Food processing and packaging solutions giant Tetra Pak (Lund / Sweden; www.tetrapak.com) has introduced three new ergonomically designed closures to meet the diverse needs of the global beverage market.

The first, "DreamCap", is earmarked for on-the-go consumption. Thanks to its high neck and over-the-edge design, the cap allows consumers easy access to the spout and its large, 26 mm opening fits comfortably to face and lips, Tetra Pak says. The new cap will initially be available for the "Tetra Prisma Aseptic 330 Square" size container.

The Lund-based company also touted two new drink-at-home caps: "LightCap" and "HeliCap". The former uses the minimal amount of plastic to keep costs down and improve environmental performance, Tetra Pak says, adding that it is particularly suited to larger-sized openings. "LightCap" yields optimal benefits when combined with the company’s proprietary Pre-Laminated Hole (PLH) and Direct Injection Moulding Concept (DIMC) technologies and is best suited for distributing milks and oxygen-sensitive products like juices and iced-tea, for example. "LightCap" will initially be available on the "Tetra Brik Aseptic" packaging family.

The last innovation, "HeliCap", is a one-step screw cap that combines easy-to-open functionality with security features, including a good grip and a clearly visible tamper evidence ring. Aside from allowing for higher filling line efficiency, the new cap also reduces glue consumption by almost 50%. Depending on the installed equipment, "HeliCap" may require some more investment, Tetra Pak says, adding that kits will be available for existing "Tetra Brik Aseptic Slim 1000" packaging lines.

Commenting on the innovations, Charles Brand, vice president of Marketing and Product Management, said: "DreamCap, LightCap and HeliCap provide a range of new options to help meet industry demands — including reduced cost, enhanced consumer functionality and improved environmental performance — and the flexibility producers need to thrive in a dynamic market."