US-based packaging solutions firm AptarGroup has partnered with Japanese bottle closures maker Nippon Closures (NCC) to cross-license technology for tethered beverage closures.
The partnership marks the first cross-licence, registered intellectual property exchange between the parties. Both Aptar and NCC also plan to expand the exchange to other areas.
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As part of the deal, partners are collaboratively producing new solutions for beverage closures, set to enhance the consumer drinking experience.
Aptar Food and Beverage president Marc Prieur said: “We are pleased to partner with NCC on the cross-licensing of registered intellectual property for tethered beverage closures, as we look to grow our portfolio of dispensing closures that are more convenient for consumers and more sustainable for the environment.
“Aptar and NCC are committed to keeping beverage caps attached to the bottle to promote better recyclability and we look forward to working together to bring even more innovative solutions to market.”
Aptar and NCC are also working on reducing their impact on the environment by creating sustainable products.
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By GlobalDataAptar introduced the Flip Lid dispensing closure in a bid to promote post-use recycling. The closure is designed to remain with the bottle throughout its lifecycle, making it easier to recycle.
NCC has also developed the tethered solution StrapBand for flat and sports caps used for still and carbonated beverages. The caps feature a wide opening angle and make a click sound when tethered.
According to Aptar, Flip Lid and StrapBand meet the European Single-Use Plastics (SUP) requirements, as well as the AB 319 California proposal in the US.
Nippon Closures president Hisashi Nakajima said: “We are delighted to start our partnership with Aptar with a cross-licence agreement between our tethered beverage closures (Flip Lid and StrapBand) which provide the value of being environmentally friendly and convenient to use.
“We believe that, in the future, our cooperation will allow us to further develop innovative technologies beyond tethered beverage closures to help solve social-environmental problems with more eco-friendly, easy to use and resource-energy saving products.”
In January, AptarGroup signed the New Plastics Economy Global Commitment in order to address plastic pollution.
