Aseptic packaging: Thinking out of the box

These are lightweight, stack easily, and can be carried from one place to another without fear of breaking or leaking. Drinking on the go is also possible without any problems. More importantly, aseptic carton packs and the aseptic process increase the shelf-life of milk and other liquids and perishable items packaged in cups, pouches, cylinders, and cones by months without refrigeration.

The marvel of aseptic packaging involves sterilising the packaging and the food product separately and then filling and sealing the containers in a sterile environment. Sterilising the food product meant destroying the harmful bacteria and pathogenic micro-organisms through a tightly controlled thermal process. Combining that with the sterile packaging material in a clean environment meant having a shelf-stable product that require no refrigeration. The aseptic packaging not only protects the products but also maintains their quality.

SIG, a leading provider of sustainable, innovative packaging solutions, has ensured that standard aseptic carton packs are on average already made of . It was the first company to use aseptic carton packaging material with polymers that are 100% linked to forest-based, renewable materials via a certified mass-balance system. It was also the first player in the industry to source 100% of the paperboard used as FSC™-certified (FSC™ trademark licence code: FSC™ C020428).

SIG’s other innovations include using 100% renewable electricity to produce its aseptic cartons and introducing paper straws for aseptic carton packs. The company was also the first to offer carton packs made with recycled polymers from post-consumer plastic waste.

These innovations are happening while the demand for aseptic cartons is on a high growth trajectory both in India and abroad. Research Nestor, a US-based research firm, reports that the global aseptic industry is estimated to touch $35 billion by 2033 end, growing at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10% between 2023 to 2033.  It must be music to the ears of aseptic packaging players.    

 Here are some of SIG's outstanding innovations:

• First manufacturer in the aseptic beverage carton industry to offer paper straws for aseptic carton packs.
• First to offer carton packs made with recycled polymers produced from post-consumer plastic waste. 
• First in the aseptic carton industry to eliminate the layer of aluminium foil – Cutting CO₂ per pack by up to 27%
• First to use packaging material with polymers that are 100% linked to forest-based, renewable materials via a certified mass-balance system. 
• Their aseptic carton production is carbon neutral and uses 100% renewable electricity. 
  
  

Different layers of an aseptic carton pack protect the quality and taste of the packaged food. The food retains its natural colour, texture, flavour and equally its nutrients, compared to more heat-intensive conventional methods of preservation and filling.

Aseptic carton packs not only protect the products but also maintain their quality. The product properties are decisive for the specific selection of the carton packaging material. Other factors that determine the choice of packaging are the desired shape and volume.

The recent Covid-19 pandemic has also positively impacted the growth of aseptic packaging because consumers are increasingly demanding products with longer shelf-life and aseptic packaging because of food safety and hygiene issues.

However, the increased demand for aseptic packaging is not just limited to the food and beverage industry but also the pharmaceutical and chemical industries. The increasing need for aseptic packaging to preserve medicine's efficacy is also anticipated to expand the market.

The market’s growth can be attributed to the increasing demand for aseptic packaging to prevent infectious diseases. By the end of 2033, the market in the Asia Pacific region is anticipated to hold the largest market share. The region's market is expected to expand due to the food and beverage industry and the increasing demand for aseptic packaging. The future of aseptic packaging has never been brighter.