SIG has revealed plans to launch tethered caps for its beverage cartons in Europe in the second half of 2021, well ahead of the July 2024 deadline set by EU regulations.
The company said the redesigned caps don’t compromise on convenience and will be compatible with existing filling machines and closure applicators.
SIG added that customers choosing the firm’s SIGNATURE packaging solutions will also get the additional environmental benefit of tethered caps made from polymers linked to 100% renewable, forest-based materials.
“Our new tethered cap solutions build on SIG’s strong track record on sustainable innovation as we go Way Beyond Good for people and the planet,” said Ali Kaylan, SVP innovation and VP global marketing at SIG. “By announcing the launch three years ahead of regulatory requirements, we are providing reassurance for customers as they prepare to comply with forthcoming EU regulations.”
The EU’s Single-Use Plastics Directive includes a requirement for all single-use beverage containers to come with their caps attached by July 2024 to help ensure the caps are disposed of and recycled together with the rest of the pack.
SIG explained that its tethered caps will be launched initially for the closures used with its most popular packs in Europe. The tethered domeTwist will be available for SIG’s carton bottle combidome, as well as tethered combiMaxx and tethered combiSwift options for SIG’s core family-size carton portfolio.
The caps use what SIG described as a ‘robust double-hinge solution’ that proved ‘highly suitable’ for consumers during market research. When the pack is opened for pouring, the cap can be fixed at the desired position by pressing it down until it clicks. This means the consumer can pour without the cap getting in the way and without needing to hold it down with their fingers. To close the pack, the cap is lifted slightly before closing in the usual way.
