Swiss multinational packaging pioneer SIG has received the ‘Breakthrough Food Technology Award’ at Gulfood Manufacturing 2022 for its innovative ‘Heat&Go’ packaging, which enables drinks to be microwaved without compromising product quality. 

“Achieving this recognition from industry peers delights us tremendously,” enthused Abdelghany Eladib, SIG President and General Manager for the Middle East and Africa. “SIG has been working relentlessly with its partners and customers to bring to market innovative food and beverage packaging solutions that raise the bar on convenience, sustainability, quality, safety, and affordability and which are produced at smarter factories that can track and measure our products’ journey to achieving these goals,” he continued. “Our Research & Development has been opening new opportunities for the industry to present safer and more convenient aseptic packaging solutions specifically designed with the modern consumer in mind.” 

SIG’s key offerings provide convenient packaging solutions that protect the flavour, aroma, colour, nutrients, and vitamins of food and beverage products for an extended period of time without refrigeration and without preservatives. This means that healthy nutrition can be made available to everyone. 

Packaging to microwave drinks without compromising quality

The hot drinks segment, in particular, has previously been an untapped market for carton packaging. However, demand for convenient hot breakfast drinks and other hot beverages that are easy to heat at home or work for both immediate and on-the-go consumption has been rising. 

In response, SIG developed the Heat&Go aseptic packaging material. Aseptic carton packs using this packaging material can be heated in a microwave. Heat&Go replaces the aluminum layer found inside standard aseptic carton structures with a high-barrier alternative that allows drinks to be microwaved without compromising product quality. Recognised by the judging panel at Gulfood Manufacturing 2022 as a potentially game-changing packaging solution, Heat&Go was decorated with the Breakthrough Food Technology Award.

Ground-breaking, award-winning innovations

Earlier last month, SIGNATURE EVO from SIG was announced as winner of the independent Gulf Sustainability Awards 2022 in the ‘Best Sustainable Product’ category. SIGNATURE EVO extends SIG’s lower-carbon packaging materials without aluminium layer – already available for plain white milk – for wider use with oxygen-sensitive products such as fruit juices, nectars, flavoured milk or plant-based beverages. SIGNATURE EVO has a significantly lower carbon footprint than even SIG’s standard packaging material structure.

SIG’s ground-breaking and award-winning innovations will be on display at Gulfood Manufacturing 2022, along with other advanced technologies and breakthrough developments from SIG – including its combismile and combistyle packaging solutions.

Visit SIG at Gulfood Manufacturing 2022 (Stand C4-4, Hall 4) to view more innovative products and solutions, and to discuss sustainability benefits to businesses and the industry.

Founded in 1853, Switzerland-headquartered SIG today employs approximately 8,400 employees worldwide and serves customers in over 100 countries. In 2021, SIG produced 48 billion packs and generated €2.7 billion in revenue. SIG has an AA ESG rating by MSCI, a 13.4 (low risk) score by Sustainalytics and a Platinum CSR rating by EcoVadis. 

For more information, visit: www.sig.biz