Tethered closures Bottle and cap belong together

Tethered closures

Bottle and cap belong together

Sustainability has established itself as a strong driver in the beverage packaging market, prompting governments to legislate for recyclability and the use of increasing amounts of recycled material. The aim is to reduce the carbon footprint of standard beverage packaging and ensure that these materials remain in the recycling loop rather than ending up in landfill or the environment.

In the EU, PET bottles without caps will no longer be accepted at PET collection points. As of July 3, 2024, EU regulations will require PET bottles (< 3 liters) to have a fixed cap. The EU is ensuring that PET bottle caps will no longer end up in the environment. PackSys Global has combined intelligent design solutions (SmarTether, ExperTether and CapCompass) with the right manufacturing technologies. This enables PackSys Global's slitting and folding machines to produce tethered closures that are 100% compliant with EU regulations.

Ueli Kobel our International Sales Manager & Product Manager Beverage & Specialties Division says: "Politicians have defined the guidelines, the industry has developed creative solutions and we have implemented the innovative process technologies - together to protect the environment". implemented - together to protect the environment"

We have combined intelligent design solutions with the right production technology. This enables our slitting and folding machines to produce tethered closures that meet the requirements of the EU regulation. This does not necessarily require a new slitting and folding machine. Our solutions can also be integrated into existing PackSys Global machines. This means that tethered closures can be produced in different designs or according to the requirements and wishes of the beverage manufacturer.

Our MSM and SDL roll slitting and folding machines for plastic closures can be easily upgraded with smarTether or experTether technology. The CapCompass technology was developed for the TEM.

Slitting and Folding Knife

To cut tethered closures

Our intelligent design solutions

smarTether, experTether and CapCompass

smarTether

smarTether is a technology that combines different cutting segments to create the perforation lines for the TE tape and the connector. This can be a single horizontal cut or a combination of multiple vertical and/or diagonal slit lines. smarTether intentionally leaves a thin and controllable residual wall thickness in defined sections of the parting lines. It supports the application process during capping on the filling line and breaks easily upon first opening. smarTether can be used on all standard PET bottle caps. The technology provides a high performance tethered closure suitable for high-speed capping processes.

experTether

Lightweight plastic closures require perfect knife support during the cutting process. Continuous support on both sides of the knives is therefore important. experTether and smarTether can both be used for the same cutting pattern. With experTether, however, the entire slit contour is cut 100% - including the vertical and/or diagonal section. This is achieved by perfectly synchronizing the rotating spindles with the stationary cutting blades. Regardless of the machine speed, the synchronized inner and outer tools provide unparalleled unique cutting accuracy for customer-specific cutting contours. Both the TE band and the connection are produced using the same mechanical cutting technology.

CapCompass

CapCompass is our method of locking a cap in an ideal position for first opening without disturbing the consumer while drinking. Gable tops and other carton packaging applications are important markets for this processing method. Whether it is a pre-formed hinge, the beginning of a thread, embossing or other feature, the slit lines can be positioned appropriately around the circumference of the closure for functional and/or marketing reasons. CapCompass can be combined with smarTether or experTether.

Quality control with capLAB

In-line quality control

After the cutting and/or folding process, our in-line quality control comes into play. The capLAB immediately checks the tear-off force of the temper evident (TE) tape. Also from tethered seals. The capLAB is also ideal for the quality control of tapes formed by injection molding machines.

The EU's position is seen as a model for other regions and nations, and there are proposals for similar legislation in areas outside Europe. Learn about your future options today. We have a solution for every need.