O-I launches new barrier seal

Owens-Illinois Closure Inc. (O-I) has launched a barrier seal that it claims will help extend the shelf life for products such as fruit juices, smoothies, dairyand soy products, and meal replacements.

The FreshSeal XL III liner provides gas barrier levels equal to or better than foil, as tested by an independent laboratory, the company stated in a pressrelease.

"Our customers can now have a choice if they don't want to continue using foil seals," says Ken Corbett, global category manager for O-I. "This producthas the potential to eliminate the need for foil seal in hotfill and aseptic applications."

Molded-in liners have been developed by many companies, but the hardness of previous liners could cause issues with sealing, the company claims. O-I says its FreshSeal XL III liner is much softer,allowing the closure to consistently seal tightly.

The molded-in feature differs from traditional lining systems that rely on a separate cut, glue and insertion process.

"Depending on closure size, run quantity and other factors, there are potential sizeable cost savings with molded-in liners compared to traditional cut and insert liner seals," Corbett said.