New Trick for Eliminating Pests from Bottle Caps
In the coming years, tethered caps on drink bottles will become a common sight across the EU, as they are set to be mandatory in drink packages from July 2024 [1]. These caps, designed to reduce plastic waste by preventing accidental disposal, have been causing some discomfort for users, particularly during drinking. However, a simple trick can help resolve this issue.
By folding or flipping the tethered cap away from the opening or to the side of the bottle neck, the cap can be kept out of the way while drinking, without detaching it from the bottle [2][3]. This maneuver complies with the tethering design's purpose, ensuring both the environment and consumers benefit from reduced plastic waste and an improved drinking experience.
The method is straightforward and easy to perform, requiring no additional steps or tools beyond the usual opening and closing of the bottle. On some bottle models, a slight pull is needed to extend the band of the tethered cap. On others, turning the cap further back after opening might be enough to position it out of sight. Most tethered caps can be extended by unscrewing the cap, pulling it lightly, and turning it by 180 degrees (depending on the model) [3].
This positioning of the tethered cap prevents it from interfering with drinking, regardless of the model. The method does not involve any potential risks or drawbacks, as the tethered cap remains securely attached to the bottle. Extending the flexible plastic band between the cap and the bottle neck allows the cap to be swung around the bottle neck, further ensuring it does not obstruct the drinker’s face.
This solution is widely demonstrated in video hacks related to European bottles with tethered caps, where the plastic cap is hinged or attached by a small strap to the bottle [2][3]. By bending or rotating the cap to the side, it avoids interfering with drinking and eliminates the annoyance of the cap swinging in front of the face.
No official detailed descriptions appear in the referenced results, but the general consensus in social media content about tethered caps and related life hacks is that handling the tether by flipping or folding it aside is the best approach to keep it from hanging or blocking the drinker’s face [2][3]. This simple trick is accessible to a wide range of users, making it an effective solution for anyone using a drink bottle with a tethered cap.
[1] EU Regulation on Single-Use Plastics (2019/1021) [2] Lifehacker, "How to Deal with Annoying Tethered Bottle Caps" [3] The Guardian, "The Tethered Bottle Cap: A Solution to Plastic Waste or a Nuisance?"
Adopting the approach of flipping or folding the tethered cap out of the way provides an effective solution for users to enjoy their drink without the cap obstructing their face. This method, widely recognized in European life hacks, ensures a comfortable home-and-garden experience with drink bottles, while still adhering to the environmental benefits of the tethered cap design.
