Technology advancements in aseptic packaging can bring significant efficiency improvements to those working in the processing of food and drinks and safely providing food to customers.
The process of aseptic sterilization involves sterilizing the package and product separately and filling the packaging with the product, then sealing the carton in safe conditions to prevent the product from getting infected again by microorganisms.
Aseptic technology opens up different markets because of the lengthy shelf-life of items that do not require refrigeration. The growth in consumption of aseptic packaging is typically 5% annually, and in certain countries, it’s even higher than 10%.
The advantages of technology and speed for processing as well as packaging are attracting more interest in aseptic technologies such as an aseptic packaging machine in the manufacturing industry at a moment when standards for the safety of products are increasing.
While pasteurization is a method to kill bacteria present in food products that cause illnesses, it’s much harder to eliminate spores that are produced by specific bacteria. That is why Ultra High Temperature (UHT) is needed with one or more distinct heat treatment steps. The most modern technologies and latest developments in packaging systems may reduce operating costs by as much as 40%.
Automation
Because of automation, issues like blockages and bottle-necks are detected quickly, labor is minimized, precision is increased, and waste is decreased. The companies are conducting field tests of new sterilization technologies for carton packaging that will decrease energy consumption, cut down on carbon emissions and allow for greater line capacity.
Once the technology is introduced, sterilization will play an important function in the operation of the filling machine designed for high-speed packaging. Alongside developing new techniques for customers in the manufacturing process, firms have focused on the increasing demand of consumers for more environment-friendly products and cartons that are easily utilized by those traveling and older individuals.
The growing population of urban dwellers is creating the need for aseptic products that can be carried around. Therefore, innovations are being created to openings on cartons and offering boxes in various sizes and shapes in addition to creating packaging that is simple to open for people with disabilities.
Bag-in-a-box Technology
In the early 1980s, a revolutionary method of bag-in-box was created within Australia through one of the first makers of the iconic wine cask. The method was based on the use of membranes sealed connected to the filling port in the bag, which provided the steam-sterilizing interface between the sterile material that was supplied into the filling device as well as the interior of the bag that was pre-sterilized.
The idea quickly gained acceptance as the preferred method for the majority of large producers, particularly for products with low acid requirements like dairy, coconut milk, biomedical, delicate vegetable, and fruit applications. Bags for the system are produced globally by a variety of large flexible packaging manufacturers. They are available from two-liter juice retail packs with dispensing taps up to 1300kg multilayer bulk storage units that have a high barrier.
The Cost of Aseptic Packaging
Of course, the best packaging is only worthwhile when companies are able to justify the cost. The expenses associated with the aseptic process are offset by the efficiency of the supply chain within the manufacturing and food ingredient segments, such as:
- Cost reduction for raw materials
- Reduction in delivery costs
- Reduced labor costs
- Energy cost reduction
- Elimination of waste
- Shelf life is extended
- Elimination of Thawing
- Food safety is improved
- More efficient use of space
- Improved retention of quality food/beverage.
Dispensing manufacturers have already seen the value of developing the aseptic packaging machine to dispense beverages and food items that are packaged in an aseptic manner. The demand for environment-friendly packaging options will likely rise.
Food companies could seek advantages of compounding units, packaging, and the standardization of their products with quality variations. The food item is heated for a much shorter period of duration. It prevents the loss of important flavors and nutrients.
It reduces the expense of storage and logistics, increases sales by extending the longevity of the product up to 12 months, and the energy consumption is reduced to 80%. The aseptic process and packaging can also cut down the waste.
In the coming years, the enormous potential for growth in the aseptic packaging machine market is expected to bring new businesses to the market.
