Tekni-Plex launches aluminum/foam liner for screwcaps to ‘support wine industry’s conversion to ROPP closures’

Tri-Seal, a division of Tekni-Plex has developed a laminated aluminum foil/foam barrier liner to replace tin/Saran barrier liners commonly used for ROPP (roll-on, pilfer-proof) screwcaps for wine.

It claims Tri-Vin is a cost-effective liner for bottle closures with the same performance characteristics as tin/Saran liners, preserving the aroma and taste of wine with sensory organoleptic tests carried out by the Australian Wine Research Institute.  

Short-lived or ageing wine

The choice between tin/Saran seals generally reflects a winemakers’ decision on whether to seal a bottle completely for a short-lived wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, or Pinot Grigio, or to allow some permeability, for ageing red wines.

Some critics believe when ROPP closures are applied properly, they provide a better seal than synthetic stoppers and maybe even natural cork. It is alleged screwcaps can provide such a tight seal that no oxygen gets into a bottle and there is no problem with TCA (trichloroanisole - the chemical that makes wines “corked).

David Andrulonis, vice president and general manager, Tekni-Plex, told FoodProductionDaily, the liners support wine aging and drinkability with permeation tests conducted by an independent laboratory comparing alternate materials currently in use.

We are constantly looking for ways to provide the marketplace with quality products at cost-effective prices. We also wanted to support the wine industry’s conversion to ROPP closures, by offering them a liner alternative,” he said.

Manufacturing capability in North America & Europe

Tekni-Plex has manufacturing capability in both North America and Europe. This is an alternative to the higher-cost tin/Saran product we have been producing.”

According to Andrulonis, Tri-Vin liners are chlorine and halogen free, and are designed to perform in the correct oxygen sensitivity range, allowing wine makers to maintain the drinkability window for consumers.

Tri-Seal specialises in extrusion and lamination technologies for food, beverage, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, household and industrial packaging and sealing applications.

The company manufactures liners in a variety of materials ranging from nine-layer coextrusions or laminations to a one-piece induction seal.

Tri-Vin can be used for a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and the product is available globally,” added Andrulonis.

Based in Pennsylvania, US, Tekni-Plex operates 30 manufacturing sites across nine countries to meet the consumer demand worldwide.