New ‘smart’ self-sealing cap from SEE cuts dairy waste in foodservice outlets | 25-06-2024 |
In response to growing demands for closed dairy dispensing systems in the foodservice industry, Liquibox, now part of AIPIA member SEE (formerly Sealed Air), has introduced the Liquibox® Universal Self-Sealing Cap. Using this innovation in closed milk bag-in-box and bag-in-tray systems represents a significant advance in milk dispensing technology, reducing food waste and providing enhanced hygiene, extended freshness, and streamlined cost efficiency compared to pour-out packaging solutions such as bottles and cartons, says the company.
Surendra Soni, director marketing, Asia-Pacific (Fluids, Liqibox & Medical) SEE introduced the new cap during the AIPIA Smart Packaging seminar at ProPak Asia in Bangkok, explaining its many potential advantages from both sustainable and reduced food waste pesprctives.
The new cap is a hygienic self-closing fitment for 2 to 20-liter professional dairy dispensing systems. Tailored to the evolving needs of restaurants, convenience stores, petrol stations and catering institutions, it is designed for numerous applications such as milk dispensers and frothers used in bean-to-cup coffee machines, smoothie and frappe dispensers and soft-serve ice cream dispensers. In addition it is Cyclos-certified* for recycling within existing PE streams*.
The Universal Cap ensures product integrity, plus plug-and-play functionality for seamless changeovers. With a recycle-ready design, it stands out as the only PP- and silicone-free alternative in the market, which means there is no need to separate the components prior to recycling, according to the company. This hygienic closed-loop milk dispensing fitment is suitable for fresh, ESL, hot fill, and aseptic processes and seamlessly integrates with existing bag-in-box equipment, for easy implementation, it claims.
“As connected dairy dispense systems gain momentum in Foodservice outlets, the shift from pour-out cartons and bottles is evident,” remarks Arjan van Waarden, Liquibox EMEA business development manager. Responding to our customers’ needs, we’ve engineered the Liquibox® Universal Self-Sealing Cap to be backward compatible with all dairy equipment.”
By adopting the closed-loop system, businesses can gain the environmental benefits of cutting food and packaging waste while reducing CO2 emissions. With precise portion control, it minimizes overpouring and residual waste compared to traditional bottles and cartons. For example, switching to an aseptic 8L bag-in-box system from a 1L UHT carton or PET bottle for milk can cut CO2 emissions by approximately 70% due to improved product-to-package efficiency (COMPASS EcoImpact LCA).
*Designed for recycling in existing PE streams, as certified by Cyclos certificate no. 2499-2024-004113. The degree of recyclability of the final package depends on the specific product configuration or components intended for recycling and the scope and availability of appropriate local recycling facilities.
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