Switzerland-based SIG has developed a new aseptic microwave carton pack designed for on the go consumption of hot drinks.
Image: SIG's ‘Heat&Go’ microwaveable carton. Photo: courtesy of SIG.
Intended to meet the need to heat Ready to drink (RTD) beverages, the Heat&Go aluminum-free microwaveable carton pack allows consumers to heat it in microwave, either in a vending machine, store, café, home or office, and up to 60oC.
Ideal for still drinks and low viscosity, sensitive, enhanced juice and liquid dairy beverages, the carton offers protection to beverage products.
The carton features high-barrier film and a light blocking pigment which replaces aluminum foil to protect the product from oxygen ingress, flavor migration, light and water.
SIG said that the ‘Heat&Go’ can be produced on existing SIG filling machines with a simple, one-time upgrade to enable it to run standard and aluminum-free material structures.
SIG global marketing vice-president Ali Kaylan said: “Our new high-barrier aseptic carton ‘Heat&Go’ can be heated in the microwave up to 60oC, with a recommended temperature of 50oC, by allowing brands and co-packers to launch innovative nutritional hot beverage products into new channels and categories.”
Demand for hot drinks is estimated to increase by 15% in value, and by 22% in volume between 2014-2019, according to GlobalData’s research in 50 countries
The firm noted that the ‘Heat&Go’ carton, which opens up new drinking occasions, aims to meet the demands from consumer groups particularly in the Asian market.
As per SIG’s research in China, 72% of consumers are not satisfied with current heating methods for on-the-go products.
Recently, US-based food retailer Picnik has selected SIG’s combidome carton pack for its new butter coffee creamer.
The combidome carton pack features a single-action screwcap, known as the domeTwist, at the center of the package’s top.
The screwcap is designed to allow users to easily access to the product while the carton pack ensures ease of handling, smooth pouring, and convenience for consumers, SIG said.
Earlier this month, Picnik released the first-to-market butter coffee creamer in the convenient combidome 750ml carton packs from SIG, soon to be available in the US.