Amcor, a global packaging producer, is supplying Voslauer Mineralwasser with new customized tethered closures for the brand’s distinctive bottles. This solution is another joint initiative of the two companies, aimed at packaging that combines functionality, accessibility, a more sustainable profile and consistency with the bottle design.
The new tethered closure has been developed as a version adapted to Voslauer’s existing customized cap. When opened, the lid tilts to a wide angle and locks in a stable position, keeping it away from the user’s face. This design is intended to support a comfortable drinking experience without the risk of the closure touching the mouth or nose. In addition, its construction facilitates replacing the cap on the bottle neck for reclosing.
The use of a closure permanently attached to the bottle is important from a regulatory perspective. The EU Single-Use Plastics Directive requires that for single-use bottles up to 3 liters, the closure remains attached to the packaging after opening. This reduces the risk of environmental littering by separately discarded caps and helps increase collection and recycling rates in countries with appropriate recycling infrastructure.
Mag. Yvonne Haider-Lenz from Voslauer Mineralwasser emphasizes the importance of quality for both the product and its packaging: "We appreciate that our customers have high standards and our commitment to quality is as evident in our packaging as it is in our mineral and flavored waters. We value our longstanding collaboration with Amcor and the company’s ability to support our ongoing sustainability commitments."
Development of Secure Flip sports closures
As part of its environmental activities, Voslauer was also the first company in Austria to introduce the Secure Flip sports cap developed by Amcor. A key feature of this design is a tamper-evident band that remains permanently retained within the closure after first opening. This provides an alternative to a detachable tab which, in traditional solutions, is often discarded separately and increases the volume of small plastic waste.
The Secure Flip closure is equipped with an ergonomically designed thumb tab that enables intuitive one-handed opening of the bottle. The lid opens to a stable angle of up to 180 degrees, providing unobstructed access to the spout. This type of construction is intended to improve user comfort while reducing the number of loose plastic components in circulation.
Closure functionality and brand perception
Representing Amcor, Sarah de la Mare, product line director for closures at Amcor Rigids Packaging Solutions International, highlights the role of caps in beverage packaging: "Closures play a critical role in drinks packaging, protecting the products and ensuring safe and easy access, and in this way can help to influence brand perceptions. We are delighted to work with Voslauer in the continuing development of innovative solutions that support both their product and sustainability goals."
Joint projects by Amcor and Voslauer show that tethered closures and related solutions such as Secure Flip are used not only to meet regulatory requirements but also as tools to improve packaging functionality. Integrating user convenience with the requirements of the SUP Directive is important in the context of increasing regulatory pressure and consumer expectations regarding litter reduction and higher recycling rates for plastic packaging.
