Amcor (NYSE: AMCR, ASX: AMC), a global leader in developing and producing responsible packaging solutions, has unveiled a lightweight, ergonomically designed closure for Wattwiller, a premium water brand sold in France. The new customized tethered cap is a collaborative project with Wattwiller’s owner Spadel.
Wattwiller is a natural mineral water with zero nitrates and low sodium, a combination that gives it a neutral and balanced taste. The brand is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and in 2020 became the first French SME in the water market to achieve 100% carbon neutrality across its entire lifecycle of products. From production and packaging to bottling and distribution, Wattwiller continues to take action to reduce its impact on the environment and the new cap is part of Spadel’s commitment to developing packaging with an ever-lower environmental footprint.
Amcor and Spadel worked on the innovative closure for a year. Manufactured from HDPE, the closure is recyclable with PET bottles and lighter compared to the previous design. In addition, Amcor switched to a smaller 26mm neck, which also reduces weight. The closure is made at Amcor’s Frankental, Germany facility.
“Compared with the previous solution, Amcor’s closure is lighter and better aligned with Spadel’s sustainability goals,” said Amcor Product Line Director Sarah de la Mare. “The project leveraged our strengths in R&D, design and lightweighting.”
As well as its lightweight design, the closure promotes inclusivity, helping consumers with limited dexterity such as the elderly or people with disabilities. The flower-shaped cap combines smooth and ribbed surfaces for enhanced grip and ease of opening. The result is a more premium closure than standard versions in the still water segment, that reflects Wattwiller’s commitment to quality, sustainability and accessibility.
“Collaboration was central to this project,” added Sarah de la Mare. “To work with Spadel closely meant that we were able to successfully identify the challenges and demonstrate that not all tethered caps are the same. Amcor’s are an innovative, forward-thinking packaging solution as well as being practical and user-friendly.”
“In addition to highlighting Amcor’s strong track record of working with partners and ability to create bespoke solutions to meet very specific needs, the closure ideally demonstrates how inclusive design can be achieved alongside sustainability goals.”
“We’re proud of this collaboration with Amcor,” said Julian Schmitt, Marketing Manager at Spadel. “Their expertise has helped deliver an innovative closure that showcases not only our commitment to reducing our impact on the environment, but also our desire to demonstrate accessible design in our packaging.”