The Problem with Microplastic

Microplastics, originating from the breakdown the breakdown of plastic products including PET bottles and their caps, pose a significant environmental threat. Their breakdown contributes to significant ecological contamination, endangering aquatic and terrestrial life through the release of harmful chemicals and general presence within the body.

A Beacon of Hope: Tethered Closures

Tethered closures represent a promising step in the right direction, significantly reducing the likelihood of caps becoming environmental pollutants. The adoption of EU regulations on tethered bottle closures is a step in the right direction, expected to prevent billions of plastic caps from polluting the environment annually, but is not enough to solve the problem on its own.1

A Sustainable Game-Changer: The Click Cap

The Click Cap addresses the microplastic pollution problem from multiple angles at once. Built on the highly recyclable aluminum can platform, the most recycled beverage container, it significantly increases the likelihood of the container making its way into the recycling stream.2 Designed to minimize plastic use, the click cap uses 15 times less plastic than a PET bottle and less than half as much as a standard PET soda cap alone. The click cap’s plastic closure is induction bonded closure to the metal ensuring that it stays tethered and makes its way into the recycling stream.

Toward a Greener Future

Adopting tethered closures and innovations like the click cap are crucial in the fight against microplastic pollution. These initiatives exemplify the importance of innovative design in moving towards more sustainable packaging solutions, marking a crucial shift in environmental conservation efforts.

1.Ukpack. (2024, February 19). EU directive 2019/904: Tethered caps changes a lot. UKPACK. https://www.ukpackchina.com/eu-directive-2019-904/

2.Alves, B. (2023, April 17). Europe: Recycling rate of aluminum cans by country. Statista. https://www.statista.com/statistics/239315/recycling-quota-of-aluminum-cans-in-europe/