Chemical Industry News, Data & Insights

Tapì Group Develops Eco-Friendly Synthetic Corks

Key highlights
  • Tapì Group uses renewable polymers from Borealis to create sustainable synthetic closures.
  • The closures are made from bio-based polyolefins using feedstocks like used cooking oil.
  • Materials are ISCC PLUS certified and chemically identical to fossil-based equivalents.
  • Bornewables EVA resins and Queo plastomers are used as drop-in alternatives.

Background

Tapì Group specializes in designing and manufacturing premium closures for the beverage, food, and beauty markets. Their synthetic caps, made from foamed polymers, are gaining popularity as an alternative to natural cork, especially in the white and brown spirits segments. These closures offer consistent performance and aesthetic appeal, aligning with the industry's demand for high-performance, eco-friendly packaging solutions.

Challenge

Tapì Group aimed to develop a closure with a reduced carbon footprint without compromising on quality or appearance. The challenge was to find a material suitable for food contact that matched the properties of fossil-based polymers, such as taste and odor neutrality, softness, and processability. Mechanically recycled polymers were unsuitable due to their limitations in food contact applications and softness.

Solution

Tapì Group partnered with Borealis to explore sustainable material options. They selected the Bornewables™ portfolio, which includes bio-based polyolefins made from feedstocks like used cooking oil. These materials are ISCC PLUS certified and chemically identical to fossil-based counterparts, ensuring the same performance with a lower carbon footprint. Tapì Group chose Bornewables versions of Borealis EVA resins and Queo™ plastomers, which combine rubber-like properties with thermoplastic processing advantages. These materials can be used as drop-in alternatives, requiring no changes to existing production processes and maintaining the safety and properties of the final product.