Immune boosting beverage relying on Milwaukee firm's packaging technology

MILWAUKEE -- A new beverage being marketed as an aid to holding off the cold and flu is using the packaging technology of a Milwaukee company.

New York-based Brain Twist Inc. is launching Defense Vitamin & Mineral Supplement -- a vitamin and mineral enhanced immune boosting beverage utilizing the FreshCan technology of Degussa FreshTech Beverages in Milwaukee.

FreshTech is a patented delivery system developed to contain an air- and water-tight plastic container called the FreshCan Wedge. The FreshCan system stores the blend of vitamins and minerals in its protected environment until activated by the consumer.

Defense contains a formulation of zinc, Vitamin C, pectin, vitamins A, B2 and E, and calcium to help defend against germs like those that cause colds and flu.

"We are extremely excited about the outcome of our partnership with Degussa and Ball," said Larry Trachtenbroit, president and CEO of Brain Twist, noting the partnership of Ball Corp. "We envision a whole new platform of functional beverage products based on FreshCan technology." Brain Twist was founded in 1994.

Degussa's Creavis Technologies & Innovation unit, whose work focuses on new technologies, applications and system solutions for future markets, established Degussa FreshTech Beverages in June 2005 to market the FreshCan technology.