During his discussion of magnetic induction heating for liquid food and beverage processing, George Sadler of ProveIt LLC stated that "The inevitable future of aseptic packaging is all electric."  This proved to be a key theme of the annual Aseptipak conference in Chicago last week, with a survey of brand owners showing the key factors in considering a sterlilization technology for aseptic packaging to be the risk of chemical residuals and operating costs.

In years past, electron beam sterilization has been discussed as a potential aseptic packaging technology of the future.  With the announcements of electron beam based systems over the past year, the focus has turned from technology development toward intial deployments and an expectation of FDA approval of several systems in the near future.  A survey of brand owners at Aseptipak (including major beverage, dairy, and liquid food brands) showed the expectation that electron beams will be the leading candidate for sterilization technology over the next 5 years.

Among the 20 or so presentations, several discussed the role Advanced Electron Beams is playing in helping to realize the chemical free future of aseptic packaging:

GEA Procomac discussed their Sterilbeam cap sterilization system that uses AEB emitter technology

The Farmright Group unveiled their aseptic stick packaging system designed in collaboration with AEB.

Aseptic Innovation announced their collaboration with AEB to deliver a cap sterilization system for their linear aseptic bottle filler.

If you would like to learn more, AEB will review recent product announcements and discuss the process of evaluating and deploying electron beam sterilization for aseptic packaging in an upcoming webinar with FoodBev.com on November 19.  Please register by clicking here.