June 2025 - Leading blow molder Pretium Packaging has introduced an integrated bottle and closure solution for dairy packaging up to 3 liters. The tethered closure solution complies with a 2019 European Union directive that requires all single-use plastic beverage containers to have caps and closures that remain attached to the primary package during and after use. Tethered caps became mandatory in the EU in July 2024 for all plastic beverage containers up to 3 liters in capacity.
To comply with the EU directive, the connection between the tethered cap and container needs to withstand at least 25 N tensile force and guarantee opening and closing of the cap at least 15 times without any loss of function.
Jason Fanning, general manager of Pretium’s plant in Ballyconnell, Ireland, says “Topload and tensile strength of Pretium’s tethered cap solution meets or exceeds all parameters for the European Union requirements for tethered closures. Our patent-pending bottle and cap solution has been fully tested in the market and has achieved market acceptance by our customers.”
No filling line modifications
According to Fanning, this is the first tethered cap solution for the dairy market that requires no filling line modifications for dairy farmers. “Because of the unique design featuring a tapered neck, the cap can be applied with existing equipment,” Fanning says. “There is no capital investment required by the dairy producers, nor is any extra space required on the filling line. This is a total drop-in solution that meets all specifications.” Fanning goes on to say this solution requires no change in experience for consumers, and has met with industry acceptance in market trials.
Pretium made a substantial investment in the design and manufacturing capabilities to bring this bottle/closure solution to market. “This is a unique and durable solution for the dairy industry which we have extended to all of the standard bottle sizes in the market,” Fanning says. Pretium is currently able to manufacture bottle sizes of 189ml, 250ml, 500ml, 1 pint, 1 liter, 2 liters and 3 liters with the 38mm custom tethered closure.
Pretium already has substantial market share in Ireland’s diary market, and with this added capacity, it is welcoming opportunities to quote on new business from dairy companies that need a reliable and efficient solution to comply with the EU requirements for tethered cap solutions.