Top reasons to go aseptic
In part four of Aseptic Advantage, we look at what lies behind the rising popularity of aseptic packaging – as well as the benefits it offers consumers, manufacturers, and the planet.
In earlier posts, we examined what an aseptic carton is made of and delved into the science behind making food and beverage products shelf stable. Moving on, how does all this play into the popularity of aseptic cartons? What advantages do aseptic packs hold over other packaging formats?
The trump card
First and foremost, the most obvious advantage: Shelf stability at ambient temperatures while preserving nutritional and sensory quality of the products. This characteristic offers convenience that goes beyond for all stakeholders with the ripple effects that come from eliminating the need for refrigeration across the entire value chain.
Always available, always safe
Food and beverage products in aseptic packs can be safe to open and consume up to one year after purchase while retaining their nutrient value. This can play a vital role in ensuring food security across the globe. The recent pandemic brought home this advantage starkly as consumers stockpiled on essentials and favourites while retailers could still keep their warehouses full without having to worry about cold chains. Even in normal times, food security continues to be a global issue and aseptic packaging can play an important role in combatting food waste under harsh weather conditions.
Waste not, want not
Food waste plagues us as a society, from surplus crops and improper storage to inefficient manufacturing processes and, simply, disposal of extra food. And so, it seems like a tall order to minimise food waste; however, proper use of aseptic packaging technology can help combat these issues. For example, manufacturers can not only buy surplus crops to pack for later, but they can do so without any dependency on refrigeration. And with SIG’s filling technology, they can also ensure minimal food loss during processing and filling.
Flexible all the way
With consumer demands evolving, flexibility is a top requirement for manufacturers. And this is where aseptic packaging, especially our range of carton packs, can really step up. Apart from retaining the nutritional qualities of the product inside, manufacturers can add in extras as per market demand. Take the case of TH true MILK, a Vietnamese product that combines milk, cereal grains and nut paste – created using the drinksplus solution to meet consumer demands for healthy snack drinks. Meeting price points and providing consumers the right quantity of food – to avoid waste – are two priorities that can be met by matching pack sizes to varying market requirements. And SIG filling machines make it quick and easy to switch between different formats, volumes and designs enabling manufacturers to grow and innovate further.
Sustainable credentials
Minimising environmental impact is an important consideration when it comes to packaging as even the most sustainably sourced product loses its sheen if the packaging is not eco-friendly. Aseptic cartons score high on this front – with SIG cartons creating a 28%–70% lower carbon footprint. And with continuous innovation, we are committed to go even further. Our SIGNATURE portfolio is already top of the range in sustainability and by 2025, we will launch a full-barrier carton linked to 100% renewable materials.
Even though these benefits speak for themselves, and aseptic packaging is widely adopted today – there are many misconceptions around aseptic cartons and even products within. We will dig into some of these common misconceptions in the next part of the series. Get the story in your inbox by subscribing to our exclusive bi-weekly newsletter, SIGnals Update.
- giugno 16, 2022