Distillery Packaging Needs from Fill to Cork

Distilled spirits can commonly be found in 750ml and 375 ml bottles, but there are always exceptions to the rule. Whether packaging spirit in typical bottles or using a creative container, closure or other component, Liquid Packaging Solutions can help make the packaging process simple and easy, allowing the distillery to focus on other aspects of the business.

Filling distilled spirits will usually be accomplished using one of two types of filling machine. Gravity fillers allow an accurate volumetric fill, ensuring the same volume of product is dispensed into each bottle. This type of fill is beneficial to any packager of a product or in an industry that requires that certain tolerances are met. Gravity filling machines use a tank sitting above containers and take advantage of the free-flowing characteristic of most spirits to ensure the same volumes reach each container.

Overflow filling machines are also very popular in the distilled spirits industry. These machines allow those with glass or otherwise clear containers to fill each bottle to the same level, regardless of minute differences in the interior volume of the bottles. Using an overflow filler helps the distiller create an aesthetically pleasing appearance on the shelf or other display when the bottles are presented for sale. The overflow filler creates this level fill by using unique fill nozzles that seal the bottle during the fill, allowing excess product to return to the tank once the desired level is reached.

In most cases, the overflow filler will also provide an accurate volumetric fill to meet desired tolerances. However, the accuracy of the fill as to volume will depend not on the filling machine, but on the consistency of the bottle manufacturing process. If the bottle manufacturing process is consistent, the interior volume of the bottles will remain consistent, allowing for tolerances to be met using the overflow filling machine.

Capping and sealing machines for distilled spirits will take on the form of the closure being used for each given project. Corks, ROPP caps and even threaded screw-on type closures may be used to seal distilled spirits. Corking machines are used to secure corks, T-corks and other cork-like closures into distilled spirit bottles. ROPP capping machines create threads on aluminum blanks to allow for tamper evident packaging, while chuck and spindle cappers can be used to tighten screw-on type closures to ensure product remains safe and secure. Other sealing equipment such as capsule spinners can also be supplied by LPS for unique projects.

Both filling machines and capping machinery are available in automatic and semi-automatic models, to meet the production needs of distillers large and small. Conveyor systems can connect automatic fillers and cappers, along with additional automatic machinery such as rinsing machines and labeling equipment, to create a complete packaging system with little operator interaction once the machines are set to run production. Semi-automatic machinery, however, will normally require an operator to interact with bottles and caps for each cycle that is run, allowing for a more affordable, manual labor driven solution for those with lower production demand.

To learn more about all of the equipment available to distillers from LPS, or to discuss the best machinery for your specific distilled spirits project, contact a Packaging Specialist at Liquid Packaging Solutions today.