CAPS & CLOSURES | INNOVATION
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Caps: new EU regulation and innovation drivers
Improvements in production coupled with a need for sustainable materials with product appeal are driving developments in caps and closures. Mark Holmes finds out more
Striking the right balance between increased production efficiency through performance and cycle times with the need to meet greater regula- tory scrutiny of plastics packaging through im- proved sustainability, and the brand owner’s desire for product differentiation, is becoming increasingly important in the caps and closures market. Injection moulding machinery manufacturers are finding ways to increase production, while meeting new material and aesthetic requirements. In addition, materials suppliers and injection moulders of caps and closures are looking for new ways to provide on-the-shelf appeal in a more sustainable manner. According to Husky Injection Molding Systems,
there are three primary trends driving the current plastics caps and closures market: sustainability and single use plastic regulations; lightweighting; and premiumisation in form and function. “In terms of sustainability, certain jurisdictions are proposing new regulations around the use of single use plastics,” says Michael White, Business Manager, Closures. “The intent of these regulations are to minimise environmental impacts due to litter. These regulations are comprehensive, touching on everything from plastic fishing lines, to cutlery and to closures. It appears that the European Union is the first territory to pass legislation regulating the use of single use plastics. The law requires that by April 2024, all single use plastic beverage containers with a volume of up to three litres will require the closure to remain on the bottle. The intent of this law is to reduce significantly the amount of bottle
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closure litter. This presents a great opportunity for brands to make an environmental statement while differentiating their products on the shelf with new and innovative closure designs that remain contigu- ously affixed to the bottle after opening. “In addition, the lightweighting trend continues to have a good future. The lightweighting of caps and closures serves two purposes. Firstly, it makes an environmental statement as the product requires less resin, while it also reduces material costs for the brand owner as less resin is required per product.” Premiumisation of caps and closures through form and function is also a major consideration for brand owners. “The closure is an extension of the brand,” White adds. “In order to promote shelf differentiation, brand owners can leverage both the design of the bottle and the cap or closure. The brand owner has many tools at its disposal when considering how to communicate a premium product via the cap or closure. Some of these tools include closure height. In general terms, the higher the closure, the greater the grip zone which leads to a more favourable opening and closing experi-
Main image: The quantity, form, frequency, profile and depth of a knurl pattern all contribute to a differentia- tion and the premium perception
Below: The higher the closure, the greater the grip zone which leads to a more favourable opening and closing experience
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April 2019 | INJECTION WORLD 17
PHOTO: HUSKY
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