ViscoDisc™ | Product

Bottled produce relies on being immersed in a preserving liquid (normally brine, vinegar or oil). However, a problem arises when the suspended and floating produce pushes the upper most produce above the preserving liquid, and these pieces are then exposed to the air in the neck of the jar or drum.

This can lead to oxidation, degradation and discolouration of the produce, resulting in loss of product, consumer dissatisfaction and ultimately, costly product returns from retailers.

The ViscoDisc™ inserts hygienically and effectively, solved the perennial question on how to keep bottled produce below its preserving liquid, thus preventing oxidation while retaining freshness and colour.

The ViscoDisc™ inserts are easy to insert and remove from jars and are anchor-restraining devices that prevent lateral and vertical movement. The stabilising feature of the ViscoDisc™ inserts means that the inserts will not float, tilt or dislodge during packing and in transit.

Two different bottle inserts have been designed to cater for different applications. In addition, a larger insert, known as the ViscoDisc™ "drum" insert, has been developed to assist with the pickling process in 210 litre or 240 litre plastic drums.

The original award-winning insert is a snow-flake shaped plastic disc insert with a unique locking mechanism which engages both under the shoulder and the lid of a jar. The "soft" insert sits at the level of the shoulder of the jar and has greater application in the bottling of fruit or pickled produce which is soft and compressible. One of the benefits to the bottler is that during the insertion process, some of the excess air within the produce is squeezed out, thus reducing floatation but more importantly, preventing a lowering of the liquid level in transit caused by the replacement of air pockets with preserving liquid.

This insert is a maltese-cross shaped plastic insert consisting of petals which flex against the walls of the neck of the jar and short protrusions (teeth) which anchor the insert. The "hard" insert forms a bridge that straddles over hard, firm produce such as pickled onions, olives, gherkins and beetroot. It sits at a higher level than the "soft" insert within the neck of the jar.

Unlike the ViscoDisc™ "soft" insert which requires jars or containers with a standard "neck and shoulder" profile, the ViscoDisc™ "hard" insert has a wider range of applications in that it can be used for jars with or without shoulders.

The ViscoDisc™ "drum" insert was developed to fit within a standard 210 litre or 240 litre plastic drum to prevent fresh produce from floating during the pre-bottling pickling process. The ViscoDisc™ "drum" insert consists of a round, gridded, hard plastic disc to prevent buckling due to the pressure of retaining fresh produce below the preserving liquid. The upper side of the insert contains plastic positioning spikes (spacers) that push against the lid of the drum thereby ensuring that the ViscoDisc™ "drum" insert is positioned at the correct level.

Both bottle inserts are manufactured from food friendly and recyclable HDPE, in compliance with both FDA and European standards. The HDPE is capable of being used in both hot and cold bottling processes and is able to withstand temperatures of up to 200 °C.