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Origin Materials, a technology firm focused on sustainable material solutions, has launched its proprietary CapFormer System, marking an advancement in the production of PET caps and closures.

This system is touted as the world’s first commercial-scale manufacturing solution for PET caps, following the successful completion of its Factory Acceptance Test.

The CapFormer System employs innovative thermoforming and slit-and-fold technology, alongside proprietary design elements, to enable the efficient production of PET caps.

John Bissell, co-CEO and co-founder of Origin, said: "The Origin CapFormer System has completed its Factory Acceptance Test at commercial production scale. The industry has been searching for PET caps for a long time and we are delighted to share that our first-of-its-kind system works spectacularly well.

On 3 July 2024, the EU’s new legislation mandating tethered caps for single-use plastic beverage containers officially came into effect. Despite initial pushback from major brands, the industry has adapted, with a new raft of innovations emerging in the caps and closures market. Explore some of these innovations in our feature on caps and closures.

Bissell added: "Through the novel application of thermoforming, slit-and-fold technology, and proprietary design elements we have unlocked the ability to produce PET caps at commercial scale. We approached the problem differently than anyone had previously and the result was a breakthrough. We are addressing a $65 billion caps and closures market with a strong leadership position, offering the first and only commercial-scale solution for PET caps: the state-of-the-art Origin CapFormer System.”

The introduction of the CapFormer System is expected to transform the packaging landscape by facilitating 100% container-to-container recycling of PET for the first time.

This breakthrough addresses a substantial market, valued at approximately $65 billion, and positions Origin as a leading player in the caps and closures segment.

The CapFormer System has already produced millions of PET caps using recycled materials, with plans to expand its applications across various sectors, including food packaging and medical products.

Origin’s PCO 1881-compatible caps, compatible with both virgin and recycled PET, are set to be available in the fourth quarter of 2024.

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