The on-site training programme is designed to provide CSD bottlers with a thorough understanding of the fundamentals of plastic closure application under extreme temperature cycling conditions. Alcoa says that X-Tech provides the training needed to convert bottling lines to suit Alcoa CSI's XT closures.
Once trained, bottlers can convert their operation to XT closures seasonally, or when necessary, in order to achieve improved package performance.
"Alcoa CSI developed X-Tech to demonstrate to bottlers that packaging can be adapted to environmental conditions such as temperature cycling," said John Grainda, marketing manager for Alcoa CSI's carbonated soft drink market.
"Alcoa XT closures are the solution to bottlers where these conditions exist particularly in vending and distribution. With XT closures, bottlers gain the flexibility to seasonally adjust packaging to the environment."
Alcoa CSI claims that research shows that filled PET soft drink bottles can be subjected to temperature cycling in the filling/distribution channel - from 40 degrees in refrigerated vending to over 135 degrees in shipping and storage. These wide-ranging temperatures can cause shrinkage of the heat-sensitive PET material, which can cause gaps to develop between the finish and the closure.
This can result in loss of CO2 and product freshness.
Alcoa CSI's Double-Lok XT and Extra-Lok XT closures are specifically designed for PET beverage bottles to maximise CO2 sealing performance and beverage product freshness under the most demanding conditions. The XT liner design incorporates an inner and outer seal, providing maximum protection against gaps.
Under extreme temperature conditions, this dual seal assures that the product remains fresh until the consumer opens the bottle.
"By using Alcoa CSI's XT closures and applying knowledge from X-Tech training, bottlers can be confident of superior sealing performance and beverage freshness," said Grainda.
X-Tech is one of several ways that Alcoa CSI delivers total closure systems solutions. Alcoa customers have unique access to a network of world-class expertise in closure systems engineering and technical services offering on-site service, application support, training and plant efficiency improvement programmes.
Alcoa CSI's major markets include carbonated soft drink, juice, isotonic, bottled water, beer, dairy and food. In its 27 operating locations and offices worldwide, CSI employs nearly 3,000 people.
Alcoa is the world's leading producer of primary aluminium and is active in all major aspects of the industry. In addition to aluminium products and components, Alcoa also markets consumer brands including Reynolds Wrap foils and plastic wraps.