Daesang, a leading Korean health food producer, has chosen SIG’s aluminium-free Heat&Go microwaveable technology for aseptic carton packs to package its new Nucare Roasted Rice winter edition.
Nucare is a dairy supplement drink with roasted rice, suitable for people who have difficulty swallowing or prefer liquid food as part of a nutritionally balanced diet. In Korea, roasted rice is considered to be fortifying and also gives beverages a distinct taste and aroma.
With a preference for warm on-the-go beverages among Asian consumers, SIG says that many products have only been available in cafes or convenience stores until now. The company hopes that its microwaveable packaging will open up a new channel for hot vending.
Changwoo Choi, CEO at Daesang, says: “Our close cooperation with SIG gives us the best packaging solution to make life better for consumers. Heat&Go brings a new level of convenience when it comes to on-the-go drinking comfort and the consumption of heated beverages.
"We’ve been able to extend our existing product portfolio at exactly the right time to take full advantage of new market opportunities.”
Nucare winter edition is offered in SIG’s combiblocMini 200ml format and is filled on standard SIG filling machines. A simple upgrade is reportedly needed to allow the filler to run standard and microwaveable material interchangeably.
The company also says that its gentle aseptic process ensures the 22 vitamins and minerals in Nucare are retained and the delicate taste and aroma protected. Meanwhile, it is SIG’s view that its solution can be heated in the microwave without any compromise on product quality due to its aluminium-free properties.
Lawrence Fok, president and general manager for the Asia-Pacific region at SIG, says: “The barrier function of Heat&Go’s aseptic structure not only protects from light, oxygen, aroma loss and moisture, but also puts consumer safety as a top priority. Working closely with the team at Daesang, we’ve been able to improve its brand image through innovation and convenience.
“The ability to fill both standard and Heat&Go packaging material on the same filling machine also adds value. I’m sure the trend towards enjoying warm nutritional drinks will continue well beyond just winter months.”
