Continuing our series on Aspetic Packaging:

Form, Fill, Seal (FFS) packaging is a significant component of the $45B worldwide flexible packaging market.  It is a packaging concept utilized for a wide range of consumer products, including many products in the food and medical industries.  Simply put, FFS involves taking a sheet of packaging material, laying the product on it, and sealing around it. Adoption of this method has been growing exponentially as manufacturers look to reduce their inventory, simplify their packaging processes, and add value to their product.

Common applications of FFS that you may be familiar with include:

• Blister packs 
• Potato chip bags
• Nut containers

 The benefits of this packaging platform are obvious: fast production speeds, minimal waste, efficient packaging.  Manufacturers are exploring aseptic and extended shelf life packaging approaches in order to improve the quality and safety of the packaged product.

 Compact, low voltage electron beams can be integrated in-line in a form, fill, seal process for the sterilization of the packaging material.  Electron beam sterilization has a long history in the medical device and pharmaceutical packaging industry and is well accepted by regulatory agencies.  By integrating electron beam into FFS lines, manufacturers can benefit in several ways:

• Avoid the use of chemicals
• Reduce the amount of energy used in the process
• Deliver high levels of sterility assurance
• For those who currently ship their products to a contract sterilizer, they can now bring the sterilization in house, drastically reducing the process time with minimal impact on floor footprint

AEB has experience in quickly helping manufacturers understand how they can leverage electron beam technology.  Please contact us and tell us about your application.