Resealable cans

Thanks to a new type of can end made of plastic and aluminium, the Ball Resealable End, it is now possible to reseal both steel and aluminium cans after initial opening. This is a decisive advantage for the container, which already scores highly with brilliant printability, fast chilling, long shelf life and recyclability. The first purchaser of the resealable can is Coca-Cola. 500 mL aluminium cans with Coca-Cola's energy drink 'Burn' was launched on the French market in March with immense market potential for this innovation around the globe.

According to a consumer survey which Coca-Cola carried out during the test phase last year, the consumers appreciated the "convenience", "great for on the go", "exactly what I need from a pack" of the resealable can. The survey showed that the resealable end significantly increased the consumer appeal of the can and contributed substantially to the differentiation of existing brands.

The Ball Resealable End is an aluminium can end into which a flat opening mechanism made of plastic is integrated. A simple rotating movement uncovers the opening. In this way the beverage can retain its classic shape — and also its usual stackability including the relevant logistical advantages for transport and retailing. As the total amount of plastic material used in the end is small, it doesn't affect the recycling properties of the can at all. Beverage cans are easily and completely recyclable and this is one of its environmentally friendly attributes. The tamper-proof feature is also retained, ie, the consumer can easily verify that the seal has not been broken prior to first opening. The development work focused on the very demanding requirements to be fulfilled. On the one hand the end should be easy to open, on the other hand it is essential to ensure drip-tightness and the pressure stability of the can.

"Extensive consumer trials have shown that on the market, beverage cans are given preference due to their fresh, cool feel. However, the consumer sometimes turns to PET containers in certain situations because these are resealable," adds Rob Miles, vice-president sales and marketing at Ball Packaging Europe. "Thanks to our innovation, consumers can in future enjoy refreshing, carbonated beverages from the beverage can and reseal it again." In the new type of container, beverages stay just as cool as standard cans. The new can end forms a complete barrier against light and gas — an essential prerequisite for the quality of the beverage and long shelf life.

"Intensive research was carried out to deliver a consumer-oriented solution. The resealable end marks a major advance in beverage packaging and the French Trade understood it: they all welcomed the innovation with enthusiasm," says Vincent Bouin, marketing manager at Coca-Cola France, to sum it up.

The Ball Resealable End is the result of close collaboration between Ball Packaging Europe, Coca-Cola and Bound2B BV, a company based in the Netherlands. Antonio Perra, the director and shareholder of Bound2B BV, invented the resealable end and jointly further developed it with Ball Packaging Europe, ready for marketing.