In July 2024, a new European standard came in force that changed the way plastic bottles are produced and consumed all over the continent. The harmonised standard UNE-EN-17665 sets forth the obligation for caps to remain joined to plastic bottles. This measure is crucial to reduce environmental impact and increase recycling rates. This change affects the entire production and distribution chain for plastic containers, from manufacturers to consumers.
At E2M COUTH, we are committed to offering solutions adapted to our clients’ needs and that make it easier to adapt to this new legislation. In this article, we provide details on the standard’s contents, how it affects companies, and its environmental benefits.
What is the UNE-EN-17665 standard on plastic caps joined to the bottle?
The UNE-EN-17665 standard sets forth requirements that plastic caps joined to the bottle must meet during the design, production, and commercialisation process in the container sector. This regulation is part of the European Union’s efforts to reduce the environmental impact of disposable plastic containers, in line with the Plastic Directive of 2019.
Explanation of the European standard
The UNE-EN-17665 was designed to guarantee that plastic caps remain joined to the bottle throughout the product’s entire lifespan. This applies to non-alcoholic beverage bottles up to 3 litres in size, whether for household or industrial consumption. The standard establishes the quality criteria that the materials must meet, sealing mechanisms, and cap functionality so it does not come off easily to avoid spreading plastic waste.
Importance of the UNE-EN-17665 standard for the container and cap sector
This standard is very important for the container and cap sector, since it mandates that companies adapt to new technical requirements, contributing to compliance with circular economy and waste reduction policies. Manufacturers had to redesign their products to guarantee that the caps were functional and sustainable, which has driven innovation and the development of more ecological technologies in the plastic industry.
The objectives and benefits of this standard for sustainability
The main objectives of the UNE-EN-17665 are:
- Reduction of plastic waste: By mandating that caps remain with the bottles, we reduce the likelihood of them becoming waste spread out in the environment.
- Encouraging recycling: Integrating the cap into the bottleneck facilitates recycling of both components, reducing waste management.
- Compliance with European law: helping companies to comply standards and avoid fines.
In terms of sustainability, the benefits are clear, since this standard significantly reduces the amount of disposable plastics and contributes to the circular economy goals promoted by the European Union. Moreover, it fosters environmental awareness in the consumer and forces brands to adopt more responsible practises.
Reasons behind the standard for joined plastic caps
The standard that mandates that plastic caps be joined to containers has a solid foundation in an environmental context and seeks to reduce the impact of plastic waste. This law is a response to increased concern regarding plastic pollution and is part of a comprehensive focus on sustainability and the circular economy.
Environmental context: reducing plastic waste
The main goal of the standard is to reduce plastic waste from disposable containers, especially containers frequently found in the environment. Loose caps account for a high percentage of waste found on beaches and in other locations. Keeping the caps joined to the containers ensures that they can be disposed of appropriately, which reduces their dissemination and accumulation in nature.
Alignment with the European Union’s circular economy goals
This standard is part of the European Union’s efforts to implement circular economy principles. By keeping the caps joined to the containers, it is easier to collect and then recycle them, promoting reuse of materials and reducing the need to produce virgin plastics. The end goal is to reduce the environmental impact of production and consumption, all while optimising the products’ life cycles.
Impact on the container industry and consumers
Although the container industry and consumers have had to adapt to this new standard, the positive impact long-term will be very clear. Different industries have had to invest in technologies to meet the new standards, which has generated additional costs at first.
However, the benefits in terms of waste reduction and alignment with sustainability values are undeniable, which can also create a more positive perception with consumers. These consumers will have to get used to this change, but they will directly contribute to reducing the environmental impact, which reinforces their role in fostering a more sustainable society that is aware of caring for the environment.
E2M COUTH, solutions adapted to the new European Directive on disposable plastics
The new European Directive 2019/904 on disposable plastics requires implementing quality control systems that are adapted to the new cap designs.
Our Contourcap solution was designed to meet these new needs. It has pre-configured hardware architecture and artificial vision software, comprehensively inspects the new closures, ensuring compliance with the standard and the quality and safety of the containers, and also optimises the time and resources used in the quality control process.
Which bottles and containers are affected by the standard?
The plastic cap standard, which requires that the caps remain joined to the containers, is applicable to a wide variety of bottles and containers. It mainly affects the ones intended for products for daily consumption. Their goal is to reduce plastic pollution and foster more sustainable practises in different sectors.
