Amcor targets wine and spirit market with aluminium caps

10-Jan-2013 - Last updated on 10-Jan-2013 at 12:32 GMT

Amcor closure

Amcor Rigid Plastics has expanded the use of one of its aluminium closures to target the wine and spirit market.

The roll-on pilfer-proof (ROPP) finish design for aluminium screw-cap polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles meets the growing demand for premium packaging for the wine and spirits segments, according to the firm.

The ROPP finish design, available in 30mm by 60mm finish (750ml) and 36mm by 52mm finish (1.75L), enables conversion from glass to PET with minimal changes on the glass filling line.

For the 1.75L stock bottle, a plastic pour restrictor is incorporated inside the bottle neck to prevent spillage.

Closure consistency

The ability to use the same aluminium closure for glass on PET bottles offers brand owners a similar filling experience at reduced changeover and cost.

The containers are designed to withstand the top load required for aluminium cap applications and the PET bottles meet all required testing to ensure a secure seal with the closure, said the firm.

Amcor added that lightweight packaging allows more cases per pallet/truck for fewer shipments, lower transportation costs, and reduced carbon emissions.

The two new stock bottles will be incorporated into Amcor’s DeLite brand, currently a complete line of PET bottles with aluminium screw-cap closures for the wine industry.

Lightweight and conversion

Lynne Brophy, spirits and wine business director, said the screw cap offers lightweight and smooth conversion from glass.

“We were able to tap our breadth of technical experience and expertise in PET bottles and closures in the wine market to create a high-value, premium option for spirits makers.

“We expect that this expanded offering will encourage more premium spirits brands to consider PET as a replacement for glass.”

Amcor Rigid Plastics worked with the firm’s Flexible Capsules segment which supplied the closure with a 200ml PET bottle to spirit company US Beam for the launch of Skinnyminis, a four-pack offering of the cocktail late last year.

Amcor Rigid Plastics manufactures plastic packaging for the beverage, food, spirits, personal and home care, and pharmaceuticals industries with 65 facilities in 12 countries.