SIG and NXW team up on algae-based protein drinks in aseptic packaging

SIG and New Zealand-based Nutrition from Water (NXW) have entered into a global partnership to develop algae-based protein beverages in aseptic packaging, targeting communities where nutrient deficiencies remain a pressing challenge.

The collaboration was born out of MISTA, the San Francisco food innovation platform that brings together established players and startups to accelerate change in the food system. SIG, which joined MISTA in 2023, and NXW are now combining strengths to develop products designed for fast-growing economies where access to affordable, balanced nutrition is often limited.

With the global population projected to reach 10 billion by 2050, the United Nations has warned of mounting pressure on food systems to provide sustainable diets that safeguard both human health and natural resources. Against this backdrop, the partners say their initiative is focused on providing protein-rich, shelf-stable foods that can be distributed widely without the infrastructure challenges of refrigeration.

NXW specializes in turning microalgae into highly digestible protein ingredients. Its flagship Marine Whey range delivers protein-rich, fiber-dense powders that are non-GMO and capable of replacing or supplementing animal and plant proteins in a variety of formulations. The company sees these ingredients as a way to address malnutrition while expanding options for food and beverage producers.

“ Our partnership with SIG is exciting because it allows us to look at nutrition as a whole system – from how biotechnology enables better nutrition, to how it’s packaged, distributed, and understood by consumers,” commented Federico Duarte, CEO of NXW. “The alignment could not be stronger: Together, we can unlock access to world-class nutrition for everyone, everywhere.”

SIG brings to the table decades of experience in aseptic carton, pouch, and bag-in-box formats. Its technology extends product shelf life without preservatives or refrigeration, while its flexible filling systems allow producers to work with a wide range of formats and volumes. That combination, the company says, makes it possible to reach consumers across income levels with both basic nutrition products and premium fortified beverages.

Norman Gierow, Director Global Customer Marketing at SIG, said the company sees the collaboration as an opportunity to demonstrate how packaging and product innovation can intersect to address systemic challenges in the food sector. “At SIG, we recognize the global challenges impacting the entire food and beverage industry. Addressing these issues requires strong collaboration with like-minded partners,” he said. “We’re thrilled to join forces with NXW, whose innovative marine-based protein solution supports more accessible and nutritious food options. Combined with our unique aseptic filling technology and versatile aseptic packaging portfolio, we’re poised to deliver impactful, future-ready products to customers worldwide.”

Applications under development include yogurt-like drinks and protein-enriched beverages tailored to meet different nutritional needs. These could range from affordable daily nutrition in low-income markets to added-value products enriched with extra protein for health-conscious consumers. By working through SIG’s global network of innovation centers, the partners will be able to co-create with manufacturers, test formulations, and adapt rapidly to local requirements.

The model reflects NXW’s wider mission since its founding in 2020: using aquatic microorganisms to create sustainable ingredients that are both affordable and scalable. Duarte and his team describe their technology as 'future-proof', designed to help global food companies diversify supply chains, reduce dependency on extractive raw materials, and maintain resilience in volatile markets.

SIG, meanwhile, has been steadily broadening its role beyond packaging toward end-to-end solutions. In 2024, the company produced 57 billion packs, generated €3.3 billion (US$3.6 billion) in revenue, and achieved AAA and Platinum ratings from MSCI and EcoVadis respectively for its environmental and social performance. Headquartered in Neuhausen, Switzerland, SIG employs about 9,600 people and operates in more than 100 countries.

By uniting SIG’s packaging expertise with NXW’s biotechnology, the partners aim to offer a platform that can scale across regions most affected by malnutrition while also supporting consumer demand in more developed markets for sustainable, alternative proteins.