PRESS RELEASE: PHOENIX Launches MESA Direct™ Controlled Dispensing Closures for Food, Condiments, and Sauces
Aurora, IL – August 25, 2026: PHOENIX is proud to introduce Mesa Direct™, a new line of controlled dispensing closures specifically designed for food, condiments, and sauces. Mesa Direct is an extension of the Mesa® flip-top dispensing line, engineered to provide consumers with cleaner, more controlled dispensing, especially for thicker viscosities.
“Mesa Direct was designed to solve the challenges consumers face with dispensing closures,” said Jason Pfohl, Director of Product Development and Innovation at PHOENIX. “From the thumb pry and grip ridges to the flow control geometry, every feature was engineered to give consumers a cleaner, more controlled, and more confident dispensing experience.”
Mesa Direct allows users to control the flow of product being dispensed, reducing mess during and after use. While the initial launch was envisioned for thicker products, the closure can be customized to perform across a wide range of viscosities. Mesa Direct is ideal for applications such as condiments, sauces, dressings, caramel toppings, and other food products requiring controlled, confident dispensing.
Mesa Direct currently offers two orifice options to meet varying product needs. The flower-shaped orifice, PHOENIX’s first-to-market patented MESA Flow Control® technology, acts as flow blockers to help regulate dispensing and provide enhanced pullback at the end of the pour, minimizing drip and mess. For products requiring unobstructed flow, a full circle opening option is also available.
The push-to-flip closure features a thumb pry for easy opening and grip ridges that prevent thumb slippage. The lid closes with an audible click, providing confidence for consumers that it is securely closed. Additional design features include a gutter which helps catch excess product, while the volcano-shaped spout regulates flow and creates a clean cutoff. A seal rib around the edge of the volcano seals the outer diameter of the spout, and the opened lid stays out of the way to not disrupt dispensing. Designed to be recycled, Mesa Direct does not require a silicone valve.
Mesa Direct was validated through extensive consumer testing, with focus group participants noting improved pullback, reduced dripping, and secure product retention, even when the package was inverted during use. These insights guided the final design and led to preferred functionality for consumers.
With Mesa Direct, PHOENIX continues its commitment to research-driven innovation, delivering packaging solutions that balance performance, sustainability, and consumer satisfaction.
###
ABOUT PHOENIX
Phoenix Closures, Inc. is a sixth generation, family owned, packaging provider of injection molded plastic closures. Led by Co Presidents, Alby and Giles Miller, PHOENIX has become a world leader in packaging innovation, providing closures and technologies across multiple markets for over 135 years.
More than 150 patents and billions of packages later, the company stays ahead of industry changes and challenges. They continue to be future-focused by expanding into new markets, supporting unique customization options, and developing new technologies.
PHOENIX is headquartered in Aurora, Illinois. The company operates production facilities in Bloomington, Indiana, Greencastle, Indiana, Davenport, Iowa, and Newport, Tennessee, with a distribution facility in Ontario, California.
To learn more about PHOENIX’s full line of packaging solutions, visit our Contact page or call 630-420-4750.
