Goldpack will showcase Kwik Lok closure technology at Propak Cape Town 2026, giving visitors the opportunity to see first-hand how one of the world's most established bag-closure technologies is helping producers rethink the final step in the packaging process.

As the exclusive agent for Kwik Lok in Africa, Goldpack has supplied closure solutions extensively into the continent's bakery and agricultural sectors. From bread and baked goods to fresh produce, Kwik Lok has become a familiar component of high-volume packaging operations where consistent closure, product freshness and production efficiency are critical.

But as packaging moves increasingly towards material reduction, improved recyclability and alternative materials, Goldpack believes it is time to look beyond the bag itself and consider how that bag is actually closed.

“We recognise that Goldpack doesn't control the entire packaging equation, but we do believe we can play a part in finding better solutions. Sustainability is becoming increasingly important to our customers and to the industry as a whole, and closure technology is one area where we can make a meaningful contribution. Kwik Lok gives producers an alternative to adhesive-based sealing and another option to consider when looking at the overall impact of their packaging.”

Kwik Lok's approach is based on mechanical closure rather than relying on adhesive tape to secure the bag. Its range includes metal-free polypropylene closures, with applications spanning bakery, fresh produce, dairy, snacks and other food products. The company's Enviro-Lok range goes further, using less material while being designed with recyclability in mind. According to Kwik Lok's published product data, Enviro-Lok uses 34% less plastic than its standard equivalent, 67% less water and generates 44% fewer carbon emissions.

But Kwik Lok's innovation extends beyond simply reducing the amount of material used. The company is developing a range of closure materials designed to address different packaging requirements and end-of-life options.

HIPS closures remain the main closure in the market and have also found a meaningful second life through recycling initiatives. In South Africa, bread-tag collection programmes supported by the Sweethearts Foundation provide collection points where used tags can be recycled into other products, including school desks, while also contributing towards providing wheelchairs to people in need.

For producers looking to reduce the amount of plastic in the closure itself, PP closures containing 20% recycled content incorporate a mineral additive that allows the closure to contain 52% less plastic by weight. HDPE closures offer another option, with the potential to be recycled together with the plastic bag, helping simplify the recycling journey.

Kwik Lok is also developing alternatives beyond conventional plastics. Recycled cardboard fibre closures provide a non-plastic option made from recycled cardboard. They can be reused for a limited period, although they are not as strong as conventional plastic closures.

Vulcanised fibre provides another non-plastic alternative, offering greater strength than plastic while being home compostable. The trade-off is that this material is not recyclable.

The development programme is continuing, with new soil-degradable biopolymer closures and home-compostable biopolymer closures adding further options for producers looking to reduce their reliance on conventional plastics.

This range reflects an important point: there is no single sustainability solution that will suit every product, bag or market. The appropriate closure depends on the packaging material, application, performance requirements and what needs to happen to the pack at the end of its life.

For Goldpack, however, sustainability is only part of the conversation. In demanding production environments, a closure system must first and foremost work reliably.

Kwik Lok's automated closure systems are designed for high-volume applications across bakery and agricultural production, with dedicated solutions for products including bread, tortillas, citrus, apples, potatoes, onions and other produce.

At Goldpack, we believe reliability is just as important as innovation. The closure may be a small component of the finished pack, but when you're running thousands of bags through a production line, reliability becomes extremely important. Our experience in the packaging industry has shown us that not all closure systems are created equal. A system that applies consistently, protects the product and integrates properly into the production process can make a meaningful difference to the operation — particularly in high-volume environments where downtime and inconsistent application quickly become costly.

The technology also carries a strong social dimension. Through its support of initiatives such as the Sweetheart Foundation, Kwik Lok's presence in the African market extends beyond packaging technology, creating an opportunity to connect commercial innovation with meaningful community impact.

At Propak Cape Town 2026, Goldpack will demonstrate how Kwik Lok closure technology can be incorporated into modern packaging operations and invite producers, packhouses, bakeries and other food manufacturers to discuss their specific packaging requirements with the Goldpack team.

Propak Cape Town 2026
Stand: A51
27–29 October 2026
sales@goldpack.co.za

About Goldpack

Established in 1987, Goldpack supplies packaging machinery, technology and consumables to customers throughout South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa. The company provides solutions across printing and coding, strapping, wrapping, bag closing and other packaging applications, supported by an experienced technical team focused on helping customers improve efficiency, reliability and overall packaging performance.