Origin Materials Unveils CapFormer for Producing PET Caps

Origin Materials unveiled its proprietary CapFormer system with a video of its operation, and announced successful completion of the system’s factory acceptance test.

“The industry has been searching for PET caps for a long time and we are delighted to share that our first-of-its kind system works spectacularly well. Through the novel application of thermoforming, slit-and-fold technology and proprietary design elements we have unlocked the ability to produce PET caps at commercial scale,” says John Bisell, Origin co-founder and co-CEO. “We approached the problem differently than anyone had previously and the result was a breakthrough. We are addressing a $65-billion caps and closures market with a strong leadership position, offering the first and only commercial-scale solution for PET caps.”

Origin expects the CapFormer System to be transformative for packaging, enabling 100% PET container-to-container beverage recycling for the first time. The factory acceptance test demonstrated that system performance met expectations. The CapFormer’s manufacturing approach for PET closures combines thermoforming with slit-and-fold technology and proprietary design elements. According to Origin, the system can operate at high levels of efficiency while opening new design spaces for packaging.

“The first Origin CapFormer System has already made several million PET caps using recycled PET plastic, and we’re just getting started,” Bissell says. “Looking ahead, we expect Origin CapFormer Systems to produce caps not only for a diverse array of beverage bottles but food packaging, medical products — the possibilities are extensive and incredibly exciting.”

Origin’s caps, compatible with PCO 1881 (an ISO standardized neck finish for plastic bottles), will be available beginning in fourth quarter 2024, with other cap types — including tethered caps — to follow afterward. The caps can be made with either virgin or recycled PET.