Chinese food company launches ready-to-drink beverages in Ecolean aseptic packages
Shou Quan Zhai (SQZ), one of the oldest food companies in China, is expanding into the beverage market with a new line of ready-to-drink products in lightweight flexible packages from Ecolean.
SQZ is developing, manufacturing and selling herbal beverages specialising in ginger tea products which will be available in the 200ml Ecolean Air Aseptic packages from February 2019.
The company has a long-term view of its work in the sustainability field and is thereby committed to technological innovations to provide user experience alongside environmental action.
SQZ chose Helsingborg-based Ecolean for its unique packaging characteristics and low environmental impact. Ecolean packages lightweight, contain up to 35% chalk, use fewer raw materials, saving energy during production and transport, and can be completely flattened, minimising waste.
Lin. Lei, SQZ Director of Public Relations and Government Affairs, said: “With a 259-year history, SQZ respects the environment for generations now and in the future. Ecolean’s advanced packaging technology from Sweden has a minimum impact on the environment, is easy to recognise on the store shelf and is convenient for consumers to use.”
Ready-to-fill packages are sterilised using electron beam treatment, hermetically sealed and distributed on reels from Ecolean plants, bringing a considerable part of the complex sterilisation process from the liquid food producer back to Ecolean.
SQZ chose the Ecolean aseptic filling machine EL4+ for its operations. As for all Ecolean filling machines, it follows the philosophy of keeping it simple by providing a reliable, economical and lean operation. It is easily operated and maintained by SQZ personnel.
Ecolean’s Asia North and Oceania Regional Director, Johnny Sajland, said: “The new ready-to-drink beverages from SQZ represent the first non-dairy beverages in Ecolean packages in the Chinese market. We are excited to work with SQZ to bring new innovation and products to the more than 1.4 billion population in China, both now and in the future.”
