Alcoa CSI Introduces ''X-Tech'' Training for Bottlers Facing Extreme Temperature Conditions

01 Mar 2005

Alcoa (NYSE:AA) announced today that its Alcoa Closure Systems International (Alcoa CSI) business introduced X-Tech, a new interactive closure systems training course available for carbonated soft drink (CSD) bottlers facing extreme temperature cycling conditions. Alcoa CSI, one of the world's leading closure systems suppliers to the beverage industry, is launching X-Tech with a seasonal promotion that kicks off today aimed at regional bottlers in the U.S. that may face extreme conditions in the coming months. Alcoa CSI's X-Tech on-site training program provides CSD bottlers with a thorough understanding of the fundamentals of plastic closure application under extreme temperature cycling conditions. X-Tech provides the training needed to convert the bottling line to Alcoa CSI's XT(TM) closures. Once trained, bottlers can convert their operation to XT(TM) closures seasonally, or when necessary, resulting in improved package performance, customer and consumer satisfaction. "Alcoa CSI developed X-Tech to demonstrate to bottlers that packaging can be adapted to environmental conditions such as temperature cycling. Alcoa XT(TM) closures are the solution to bottlers where these conditions exist particularly in vending and distribution. With XT(TM) closures, bottlers gain the flexibility to seasonally adjust packaging to the environment, "said John Grainda, marketing manager for Alcoa CSI's carbonated soft drink market. Alcoa CSI research shows that filled PET soft drink bottles can be subjected to "temperature cycling" in the filling/distribution channel - from 40 degrees (F) in refrigerated vending to over 135 degrees (F) in shipping and storage. These wide-ranging temperatures can cause shrinkage of the heat-sensitive PET material, which can cause gaps to develop between the finish and the closure. The result: loss of CO2 and product freshness. Alcoa CSI's Double-Lok XT(TM) and Extra-Lok XT(TM) closures are specifically designed for PET beverage bottles to maximize CO2 sealing performance and beverage product freshness under the most demanding conditions. The XT(TM) liner design incorporates an inner and outer seal, providing maximum protection against gaps. Under extreme temperature conditions, this dual seal assures that the product remains fresh until the consumer opens the bottle. "By using Alcoa CSI's XT(TM) closures and applying knowledge from X-Tech training, bottlers can be confident of superior sealing performance and beverage freshness," Grainda added. X-Tech is one of several ways that Alcoa CSI delivers total closure systems solutions. Alcoa customers have unique access to a network of world-class expertise in closure systems engineering and technical services offering on-site service, application support, training and plant efficiency improvement programs.