Alcoa Develops Plastic Closure for Dairy Market

Alcoa announced today that its Alcoa Closure Systems International (CSI) business has dramatically expanded its presence in the $100 million fluid milk closure market.

Alcoa announced today that its Alcoa Closure Systems International (CSI) business has dramatically expanded its presence in the $100 million fluid milk closure market with the introduction of its new Seal-MAX(TM) 38mm screw-on/screw-off closure. A major advance in dairy packaging, the Alcoa Seal-MAX closure was designed to prevent leakage in milk containers, yet is easy to open and offers improved tamper evidence. "The Seal-MAX closure is for the dairy producer who desires and values improved sealing," said Jeff Birk, director of Marketing for Alcoa CSI. "With Alcoa CSI's package sealing expertise plus closure application experience, Alcoa can provide dairies with a sealing system that provides the optimal solution to eliminate package leakage. The Seal-MAX seal design is ideal for single-serve packages where sealing requirements are more stringent." The customer benefits of the new Alcoa Seal-MAX closure are considerable. The closure's robust molded-in liner provides a tight seal even when there are minor imperfections in the bottle finish. In addition, the Seal-MAX closure features Alcoa's patented Extra-Lok(TM) tamper band, which provides superior, consistent tamper evidence. The durable and sleek shell design reinforces the premium image of single-serve packages. Lab tests and customer trials have been successfully completed to ensure the closure meets the needs of the dairy industry and adheres to Alcoa's quality standards. Alcoa's Seal-MAX closure is designed for single-serve to gallon sized HDPE and PET containers, and is available in a variety of colors. For more information on the new Seal-MAX closure visit the Alcoa CSI web site at www.alcoacsi.com About Alcoa Closure Systems International Alcoa Closure Systems International, Inc. (CSI), a part of Alcoa, is recognized as a world leader of closures and closure application systems, Alcoa CSI provides quality closure and capping equipment products, as well as technical service and support to all key markets. Major markets include carbonated soft drinks, food, juice and isotonic, bottled water, beer, dairy, liquor, personal care, and automotive fluids. In its 27 locations and offices worldwide, Alcoa CSI employs nearly 3,000 people. They produced and sold in excess of 55 billion closures during 2003. The company is guided by principles of strict customer satisfaction, total quality manufacturing and technical service, all tied to specific customer needs. Alcoa is the world's leading producer of primary aluminum, fabricated aluminum and alumina, and is active in all major aspects of the industry. Alcoa serves the aerospace, automotive, packaging, building and construction, commercial transportation and industrial markets, bringing design, engineering, production and other capabilities of Alcoa's businesses as a single solution to customers. In addition to aluminum products and components, Alcoa also markets consumer brands including Reynolds Wrap(R) aluminum foil, Alcoa(R) wheels, and Baco(R) household wraps. Among its other businesses are vinyl siding, fastening systems, precision castings, and electrical distribution systems for cars and trucks. The company has 127,000 employees in 40 countries.