Rpet-based closures for improved sustainable performance

Overview

This technology addresses a critical gap in sustainable packaging by enabling lightweight, cost-competitive closures made from PET, including recycled PET (rPET). Today, caps are typically made from HDPE or PP and act as contaminants in the PET recycling stream. This PET closure technology solves that problem by enabling an all-PET package, allowing the cap to be tethered to the bottle and recycled together without separation. In addition to recyclability benefits, PET closures deliver superior barrier properties against oxygen and carbon dioxide compared to HDPE and PP, extending beverage shelf life. The thin-wall design also reduces packaging waste, supporting sustainability goals across the beverage and packaging value chain.

Technical specifications

• Enables cap production from recycled PET (rPET), currently not achievable with traditional molding approaches
• Supports high fractions of rPET in the closure, reducing dependence on virgin plastic
• Provides better oxygen and CO2 barrier performance than conventional HDPE and PP caps, improving product shelf life
• Thin-wall cap design reduces material use and packaging waste
• Compatible with tethered-cap designs that stay attached to the bottle during recycling
• Eliminates HDPE/PP contamination in the PET recycle stream, improving recycled material quality
• Cost-competitive with commercially available closure alternatives

Technology readiness level

Prototypes have been produced and initial testing confirms good part definition, seal performance, cap application, and torque removal comparable to commercial HDPE caps. The next phase involves collaboration with a network of experts and equipment manufacturers to refine the technology for continuous production of PET caps with performance equal to or superior to HDPE caps. Production-ready closures are targeted for launch within six months of joining the research and development program.