United Caps, a prominent international manufacturer specializing in caps and closures, won the Bump Cap award at the inaugural Save Food Design Awards held during the Shanghai World of Packaging event (SWOP 23). The recognition was bestowed upon their groundbreaking product, the Bump Cap, developed in collaboration with MIMICA. Astrid Hoffmann-Leist, Chief Innovation and Communication Officer of United Caps, accepted the prestigious award on behalf of the company.
Hoffmann-Leist said, “We are proud to have received this prestigious inaugural award.” She emphasized the company’s unique position as closure experts, capable of developing ambitious closures through in-house research and development as well as collaborations with innovators like MIMICA.
The Bump Cap is an innovative solution designed to combat global food waste by providing a simple way to determine the safety of food products for consumption. Functioning as an intelligent freshness indicator, the Bump Cap aims to change perceptions of cap functionality and actively contribute to the fight against food waste. It facilitates easy identification of degraded contents through tactile indicators in the form of bumps on the cap. Beyond the environmental benefits of reducing food waste, this innovation also contributes to a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions, as food waste accounts for up to 10% of global emissions.
Utilizing patented gel technology more accurate than traditional ’best before’ dates, the Bump Cap has proven efficacy in extending shelf and storage life. Applicable to various perishable products, including milk and juices, the gel technology activates upon the first opening of the beverage, accurately measuring freshness without any physical contact with the contents.’
The Save Food Initiative, dedicated to addressing food loss and waste, played a pivotal role in the recognition of the Bump Cap. Thomas Dohse, director of the interpack alliance, highlighted the crucial role of the packaging and processing sector in mitigating food loss and waste. The Save Food Design Award and Sustainability Design Award were launched for the first time at SWOP 2023, with United Caps’ Bump Cap emerging as a prime example of industry leaders’ creativity and innovation in tackling this global challenge.
Astrid Hoffmann-Leist reiterated United Caps’ commitment to environmental responsibility, emphasizing their aspiration to leave the world in a better state. The introduction of the Bump Cap to the APAC market aligns with their dedication to delivering functionality and sustainability. She also commended the performance of their plant in Kulim, Malaysia, emphasizing its role in the Close to You strategy, ensuring proximity to customers and effective response to their needs. The Malaysian facility, equipped with state-of-the-art capabilities and a growing team, reflects the company’s dedication to innovation and significant growth.
