Amcor Alufix® wins an EAFA Alufoil Trophy

Alufix® is Amcor’s convenient solution for can closures. Not only does this easy-to-peel aluminum membrane make the opening process simple and safe, it requires up to 50% less force to open compared to traditional ring-pull ends. With Alufix® Dry Pro the peeling of the membrane has become even smoother. Furthermore, the aluminum thickness has been reduced by 30% while fully maintaining the excellent barrier properties.

The Alufix® Dry Pro lid is part of an innovative and convenient two-compartmented all metal pack for the Nestlé Easy Scoop infant formula project.

Easy Scoop features a combination of a new Deep Drawn End from Ardagh Group and an Alufix® Dry Pro peel-off alufoil membrane from Amcor. The pack creates a cavity for a spoon by sealing the bottom of the steel Deep Drawn End with the alufoil membrane to the inner part of the ring. The end is sealed to the can in the normal way and the pack is topped by a plastic lid.

The spoon and an information leaflet are placed on top of the Alufix® membrane which features an easy-open tab. After removal of the easy-open tamper evident membrane the spoon is conveniently stored on the inner lip formed above but separate from the formula. This ensures not only an easy access to the spoon but also high levels of hygiene and food safety.

EAFA will display this product together with the other winner products at Interpack 2011 in Düsseldorf (May 12-18). Amcor will show Alufix® Dry Pro in combination with Easy Scoop at Metpack in Essen from May 10-14 and at PLMA’s “World of Private Label” show in Amsterdam on May 24-25.

Alufix® for all generations

Amcor Alufix® peel-off membranes provide a completely new and uncomplicated opening experience and are proof again that food safety and convenience can definitely be reconciled, even at the highest level.

The peel-off membrane is already a favorite with consumers, especially for elderly people. According to a market study, 25% of senior citizens surveyed said that they had difficulties in opening cans, and as many as 40% were of the opinion that they must apply too much strength to open them (BAGSO/Meyer-Hentschel, various studies, 1999-2003).

According to another field study, 83% of people surveyed said that they preferred a peel-off membrane to a ring-pull lid, again with the argument that much less strength was required to open the can and because there was no risk of injury. Furthermore, 76% of the test subjects even said that they would be prepared to switch to a different brand offering this option (Böttcher study, conducted with 200 people in France in May 2010).
Key Innovations

Lady with a canIn collaboration with manufacturers of powder for milk and complementary food products for babies, Amcor has furthermore developed a new BPA- and melamine-free aluminum membrane. This membrane allows manufacturers of baby foods to comply with the latest recommendations of the FDA (Food and Drug Administration, USA) regarding coatings used for cans. The BPA- and melamine-free lacquer system is initially available for dry fill goods. The implementation of the new lacquer system was completed in winter 2010.

Amcor has also developed a new, patented system for continuous autoclaves. Thanks to a specially shaped ring, the lid can “absorb” the excess pressure in the can. This system has been successfully introduced by a well-known European vegetable specialist.

Alufix® peel-off membranes are now available for almost all fill goods and filling processes. As with standard steel lids, the covers are produced by can manufacturers and can be flanged to fit standard cans with little adjustment to packing lines required. The market potential is therefore almost unlimited, particularly in emerging countries where many products are sold in powder form (e.g. powdered milk).

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