LUXEMBOURG – United Caps, an international manufacturer of caps and closures has launched 23 H-PAK tethered closures for carton packaging featuring a tamper-evident band set to keep all parts intact and facilitate easier recycling.
The patent-pending closure is thought to be both highly effective and sustainable, designed for seamless integration with existing processes for fast production-line implementation.
It consists of a spout, closure, and cutter, one less piece than other solutions of its kind; as such, it is thought to be easier to recycle.
The closure comes with a first-time-use feature with a cutting-edge design to cut through a pre-laminated hole with minimal effort – resulting in a clean and smooth opening, according to the company.
Benoit Henckes, CEO of United Caps said: “One of the stand-out features of this new tethered closure is its audible click when opening, a satisfying sound that lets consumers know their closure is in an open position – once opened, it is in the optimal position for use and the cap stays in position for the perfect pour.”
Due to its lightweight design, the 23 H-PAK is said to reduce customers’ running costs and assist them in reducing their obligations to pay plastic taxes. As such, it is being marketed as a cost-effective solution for carton packaging.
“We are pleased to be bringing to market one of the first tethered closures for carton packaging,” added Henckes.
“In addition to its ability to keep all parts intact for recycling, its super-strong hinge ensures the box-fresh experience consumers are looking for. It not only enhances the user experience but also helps to protect the environment, a critical R&D driver for UNITED CAPS.”
The new innovation comes after the European Commission announced a new directive, effective in June 2024, that will require caps and lids to remain attached to all beverage containers that are up to three liters in capacity.
The Directive is binding for all EU member states and is expected to noticeably reduce the number of plastic caps littered on European beaches.
Not only does tethering prevent the cap from getting lost, but it also enables the cap and packs to be recycled together.
In January, Coca-Cola contracted Berry Global to supply it with a lightweight, tethered closure for its carbonated soft drinks in PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottles.
The new tethered closure for Coca-Cola features a tamper-evident band that, once broken, does not impact the closure’s ability to remain attached and is positioned out of the way for drinking but can easily be reclosed.
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