Package sterilization is an integral technology component of an aseptic or extended shelf life packaging operation. With a growing interest in flexible packaging, brand owners are looking to introduce aseptic offerings in single serve pouches or in bag-in-box formats. As pouches and bags are typically produced on a separate line from where they are filled, the sterilization process must accommodate the specific construction of the package. Typically, products are hot filled or the packages are pre-sterilized using a bulk treatment process like Gamma radiation. The sterilization challenges specific to aseptic pouch and bag-in-box packaging prevent the effective use of more common in-line sterilization processes.

• Preformed packages are difficult to sterilize in-line with conventional chemical methods due to the complexities of rinsing or drying residual chemicals from interior surfaces.
• Hot fill technologies limit product quality, require heavier packaging, and are energy intensive.
• Offsite Gamma sterilization services complicate the supply chain and increase the unit cost of packaging.

Blu Sterilization technology can be applied to preformed pouch or bag sterilization using AEB's innovative electron beam emitters. By removing the need for chemicals, there is no need to rinse or dry the sterilized surfaces.

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 history of use, 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.

Emitters are configured so that energy passes through the wall of the package in order to sterilize the outside and the inside simultaneously. Depending on the thickness of the wall and the design of the package, emitters may be configured on one or both sides. Pouches are typically conveyed on conveyors or using a gripper to manipulate the package by the spout. Many common spout designs can be sterilized using an emitter oriented to direct energy through the top or bottom opening. Electrons scatter in air, allowing for energy to be delivered around minor contours of spouts or other fitments.

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

Specifically, manufacturers can take advantage of:

• Simplification of supply chain and lower unit package cost.
• Faster route toward migrating from hot fill to an aseptic process.
• 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 Pouch and Bag Sterilization Brochure