A new twist for wine corks
designweek.co.uk, June 17 2013
The Helix twistable cork has been developed by Portuguese cork stopper producer Amorim, which has worked with US wine packaging company O-I for four years on the project.
The Helix design features a twistable cork stopper, which fits into a glass bottle with an internal thread in the neck.
This allows the cork to be twisted out without using a corkscrew and means the wine can also be resealed.
The Helix has been developed as an alternative to plastic stoppers or screw tops, and its creators say it can be quickly and easily implemented by wineries.
The developers also carried out extensive testing and market research and say the new corks didn’t affect wine taste, colour or aroma.
Antonio Amorim, chairman and chief executive of Amorim, says, ‘Helix meets consumers’ growing desire for sustainability and quality, while delivering the brand-building and premium image wineries rely on.’
The cork is being unveiled at the International VinExpo wine fair in Bordeaux and its creators told reporters it could be on shelves in Europe in the next two years.