Caps and closures have the important task of keeping a product safe with the package closed and tightly sealed. This common function is imperative for the beverage, food, cosmetic – and especially pharmaceutical – industries. New materials and technologies are launching to bring more innovation to the segment than ever before.

Seals ensure freshness

Because of the high importance to maintain product integrity, avoid contamination and prevent leaks, Selig (seligsealing.com) offers its popular Lift ‘n’ Peel™ solution.

The newly redesigned, easy-to open, market leading Lift ’n’ Peel range of induction seals incorporate an easy-open polyester tab that has been designed to be ergonomically easy to grip, flexible and extremely strong. I asked the company about the redesign and according to Selig, a focus group survey revealed the need for clearer opening instructions.

“A study has revealed that consumers are most concerned with safety, freshness, leak-prevention and simple opening, which were all highlighted as critical factors when choosing product packaging. In particular, convenience and ease of removal were the most attractive features of the Lift ‘n’ Peel liners over traditional alternatives,” states Selig.

The seals can accommodate a customer specific logo or design to provide additional protection from counterfeiting and brand differentiation.

Built to be used underneath a foil seal, a new desiccant closure has launched that stays fixed to the bottle, even after opening. CSP Technologies, Inc. (csptechnologies.com) has developed Activ-Seal™ closures, with gas scavenging technology built directly into an induction-sealed, tamper-evident screw cap. The closure’s orifice-reducing element is affixed onto the top of the bottle during the induction sealing process. It is covered by a lift and peel foil seal which, once removed, enables metered dosing. The scavenging component, offering combinations of moisture, volatile organic compounds (VOC) and odor management, is permanently positioned on the underside of the orifice reducer, ensuring the product protection never leaves the bottle.

The other benefit to this is that these closures remove the need to add a sachet or canister into the package, which requires additional equipment and carries the risk of accidental ingestion. Complexity and costs also are reduced, since only one molded piece is needed for all scavenging needs.

Capping solutions

To overcome capping challenges when dealing with polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Crown Holdings Inc. (crowncork.com) has launched a new metal closure that works well with the material to keep a tight seal.

In the past, metal closures have seen limited use with PET containers due to both technical and aesthetic constraints. Crown’s new metal closures solve this issue by keeping a tight seal without compromising the shape or integrity of the container during the manufacturing process. The package combination offers considerable weight, efficiency and breakage improvements for both brands and consumers, while maintaining the high quality aesthetic of glass on store shelves.

Suitable for use on a variety of PET container sizes, the new closures can be fully decorated and applied with the same equipment that is used to secure metal closures to glass containers. Reduction in glass breakage and weight results in considerable savings from a packaging line and transportation standpoint, and consumers appreciate its lighter weight and unbreakable quality over glass.

“We’re especially excited about how far PET has come as an option, as these clarified polymers look strikingly similar to a traditional glass finish,” says Dr. Daniel Abramowicz, executive vice president, technology and regulatory Affairs. “We’ve modified Crown’s existing closure technology so that it is compatible with current equipment lines, simplifying adoption.”

Resealability reigns

Resealability is a key trend in food and beverage packaging. It helps to keep the product fresh in between uses and allows consumers to take the product with them on the go, but it’s also so much more than that. According to Richard Custer, commercial director, Fresh-Lock, Slide-Rite & specialty films at Presto Products Company, resealable packaging is booming.

“Resealable packaging is booming in so many industries because it offers a better all-around product experience for the consumer. It helps preserve product freshness and minimizes product loss due to spills of a non-resealable package. Resealable packaging makes accessibility fast and easy and provides the customer reassurance that the package is properly closed.”

“According to research from Mintel, 81 percent of consumers prefer and would purchase resealable packaging over non-resealable packaging. However, just including this feature isn’t enough. You need to include it in your branding so that consumers know exactly what they’re getting when they see your products on the shelf,” continues Custer.

For easy resealability, Presto Products Company (fresh-lock.com) makes slider and zipper locks to work in many industries. The company’s reduced scale (RS) sliders work particularly well for lighter-weight and smaller packages that still want to offer consumers resealability but cost less than the company’s traditional sliders.

The new RS Slider, designed for use on products such as shredded cheeses, frozen vegetables, pet treats and confectionary foods, is suitable for stand-up pouch applications.

“The growth of flexible packaging in so many markets is driving the need for premium closure options such as sliders. Consumers like sliders because they are easier to grip than other closures and the low sliding force makes accessing packaging contents quick and easy. Studies show consumers will pay more for resealable packaging, which makes sliders the ideal closure option for premium brands. Brands also like sliders because it sets them apart from their competition, allowing them to gain brand loyalty by standing out on shelves against competitors,” says Custer.

It’s better to be smart

Constantia Flexibles’ (cflex.com) Smart Top aluminum foil lids are providing additional promotional opportunities for cans of Mediterranean cult brand, Orangina. In addition, the foil lids provide protection from dirt, dust and germs as they completely cover the top of the can.

The fully recyclable debossed aluminum foil adapts perfectly to the can’s shape and can be accurately applied at up to 60,000 cans per hour. The additional branding space can be customized with specialty embossing patterns, temperature changing inks, and printing on the reverse side for special promotions.

New closures today must perform many tasks from ensuring freshness, keeping the product clean, as well as offering resealability options for consumer convenience. Mix those traits with branding opportunities and ease of use for an all-star package.