EDITOUR PETplanet Insider Vol. 23 No. 07+08/22 www.petpla.net 16 Tethered caps require complex cutting geometries Where caps go under the knife by Gabriele Kosmehl As part of the Brückner Group’s Pre-K press conference in Freilassing, Bavaria, we met Beat Rupp, CEO of Packsys Global. Their machines are essential when it comes to implementing the EU Directive on tethered caps. June 09, 2022 We met: Beat Rupp, CEO Packsys Global Along with complete systems for extruded tubes and laminate tubes, automatic hot embossing solutions and packaging solutions for a wide range of containers, rotary slitting and folding machines for plastic caps are designed in Rüti, near Zurich in Switzerland. The latter have become a particular focus of attention because of the tethered caps directive; from July 2024, a total of 255 billion closures p.a. in the EU must be designed in such a way that they stay attached to single-use containers even under a breakaway force of 25 Newtons. This requires complex cutting geometries that are not only horizontal but also vertical and diagonal and extremely precise. This is the specialist field of Packsys Global AG. Great effort has gone into this issue over the last three years, and customers can now be offered the SmarTether, ExperTether and CapCompass solutions (see box). These are distinctive in that they can be used on all common neck styles, including GME 30.40 (26mm). “All requirements can be met purely through adjustments in the slitting,” explains Beat Rupp. “For our customers, this means that existing systems can be retrofitted.” The precise alignment of the cutter is more relevant than ever. “Previously, caps were cut above a take-off ring; today different elements and levels are needed to produce the various tethered cap variants,” says Rupp. At present, it’s impossible to predict which cap variants will catch on. “Ultimately, it will be the solutions that are the simplest to replicate and that are easily understood by consumers,” Rupp assumes. While all compression moulded caps have to be cut, injection moulded caps can either be cut or the band supports can be integrated into the moulding process. Slitted designs have the advantage that the process creates only minimal gaps. The cap application process is more stable due to the better mechanical alignment. In addition, slitting has the advantage of offering a better visibility after first opening due to a wider drop zone, a clear advantage for the end consumer. “Eventually, every variation will be on the market, including hybrid solutions combining both technologies” says Rupp. He’s delighted about a new customer group that Packsys could win over: “Tethered caps are an issue not only for PET bottles but also for drinks cartons. Gable-top cartons need an oriented cut to ensure that pouring isn’t hampered by the cap. Here, our CapCompass can be combined with TE-band cutting,” explains Beat Rupp. After two challenging years of pandemic, the company is on the verge of an upturn in the drinks machinery field thanks to the high demand for tethered cap solutions. Tour Sponsors: The new Packsys Global headquarter in Rüti, Switzerland Beat Rupp and Gabriele Kosmehl at the company headquarters of the Brückner Group in Siegsdorf
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTY0MjI=