According to Thompson, CEO of Vinventions, producers of all types of beverages are seeking more efficient closures. In addition, producers are looking for more environmentally friendly products. Sustainability is a new rage, and segment-specific products are on the rise. Unfortunately, the United States currently lags behind many other nations in this regard. Fortunately, this trend is likely to continue. Read on to find out how closures for bottles can benefit your business.
Cork closures lend their natural qualities to the wine.
The sensory characteristics of wines are often affected by the type of closure used, such as a cork or synthetic closure. Researchers have examined the effect of closure types on wine properties, including aroma, color, and desorption/scalping behavior. A recent study concluded that the highest OTR wines were more oxidized, had a darker color, and contained lower levels of volatile compounds and antioxidants.
A study conducted by Vinvention found that consumers generally associated the use of a cork with premium wines. Another study conducted at Washington State University concluded that a cork closure lent its natural qualities to wine and was the most environmentally friendly closure available. The study also found that natural corks are better for the environment than synthetic and aluminum closures. Despite these concerns, corks remain a popular choice for winemakers today.
They are made of renewable, sustainable materials.
A new trend in closing bottles is to replace plastic with renewable and sustainable materials. The Nomacorc Select Bio Series closures are made from sugarcane residue and tout a 100 percent recyclable and carbon-neutral footprint. Their designs are more sophisticated, too, offering different oxygen transfer rates to avoid wine flaws. These bottles will be an environmentally-friendly alternative to bottles made of glass. And they are just as striking as the bottles they close.
Recent European Union legislation has strengthened the recycling of plastic bottles by introducing separate collection targets and mandatory recycled content obligations. To this end, explicit design requirements for the bottle cap have been submitted. These caps are typically made of polypropylene or polyethylene and may contain additives. For example, Wonderlich points out the environmental benefits of using an all-PE closure on small HDPE bottles, which are recyclable in the same stream as the bottle body. But adding a PP closure would cause significant PP contamination of the PET recyclate.
They are less prone to taint
Winemakers are using twist-off closures to keep cork taint at bay. Although a small minority of wine enthusiasts claim that their favorite wines taste more sulfide-affected under twist-offs, a study from Oregon State University contradicts this theory. The researchers tested the same wines under corks and alternative closures and found no difference.
The cork taint problem is a significant concern for wineries that sell higher-end wines, but it may not bother the average consumer. According to Wine Opinions, cork is still the MacDaddy of wine closures. And despite the taint problem, cork continues to be the MacDaddy of the wine industry. And with the emergence of more sustainable closures, there may be a chance of cork’s demise.
Synthetic corks are one of the better alternatives. Synthetic corks are made from plant-based material, generally made from bio-polyethylene. They are also more recyclable, and their high oxygen permeation rate makes them a good choice for those who prefer more miniature taint-prone bottles. And as a bonus, synthetic corks are far cheaper than natural corks.
They are easy to open.
The closures used in bottles are designed to keep a product from premature opening or leakage. They also offer a convenient means to close the container after use. Some closures are easy to open, while others make a hollow echoing sound. A key feature in choosing a closure is the ease with which it can be opened. Whether it is an airtight or screw-on type, there are many types of bottle closures.
Screw-on, disc-top, and lever-style bottle closures offer ease of opening. They allow one-handed use. A disc is created that snaps shut by simply depressing the cap, keeping the product inside. These closures are widespread in personal care products and have a wide opening. They are ideal for thicker liquid products. Some are easy to open, while others may not.