Types of bottles and containers included
The standard mainly encompasses disposable plastic containers and bottles, which tend to be discarded. This includes:
- Non-alcoholic beverage bottles: Water, refreshments, juices, and other products that come in plastic bottles are the most affected. These bottles, especially those smaller than 3 litres in capacity, are the ones that frequently end up as waste.
- Dairy containers: Milk bottles, liquid yoghurts, and milkshakes also fall under this scope of the standard, since these products are frequently consumed and generate a high volume of plastic waste.
- Other liquid product containers: Bottles of products like sauces, edible oils, and cleaning products in some cases may be affected if they fall under the range of disposable plastic containers.
Application of the standard in different sectors
This standard is applied in cross-cutting fashion and affects different sectors, including:
- Food and beverage sector: We see the greatest impact in the food and beverage sector, where bottles of water, refreshments, juices, and dairy products are the most regulated. This has forced manufacturers to design their containers to meet the standard, guaranteeing that the caps remain joined to the bottles.
- Pharmaceutical and personal care product sector: Although to a lesser degree, certain liquid product containers made of plastic, like syrups or lotions, are also included if they meet the standard’s requirements.
- Cleaning and household product sector: Some cleaning products that use plastic containers are also affected, especially small and disposable bottles.
In general, the standard was designed to significantly reduce plastic waste in sectors where the use of plastic bottles and containers is widespread, promoting a more sustainable focus on the design of products and packages.
How the standard affects plastic container companies
This standard is having a significant impact on plastic container companies. These companies must contend with new requirements in terms of manufacturing, costs, and adapting their production lines to meet legal and environmental requirements established by the European Union.
new manufacturing and packaging requirements
Companies have had to redesign their bottles and containers to guarantee that the caps remain joined throughout the product’s entire life cycle, from production until final disposal. This required innovations in container design, such as joint systems or mechanisms that keep the cap connected to the bottleneck. The standard also sets forth specific requirements in terms of cap resistance and the consumer’s ability to handle it without accidental detachment.
Costs and adaptations necessary in production
For many companies, complying with this standard entailed additional costs since they had to invest in machinery, technologies, and processes. Existing production lines had to be modified or replaced by others that could make the new container designs. These associated costs include:
- Investment in research and development: They also had to innovate in materials and designs to meet the standard.
- Updating equipment and machinery: Factories had to purchase or adapt equipment to assemble caps joined to containers.
- Staff training: To use new technologies and production processes, companies had to train their employees.
While these initial costs are significant, companies that manage to successfully adapt could obtain long-term competitive advantages by positioning themselves as leaders in sustainability.
Benefits of caps joined to the bottle for consumers
The implementation of caps joined to bottles not only has a positive impact on the environment and industry, but also provides several advantages to consumers.
This measure facilitates recycling, reduces the amount of plastic waste, and improves the experience of using the containers in a daily basis.
Easier recycling
One of the main benefits provided by the cap attached to the bottle is how easily consumers can recycle both the bottle and the cap together. Since the cap remains attached to the container, it eliminates the possibility of the consumer tossing it in the rubbish separately, facilitating the recycling process.
This ensures that both the container and the cap are processed correctly and helps to increase recycling rates, which in turn reduces the environmental impact of disposable plastics.
Reduced cap loss and waste
Loose caps are one of the most common pieces of waste in natural areas and urban settings. With caps attached to bottles, this reduces the risk of these small objects being lost or tossed into the environment.
This directly contributes to the reduction of dispersed plastic waste, especially in public areas like parks, beaches, and roads, where loose caps are frequently found. At a practical level, this also prevents consumers from losing caps while using them, which could be useful for outdoor activities.
Better user experience
From the consumer’s point of view, joined caps provide a more comfortable and functional experience. It is no longer necessary to worry about where to put the cap while drinking, since it remains attached to the container. What is more, the new designs tend to be more ergonomic, which makes it easier to open and close the bottle. While small, this change can make daily container use more comfortable, especially in situations where it is easy to lose the cap, like while travelling or conducting physical activity.
E2M COUTH has different systems that can make any production line’s work easier. From fill control and cap inspection to label review, all products that come out of your production plant meet with the highest quality standards.
Would you like to learn more about our artificial vision solutions? Contact us. We would be delighted to help you.
