More than just a purely marketing element of packaging, a scientific study demonstrates the protective role of capsules and foils on bottles of still and sparkling wine. Like any food product, wine bottles in retail areas and storage locations must ensure impeccable sanitary safety for consumers. To better understand bacteriological contamination on the necks of wine bottles, a laboratory, in collaboration with the Crealis Group—an international specialist in overcapping solutions—conducted a study on wine bottles with and without capsules or foils.
The Capsule and Foil
AN UNDISPUTED HYGIENIC SHIELD
The capsule and foil represent an effective hygienic shield against the transmission of bacteria and mold. This is the conclusion from laboratory tests commissioned by Crealis from the CSI, the European reference center for the verification and certification of material and product compliance. To compare the hygienic quality of wine bottles with and without capsules and foils, a specific protocol was applied.
The protocol conducted by CSI in 2024 specifically studied the development of pathogens such as Escherichia coli, responsible for transmitting intestinal and extra-intestinal diseases through contact, and Staphylococcus aureus, which causes acute infections easily transmitted by sneezing, and the development of mold[1]. For this, the laboratory immersed bottles with and without capsules in an environment contaminated with the mentioned bacteria and mold-causing fungi. Then, samples were taken from the necks of the bottles and the capsules to observe bacterial and mold growth. The results are clear: no bacterial or mold contamination was present on the neck of a bottle with a capsule or foil, while intense growth was recorded on bottles without capsules or foil, with widespread and abundant colonies present on the entire sampled surface.
Capsule and Foil
A GUARANTEE OF SANITARY SAFETY
The capsule and foil represent a hygienic assurance for both consumers and producers. This scientific study highlights the importance of the capsule and foil in maintaining the hygienic quality of the bottle opening. They act as a physical barrier that limits microbial contamination, similar to those that can occur during bottling, storage, distribution, or by the consumer when the bottle is exposed for sale. This contamination can occur through airborne transmission (sneezing, coughing) or direct contact (touch).
WITHOUT / WITH
No visible growth – Intense growth
“We wanted to study precisely and factually the contribution of the capsule and foil in terms of hygiene. The results show that the capsule plays a primarily functional role and establishes an essential protective hygienic barrier. In this regard, it represents the best ally for both the consumer and the producer, preventing contamination from bottling to consumption. It is not surprising that denominations such as Champagne and Prosecco have made it mandatory following the EU directive that made protection optional for sparkling wines,” commented Michele Moglia, CEO of the international Crealis Group.
ABOUT CREALIS
CREALIS is the leading group in capping and overcapping solutions for the still and sparkling wine markets, spirits, beers, olive oil, and vinegars. The group relies on the solid reputation and expertise of eight renowned brands: SPARFLEX, LE MUSELET VALENTIN, ENOPLASTIC, RIVERCAP, MAVERICK, PE.DI, SUPERCAP, and CORCHOMEX, each bringing their unique know-how. The group has 17 production sites: 4 in France, 3 in Italy, 3 in Portugal, 2 in Spain, 2 in the United States, 1 in Australia, 1 in New Zealand, and 1 in Mexico. The group markets its products in over 70 countries worldwide.
ABOUT CSI
CSI S.p.A., a company of the IMQ Group, is a Certification and Compliance Analysis Center, active in a highly diversified market and operating in sectors with high entry barriers due to the required expertise and investments, such as food, packaging, construction, and automotive sectors.
www.csi-spa.com – info@cso-spa.com
[1] Aspergillus niger, Chaetomium globosum, Penicillium funiculosus, Paecilomyces variotii, Gliocadium virens
