PACKAGING TECHNOLOGY
Patented closure system cuts container leaks / Opportunities to reduce bottle weights
Following more than two years of development, the packaging product development company of Spreckelsen McGeough Ltd (Little Gawton, Horsell Vale, Woking, GB - Surrey GU21 4QU) is close to commercialising three applications for a new concept in closure systems that, it claims, will reduce the number of packs that leak and allow faster production on liquid filling lines. One of the applications is for a dairy product in Europe, a second is a non-dairy sterilised liquid.
The patented system, termed BAP (Bonded Aluminium Plastic), is based on the principle of welding a snap-on injection moulded neck onto an extrusion blow moulded bottle after it has been filled. The welding operation is carried out using an induction heat seal foil. Entry to the container is then via a ring pull system, which permits easy opening, but still allows the bottle to be resealed well. The technology is said to address the fundamental mismatch between the tolerances that can be achieved at the neck of extrusion blow moulded bottles and those attainable with an injection moulded cap. At the same time, bottle weights can be significantly reduced, ensuring package cost neutrality, whilst offering consumer improvements in pouring and secondary sealing.
BAP can be applied to PE, PP and PET bottles and is proving successful, in trials, with pasteurised, aseptic and retorted sterilised liquid foods and non-food products, such as motor oil. According to one of the developers, Henning von Spreckelsen, the technology has attracted considerable interest in Europe and the US, particularly with dairy groups. One of the key companies associated with the development is Husky Injection Molding Systems.
The BAP technology will either be available for licence or Spreckelesen McGeough will be a partner in a joint venture production operation. Both Spreckelsen and his partner, Peter McGeough have worked for Tetra Pak and have experience of establishing hole-in-the-wall packaging operations.
The global launch of the BAP technology will be made at “K 2001” Global Conference on New Plastics Materials and Processing Technologies, organised by Schotland Business Research and taking place in Dusseldorf on 23-24 October.
The patented system, termed BAP (Bonded Aluminium Plastic), is based on the principle of welding a snap-on injection moulded neck onto an extrusion blow moulded bottle after it has been filled. The welding operation is carried out using an induction heat seal foil. Entry to the container is then via a ring pull system, which permits easy opening, but still allows the bottle to be resealed well. The technology is said to address the fundamental mismatch between the tolerances that can be achieved at the neck of extrusion blow moulded bottles and those attainable with an injection moulded cap. At the same time, bottle weights can be significantly reduced, ensuring package cost neutrality, whilst offering consumer improvements in pouring and secondary sealing.
BAP can be applied to PE, PP and PET bottles and is proving successful, in trials, with pasteurised, aseptic and retorted sterilised liquid foods and non-food products, such as motor oil. According to one of the developers, Henning von Spreckelsen, the technology has attracted considerable interest in Europe and the US, particularly with dairy groups. One of the key companies associated with the development is Husky Injection Molding Systems.
The BAP technology will either be available for licence or Spreckelesen McGeough will be a partner in a joint venture production operation. Both Spreckelsen and his partner, Peter McGeough have worked for Tetra Pak and have experience of establishing hole-in-the-wall packaging operations.
The global launch of the BAP technology will be made at “K 2001” Global Conference on New Plastics Materials and Processing Technologies, organised by Schotland Business Research and taking place in Dusseldorf on 23-24 October.
05.07.2001 Plasteurope.com [16624]
Published on 05.07.2001