Package sterilization is an integral technology component of an aseptic or extended shelf life packaging operation. With the growth of aseptic bottle formats, high speed, inline cap sterilization solutions are necessary. Steam, chemical, or offsite bulk sterilization are the most common approaches for caps. These technologies introduce complexity and inefficiency that result in system downtime and added operating costs.

•  Steam sterilization is hard to control and requires heavier cap designs.
• Chemical sterilization is water intensive and carries risks of residual chemicals contaminating product.
• Offsite sterilization complicates supply chain logistics and requires complicated sterile transfer into the aseptic environment.

Blu Sterilization technology can be applied to caps using AEB's innovative electron beam emitters. By removing the need for heat or chemicals, packaging can be lighter and production lines can be more environmentally sustainable. Electron beams are a proven sterilization technology with a long history of highly effective use for sterile packaging applications. Microbial pathogens are destroyed at high speeds as a function of energy delivered to the surface. With a long track record, picking materials and designing packages compatible with electron beams is straightforward. The simplicity of electron beams creates predictability and reliability, allowing for high speed processing in a more compact process footprint.

Closures are sterilized in-line with AEB's low energy electron beam emitters. Leveraging AEB's compact, modular design, cap sterilization can be built directly into filling equipment, minimizing production footprint and ensuring world class filling solutions. AEB's emitters can be configured so that both sides of the caps are sterilized as they are fed into the aseptic environment. Electrons scatter in air, allowing for energy to be delivered around minor contours such as threads or safety bands.

The benefits of Blu translate to greater sustainability and greater profitability.

Specifically, users can take advantage of:

• Ambient temperature processing allows for reduction of package weight.
• Chemical free sterilization eliminates need for rinse water and eliminates risk of chemicals contaminating the product.
• Simplicity of control and measurement allows for straightforward validation of new lines and more simple process control.
• Highly efficient electron beam emitters lower energy consumption and operating costs.

Download our Closure Sterilization Brochure