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Clever Sealing Systems
Tear open, lift up, twist, pull up... the possibilities for opening packaging are manifold these days – as are the necessities to (re-)close them. Consumers find nothing more annoying than packaging that is hard to open and/or difficult to close again. The packaging process calls for clever closing solutions and systems!
Consumers are interested in the contents of packaging. And they want to get it as fast and easily as possible and preferably without any tools. For instance, TetraPak offers a whole array of smart closing solutions for packaging liquid products. The classic approach is called “Easy Opening”: this means the cartons can be opened at the upper edge and unfolded without tools. Pouring works here without a separate screw-top cap.
Just as well-established are perforations as opening solutions. They are introduced into the material at the packaging material production stage, i.e. the perforation holes are die-cut inline into the cardboard right after the printing process. Then the material is laminated with PE film and aluminium foil. To open the corner of the carton needs to be lifted and torn at the perforation. Perforations are an inexpensive solution since no additional material is required and consumers can open cartons without the need for any tools.
The basis for many – also re-closable – options is the so-called PullTab. This comparatively complex opening system is completely fitted in the filling machine. After the filling process various re-closable caps can then be attached to the already fitted PullTab offline, i.e. outside the filling machine. Options include folding or screw-top caps.
Open and Close
TetraPak offers re-closable opening solutions in the form of such products as the SimplyPull folding caps, the Tetra Top, SimplyTwist und TwistCaps. SimplyPull is functional, low-cost and has been developed further and finetuned over the years. It ensures easy opening thanks to its asymmetrical PullTab. Furthermore, the pouring edge was optimised to ease pouring and minimise spills when re-closing.
Tetra Top was especially designed for filling pasteurised products. Screw caps are particularly suited for products meant to convey a sense of value to consumers. These caps are injection moulded in polyethylene and attached to the cartons. Unlike for disposable packaging these screw caps are only attached by a capper after the filling process.
SimplyTwist is a closing solution for fresh produce packaged in cartons such as non-UHT milk, fresh juices or cream. The corresponding machines are equipped with a built-in injection moulding module, which produces these caps during the filling process. The thread including the pull-off opening is injection-moulded to the flat packaging material in the filling plant. After filling the cap is placed on top even before the outer packaging is added. This closing option provides great possibilities for standing out from the competition. Eight colours are available to choose from and handling is also very easy.
TwistCap comes in six colours featuring a double-secured closing solution with a circlip fitted to the bottom of the cap. This will part with the cap when twisted and remain attached to the packaging. After twisting off the cap users must pull off another membrane with the help of a pull ring. This membrane protects the contents against oxygen and other contaminants. There are also various fold and twist caps available for durable liquid products.
Closing System for Wine Bottles
Wine makers have been searching for alternatives to natural cork for closing bottles for years now. The big challenge here is to live up to both the quality and aesthetic demands made on wine. One idea: "glass-on-glass". The “Vino-Lok” system by CSI comprises a glass stopper with a special seal to ensure a safe fit in the bottleneck. An aluminium covering cap secures and protects the glass stopper and serves as a tamper-proofing device at the same time. In addition, shrink film or metal foils can be used. To open the Vino-Lok simply cut and remove the foil, twist off AluCap and open the Vino-Lok. Furthermore, once opened bottles can be easily closed again to be air-tight.
Easy-Open-Tin
Needless to say the good old tin can with its “easy-open” lid is considered one of the most important packaging innovations. The first patent dates back to 1810 and was granted to the English inventor Peter Durand. Tin cans have doubtlessly changed the way foodstuffs are made durable and are still a packaging type of particular significance. They score highly because they provide a 100% oxygen barrier and perfect protection from light and moisture. And thanks to gradually improved technology opening them is as easy as anything even for kids now – who have come to enjoy that inimitable sound just as much as adults.
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