Clondalkin develops unique lidding solution for a revolutionary new tea machine from Unilever

Clondalkin Flexible Packaging Bury (formerly Chadwicks) has designed and manufactured an innovative lidding solution for the capsules used in the new T.O by Lipton™ tea machine.

The revolutionary tea making machine is the result of 5 years R&D by brand-owner, Unilever and is entirely different to any other product on the market. Designed for home use, it uses ‘loose’ tea-leaf capsules which release tea into a visible brewing orb in order to create the optimum brew, with different water temperatures and brewing times tailored to its individual tea variants. In total there are 33 specially blended varieties of tea and infusions. These range from classics such as Earl Grey and Ceylon; to unique flavours such as Red Africa Rooibos and Havana Lime.

All the capsules have perforated alufoil lids, specially designed and produced by Clondalkin Flexible Packaging Bury, which are critical to the operation of the machine. Its two prongs puncture the carefully placed perforations on the lids, allowing water to be ‘injected’ through one side and forcing the tea leaves out of the other side into the brewing chamber to infuse. There are different lid sizes for the various blends which contribute to setting the brewing cycle time and water temperature for that particular variety; as the machine can adapt its settings accordingly.

John Chadwick, Managing Director of Clondalkin Flexible Packaging Bury, comments: “We are delighted to be involved in producing such a high profile product. The end result is fantastic. Both the machine and the exceptional range of tea capsules are testament to the hard work and commitment of many people over the last five years. This is one of the highest profile product launches that Clondalkin Flexible Packaging Bury has ever been involved in and we look forward to seeing its success over the coming months and years.”

William Leo, Research and Development Director for Unilever, comments: “We are all delighted with the finished T.O by Lipton™ product. The quality is second to none and the flavours taste fantastic. Customer reviews so far have been excellent.”

To find out more, visit www.clondalkingroupbury.com or call +44 (0)161 763 2100.