Guala Closures, a global leader known for its specialty beverage closures, has rolled out an innovation it calls No Glue Systems (NGS), a new approach to stopper technology that removes adhesives from the process altogether. The company says the concept is designed to raise performance standards while improving sustainability and protecting product integrity across the food and drink packaging industry.
Traditionally, T-bar stoppers rely on chemical adhesives to attach the cork shank to the head. But shifts in thermal conditions or other environmental factors can gradually weaken that bond. When that happens, the product’s integrity is compromised, and the customer experience is affected.
Guala Closures’ No Glue Systems uses techniques like co-injection moulding, ultrasonic welding, and mechanical interlock designs to prevent it. These create a strong, lasting connection between the cork and the head without the use of glue.
The outcome, according to the company, is a closure that performs consistently under different production environments and climates. It maintains the quality of the product, helps protect brand reputation, and enhances consumer satisfaction. With this new system, Guala Closures is offering spirits producers around the world a more dependable and environmentally conscious option for packaging.
“Our No Glue Systems represent a significant step forward in closure technology,” said Piero Cavigliasso, Group Chief Product Development & Innovation Officer at Guala Closures. “By removing adhesives, we not only tackle a technical challenge within the industry but also provide a more sustainable, reliable, and premium industrial-ready solution that enhances the consumer experience”.
At the core of this innovation is Sughera, a patented micro-agglomerated cork material created by Labrenta, the luxury closures maker that became part of Guala Closures in 2022. Sughera combines the familiar texture of natural cork with the give and durability of elastomeric polymers. Containing up to 60% recycled cork by volume, it cuts environmental impact compared to virgin polymers while maintaining the same premium look and performance.
Built around ESG and circular design principles, Sughera delivers stability and oxygen control much like natural cork, making it a strong fit for premium spirits. The No Glue Systems line is now in full-scale production across Guala Closures’ global sites, marking a fresh step forward in sustainable food and drink packaging.