PET containers with metal closure unveiled

AMCOR Rigid Plastics has developed a unique hot-fill polyethylene terephthalate (PET) containers, which accept metal lug closures – a first for the food packaging industry. The breakthrough technology, called the A-PEX63^TM system, was unveiled at the recent Private Label Manufacturers Association annual trade show  in Rosemont, Illinois.

The innovative technology allows the fitment of metal lug closures to blow-and-trim 24oz hot-fill containers. For the first time, consumers who are familiar with the look and quality feel of a glass jar with a metal lug closure can now enjoy the same quality and reassurance of the fresh “pop” of a metal lug closure on a lightweight, shatter-proof PET jar. 

The A-PEX63  system ensures that sealing integrity is maintained and meets the industry average for removal torque (ease of opening). Brand owners can also maintain the same brand equity with the switch from glass to PET.

The patent-pending technology is based on advanced design and engineering techniques, and a major development  that firmly positions PET hot-fill containers in the food packaging industry.  “We’ve filled an important need for consumers and brand owners who seek the benefits of PET containers with metal lug closures, delivering the same quality and freshness associated with glass along with significant performance, manufacturing and sustainability benefits,” said Bunlim Ly, senior marketing manager for Amcor Rigid Plastics.

The enabling technology creates “a paradigm shift” for the food packaging industry from conventional glass with metal closures to plastic with metal closures, according to Peter Bates, Amcor’s senior R&D engineer who worked closely on the technology. “This is a unique solution which mimics glass in its acceptance of metal closures while also providing all the inherent benefits of plastics.” 

The 24oz stock hot-fill containers, targeted  for food applications such as jams, jellies, salsas, apple sauce and pesto sauce, are a drop-in solution for manufacturers, providing reduced total cost of ownership and environmental benefits such as reduced carbon footprint. 

The shift to A-PEX63  PET containers requires no capital investment and can be adapted to existing capping and filling equipment. The containers sport a 63mm finish with a functional “pop” tamper-evident indicator button on the closure. The "pop" that consumers hear when opening a jar has long been associated with freshness and product security. The containers are also hot fillable up to 205°F (96°C) and available with Amcor’s unique Powerflex^TM vacuum absorbing base for those applications that require enhanced vacuum performance.