Alcoa Closure Systems International (CSI), one of the world's largest closure systems suppliers to the beverage industry, has introduced two new closures designed to improve the seal integrity of carbonated beverage packaging under extreme temperature conditions. The products are the 28mm Double-Lok XT and the 28mm Extra-Lok XT.
Alcoa CSI research has demonstrated that filled PET soft drink bottles can be subjected to extreme temperatures during the filling and distribution process - from 40º Fahrenheit in refrigerated vending to over 135º in shipping and storage. These wide-ranging temperature conditions can cause shrinkage of the heat-sensitive PET material, which can cause gaps to develop between the finish and the closure.
Alcoa CSI's Double-Lok XT and Extra-Lok XT closures are designed to maximise CO2 sealing performance and beverage product freshness in PET bottles. The XT liner design features an inner and outer seal, providing maximum protection against gaps.
Under extreme temperature conditions, this dual seal aims to assure that the product remains fresh until the end consumer opens the bottle.
The XT closure also includes patented tamper evidence and improved removal torque for better package opening performance for consumers, the company claims. Application set up is also said to be easy, with only a capper headset torque adjustment required to apply XT closures.
CSI's major markets include carbonated soft drink, juice, isotonic, bottled water, beer, dairy, food, liquor, pharmaceutical, and motor oil. The company operates in 27 locations and offices worldwide, and employs nearly 3,000 people.
CSI is part of the Alcoa group, which offers a complete selection of packaging products to manufacturers and consumers including aluminum rigid container sheeting, formed plastic containers, converter foil and formed container stock. The company currently has 127,000 employees in 40 countries.