Irish corrugated and paper-based packaging firm Smurfit Kappa has expanded its bag-in box packaging portfolio with the introduction of new thermo bag.

Thermobag

Image: Smurfit Kappa’s thermo bag for fresh apple juice market. Photo: courtesy of Smurfit Kappa Group

Designed for the fresh apple juice market, the new thermo bag will meet the specifications of hot filling, a commonly used processing method in the drinks industry.

The new thermo bag is a barrier bag developed by using special coextruded PE film (MDPE for thermo-resistance and LLDPE for flexibility) and EVOH for oxygen barrier.

Bag-in-box packaging is suitable for both consumers and producers, as it helps to maintain the product’s quality. It is also eco-friendly and cost-efficient.

The product will be pressed, filtered, pasteurised, heated and filled at a high temperature during hot filling, and then instantly cooled for preservation and taste.

The hot filling method will help to extend shelf life, remove harmful microorganisms, reduce costs and simplify process.

The hot filling method is mostly used in the production of fresh apple juice due to its freshness and health benefits.

Smurfit Kappa bag-in-box CEO Thierry Minaud said: “Thanks to their low carbon footprint and extended shelf life, our Bag-in-Box products offer a more sustainable choice of packaging for many industries and Smurfit Kappa relentlessly continues to develop higher performance materials for the drinks market.

“The Thermo Bag is bringing competitive advantage to producers and enhanced quality to consumers.”

In May this year, Smurfit Kappa announced that its MB12 carton is now available for primary packaging, which will prevent the migration of mineral oil from packaging into food products.

Eurofins, a provider of product testing services, has verified the efficiency of MB12, which is made using natural ingredients in recycled board.

Citing an independent study undertaken by the Technical University of Dresden, Smurfit Kappa said that its MB12 was the most effective product on the market for protecting packaged food against potential contamination.