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Amcor, a global producer of responsible packaging solutions, has announced a new supply agreement with Vöslauer Mineralwasser. Under this partnership, Amcor is providing a tethered version of a customised closure designed specifically for Vöslauer’s existing bottle portfolio. This development reflects a strategic move to align with European environmental regulations while preserving the functional and aesthetic requirements of the Austrian mineral water brand.

EU Single-Use Plastics Directive

The primary driver for the adoption of tethered closures is the EU Single-Use Plastics Directive. This regulation mandates that closures remain attached to all single-use beverage bottles with a capacity of up to three litres.

By keeping the closure permanently fixed to the bottle, the design significantly reduces the likelihood of cap littering. Furthermore, this integrated approach supports higher collection and recycling rates in regions with established circular economy infrastructure, as the cap and bottle are processed together.

Functional Design and Consumer Experience

The new closure was engineered to balance regulatory requirements with user experience. Technical features of the design include:

• Wide-Angle Opening: The closure opens to a wide angle to ensure it does not interfere with the consumer during use.

• Lock-in Mechanism: A specific "click" mechanism keeps the cap in a stable position while open.

• Resealing Capability: The design allows for easy replacement of the bottle top for secure reclosing and product protection.

Technical Evolution in Sports Closures

This collaboration builds on previous technical milestones between the two companies. Vöslauer was the first company in Austria to implement Amcor’s Secure Flip sports cap.

Unlike traditional sports caps with detachable parts, the Secure Flip features a non-detachable tamper-evident band. The ergonomic design allows for one-handed operation and includes a thumb tab that opens to a 180-degree angle, providing unobstructed access to the spout while ensuring no plastic components are discarded during the opening process.

Strategic Partnership and Quality Standards

The partnership underscores a shared focus on combining industrial functionality with sustainability. According to Vöslauer Mineralwasser, the transition to tethered closures is part of a broader commitment to maintaining high packaging standards for their mineral and flavoured water lines.

Amcor Rigids Packaging Solutions International noted that closures play a critical role in brand perception, as they are the primary point of interaction for the consumer. The ongoing development of these innovative solutions is intended to support both the environmental goals and the market positioning of beverage producers in a tightening regulatory landscape.