Page 46 - Packaging News magazine November-December 2022

INNOVATION AT DRINKTEC
Liquid’s latest in the limelight
Beverage and liquid food megashow drinktec took place in Munich from 12-16 September after a five-year hiatus. Walking the halls for PKN, Dominique Huret reveals the packaging concepts that caught her eye.
PARTICIPATION WAS HIGH at this year’s drinktec trade show, with 50,000 visitors in attendance to view and
experience the beverage innovation showcase, put on by 1000-plus exhibi- tors from 55 countries
An interesting observation, emerg- ing from discussions at drinktec, is that Asian markets are currently the main drivers of growth in the beverage indus- try, accounting for almost a third of the total global consumption of soft drinks. By 2026, global sales of soft drinks are expected to increase by 19 per cent to 848 billion litres. China has 45 per cent share of sales in Asian countries, mak- ing it the most important individual market for soft drinks.
A rise in demand is also predicted in other markets, albeit at a lower rate. However, the largest growth rate goes to India, where consumption should see an 83 per cent increase by 2026.
Another hot button topic at drinktec was how legislation is driving packag- ing changes. For instance, to comply with EU Directive 2019/904 to improve recycling performance, new regulations are impacting single-use bottle caps. Tethered cap solutions were aplenty.
TETHERED CAPS
From July 2024, the tethered cap for PET bottles will be mandatory accord- ing to EU regulation. All caps and lids for all single-use plastic beverage bot- tles up to three litres in volume must be connected to the bottles, to reduce the risk of the caps being independently sent to waste. Several tethered cap manufacturers showcased their solu- tions at drinktec.
Bericap’s ClipAside tethered caps have a 180-degree opening angle with intuitive handling. They were designed to allow customers to prepare for a fast and simple change-over to tethered caps while current band geometry clo- sures are being manufactured, or to manufacture both types concurrently. According to Bericap, it is possible for the filling lines to conveniently switch between standard and tethered caps without any modifications necessary.
United Caps offers two closure types in its tethered closure Fit for a King line – the Crown Jewel premium moulded solution and the No Drama Queens slitted solution. Each is available in a variety of sizes and colours to meet the needs of a wide range of brands and
Above: Aptar’s Rocket sport cap with yellow tamper-evident band and 180° hinge technology.
Right: United Caps Mimica Touchcap showing complex structure.
Below (L-R): Tethered cap solutions from Bericap; United Caps; and Elopak.
product types, including still drinks, juices, carbonated drinks and liquid dairy solutions.
A bespoke closure developed by United Caps for beverage carton man- ufacturer Elopak is the Pure-TwistFlip 29i, which can be combined with any Elopak Pure-Pak carton, and has been designed so that the closure remains attached throughout its entire lifecy- cle. It is also claimed to be the lightest screw cap to date.
SMART DESIGN
In another category, consumer prod- uct dispensing company Aptar Food + Beverage showcased its Rocket sport cap, which offers visual assurance of consumer safety through a yellow- coloured band that indicates whether the packaging has been opened. This
market-first solution provides a visual and intuitive non-detachable tamper evidence indicator. It is designed to meet child safety standards (BSDA), has a large finger recess, and makes an audible closing “click” sound on opening and closing. Its no-dust, double-wall lid design protects the spout from external contaminants. And while most caps open at a 110-degree angle, Rocket’s hinge technology offers a 180-degree angle to prevent a
lid spring-back effect.
United Caps’ new and exclu-
sive collaboration with start-up Mimica sees the new concept Mimica Touchcap closure which, according to the duo, creates
46 ❙ NOVEMBER – DECEMBER 2022
WWW.PACKAGINGNEWS.COM.AU