enhance grip and facilitate opening and closing.

“Compared with the previous solution, Amcor’s closure is lighter and better aligned with Spadel’s sustainability goals,” says Sarah de la Mare, Line Director at Amcor.

“The project leveraged our strengths in R&D, design, and lightweighting.”

She adds that close collaboration with Spadel was key to tailoring the solution. “Working together allowed us to identify the challenges and demonstrate that not all tethered caps are the same. This closure shows how inclusive design can be achieved alongside sustainability goals, while remaining practical and user-friendly.”

Julian Schmitt, Marketing Manager at Spadel, echoes the sentiment, noting that the partnership delivered both environmental and social value.

“Amcor’s expertise has helped deliver an innovative closure that reflects our commitment to reducing environmental impact and demonstrating accessible design in our packaging.”

The development comes as tethered caps gain momentum across Europe following EU Single-Use Plastics Directive requirements, which mandate that caps remain attached to bottles to reduce litter.

While initially controversial, tethered closures are increasingly being refined to improve usability, aesthetics, and recyclability.

Recent industry activity reflects this shift. Last month, Husky Technologies introduced a tamper-evident mono-PET bottle and closure system aimed at improving recyclate yield and product security, with a particular focus on the Middle East and Africa.

Meanwhile, Pont Packaging has launched a new tethered cap solution for its Petpackers range, targeting vitamin, mineral, and supplement products in line with EU recycling guidelines.

Industry debate continues around the accessibility of tethered caps. While advocates argue they prevent dropped caps and reduce barriers for users with limited mobility, critics note that poorly designed tethers can pose handling challenges or even injury risks.

Amcor and Spadel’s latest collaboration highlights how thoughtful design and material choices can address these concerns, positioning tethered caps as both a regulatory necessity and an opportunity for inclusive innovation.

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