Bottle openers

	Henwei of mainland China has released the HJ-P03 model, which has a plastic-coated steel casing.

The latest releases come in a variety of shapes and themes. These also boast expanded functionality.

Suppliers in mainland China and Taiwan are improving the appearance and functionality of their bottle openers.

In the mainland, output of novelty and themed products is increasing in response to demand. Versions in animal, sports, holiday and nautical motifs are among the most popular. Some companies are even releasing models shaped like beverage containers.

As part of this, makers are widening their range of materials. For the heads, steel is commonly used because of its strength. Some suppliers, however, are now incorporating zinc alloy components, which are lighter than most metal alternatives.

The handles usually come in ABS. This durable material can be easily combined with other types, and allows printing, plating and coating. To increase appeal, companies are also employing soft PVC or acrylic parts.

The latest releases from Taiwan come in various materials that improve appearance. Many makers are even combining different types, such as zinc alloy and plastic or steel and wood. Beads, rhinestones or other trimmings may also be fitted on the housing.

A number of products feature designs that deliver better usability. One company has updated its models with heads in an adjustable size and angle, allowing reduced effort. Multifunction bottle openers are also available. These incorporate small knives or corkscrews, making them suitable for different beverage container types.

	In mainland China, the I25 model from Mei Bao comes in a dolphin shape. It measures 160x55x65mm.

The latest releases from Mei Bao Enterprises Ltd have soda and beer bottle, and dolphin shapes. Acrylic handles filled with colored liquid and various floating objects may also be incorporated. Aside from improving aesthetics, these characteristics impart a streamlined construction that allows a better grip.

The company’s ISO 9001:2000-certified factory is equipped with molding and plastic-injection machines, and 12 manufacturing lines. A specialist in acrylic products, Mei Bao exports primarily to the US. Wal-Mart is among the major customers.

At Henwei Industrial Co. Ltd, products come mainly in steel. Some versions are made exclusively of this material and feature rolled edges, while others use plastic coatings to make the surfaces and sides smooth. These steps are necessary for safety.

Bottle openers from this company are optimized for a tight grasp by incorporating soft handles. A magnet can be attached at the back, allowing display on a refrigerator door for more convenience.

Henwei’s HJ-P03 model features a plastic-coated steel housing. It has a built-in key ring, and is shaped like a jersey and shorts.

Most new products from Ningbo Jiaye Import & Export Co. Ltd come in a keychain design that enhances portability.

Bottle openers account for 80 percent of the company’s output. Two new versions are released each month and countersamples take about 10 days to complete.

In an effort to ensure safety, suppliers such as Brother Plastic Products Co. Ltd are now using nontoxic materials. These are kept in storage areas separate from those of other components. Further, many makers have established manufacturing lines intended only for the safer models.

For the same end, Sunleda Stationery & Gift Co. Ltd has modified its sourcing procedures to encompass only nontoxic materials.

Most bottle openers from the mainland are made to comply with the specific regulations of the major export markets. In particular, suppliers are following the requirements of the EU’s EN 71 Part 3 and the ASTM F963-96A standard of the US.

The former covers primarily the levels of antimony, arsenic, barium, cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury and selenium. The latter regulates flammability, toxicity and the necessary safety characteristics of specific components. Test reports are provided only when required due to high inspection costs.

The majority of products from the mainland are made according to customers’ specifications. To beef up capability for OEM orders, suppliers are strengthening their R&D teams by adding experienced designers.

Further, Mei Baohas purchased advanced molding machines to shorten the required time for sample development.

Sunleda uses software such as Pro/E, AutoCAD and Photoshop for design development, and CNC and EDM processes for manufacturing.

	Taiwan's Tsai Shin offers the AC08 model, a horse-shaped bottle opener in anodized aluminum.

The 163 model can open wine and regular bottles. It incorporates a small knife and a corkscrew, both in stainless steel. The housing material is zinc alloy, which can be powder-coated in red and black. Electroplated versions in gold and silver are offered as well. Logos may be embossed, stamped or printed on the handle.

Previously, this design was priced between $0.30 and $0.35, and had a length of 130mm. The current 163 model, however, goes for $0.25 to $0.30 and measures 125mm. The difference is mostly because the company now uses a mold design that speeds up and improves the cost-effectiveness of production. The lower costs incurred by the switch to this new mold also allow Giant Chain to keep prices stable in 2008 despite rising material costs.

Lutong Enterprise Corp. is focusing R&D efforts on less-expensive bottle openers with an attractive appearance. To accomplish this, composite materials such as zinc alloy and plastic, or steel with wood are employed. In recent months, metal components have become less popular due to their high cost. Plastic or wood versions, which allow a contemporary style, are now being used.

Lutong’s products bear the CE mark and range in price from $1 to $5. Individual models are marketed primarily as premiums. Bottle openers included in bar sets are available as well.

Tsai Shin Enterprise Co. Ltd is adding interest to its designs by incorporating beads or rhinestones, which are fitted onto the housing.

It offers anodized aluminum bottle openers that are marketed as premiums and priced at $0.28 to $0.50. These come in a selection of metallic colors.

Tsai Shin also manufactures zinc alloy versions. Offered mainly on an OEM basis, quotes are least 50 percent higher than those of aluminum models.

The company specializes in metal premiums. Keychains, hooks and mobile phone straps are also available.

King Char Co. Ltd recently upgraded its aluminum bottle openers by applying a zinc alloy coating. The addition of this layer allows logos in a relief or recessed style, which is more durable than the printed or laser-engraved patterns that noncoated versions are limited to. The appearance of these 3-D designs can be enhanced further via electroplating in satin nickel, silver or other metallic colors.

Aluminum models are priced between $0.25 and $0.35, while zinc alloy and die-struck ironproducts go for $0.80 to $1.20.

The company markets its releases mainly as premiums, with 90 percent of output under OEM. The minimum order quantity is 500 pieces.

Taiwan is home to about 30 exporters, which ship primarily to North America and Europe. Most designs are made of aluminum or zinc alloy, and are offered as premiums or in bar sets.