Shou Quan Zhai (SQZ) is expanding into the beverage market with a new line of ready-to-drink products. They are the first non-dairy beverages in China available in lightweight flexible packages from Ecolean.
The ginger tea and plum juice drinks will be available in 200ml Ecolean Air Aseptic packages from SQZ’s online store, e-commerce channels and at retail locations across China.
Founded in 1760 and one of the oldest food companies in China, SQZ is engaged in environmental issues and has a long-term view of its work in the sustainability field. SQZ chose Ecolean for its lightweight packaging and low impact on the environment. The packages can also be completely flattened, minimising food waste and using less space in the waste bin.
In addition, the packages can be used in the microwave – a benefit to SQZ since ginger tea is typically served warm. The packages are also easy to open and pour and stand upright.
“With a 259-year history, SQZ proudly respects the environment for generations now and in the future,” said Lin Lei, director public relations and government affairs for SQZ. “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.”
Just as Ecolean is committed to producing lighter, flexible packaging, its filling equipment is also light and compact using minimal resources. 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.
“The new ready-to-drink beverages from SQZ represent the first non-dairy beverages in Ecolean packages in the Chinese market,” said Johnny Sajland, regional director, Asia North and Oceania, Ecolean. “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.”
