The technology can package milk, dairy products, non-carbonated soft drinks, vegetarian dairy alternatives (soy, almond drinks), and coffee creamers in volumes of 80, 90, 100, 110, 125, 150 and 180ml including 6mm and 8mm straw holes.
Steuben Foods is expanding its portfolio
All volumes can be filled on a single machine, and can switch between different filling volumes.
Tim Kirchen, head of marketing and business development, SIG Combibloc North America, told FoodProductionDaily, Steuben Foods recognises the growing importance of aseptic carton packs in North America and is expanding its portfolio using our filling technology.
“US consumers look at food packaging differently from the way they did five years ago,” he said.
“More and more consumers are beginning to understand that packaging not only has a protective function, but it should be a sound and workable choice in commercial and environmental respects.
“Along with the fact carton packs are lightweight and easy to stack, another point in their favour is their product-protecting character – a combination of the material properties, as well as processing and filling methods that are gentle on the product.”
'Carton packs are associated with organic products and gourmet brands'
He added, consumer surveys show consumers perceive carton packs are associated with high quality, organic products and gourmet brands.
Steuben Foods specialises in aseptic, low-acid foods and beverages. The company is part of a group of privately-owned food and beverage manufacturers in North America and its head office is in New York with a plant in Elma, New York.
The CFA1224-36 filling machine can process low-acid food and has the appropriate FDA Master File. Steuben Foods already uses a SIG Combibloc CFA 312 to fill combiblocSlimline carton packs and a CFA 812 for combiblocMidi and combifitMidi.
“With combiblocXSlim, Steuben Foods has added to its portfolio packaging that brings variety to the shelf. For example, ‘on-the-go’ products and children’s beverages,” said Kirchen.
“Against the background of increasing pressure on margins, rising prices for raw materials and the need to reduce costs, products in small carton packs offers a promising alternative.
“CombiblocXSlim is perfect for all types of nutritional-enriched milks, juices, and smoothies for reduced calories with added-value applications. Among the fastest growing segments for added-value beverages are plant-based dairy alternatives, such as almond and soy milk drinks.
“The little carton packs can be fitted with convenient drinking straws with a large diameter of more than 7mm, so that even beverages with a thick or creamy consistency can be easily consumed straight from the package,” he added.