The role of caps and closures has been to seal and preserve the product inside. But as the years go on, that job description keeps getting longer and longer. Beverage-makers are looking for tops that reflect their brand; keep the environment in mind; offer color, printing and form options; provide ease of use for consumers; showcase innovation; and maintain product integrity and safety.
“Customers are generally looking for technical performance, which guarantees product integrity and safety, and for on-shelf differentiation,” says Jean-Marc Philbois, president of Global Market Development - Beverage for Aptar Food + Beverage, a division of Aptar Group, headquartered in Crystal Lake, Ill. Likewise, consumers rate safety and hygiene high on their lists, followed by ease of use and functionality, according to Aptar research.