Portola aims to plug hot fill aseptic market with one-piece closure

By Joe Whitworth

- Last updated on GMT

Related tags Polypropylene

Portola's GreenLyte closure
Portola's GreenLyte closure
Portola Packaging has launched a one-piece closure aimed at the hot fill and aseptic beverage market to offer an alternative to traditional two-piece closures.

GreenLyte, the line of plug-seal, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) 38mm closure, offers a different option than the two-piece (closure plus liner) polypropylene (PP) types used for juices, ready-to-drink teas, isotonics,enhanced waters, low-acid nutraceuticals, and high-end, aseptic-filled beverage products, said the firm.

The closure, commercially available in January, is claimed to reduce costs for brand owners due to shell lightweighting, liner elimination and material choice.  

It provides a conversion opportunity for hot-fill beverage products still using 43mm finishes to convert to a 38mm one-piece plug closure instead of going from a 43mm two-piece to a traditional 38mm two-piece closure.

One-piece option

Speaking to FoodProductionDaily.com, Roy Robinson, vice president of business development, Portola Packaging, said the hot-fill market has traditionally used a two-piece closure and the new line gives hot-fill applications a one-piece option.

“The GreenLyte line was specifically engineered to withstand demanding high temperature, hot-fill processing and critical hermetic bottle seal requirements/demands.

“We believe that the interest will be significant and that it will open the doors for widespread, hot-fill application conversion from two- to one-piece closures.”

HDPE benefits

Portola said HDPE resin is less expensive, the thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) liner does not need to be steamed in order to achieve proper application and seal design and low coefficient of friction enables application over a wide range of capper settings.

The lack of a liner for the closure also solves the opening issues that existed with two-piece closures because of the TPE liner material dragging across the top of the finish requiring a level of torque to access the contents. 

When asked about the issue of HDPE and recycling collection, Robinson said: Portola is actively involved with the Closure and Container Manufacturers Association to support initiatives which increase recycling rates. The recycling community is very interested in PE for after market applications.”

Portola announced earlier this year they were exiting their cosmetics business by the end of 2012 to focus on beverage and Robinson added the firm has aggressive plans for growth through innovation and expansion to adjacent market sectors where their expertise and technology apply.

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