According to SIG, the latest development will help pack probiotic beverages in aseptic carton packs and shelf-stable spouted pouches for long-term, non-refrigerated storage
A product image of SIG’s long-life probiotic yogurt. (Credit: SIG)
Swiss packaging company SIG has partnered with nanotechnology company AnaBio Technologies to introduce a new long-life probiotic yoghurt within shelf-stable aseptic packaging.
With this market launch, both firms claimed to have created a new product category for probiotic beverages and aseptic packaging.
According to SIG, the latest development will help pack probiotic beverages in aseptic carton packs and shelf-stable spouted pouches for long-term, non-refrigerated storage.
Under the partnership, AnaBio’s encapsulation technology is combined with SIG’s gentle aseptic filling technology.
It enables food and beverage firms to produce probiotic beverages containing live probiotics that are packed in carton packs and spouted pouches. It can also be kept at room temperature for extended periods without refrigeration, the Swiss packaging firm said.
The product is claimed as a new product for the consumer market that satisfies the need for probiotic beverages that are nutritional, flavourful, and packaged in an environmentally friendly way.
AnaBio founder Sinéad Bleiel said: “When the probiotic product is consumed, the coating is naturally broken down by digestive enzymes releasing the probiotic to colonise the small intestine and deliver their health benefits.
“Together with the expert team at SIG, we’re not only able to offer consumers probiotic products with unique health benefits, but also a longer product shelf life for greater convenience. It’s a real step-change innovation in the field of probiotic beverage products.”
SIG said that consumers all over the world equate probiotics with health advantages, particularly with enhanced immunity and improved gut health.
The latest aseptic beverage packaging can withstand standard heat treatments used in the processing of probiotics, the packaging company added.
SIG chief markets officer Christoph Wegener said: “With the creation of a new product category, both SIG and AnaBio are providing beverage and food manufacturers with a pioneering solution to overcome the current limitations of fresh probiotic beverages.
“Our innovation offers lower distribution costs as no refrigeration is required, longer shelf life, increased reach and less food wastage for both retailers and consumers.”