A new drinks container can extend the shelf live of drinks containing active ingredients, claims its manufacturers.

The shelf life of products, such as sports drinks, containing active ingredients in solution is shortened because active ingredients lose their effectiveness with time. The new development ensures active ingredients, like dietary supplements, are separated from the solution until the product is to be consumed, lengthening the potential shelf live of the product.

The FreshCan, developed by RPC Bramlage, Ball Packaging and Degussa FreshTech, uses a plastic capsule in the container, called a 'wedge', which keeps the active ingredient stored in a dry environment until the beverage is consumed.

The active ingredient is released when the product, such as a can, is opened. The resulting drop in pressure causes the wedge to spring open, emptying the contents to mix with the liquid.

The capsule overcomes the main difficulty of keeping the contents of the wedge waterproof without this impeding the easy opening of the container, the companies claim.

Within the FreshCan, the wedge floats freely in the can, it is not fixed to the base.

Sports and health drinks are obvious applications for the development, but the innovation could be used throughout the food and beverage industry.

Indeed, new products, previously not commercially viable due to longevity may utilize the new innovation.

Source