Sponsored Post – A sterile process chain from preform sterilisation to sealing – this summarises the principle of the Contipure AseptBloc. A system that has proven its worth: At Krones, almost 90 per cent of aseptic fillers are currently integrated into this block solution. While this type of system was previously used primarily in the medium and high output range, there is now also a compact version that can be used to economically fill outputs as low as 8,000 containers per hour.

The basis for expanding the portfolio was laid by a further development in stretch blow-moulding technology: two years ago, Krones launched a new generation of its Contiform blow-moulding machine, which for the first time also enabled configurations of four, six and eight cavities. Similarly, the filling technology team further developed its existing aseptic filler, also with a view to low outputs – and finally combined both systems in a compact version of the Contipure AseptBloc.

The small footprint of the block is particularly noteworthy: the smallest version contains a four-cavity blow-moulding machine and a filler with a pitch circle of 1,080 millimetres – and currently only requires around 100 square metres of installation space – with potential for further space savings. This extremely small footprint can be achieved, for example, through a revised cleanroom concept, optimised positioning of peripherals such as media supply or valve manifolds and integration of the piping directly into the system. ‘Thanks to its well thought-out layout, the compact version of the Contipure AseptBloc is ideal for those companies that have little space available in production – whether installing a new line or modernising the blow-moulder and filler in an existing aseptic system,’ says Thekla Osswald, who is leading the project on the Research and Development side.

Apart from the space requirement, the compact version of the Contipure AseptBloc is in no way inferior to the tried-and-tested standard version: Here too, only one sterilisation medium is used, namely gaseous hydrogen peroxide. Furthermore, since the preform and not the bottle is sterilised first, lightweight containers can also be used. Compared to conventional aseptic processes with container sterilisation, the Contipure AseptBloc enables material savings of around two grams per bottle.

And as usual, the compact version of the Contipure AseptBloc is also suitable for a wide range of different product categories: Whether distributed at ambient temperature or within the cold chain, whether in the low- or high-acid range, whether with or without chunks of up to 5 x 5 x 5 millimetres – all non-carbonated beverages such as juice or dairy products can be processed on the system. And lightweight containers too The smallest version of the advanced Contipure AseptBloc incorporates a Modulfill Asept filler with a pitch circle of 1,080 millimetres, enabling up to 20,000 containers per hour to be aseptically produced, filled and sealed.

One of the fastest-growing sparkling water brands in the US creates the perfect Spiked Lemonade – without the added sugar or synthetic sweeteners.

Spindrift launched Spiked Strawberry Lemonade – the 21+ adult version of their fan-favourite sparkling lemonade. Spindrift Spiked is made with real fruit – and no synthetic sweeteners or additives – Spiked Strawberry Lemonade guarantees all the nostalgia of your favourite lemonade without any of the added sugar.

“Sparkling water at its core is unsweetened, clean, refreshing, and easy to understand. Hard seltzer and hard lemonade have migrated away from the promise of sparkling water and become sugary and artificial-tasting,” said Bill Creelman, CEO and founder of Spindrift. “With the launch of Spiked Strawberry Lemonade, Spindrift is doubling down on our belief that Hard Sparkling Water should be delicious without the added sugar.”

Each can is filled with real, juicy, jammy strawberries, a hint of lemon and lime juice, sparkling water, and alcohol from fermented cane sugar. Whether straight from the can or poured into a cold glass, for deliciousness that you can taste, Spiked Strawberry Lemonade is the perfect beverage to kick off the warmer weather.

With a superior, clean alcoholic base, Spiked Strawberry Lemonade has only 85 calories per can and is the perfect option for those looking for a cocktail that’s packed with flavour and an intentionally low ABV – 4 %. Like the rest of Spindrift’s Spiked line, Spiked Strawberry Lemonade uses a 10-day fermentation process to maximise ABV without additives and an ultra-filtration process that purifies at the molecular level.

Spindrift Spiked Strawberry Lemonade will first be available in late April in both an 8-pack, and within Spindrift’s Staycation 12-pack along with Pineapple, Mango, and Lime in select markets in 21 states in the US. Spindrift donates 1 % of its Spiked sales as part of its commitment to 1 % For The Planet.