Indian dairy company MilkyMist has teamed up with SIG and AnaBio Technologies to introduce the ‘world’s first’ long-life probiotic buttermilk in aseptic carton packs.
SIG states that until now, incorporating live probiotics into long-life beverages has been hindered by the heat treatments used in Ultra-High-Temperature (UHT) processing, which compromises probiotic viability. It claims the combination of AnaBio Technologies’ encapsulation technology and SIG’s aseptic filling technology has overcome this challenge, enabling MilkyMist to offer probiotic buttermilk that remains shelf-stable and does not require refrigeration.
Apparently, AnaBio’s technology protects the probiotics with a protein coat, ensuring they withstand high temperatures during buttermilk processing and remain stable throughout the product’s shelf life. Once consumed, enzymes naturally present in the intestine break down the protein coat, releasing the probiotics to colonize the intestine and deliver gut and immune health benefits.
The encapsulation technology and SIG’s aseptic filling technology is said to ensure a homogeneous suspension of probiotic cells per pack and the safe filling of probiotics into SIG’s aseptic cartons. Reportedly, the product remains stable for long periods at room temperature, reducing food waste and energy consumption during storage and transport.
By eliminating refrigeration requirements, MilkyMist says it can distribute its probiotic beverages more widely and at lower costs, aiming to make healthy nutritious products more accessible. Delivered in SIG XSlimBloc 200mL aseptic carton packs, MilkyMist’s beverage is expected to open a new category world for probiotic beverages which are traditionally confined to the chilled section, offering a more convenient option.
This summer saw Bonafarm’s Sole-Mizo adopt SIG’s Midi 12 Aseptic filling machine and carton packaging for its dairy products, in an effort to combine flexibility and high efficiency in the production process. The carton packs’ shape and design apparently enable drip-free pouring, as well as easy opening and closing to for vertical and horizontal storage.
More recently, Tetra Pak and Lactalis announced a new carton package which incorporates certified recycled polymers from used beverage cartons into dairy packaging. The packaging hopes to help to reduce the industry’s reliance on finite, fossil-based virgin materials.
If you liked this story, you might also enjoy:
The ultimate guide to the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation in 2024
How are the top brands progressing on packaging sustainability?
Sustainable Innovation Report 2024: Current trends and future priorities
Everything you need to know about global plastic sustainability regulation
No comments yet