Printer Friendly Version
 go
Alcoa in Social Media
In addition to www.alcoa.com, Alcoa is an active participant in and uses social media to communicate information about the company. Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn are powerful tools that allow us to connect with our customers, investors, potential employees and fans.
 Alcoa on Facebook
 Alcoa on LinkedIn
 Alcoa on Twitter
 AlcoaTV on Youtube
|
| June 28, 2007
Alcoa Closure Systems International Expands Mini Closure Portfolio with Innovations for Carbonated and Malt Beverages
First Short Height Closures in the Beverage Industry for
Multi-Serve 2.5 Liter PET Packages
INDIANAPOLIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Alcoa Closure Systems International (CSI) announced today the expansion
of its popular mini™ brand closure portfolio
with two new product offerings for carbonated and malt beverage
producers. The new 28mm Xtra-Lok mini™ and
28mm MB-Lok mini™ closures are the first short
height closures in the beverage industry that are capable of handling
multi-serve PET package sizes up to 2.5 liters. The Xtra-Lok mini™
closure can be specified for use on either the 1873 or 1881 (under
development) short height bottle finishes, depending upon customer
requirements. The products provide beverage customers the capability and
advantage of using one closure design for all of their PET bottle
requirements. In addition to reduced inventory, the new closures provide
significant packaging cost savings and environmental benefits.
Malt beverage producers can also realize savings with Alcoa’s
new 28mm MB-Lok mini™ closure. Especially
designed for cold-filled malt beverages packaged in PET bottles, the
MB-Lok mini™ closure assures delivery of the
freshest product for brewers while maximizing profit margins. The
closure can be specified for either the 1873 or 1881 (under development)
short height bottle finish and features an in-shell molded scavenger
liner to maximize product freshness and shelf life.
“The new Xtra-Lok mini and MB-Lok mini
closures are part of a total package solution. Alcoa CSI is helping to
deliver significant packaging cost savings to a major beverage producer
with the recent launch of the28mm Xtra-Lok mini closure in
Mexico. With the MB-Lok mini™, malt beverage
producers can now consider the benefits of package cost savings and
brand building connection with a classic closure profile,”
says John Grainda, Alcoa CSI’s Global
Marketing Manager.
Alcoa CSI has developed proprietary technology along with its proven XT™
liner that enables the new closures to withstand the most stringent
packaging conditions for product safety and carbonation retention, while
maintaining an easy-open, attractive appearance. This capability allows
bottling operations to source one closure for both single-serve and
multi-serve packages. The result is reduced closure inventory, fewer
equipment changeovers and higher operational efficiencies.
Using the short height 1873 PCO bottle finish and the Xtra-Lok mini™
closure, beverage producers can realize up to 1.8 grams of packaging
weight savings compared to the 1810 PCO bottle finish with a standard
height closure. The closure also appeals to consumers with a classic,
easy open, low-profile design. Alcoa’s mini™
is the latest advancement to minimize the cost of PET beverage
packaging, while also reducing the impact on the environment.
Since partnering with major soft drink bottlers in Mexico and Central
America, over 300 million PET packages sealed with Alcoa CSI mini™
closures have been sold and distributed commercially, with bottling line
speeds in excess of 900 bottles per minute. Quality, application and
production efficiency have been equal to or exceeded the performance
parameters prior to conversion from standard size closures. Using Alcoa
CSI’s quick-change capper conversion kit, mini™
closures can be easily integrated into existing bottling lines.
“Our customers are enjoying significant
system cost savings by converting to Alcoa mini closures, and these same
closures are now commercially available for use across the globe. Mini
closures are relevant to our customers because they not only contribute
so much to the bottom line but also serve as an important part of our
customer’s corporate sustainability
initiatives,” says Grainda.
About Alcoa CSI
Alcoa Closure Systems International, Inc. (CSI), a part of Alcoa Inc.,
is recognized as a world leader in closure design, manufacturing and
closure application systems. In addition to quality closures and capping
equipment, Alcoa CSI provides a global network of technical service and
support to all key markets. Major markets include carbonated soft
drinks, food, juice and isotonic, bottled water, beer, dairy, wine and
distilled spirits, personal care, and automotive fluids. In its 27
locations and offices worldwide, Alcoa CSI employs nearly 3,000 people.
The company is guided by principles of strict customer satisfaction,
total quality manufacturing and technical service, all tied to specific
customer needs. For more information on Alcoa CSI, visit their website
at www.alcoacsi.com.
About Alcoa
Alcoa (NYSE:AA) is the world's leading producer and manager of primary
aluminum, fabricated aluminum and alumina facilities, and is active in
all major aspects of the industry. Alcoa serves the aerospace,
automotive, packaging, building and construction, commercial
transportation and industrial markets, bringing design, engineering,
production and other capabilities of Alcoa's businesses to customers. In
addition to aluminum products and components including flat-rolled
products, hard alloy extrusions, and forgings, Alcoa also markets Alcoa®
wheels, fastening systems, precision and investment castings, structures
and building systems. The company has 122,000 employees in 44 countries
and has been named one of the top most sustainable corporations in the
world at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. More
information can be found at www.alcoa.com
MULTIMEDIA AVAILABLE: http://home.businesswire.com/portal/site/alcoa/index.jsp?epi-content=MULTIMEDIA_GALLERY_PUBLIC_VIEW
&newsId=20070628005592
| | |
