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Enormous capital costs, expensive and time-consuming
installations, low efficiency of filling equipment
and the requirement for highly skilled technicians
are factors that are increasing the overall
costs for food processors. To face the challenge
of justifying the huge upfront costs, enterprises
need to capitalize on factors such as longer
shelf life, low distribution costs and flexibility
in designing and labeling.
Aseptic packaging allows processors to achieve
a shelf life without the use of preservatives
or refrigeration. Aseptic packaging is a process
that involves filling a sterilized package with
sterile food under a confined hygienic environment.
Food processors are using aseptic packaging
to venture into niche segments such as liquid
eggs, sauces, puddings and meal-replacement
drinks . Extending the shelf life of chilled
products also opens new opportunities for processors
by allowing them to consolidate operations and
extend their distribution chain. Aseptic packaging
methods also drastically reduce a firm's distribution
costs as the cartons can be folded to occupy
less space, allowing more volume to be transported
in a single vehicle. Aseptic processing also
helps processors to meet the growing demand
for safe foods from consumers and regulators.
With barrier films, the bags will have better
resistance to light and oxygen and thereby help
in extending the shelf life of packaged food
products.
A research report for US Aseptic packaging
market by Frost & Sullivan pegs the market
in 2004 US at US$4.6 billion, expected to reach
a level of US$5.3 billion by 2011. Certain flavors
and nutrients are sensitive to high temperatures,
which makes hot fill packaging unsuitable for
them. Aseptic packaging uses techniques emphasizing
on high temperature-less time, making them ideal
for these emerging consumer goods. Technological
advances in high-speed processing and packaging
equipment will aid in boosting the use of aseptic
packaging. The beverage market where there is
a demand for products with new flavours and
high nutritional value is a potential growing
market for aseptic packaging.
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