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Description and history
Siapi was involved in the realization of a revolutionary application for the beer sector: a colored 4 l capacity PET Keg that was launched on the market with the Amstel brand by Heineken this past April 15 2011.
The container is innovative both due to its design, which is esthetically striking yet absolutely functional, as well as in sales terms: the Keg is suitable for use at home, as it can be kept in the refrigerator and is extremely practical. The container has a built in tapping and dispensing system.
Easy to transport anywhere, Amstel Tapje is ideal for use at home or at parties with friends and makes it possible to drink freshly tapped, top quality beer at any moment. As pointed out by the Marketing Manager, Maud Meijboom, «the compact and easy to manage solution makes it possible to enjoy a draft beer wherever you are» and for less than ten Euros. The Amstel Tapje is available in most supermarkets, wine shops, liquor shops and at top wholesalers.
Before anyone else, Heineken recognized the high level of the application also from a technical point of view. In fact, Siapi contributed in the development of the PET Keg starting from the colored preforms that, as is known, require specific decisions about heating the container body and, at the same time, cooling the neck.
Siapi, leader in the stretch blow-molding market for PET containers from standard to large capacity formats, has obtained considerable experience with PET Kegs - from 4 l to 40 l – for the beer sector, which replace the traditional steel kegs. This application is attracting a considerable amount of interest both among major international beer producers as well as among microbreweries and promises important developments for the future.
Beer is classified as a sensitive product, with one of the lowest levels of tolerance when in contact with oxygen. This has made it necessary to search for materials and substances that can optimally conserve the drink, guaranteeing a shelf life of at least 6 months, as well as strictly limit the loss of CO2 as well as the entry of O2. Furthermore, the container must also protect against UV rays. The most urgent problem to solve was the selection of the most suitable barrier to protect against the entry of O2. Specific resins and blends can be used to obtain an excellent barrier effect, protecting the taste and freshness of sensitive food and beverages.
Packaging made with PET is light-weight, competitive in terms of costs, resistant and functional during transport and handling, and involves a considerable reduction in waste and pollution due to greenhouse gases. It also guarantees that the quality of the drink will be maintained, which is the first aspect to be noticed.
| The company has introduced also the Heineken version of the Tapje in the Netherlands, as a conversion project from the steel Draught Keg to the innovative PET Keg. |
