Amcor Rigid Plastics has announced the development of hot-fill PET containers that accept metal lug closures. The technology, called the A-PEX63 system, allows the fitment of metal lug closures to blow-and-trim, 24-oz hot-fill containers. 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, shatterproof 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 24-oz stock hot-fill containers reduce total cost of ownership and provide environmental benefits, such as reduced carbon footprint, according to the vendor. The shift to A-PEX63 PET containers requires no capital investment and can be adapted to existing capping and filling equipment.
The A-PEX63 containers sport a 63-mm 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 and available with Amcor’s Powerflex vacuum-absorbing base for those applications that require enhanced vacuum performance.
