SIG supplies carton packs for Taiwanese start-up’s apricot kernel drink

09 Mar 2022 --- Taiwanese start-up Roots of Quality Foods (Roots) is unveiling its first plant-based drink in SIG’s combifitSmall 300 ml carton pack, with the added benefit of SIG’s reclosable combiSmart closure.

SIG carton pack provides the apricot kernel drink with convenience for on-the-go lifestyles and high visibility on shelves, meeting the growing consumer demand for healthier, more convenient and more environmentally sustainable beverages.

Roots’ apricot kernel drink features a rich and healthy taste, with a slightly sweet aroma. By grinding the whole apricot kernel, the product provides a natural, indulgent and rich mouthfeel.

The start-up uses colloid mill technology to grind the apricot kernels into tiny pieces, ensuring all the nutrients and even the smallest fibers are preserved for a creamy drinking experience.

The carton pack is reportedly very easy to open with the help of a closure that can be resealed so that the product is safely and hygienically protected until the next sip – at home and on-the-go. 

Roots for recyclability
SIG’s carton packs support Roots’ commitment to making products that are kind to the natural environment, as they are mostly made from renewable raw paperboard obtained from wood. The packaging supplier obtains 100% of the paperboard used in its carton packs from FSC-certified sources.

Roots says it can now offer the market a fully recyclable beverage carton with a low carbon footprint. To meet the start-up’s requirements, SIG worked with Taiwan’s Food Industry Research and Development Institute (FIRDI) to develop the solution.With SIG’s combifitSmall 300 ml carton pack, Roots says it can now offer the market a recyclable beverage carton with a low carbon footprint.

FIRDI supported the product development with its comprehensive recipe and process knowledge, accelerating the process of turning product ideas into reality and making it easy for SIG customers to test ideas and concepts at reasonable costs.

The starting point was made with small-scale test filling on a SIG CFA 112 filling machine installed at FIRDI. Subsequently, Roots relied on Sunnano's co-packing services for filling the market-ready products.

Sunnano supports premium brands in packaging high-quality products in SIG’s combifitSmall carton packs. The typical slanted top area of the combifit carton packs and the centrally placed closure offer consumers an optimal drinking experience – filling volumes between 200 and 350 ml are possible.

“We are an aseptic carton solution provider. The flexibility of our filling technology supports Sunnano to successfully expand from a brand owner to a robust and trusted co-packer,” says John Ku, country manager for Taiwan at SIG.

“Sunnano can not only fill standard products, but also innovative product developments in two different formats and several volume sizes on the same filling line. In close partnership, we are turning the apricot kernel innovation from Roots into a commercial reality.”

Riding plant-based growth
Roots says it foresaw the potential of the apricot kernel drink as the burgeoning plant-based beverage trend gathered pace. With product development and packaging innovation solutions, SIG supports the start-up’s vision to offer product innovation in the premium plant-based beverage segment.

“Consumers are no longer driven by price but by the promise of better health, quality and new experiences,” explains Laura Liu, Roots’ co-founder and CEO. “This means they are willing to pay a premium price for added value and true nutritional benefits.”

“Roots is striving to keep pace with the demand of plant-based foods to create more innovative, [environmentally] sustainable, and differentiated plant-based beverages.”

In other news, SIG recently secured its first customer in Australia for its Signature Full Barrier packaging material. Plant-based stock, bouillon and seasoning producer Massel will use the aseptic cartons to package its liquid stock range.

The aseptic systems and solutions provider recently launched the world’s first aluminum-free full barrier packaging materials for aseptic carton packs, suitable for oxygen-sensitive products like fruit juices, nectars, flavored milk or plant-based beverages.

By Joshua Poole