Aseptic Processing Remodels Packaging in the Food Industry
The rising cognizance of people on ecological issues has risen the need for environmentally friendly solutions in packaging. Nowadays, buyers understand the product’s critical impact on the environment; therefore, they prefer sustainable packaging solutions. One of the most recent advancements in eco-friendly packaging solutions is biodegradable packaging. Many research groups around the globe are actively participating in developing components like decomposable films for the production of biodegradable packaging products.
Aseptic processing system equips materials such as paper and paperboard, glass, wood, and polymeric compounds that are biodegradable in nature. It is a procedure where commercially, thermally sterilized products are marketed in sterile conditions to increase their shelf life without using preservations.
The market for aseptic processing has gained momentum in recent years and is projected to evolve with a growth rate of 9.18% between 2019 and 2027. This trend is attributable to the rapid requirement for pharmaceutical supplies, demand for eco-friendly packaging & quality food products, and a surge in the dairy beverage market.
Technological Benefits – Key Trend in Market’s Adoption
The recent innovation in aseptic technology has made it a choice adoption in food and beverage packaging. Even buyers are pleased with the flexibility provided by the technology and have also witnessed the difference in product quality and flavor. The highest demand in the market is from the dairy industry in terms of cartons as they are cost-friendly, efficient, and appropriate substitutes to other types of packaging. In addition, the benefit of shelf stability at ambient temperatures allows the manufactures to transport and store a range of products with an outspread customer base across the country or even internationally.
Another trend entertaining significant amendments is product designing – packaging is clean labels. Consumers scrutinize the ingredient lists and prefer products without any added chemicals. Here aseptic cartons prove a good fit as manufacturers can fulfill the consumer demand with a clear ingredient list while budgeting the shipping and storage in their favor.
Furthermore, in comparison to traditional hot fill and retort processing, aseptic technology implicates low temperatures that safeguard the ingredient quality, health benefits, and sensory properties, which cannot be prevented in hot processing. Moreover, aseptic packaging is a shorter process, hence boosting production, leading the product to reach the market before the stipulated time.
Competitive Initiatives
Several companies are joining hands with solution providers to implement their services, boosting their substantial growth. For instance, Nestlé partnered in 2018 with SIG (Germany) for its aseptic services and solutions to boost the shelf life of its foods and beverages. In addition, in the same year, Tetra Pak (Switzerland) collaborated with Al Rabie Saudi Foods Co. Ltd. to adopt Tetra Pak’s aseptic packaging services and solutions.
In terms of beverages, companies are implementing advanced packaging solutions to increase the shelf life and protect from micro-organisms. For instance, Keventers (India), one of the leading food and beverage companies, collaborated with Tetra Pak in 2018 and introduced “Keventer Milk,” using Tetra Pak’s aseptic processing and packaging technology, which offers a safe and healthy product without using preservatives. Also, in 2018, Zumosol (Spain) and Elopak partnered and re-launched their organic juices in “Pure-Pak Sense cartons” (Natural Brown Board).
Conclusion
The above benefits represent that aseptic processing is a safer substitute over conventional packaging methods of glass and PET in the food and beverage industry. Moreover, the environmental concerns and awareness oblige the manufacturers to deploy eco-friendly packaging, which will certainly raise the graph for the aseptic processing market globally.