Secure down to the last drop – Practical, intuitive, and child-friendly new closure solution
Alpla’s no-spill beverage closure has been designed to ensure not a single drop is lost. The new solution only dispenses liquid by vacuum or mechanical pressure on the elastic mouthpiece. Conversely, the closure keeps the liquid reliably sealed from the inside at up to 2.7 bar bottle pressure.
The secure valve closure system was developed by the Norwegian valve technology company Smart Seal and manufactured exclusively by Alpla from the outset. With the complete takeover of all tools and assembly lines at the Fußach site in Austria, Alpla is now setting the course for the further scaling of this new closure solution. At the same time, the company is intensifying the development of new tools, reducing material consumption through optimisation and investing in further product solutions.
Daniel Gut, head of the Austrian plant in Fußach, says: “The history of the no-spill closure so far has been promising. Now, we are taking the next step and capitalising on our strengths as a global system provider. We want to exploit the enormous potential this offers us and can triple our production straight away.”
PETplanet: May I kindly ask you to take one step back – why did you choose the Smart Seal solution?
Alpla: So far Alpla had no own no-spill closures. The Smart Seal technology with its elastic mouthpiece and the innovative function that liquid is dispensed by suction is an ideal enlargement of our product portfolio.
PETplanet: You mentioned earlier that there is still potential for a reduction of material at this closure. Can you please explain this in more detail?
Alpla: The three-part valve closure offers a unique selling point compared to the two-part sports cap – the no-spill function. If the valve is not needed, the weight-reduced two-piece sports cap is the alternative.
PETplanet: For what kind of application do you see most potential, you say that you will triple the production?
Alpla: No spill-proof drinks for children are a key application for which the technology is already available but still has room to grow. In addition, the easy opening and leak-proof combination makes the closure ideal for travel and leisure activities as well as for hospital applications and use by the elderly where opening and closing without mess is very important.
PETplanet: Plastic bottles and packaging must be produced with a certain percentage of recycled material. Are you planning to produce Alpla closures from recycled material as well?
Alpla: At the moment there are no Efsa certified recycling material available for this type of plastic. As soon as there is, we will check the opportunities.
PETplanet: As Alpla has an international network: Where do you see opportunities to build up additional capacities, also in the future? Where are promising markets worldwide?
Alpla: So far we have a strong demand in Eastern Europe. Based on our international network we check the demand worldwide by using our existing sales channels.
Sales Manager Patrick Scherbanti added that the no-spill closure is included in the standard product range and distributed via the international network and that Alpla’s customers benefit from another innovation and can obtain the closure, including the bottle or preform, from one source. Depending on the market and application area, Alpla can also quickly and flexibly build up additional capacities.
Customisation and sports version
The no-spill closure is available for different neck finishes in a total of nine colours. Customised colours are also available above a certain number of units. The closure will also be available as a two-part sports version in the future – evaluations are currently underway. The alternative version dispenses liquid immediately after the cap is opened and does not require suction or pressure on the mouthpiece, making it easier to drink during physical peak performance. Further developments are already being planned and will be presented in early 2024.
