Developments in packaging of alcoholic drinks are discussed. The bottlecan from Nussbaum & Guhl, N&G, is an internal lacquered aluminium can in the shape of a bottle. Bottlecans can be produced in a single piece, and are chemically inert, hygienic, non-tainting and unbreakable. The containers are lighter than glass, have less volume than glass, and are claimed to have a high novelty value, with an image that will appeal to the 20- 28-year-old age group. They are currently used by Kirin and Asahi breweries in Japan, and by Kraft Foods in the US for its new range of Capri Sun Island Refreshers drinks. Production costs are higher than those for glass bottles, but could eventually be only 50% more expensive. The use of PET for containers has seen the development by AmCor of AmGuard triple-layered bottles, which are claimed to give beer a shelf life of over 12 months. The PET containers are more expensive to produce than glass bottles, but Amcor believes this will decrease where significant volume is involved. Tetra Pak has recently introduced a 250-ml Tetra Prisma Aseptic carton for red and white wines. The product, which is being used for wines being launched in the UK by Mudgee Valley, has an oxygen barrier, which preserves the flavour and quality of the wine.
