What is Aseptic Packaging? Applications and Advantages
What is aseptic packaging?
Aseptic packaging is a special process in which the product and its packaging are sterilized separately and then filled in an aseptic, well-controlled environment. This would keep the product bacteria-free, fully retain flavors of the food, and extend their shelf life.
Aseptic packaging can be applied to pharmaceuticals, food, and beverages. The principles of aseptic packaging include the following:
- Sterilization of components independently: product and packaging sterilization;
- Aseptic environment control;
- Sealed storage for long-term effectiveness.
Aseptic packaging usually refers to aseptic cardboard boxes and aseptic bags.
Applications: Aseptic packaging’s most common application can be found in the food and beverage industries.
Milk, juice, soup, broth, soy milk, other beverages, wine, tea and coffee drinks, sauces, and ready-to-eat products, etc.
Pharmaceutical: Biologics and injectables; medical devices and supplies.
Growth areas: Animal feed, dietary supplements.
While aseptic packaging is used in a very wide range of applications, some products are unsuitable for aseptic packaging, such as refrigerated yogurt. Refrigerated yogurt contains live active probiotics, and the sterilization process destroys these bacteria.
Conclusion:
Aseptic packaging continues to increase in popularity due to not only its inherent advantages but also the overall economic and environmental benefits of this particular system of packaging. As a matter of fact, a study by Friedonia Group says that the demand for aseptic packaging for food is forecast to increase 5.5% annually to $2.3 billion in 2026. Aseptic processing will increasingly be preferred over more traditional thermal processing methods such as retort and hot fill due primarily to its shorter heating times, which better maintains the flavor, texture, and nutrition of food that these other processing methods.
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