Guala Closures, a global provider of closure and security solutions for the spirits industry, has upgraded its aluminium-based Alusnap closures for premium spirits brands with a new tamper-evident feature aimed at addressing evolving counterfeiting and illicit alcohol threats. The company said the development reflects the need for increasingly sophisticated packaging security as counterfeit spirits continue to pose challenges for brands and consumers. Industry estimates cited by Guala Closures suggest that around 25% to 40% of spirits consumed globally may be counterfeit or illicit, highlighting the importance of authentication and anti-refill technologies in the premium spirits market.
According to Andrea Lodetti, CEO of Guala Closures, protecting premium spirits requires security solutions to evolve alongside changing counterfeiting methods. He said the company has continued to develop Alusnap by building on its existing security technologies while adapting the closure to address emerging challenges in the market. The latest Alusnap design combines several security features intended to make unauthorized opening, refilling and removal of the closure more difficult.
A key feature of Alusnap is its anti-refill technology, which incorporates Guala Closures’ dual glass-ball valve system. The company says the system is designed to prevent unauthorized refilling of bottles after the original contents have been consumed. The closure also features an anti-pull-out mechanism with a hook that locks the pourer onto the bottle neck, helping prevent forced extraction. In addition, Guala Closures has introduced a highly visible Indicator designed to provide consumers with immediate evidence of whether the closure has previously been opened.
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The upgraded closure combines security with premium packaging customization. Its pourer is designed to provide a smooth and predictable liquid flow while helping reduce dripping during pouring. The aluminium shell also allows spirits brands to customize the closure through embossing, debossing and other surface textures, giving manufacturers greater flexibility to create distinctive premium packaging while incorporating security features.
Guala Closures is producing Alusnap at manufacturing facilities in Bulgaria, Italy, India and Ukraine. The company has also expanded its global production footprint with facilities in Mexico and Scotland, UK. Its wider portfolio includes technologies designed to support brand protection, authentication and premium packaging across the beverage sector.
The growing focus on tamper-evident packaging and anti-counterfeiting technology reflects a broader shift within the global beverage industry, where packaging is increasingly being used not only for brand presentation but also for product security and consumer protection. For premium spirits producers, technologies such as tamper indicators, anti-refill systems and secure closures can provide an additional layer of protection against unauthorized refilling and counterfeit products while maintaining a premium consumer experience.
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