World’s First Aseptic Carton Bottle Introduced to the US

Tetra Evero is testing out their shelf-stable, aseptic carton bottles in the US market for the first time since their launch in other countries six years ago. The food processing and packaging solutions company had found great success with their innovative bottles in the European market, where refrigeration space is limited. Now, the company hopes to expand their product’s reach into international markets, but they might find difficultly in the US, where consumers perceive refrigerated items as fresher options.

“Tetra Evero is a great way for brands to reinforce their sustainability commitment while meeting consumers’ nutritional and lifestyle needs,” said Carmen Becker, President and CEO of Tetra Pak US and Canada. “The package has seen great success across Europe, and we’re thrilled we can now offer it to U.S. beverage producers.”

With the dairy industry expanding into new product innovations, a new type of packaging is sure to stand out to shoppers. Tetra Evero’s extended shelf stability claim is definitely intriguing to food manufacturers but might not sit that well with American consumers. Consumers typically correlate extended shelf life with preservatives, which today’s health-focused market is staying away from. However, the added benefit of enhanced hygiene and food safety is sure to catch consumer attention.

The 74-year-old Swiss company’s one litre bottles have a rounded shape with a 360-degree printing surface and a one-step easy-opening bottle cap. The bottles are composed of renewable resources and wood pulp from responsibly managed forests.

Tetra Evero’s aseptic bottles are finding a lot of success in the European dairy industry and as a result, they have gained North American clients like Gossner Foods, Kahlua Coffee Creamers and Healthy Living dairy alternatives. Their aseptic packaging allows manufacturers to store, ship and merchandise their product ambiently or chilled, offering more possibilities to beverage makers. 

“We’re always looking for new ways to bring innovation to our customers, so we knew Tetra Evero would be a great fit for Gossner,” said Kelly Luthi, Vice President of Aseptic Operations at Gossner Foods. “We’re looking forward to bringing exciting new products to market in this unique package.”

The ultra-high temperature (UHT) treatment process associated with aseptic bottle filling offers a number of benefits to consumers. The shelf life of products is extended, so consumers can choose to store multiple bottles outside their fridges and refrigerate them only once they are opened. In addition, the enhanced food safety and hygiene protocols involved in aseptic packaging reduces the risk of pathogens forming in dairy products. The bottles are also designed to be resealable, shock resistant and easy to handle.

Investing in aseptic systems in production lines is expensive. However, the cost of aseptic packaging itself is reduced compared to traditional packaging materials. Manufacturers need to weigh the pros and cons of this new packaging carefully, as many consumers do not know the benefits of aseptic sterilization. Although, the extended shelf life and 360-degree printing surface of these bottles allow beverage products to stand out compared to traditional dairy beverages.