Aptar Food + Beverage proudly announces the 2″ Ultra Extra Large Valve (XLV), the newest expansion to its inverted closure product line with SimpliSqueeze® technology. The 2” Ultra XLV is Aptar’s first stock closure offering with a valve large enough to successfully dispense very thick or high viscosity products, including those with particulates. The 2” Ultra XLV can be used with a rigid bottle or paired with an inverted flexible pouch to ensure a clean, controlled, convenient dispense with every squeeze. “We are excited to showcase the new 2” Ultra XLV closure to the industry, as well as leading food brands and co-packers that can benefit from this innovative technology,” shared Susan DeGroot, marketing director at Aptar. “Our extra-large flow control valve allows consumers to experience the ultimate in clean, controlled, convenient dispensing in new, thicker or high viscosity product categories. All with the proven technology our easy-to-use SimpliSqueeze® valve has delivered to consumers for more than 25 years.”

Third Quarter 2021 Results: Reported Results: For the third quarter 2021, the company recorded earnings from continuing operations of $0.48 per share (diluted) compared to earnings from continuing operations of $2.06 per share (diluted) in the prior year period. The current year earnings from continuing operations before income taxes were $127 million, compared to $376 million in the third quarter of 2020 which included an approximately $280 million net gain on the sale of O-I’s ANZ business unit. Segment Operating Profit1: Third quarter 2021 segment operating profit was $243 million compared to $204 million in the prior year period. While demand for glass containers remains strong, sales volumes (excluding divestitures) declined approximately 1 percent from the prior year. Higher segment operating profit was largely due to higher production levels, as well as strong operating performance and the benefits from the company’s margin expansion initiatives. Cash Flows: Cash provided by continuing operating activities was $306 million in the third quarter 2021, compared to $262 million in the prior year period. Third quarter 2021 free cash flow1 was $213 million compared to $205 million in 2020.

Metsä Board, a leading European producer of premium fresh fibre paperboards and part of Metsä Group, and the Finnish start-up company Esbottle have been jointly developing an ecological and appealing paperboard flute cup concept that meets the need to reduce the use of plastic. The newly designed paperboard cup is a stylish solution for celebration drinks, as well as lightweight and easy to transport and recycle. It can be personalised using traditional printing methods and special effects. Esbottle, based in Espoo, develops innovative, responsible and high-quality solutions for the beverage and food industry. The innovative shape of the paperboard cup is the result of collaboration between Esbottle and Metsä Board's packaging design team. The classic flute shaped design consists of two parts enabling the cup and base sections to be stored inside each other so they can be transported and recycled efficiently.