Asahi Group Japan has introduced LIKE MILK, a yeast-derived beverage with milk-like properties, using SIG’s aseptic carton and filling technology.
LIKE MILK is the first beverage of its kind in Japan.
The new drink is packed in SIG SmallBloc aseptic cartons and filled on the SIG Small 12 Aseptic line.
Contract packer Mori Milk is handling production, with the product currently in trial distribution through selected supermarkets and online channels.
The product’s availability is planned to expand in 2026.
The launch marks the initial phase of a broader collaboration between Asahi Group Japan and SIG.
Asahi Group Japan Future Creation Headquarters department senior manager Tomohiro Hata stated: “Through LIKE MILK, we aim to help realise a society that embraces food diversity, where everyone can freely enjoy food regardless of physical conditions such as allergies, ethical beliefs or preferences for non-dairy or health-conscious choices.
“As consumer demands continue to diversify, including growing health consciousness and sustainability awareness, agility in product development and packaging has become critically important.”
The SIG Small 12 Aseptic system can process two carton formats, SIG SmallBloc and SIG SmallFit, and can run up to 16 different aseptic carton specifications on a single line.
These include a range of volumes and options for closures or straws, with a rated capacity of 12,000 packs per hour.
The system is intended to shorten product development timelines, allow swift format changes within minutes and support quicker market roll-outs.
Asahi and SIG stated that LIKE MILK’s introduction responds to growing interest in Japan in a wider variety of beverage choices and greater flexibility in manufacturing.
SIG Asia Pacific president and general manager Angela Lu added: “LIKE MILK is a perfect example of how to leverage the flexibility and speed that our filling technology provides,”
“The SIG Small 12 Aseptic offers brands such as Asahi the flexibility to prototype new ideas and commercialise them quickly and at scale. This launch showcases how SIG packaging and filling technology can unlock entirely new product categories in competitive markets.”
SIG, based in Neuhausen, Switzerland, reported output of 57 billion packs and revenue of €3.3bn in 2024.
In Japan, Dai Nippon Printing oversees sales and servicing of SIG’s liquid paperboard containers and aseptic filling equipment and runs a 50:50 joint venture with SIG to support domestic customers.
Asahi Group Japan operates under its One Asahi framework, integrating Asahi Breweries, Asahi Soft Drinks and Asahi Group Foods.
