Tetra Pak, the European food packaging company, and BioGaia AB, the Swedish biotechnology research company, will launch a nutraceutical straw. LifeTop™ Straw is an individually-wrapped straw attached to the outside of beverage cartons, and containing the beneficial lactic acid bacterium, lactobacillus reuteri. Upon consumption, this probiotic is released and administered to the consumer. BioGaia AB has a patent for LifeTop™ Straw in the US and patents pending in all key markets. 'Tetra Pak wants to provide innovative solutions to its clients," commented Jacquelyn Paul, Global General Manager, COE Nutritionals, Tetra Pak. "With a great product like LifeTop™ Straw, Tetra Pak and BioGaia can drive both consumer satisfaction and a health conscious product at the same time." Probiotics is a topic of growing interest for today's consumers. Using beneficial micro-organisms, probiotics create a positive bacterial environment in the digestive tract. This benefit helps to reduce the risk of stomach disorders and contributes to the body's immune system. While other products containing probiotics need be refrigerated, Tetra Pak and BioGaia will be the first to offer cartons with probiotic straws, stored at room temperatures. "The collaboration with Tetra Pak is a significant step in the launch of LifeTop™ Straw," noted Peter Rothschild, Managing Director, BioGaia. "This new relationship will help to promote BioGaia globally." Source: BioGaia AB
