Aseptic line goes global after market testing phase

A spokesperson for Tetra Pak told FoodProductionDaily.com that, previously, the machinery was available in selected markets only.

“Commercial release, or global availability, means the packaging system has passed our strict industrialisation process which tests and fine tunes the system under different market conditions for different kinds of products,”​ she continued.

Two new package sizes, the Tetra Gemina Aseptic 500 ml Square and 750 ml Square, have now also been given a worldwide market release, following limited circulation in September 2007.

Functionality ​

“The Tetra Gemina Aseptic packages were developed to respond to meet both customer and consumer needs. ​​

“Customers are always looking for a package that offers attractive design, excellent functionality and product differentiation at a competitive cost,”​ said the spokesperson.

Equipment​​​

She explained that the Tetra Gemina Aseptic packages are produced on a modified version of the Tetra Pak A3/Flex filling machine. “This version shares more than 85 per cent of common parts with the standard Tetra Pak A3/Flex filling machine for Tetra Brik Aseptic and Tetra Prisma Aseptic packages.”​

The packaging line that produces the Tetra Gemina Aseptic range has been designed to allow for quick changeovers between one package format and another, she added.

Consumer survey​​

According to the spokesperson, in order to validate the package’s characteristics and understand consumer responses, nine separate consumer research studies were carried out on the Tetra Gemina Aseptic between 2003 and 2006 in a total of eight markets and involving more than 1,500 persons.

She said that the studies were conducted in Argentina, France, Germany, Italy, Russia, Spain, Canada and the UK by independent research companies.

“Tetra Gemina Aseptic was evaluated on both functional and design-oriented features in comparison with other types of packages from Tetra Pak as well as other manufacturers. The studies were made​ for​ both milk and juice products,”​ said the spokesperson.

The consumer research results showed that Tetra Gemina Aseptic was perceived as a modern, innovative and elegant package that is easy to open and pour from, good to hold when pouring and easy to close, she continued.

The spokesperson claims that the surveys also showed that the new top type and the slender shape of the carton differentiated it from existing models, thus enabling it to stand out on the shelf.