Packaging for Food & Beverages has always been a matter for contemplation for packaging manufacturers and brands. In the view of providing healthy and safe consumables, packaging companies always scout for bespoke solutions that not just keep their food safe but also add value to the packaged products. While packaging itself is a task of experts, packaging for semi solids and liquids takes even more thought in order to pack the contents.
Aseptic packaging method has a lot of significance in the packaging space. The term aseptic is derived from Greek word “septicos” which means absence of putrefactive microorganisms. Aseptic packaging is a globally recognized technique for packaging liquid and particulate foods. Sterilization of food packaging materials along with food contact surfaces is one of the most important elements of an aseptic environment. Aseptic systems encompass use of ultrahigh-temperature (UHT) sterilization which is a fast heating treatment at temperatures higher than pasteurization temperatures. Some of the different ways of carrying out the sterilization process include chemical, thermal and radiation methods.
Aseptic packaging has grown in popularity and applicability amongst manufacturers in recent times. Aseptic packaging ensures that the food and beverages can be stored without refrigeration for 6 months or more while maintaining chemical and sensory properties. A research by G.M Insights indicates Aseptic Packaging Market Size to grow at a CAGR of 8% between the period 2017 and 2024. This growth is primarily due to noticeable growth in the food & beverage industry, and shift in consumer preferences towards more hygienic and safe packaging methods. Below are a few indispensable benefits of Aseptic Packaging.
Longer Shelf Life – Under normal circumstances Aseptic packaging helps extend shelf life for the packaged products by approximately six to twelve months without cooling. This increased longevity of a product’s lifespan reduces wastage both at shelves and with the consumers which allows the consumer to enjoy their food after a passage of time.
Lower Costs (Shipping + Distribution) – With the specific materials used in aseptic packaging, selected products do not need to be stored at extreme temperatures in order to preserve them. In addition to this, aseptic packaging is also lightweight which further enables easy transportation. All of these different features allow manufacturers to lower shipping costs by reducing shipping weight and eliminating the need for complex storage facilities.
Eco-Friendly Packaging
Aseptic packaging is an eco-friendly concept that can add to a manufacturer’s eco-friendly approach. The packaging is mainly made of renewable resources and uses roughly less plastic at source as compared to other alternatives. Aseptic packaging also requires less resources in the form of energy to be manufactured.
Maintains Quality
The high-tech aseptic packaging procedure helps preserve the overall quality of most food commodities from damage. This implies that taste, smell, along with nutritional value are not compromised and consumers can be assured of the quality of the product they are buying.
No Preservatives hence more nutrition.
Aseptic packs are made with enough sterilization process and thus helps manufacturers do away with the need use preservatives in the food content. This allows producers to package real ingredients full nutritional attributes that consumers prefer over products filled with preservatives.
Low packaging to product ratio.
Since Aspetic packs are made of minimal packaging material there is more than 90% food product to 10% package in an aseptic pack.
Convenience of storage
Aseptic Brick packs allow convenience of storage in containers and jars.
As the role of aseptic packaging and processing increases, food packaging companies continue to ideate new innovations to deliver. One of the latest developments in aseptic processing is HTST. High-temperature short-time” (HTST) processing, is a method of heat pasteurization of perishable beverages like fruit and vegetable juices, beer, kosher wine, and some dairy products such as milk. This procedure allows the product to retain its highest quality, including the natural flavour, colour, vitamin levels, while also reducing energy consumption.
As a global leader in packaging materials and solutions, UFlex has mastered the art and science of packaging. The company offers revolutionary packaging solutions to pack food and beverages. Its ASEPTIC liquid packaging business has developed world class alternatives to pack perishable products like, juices, alcohol, milk & dairy products for a large number of conglomerates across the world.
