Guala Closures, a global leader in specialty beverage closures, has presented its new No Glue Systems (NGS) concept — an innovative range of stopper technologies designed to eliminate adhesives while improving performance, sustainability, and product integrity.
In traditional T-bar stoppers, cork shanks are attached to the head using chemical adhesives. Over time, thermal shocks, fluctuating environmental conditions, or poor glue-to-surface adhesion can cause detachment, compromising product integrity and the consumer experience.
Guala Closures’ No Glue Systems overcome this long-standing issue through precision engineering and advanced solutions such as co-injection moulding, ultrasonic welding, and mechanical interlock designs. These technologies create a secure and durable bond between cork and head—without the use of adhesives.
The result is a closure that ensures reliable performance across all climates and production conditions, protecting product quality, brand reputation, and consumer satisfaction.
With No Glue Systems, Guala Closures provides spirits producers worldwide with a solution that enhances product integrity, supports environmental commitments and elevates the consumer experience.
“Our No Glue Systems represent a significant step forward in closure technology” said Piero Cavigliasso, Group Chief Product Development & Innovation Officer at Guala Closures. “By removing adhesives, we not only solve a technical challenge affecting the industry, but also deliver a more sustainable, reliable and premium industrial-ready solution able to enhance consumer experience”.
At the heart of No Glue Systems lies Sughera, a patented micro-agglomerated cork material developed by Labrenta, a leading company in the luxury closures sector acquired by Guala Closures in 2022.
Sughera combines the natural aesthetics of cork with the technical performance of elastomeric polymers. By incorporating up to 60% recycled cork content by volume, Sughera significantly reduces the environmental impact compared to conventional virgin polymers, while maintaining premium performance and appearance.
Fully compliant with ESG and circular design principles, Sughera offers dimensional stability and oxygen permeability similar to natural cork, making it an ideal choice for premium spirits closures, delivering both sustainability and high-end appeal.
No Glue Systems are now available on an industrial scale for immediate production at Guala Closures’ facilities.