Husky Technologies has developed a mono-material beverage packaging solution that uses PET closures instead of traditional HDPE or PP alternatives. The system, based on the company’s HyCAP SecuRE+ technology, is intended to improve recycling outcomes by standardising materials across the bottle and closure.
Conventional beverage bottles are typically made from PET, while closures are made from different plastics, such as HDPE or PP, which can interfere with recycling processes. According to Husky, closures make up as much as 15% of the overall package weight, and shifting to a single material format can improve the yield of recycled PET bales.
The HyCAP SecuRE+ closure includes a tamper-evident band that forms during injection molding. This eliminates the need for additional post-molding slitting processes, reducing the risk of dust and contamination during production. The band is designed to pass over tamper-proof bottle features without stressing the bridges, a feature aimed at improving application consistency and reducing closure rejection rates during high-speed bottling.
The PET closures are compatible with CETIE standard neck finishes, which allows producers to adopt the new closures without modifying existing bottle designs. The use of PET also enables further material reduction opportunities due to its rigidity, and supports barrier properties needed for shelf life extension in oxygen-sensitive or carbonated beverages, particularly relevant in the MEA region.
The development comes as manufacturers and brand owners in the beverage industry seek to align with regional and global recycling and circular economy goals. Mono-material packaging is being explored as one potential approach to improve post-consumer recycling outcomes while maintaining operational efficiency.