Ecolean - a lighter approach to packaging

After three prestigious prizes since June this year, Ecolean has once again won world-wide recognition for its aseptic packaging. Ecolean has been awarded WorldStar 2009 in the beverage category. WorldStar 2009 attracted 237 entries from 35 countries around the world and the winners were selected by a jury consisting of 14 country representatives from the World Packaging Organisation (WPO) and one representative from the International Packaging Press Organisation (IPPO).

Award decisions were based on the judges’ consensus that a package is superior to other packages in its geographical market and category, when it comes to performance and the best in innovative design. The judges consider many features in each package; for example ease of handling, sales appeal, cost reduction and environment compatibility.

We can establish that the appreciation received from competition juries worldwide also reflects in a great sales increase, and we expect to expand even more next year, says Peter L Nilsson, Managing Director of Ecolean.

WorldStars are presented only to those packages which, having already won recognition in a national competition (Ecolean was awarded Scanstar 2009 in September) and are compared by an expert panel of judges to similar packages from around the world. The winners of WorldStar 2009 will be honored at an award presentation ceremony in Beijing, China in the first week of June 2010.

After a successful and highly recognized launch of a new aseptic packaging system in March, this new packaging has been awarded in the 21st DuPont Awards for Packaging Innovation, at the Beverage Innovation Awards 2009 and now also the Scanstar 2009.

Three prestigious prizes within the last three months, is of course very gratifying. It is a confirmation once again that our innovative packaging is appreciated, which also is proved by the rapid increase in sales that we experience, says Peter L Nilsson, Managing Director Ecolean.

Motivation of the Scanstar jury:

The new aseptic technology simplifies the filling process at the customer's site. The air filled handle facilitates the consumer's handling of the package and markedly improves its stability.

The Ecolean aseptic packaging is a lightweight package and weighs just 14 grams. That is 40-50% of a conventional liquid food carton or bottle, which has been the standard for aseptic packaging for a long time. By using a minimal amount of material, Ecolean create a lightweight package that combines low environmental impact and low costs with high consumer convenience.

Ecolean has taken a somewhat different approach to aseptic packaging. New to the industry is Ecolean's choice of a non-chemical alternative for package sterilisation, which ensures that food contact surfaces are never exposed to any chemicals. The sterilization is also separated from the filling machines, which allows it to be handled under controlled conditions at our own plants. The material is a flexible multi-layered polymer film that protects the product.

The awards are an acknowledgement that our products are in the line with the global demand of modern and smart lightweight packaging. We will continue to grow in Europe and China, but we are in the process of establishing plans for other markets as well, says Peter L Nilsson.

Ecolean has been awarded at the Beverage Innovation Awards 2009 for its lightweight aseptic packaging, Ecolean Air Aseptic. Ecolean wins the category “Best carton or pouch”, in which proven consumer benefits and major contribution to lightweight were two of the criterions asked for.

The ceremony was arranged by Foodbev and recently held at the DrinkTec fair in Munich. This year's awards programme attracted over 340 entries from 40 countries.

This is our second prestigious prize within the last three months. We are very proud to get confirmation once again that our innovative packaging is appreciated, which also is proved by the rapid increase in sales that we experience, says Peter L Nilsson, Managing Director Ecolean.

For more information about the winning packaging concept Ecolean Air Aseptic, please contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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After a successful and highly recognized launch of a new aseptic packaging system in March, this new packaging has now been awarded in the 21st DuPont Awards for Packaging Innovation, in competition with over 100 companies from the Americas, Europe and Asia.

This year DuPont Awards focuses on recognizing innovations that demonstrate breakthrough achievements in sustainability.

Motivation of the jury:

Revolutionary new approach to aseptic packaging cuts package weight by 50 percent and uses natural material to significantly reduce raw materials in the construction.

Innovative design and use of materials enables tremendous resource reduction and energy savings. The handle design eliminates the need for a separate rigid pouring holder. Empty packages weigh just 14 grams, a nearly 50 percent weight reduction compared to cartons, which are the current standard for aseptic packaging. Use of calcium carbonate (chalk) reduces the amount of polymer needed in the structure. The low weight and volume enable shipping substantially higher quantities per truck.

Ecolean’s lightweight packaging is consumer convenience and environmental concern in one, so we are honored and proud to receive this international award focusing on sustainability and sustainable packaging, says Peter L Nilsson, Managing Director Ecolean.

For more information about DuPont Awards competition, visit: www.packaging.dupont.com