Chinese food company enters beverage market with aseptic package

Shou Quan Zhai (SQZ), founded in 1760 and one of the oldest food companies in China, is expanding into the beverage market with a new line of ready-to-drink products. The ginger tea and plum juice drinks are the first non-dairy beverages in China available in lightweight, flexible packages from Ecolean.

The drinks will be available in the 200-mL Ecolean® Air Aseptic packages on February 20, through SQZ’s online store, e-commerce channels, and at retail locations across China. The products are part of a larger traditional Chinese beverage line that will include more products in the future. SQZ is developing, manufacturing, and selling herbal beverages to create a healthy lifestyle and is a top seller of ginger tea products in China.

According to SQZ, the company is engaged in environmental issues and has a long-term view of its work in the sustainability field. The company is committed to keep refining its technology to provide the best experience for consumers as well as for the environment. SQZ chose Ecolean for its unique package characteristics and low impact on the environment.Ecolean packages are lightweight—almost half the weight of many traditional packaging formats—and contain up to 35% chalk. Using fewer raw materials from the start saves energy during production, transport, and waste handling. The packages can also be completely flattened, minimizing food waste and using less space in the waste bin.