SIG unveils microwaveable carton pack for on-the-go consumption

SIG has developed a microwaveable carton as it aims to capitalise on demand for drinks that can be consumed on the go.

The new Heat&Go pack is aluminium free and can be heated in a microwave, either in a vending machine, store, café, home or office.

SIG research in China revealed that 72% of consumers are dissatisfied with current heating methods for on-the-go products and are looking for new methods of fast and convenient heating with their increasingly cash-rich and time-starved lifestyles.

Heat&Go offers protection to beverage products, and can be produced on existing SIG filling machines with a one-time upgrade to enable it to run standard and aluminium-free material structures.

By replacing the aluminium foil with a high-barrier film and a light blocking pigment, Heat&Go protects the product from oxygen ingress, flavour migration, light and water, and is suited for still drinks and low viscosity, sensitive, enhanced juice and liquid dairy beverages. 

Ali Kaylan, SIG vice president of global marketing, said: “Our new high-barrier aseptic carton Heat&Go can be heated in the microwave up to 60^oC, with a recommended temperature of 50^oC, by allowing brands and co-packers to launch innovative nutritional hot beverage products into new channels and categories.”

SIG said that the packaging innovation is particularly targeted at the Asian market, “where differentiation and innovation are key to attracting today’s on-the-go consumer”.