“Preserving the quality of our extra virgin olive oil in the AEONS paper bottle is a vital issue”

In this exclusive interview, Stefanos Papastergiou, Managing Director of Enia Foods, discusses the innovation behind the AEONS paper bottle, which won the SIAL Innovation ‘Packaging Award.’ He shares the challenges of developing this sustainable packaging and its benefits for consumers, the supply chain, and the future of eco-friendly solutions

Enia Foods was recognized for its innovation with the AEONS paper bottle in the ‘Packaging Award’ category of the SIAL Innovation competition. What motivated you to develop this environmentally friendly packaging and what challenges did you face in its design?
Our primary motivation for developing the AEONS paper bottle was a deep commitment to sustainability and a desire to significantly reduce the environmental impact associated with traditional food packaging, particularly for our extra virgin olive oil. We recognized the growing global concern about plastic and glass waste and wanted to offer a truly eco-conscious alternative that didn’t compromise on quality or brand aesthetics.

The challenges in its design were multifaceted. Firstly, ensuring the structural integrity of a paper-based bottle to reliably contain liquid, especially oil, without leakage was a significant hurdle. This required extensive research and development into material science, barrier technologies, and specialized coatings that are food-safe and recyclable. Secondly, we aimed for a design that was not only functional but also visually appealing and aligned with the premium nature of our AEONS brand. Balancing the eco-friendly aspect with a sophisticated and consumer-friendly design required numerous iterations and collaborations with packaging experts. Finally, scaling up production to meet potential demand while maintaining quality standards and cost-effectiveness presented another layer of complexity.

Your paper bottle considerably reduces the carbon footprint and weight compared to glass. What are the main advantages for consumers and the supply chain?
The reduced carbon footprint and weight of the AEONS paper bottle offer several key advantages:

For Consumers:

• Convenience: The lighter weight makes the bottle easier to handle, carry, and pour, especially for larger volumes.
• Reduced Environmental Impact: Consumers who are environmentally conscious can feel good about choosing a product with significantly less embodied carbon and reduced waste potential.
• Potentially Lower Transportation Costs (reflected in price): While not always directly passed on, the lower shipping weight can contribute to overall cost efficiencies in the long run.
• Safety: Paper bottles are less likely to shatter than glass, reducing the risk of injury.
• Modern and Innovative Feel: The unique packaging can enhance the perceived value and modernity of the product.

For the Supply-Chain:

• Lower Transportation Costs: The significantly lighter weight translates to reduced fuel consumption and lower shipping costs throughout the supply chain, from our production facility to retailers.
• Reduced Risk of Damage: Paper bottles are less fragile than glass, leading to fewer breakages during transportation and handling, minimizing product loss and associated costs.
• Easier Handling and Storage: Lighter and potentially stackable paper bottles can simplify warehouse management and in-store stocking.
• Enhance Sustainability: Utilizing paper bottles strengthens the sustainability profile of the entire supply chain, which can be a significant advantage in today’s market.

The food industry is increasingly exploring sustainable alternatives. Do you think this type of packaging could become a standard for other products, beyond olive oil?
Absolutely. We believe that paper-based bottle technology has the potential to become a standard for a wide range of liquid and even some semi-liquid food products beyond olive oil. As barrier technologies and material science continue to advance, we foresee its application expanding to include other oils, spirits and beverages.

The key drivers for this adoption will be increasing consumer demand for sustainable packaging, stricter environmental regulations, and the continuous innovation in paper-based packaging solutions that address the specific preservation and shelf-life requirements. 

How do you guarantee the preservation and quality of the olive oil in this paper bottle compared to traditional packaging?
Preserving the quality of our extra virgin olive oil in the AEONS paper bottle is a vital issue. We have invested significantly in developing a multi-layered structure that incorporates advanced barrier technologies. This includes:

• Food-Grade Inner Linings: Specialized inner layers made from materials with excellent barrier properties against oxygen, light, and moisture migration ensure the olive oil remains protected from degradation factors. These linings are carefully selected to be food-safe and inert, preventing any interaction with the oil that could affect its taste or quality.
• Light Protection: The paper itself, along with specific coatings and the overall design, provides a degree of protection against harmful UV light, which can negatively impact olive oil quality.
• Sealing Technology: We utilize advanced sealing techniques to ensure an airtight closure, preventing oxygen ingress and maintaining the freshness and flavor profile of the olive oil.
• Rigorous Testing: Our paper bottles undergo extensive testing throughout the development and production process to ensure they meet stringent quality standards for leakage, durability, and preservation effectiveness. This includes shelf-life studies under various conditions to validate the oil’s quality over time compared to traditional packaging.

We are confident that the AEONS paper bottle effectively safeguards our olive oil.

After this recognition at SIAL Innovation, what are the next steps for Enia Foods in terms of sustainable development and innovation in packaging?
The recognition at SIAL Innovation is a significant milestone and fuels our commitment to sustainable development and packaging innovation. Our next steps include:

• Scaling Up Production: We will focus on optimizing our production processes to meet potential demand for the AEONS paper bottle and explore opportunities for wider market availability.
• Expanding Applications: We will continue to research and develop paper-based packaging solutions for other products within our Enia Foods range, exploring different formats and barrier technologies.
• Further Material Innovation: We will actively investigate and collaborate with material science experts to explore even more sustainable and environmentally friendly materials for our packaging, including advancements in recyclability.
• Reducing Our Overall Environmental Footprint: Beyond packaging, we will continue to assess and improve our sustainability practices across our entire value chain, from sourcing to production and distribution.
• Consumer Education: We aim to educate consumers about the benefits of sustainable packaging choices and the unique advantages of the AEONS paper bottle.
• Collaboration and Partnerships: We will actively seek collaborations with other companies, research institutions, and industry stakeholders to drive innovation and promote the adoption of sustainable packaging solutions across the food industry.

Our journey towards sustainability is ongoing, and the AEONS paper bottle is just the beginning. We are excited about the future and we are dedicated to leading the way in environmentally responsible food packaging.

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