CAPS & CLOSURES 37 PETplanet Insider Vol. 26 No. 06/25 www.petpla.net Q Pet expands South Africa facility for tethered closure production Fastened for the future Q Pet’s investment is well timed, as retailer groups in South Africa are actively seeking local manufacturing capabilities for tethered closures, to support their own sustainability initiatives. “The demand for locally produced tethered closures represents a significant opportunity for South African manufacturing. By investing in this technology now, we’re not just meeting current market needs; we’re preparing for the future of sustainable packaging” said Arshud Sema, General Manager at Q Pet. Years of strategic collaboration Q Pet and Husky Technologies have been collaborating on strategic planning and market evaluation for several years. While the potential for local tethered closure production was clear, the two companies wanted to ensure the timing and technology were right for the South African market. Husky Technologies, a global leader in injection moulding systems and services, brought the technological foundation and expertise needed to support this strategic shift, and 2024 was the year when Husky’s advanced mould technology, Q Pet’s manufacturing capabilities and market demand all fell into place. The technical solution includes Husky HyCAP mould, which, Q Pet says, offers excellent closure quality in high-speed filling operations, while its tethered design features an enhanced opening angle and secure locking mechanism. Its lightweight construction helps to advance Q Pet’s sustainability goals, while maintaining structural integrity of the closures. Installation and commissioning The new production line has been installed and commissioning is in progress for annual production of more than 200 million 38mm tethered closures a year. The next phase, which will be later in 2025, will be the launch of 28mm tethered PCO 1881 closures, with a similar capacity of 200 million units per annum. This local manufacturing capability will significantly reduce the carbon footprint associated with imported closures. Regulatory compliance Q Pet is a Level 1 BBBEE supplier, registered with the relevant local authorities and fully compliant with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulatory requirements. The company has also recently increased its preform, blowing and closure capacity with new technology, and continues to invest as new markets emerge. Its target markets include food, dairy and beverage sectors. “As we expand our capabilities with this new tethered closure line, we’re maintaining our focus on sustainable growth and local market development. This investment represents our commitment to both environmental responsibility and South African manufacturing excellence,” said Ziyaad Moosa, CEO at Q Pet. Q Pet operates approximately 35,000m2 of manufacturing and warehousing space across South Africa, with facilities in Pietermaritzburg, Johannesburg and Cape Town. The company has established a strong presence in the edible oil industry, playing an important role in the sector’s transition from metal cans to PET packaging. It has maintained a significant market position for over 30 years. Q Pet’s manufacturing expertise includes PET injection moulded preforms, blown bottles, jars and closures, serving sectors including edible oil; mineral water; CSD beverages; dairy; juices; and spice and sauce markets. www.qpet.co.za South African PET manufacturer Q Pet is expanding its capabilities to include local production of tethered closures, at its Pietermaritzburg facility. The family-owned business has been operating in South Africa since 1988. Photo: Husky
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