It is the first of its kind to be launched in the Australasian market, and underlines the global spread of innovative packaging designed to be both user-friendly and more hygienic.
The double-seal capping system comprises a tear-off aluminium foil seal known as the induction seal liner that covers the opening of the bottle and a re-seal liner located in the screw cap, designed to lock in freshness once the bottle has been opened.
"The new cap has been developed alongside KFF, and allows Kapiti to deliver superior quality packaging and produce to its customers," said Mark Wheeler, managing director of Alto Plastics.
The cap itself has also been designed to be more consumer-friendly. Featuring a longer 'skirt' than conventional milk bottle closures, the new cap is easier to grip and turn, making it ideal for older consumers and arthritis sufferers.
"Alto has been very responsive in working with us to develop and produce the new capping system on a tight timeframe, and we are delighted with the results," said KFF CEO Greig Shearer.
KFF is placing the new cap on all the fresh bottled milk it produces including its own Farmgate brand which has wide distribution, as well as all Pam's branded milk distributed in the lower North Island.
Production of the double-seal cap has meant a $600,000 investment by Alto in a new cap liner machine from Canada.
"The new cap is another example of how we are using design and innovation to lead the industry in plastics manufacturing. We are prepared to invest time and money, working alongside our clients to deliver the best possible results," said Wheeler.
Alto Plastics is a leading, privately-owned rigid plastics packaging moulding company based in New Zealand. The firm that was recently awarded a Premier Gold Award at the Australian Packaging Awards 2004.