Aseptic processing is the process by which a sterile (aseptic) product (typically food or pharmaceutical) is packaged in a sterile container in a way which maintains sterility. Sterility is achieved with a flash-heating process (temperature between 195° and 295°F (91° to 146°C)),Aseptic Packaging Council. Questions & AnswersAseptically. which retains more nutrients and uses less energy than conventional sterilization techniques such as retort or hot-fill canning. Aseptic food preservation methods allow processed food to keep for long periods of time without preservatives, as long as they are not opened. The aseptic packages are typically a mix of paper (70%), polyethylene (LDPE) (24%), and aluminum (6%), with a tight polyethylene inside layer. Together the materials form a tight seal against microbiological organisms, contaminants, and degradation, eliminating the need for refrigeration.

The first aseptic filling plant for milk was presented in Switzerland in 1961. The Tetra Pak company later became one of the leading suppliers of processing and packaging equipment for dairies. Aseptic techniques were common in Europe and Asia before they were introduced in the United States in the 1980s.

Aseptic containers may range in size from a few fluid ounces to a nearly 8-million-gallon aseptic tank on an ocean-going ship. Aseptic processing makes worldwide export and import of new, economical and safe food products possible. Bag-In-Box technology is commonly used because it provides strong containers that are light weight and easy to handle prior to being filled. Other common package types are drink boxes and pouches.

In 1991, the Institute of Food Technologists rated the top 10 innovations in food technology. Aseptic processing and packaging ranked No. 1, ahead of juice concentrates, safe canning processes, freeze-drying and food fortification. In 2007 Dr. Philip E. Nelson received the World Food Prize in recognition for his pioneering work in aseptic processing and bulk storage.

Common Uses

Aseptic processing is commonly used for packaging of fruit juices, liquid whole eggs, gravies, and tomatoes. Fresh tomatoes are aseptically processed and packaged for year-round remanufacture into various food products.

Recycling

Aseptic containers are recycled with a method called hydrapulping.Aseptic Packaging Council. Recycling and Aseptic Packaging Frank Ackerman comments that some plastics and aseptic packages come out looking "relatively good" in overall costs, while reminding that no packaging is always better. The major problem, however, is that the hydrapulping facilities are not that common, and thus the multimaterial packages are relatively difficult to recycle. Tetra Pak, a notable company in the industry, has launched an initiative to increase the recycling of aseptic containers. A 1995 book on recycling notes that aseptic containers were not widely recycled. In 1993, aseptic packages could be recycled in 19 US states. Confusion over whether aseptic packages can be recycled led to a 1990 ban on them in Maine.

See also

• Ultra-high-temperature processing
• Blow fill seal

External links

• Aseptic Packaging Council

References

1. New Shipping Technology Takes NFC Orange Juice to the High Seas
2. An Award Winning Process
3. Snomish County Public Works, Solid Waste Management. (1995). [ww.p2pays.org/ref/03/02942.pdf Prevent Packaging Waste]
4. Emagazine. (2002). Juicing the Waste Stream: Aseptic Packages are Convenient, but Hard to Recycle
5. Recycling Today. (2007). Minnesota adds aseptic containers.
6. Aquino, John T. (1995). Waste Age/Recycling Times' Recycling Handbook. p. 45.
7. Food Processing. (1993). 'Set record straight' on aseptic cartons!.