High acid drinks packaging devised for eco-improvements
environmentally friendly method of packaging high acid ambient
drinks like sport beverages and iced tea in a variety of sizes,
according to its manufacturer.
Tetra Pak claims that its new Tetra Top high acid ambient distribution (HAAD) can be used globally for products with a maximum PH value of more than 4.2 and up to a 20 per cent juice content. The group claims that the Tetra Top HAAD system offers the same functionality of a Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle with the environmental benefits of carton products. The manufacturer claims that ambient still drinks consumption is currently about 100bn litres, with further larger growth opportunities expected in the segment. Tetra Top product director Anders Gustafsson said that the launch would allow for a new means of packaging, transporting and storing HAAD beverages for up to six months without the need preservatives. "The market is looking for differentiating, cost-efficient, environmentally friendly packages for ambient still drinks that satisfy the needs of at-home and on-the-go consumption," he stated. Tetra Top for HAAD fulfils these needs," he stated. Green benefits As part of the packaging's design, the manufacturer says that the product uses a minimum amount of raw materials, while maximising the paperboard within its base, which its says is a natural and renewable resource. Using the example of its Tetra Top Katla S38 package, the company claims that the HAAD system can use as much as 62 per cent paperboard and 37 per cent plastic including the cap. As well as material use, the company, citing a German industry (FKN) study, said that aseptic cartons create between 60 to 90 grams of carbon dioxide (CO2) equivalents during production compared to the 115 to 190 grams required for PET bottles. Tetra top Tetra Pak's Tetra Top range makes use of a carton material sleeve, which is then sealed to a polyethylene capped top. The product has been designed, according to the manufacturer, in a square package with rounded corners to allow for easier pouring. In using the product, Tetra Pak says that manufacturers can tailor carton materials, bottom formats and caps to their specific requirements, making the product suitable for juice or yoghurt drinks, ice tea and sports beverages. Tetra Top HAAD had been designed in a number of sizes ranging between 200, 250, 330, 500 750 and 1000 ml packs, the manufacturer claims. Packaging equipment The manufacturer says that Tetra Top HAAD is produced by using an upgraded version of its flexible, two-line TT/3 filling machine that can make up to 9000 of the packages an hour. By using the TT/3 equipment, Tetra Pak claims that processors can ensure improved sterilisation properties within the packaging.
