Are Aseptic Containers Recyclable are sterile containers that are made to store food products. They are sterilized and packaged in sterile environments to ensure their contents stay germ-free. They also ensure that the contents stay fresh and that there is no need to use secondary preservatives.Aseptic containers are made from recyclable materials. The substances from which the containers are made can be recycled easily over multiple cycles. The paper used in making the storage containers is a renewable and recyclable resource.
The aluminum foils used as lining for the insides of the containers to keep the contents warm over a long time are non-hazardous and completely recyclable. The plastic used for layering paper is non-biodegradable but can be recycled again for further use. Thus, aseptic containers can be recycled easily.Read ahead to understand how these containers are produced, sterilized, how sustainable they are, their advantages over traditional packing methods as well as the possible safety concerns to keep in mind when using them.
Production of Aseptic Containers
Are Aseptic Containers Recyclable has three main components which are paper, plastic, and metal. The percentage of paper making up the container is about 75%. The plastic used is mostly polyethylene (C2H4) n which makes up 20% of the cartons and containers. The final component is the metal aluminum (Al) which constitutes about 5% of the total mass.
These three main components are subjected to heat and pressure and layered to obtain a 6-layer sheet. The product obtained is durable and can withstand external environmental factors like air, germs, dust, moisture, and grease.
The containers are produced so that they have minimal effects on their contents. The stored food has a negligible change in its taste, odor, texture, and nutritional value. The rapid heat treatment during the sealing of the contents does not affect the food quality compared to packaging processes like canning or preservation packaging.
Sustainability of Using Such Containers
Aseptic packaging has accounted for a large portion of sterile industrial packaging methods. Bottles, cans, bags, cartons, and containers are primarily used in aseptic packaging with containers and cartons seeing a massive rise in popularity as a choice for packaging due to their high durability and low costs.
Due to the renewable and recyclable nature of paper, which makes up the majority of these containers, Are Aseptic Containers Recyclable can be recycled over and over multiple times without the need for gathering new container materials. Plastic being very chemically inert can be recycled virtually infinite times so long as it reaches the recycling organization. Aluminum is also chemically inert towards most of the contents stored in it.
The lightweight of these container packs makes it easier to store and transport in bulk, which increases their popularity as a suitable medium for storing food products. In addition, they are eco-friendly which makes their use as containers sustainable for the environment. Thus, the economy, logistics, and environmental impact of using aseptic containers make them the best choice for the large-scale distribution of food products.
Sterilization Techniques Used During Packaging
It is of utmost importance that the food that is being packaged does not have any kind of germs on it. To ensure that the process of packaging is sterile, the food that is to be packaged, the storage containers, the machinery for packaging as well as the environment where the packaging is being done must be thoroughly sterilized, regularly maintained, and hermetically sealed from the outside world. The air in the installation plant must also be sterile. Any possible sources of contamination must be checked inside and around the processing plant.
The food to be introduced into the containers is pre-sterilized using Ultra Heat Treatment (UHT). This technique involves subjecting the food to very high temperatures for very small durations ranging from 2-5 seconds. This kills the microorganisms in the food and sterilizes it.
Advantages of Using Aseptic Packaging and Aseptic Containers
Aseptic packaging allows flexibility in packaging as different container sizes may be used depending on the region where it will be sold and the customer group. Being made of recyclable and renewable materials allows for recycling of the used containers to produce new products which are feasible for the environment and economical. These containers also allow better retention of food quality and nutritional values of the contents compared to canned foods. They also eliminate the need for preservatives to make the food last longer for consumption and a low food stored to packaging material ratio.
Limitations of Aseptic Containers
Due to constant sterilization and maintenance of cleanliness, it can be costlier for smaller companies to use aseptic packaging techniques. Sterilization methods and plant designs can also get quite complex. For developing countries, using aseptic food containers can be impractical.
FAQs
Q1. Is it necessary to refrigerate aseptic containers?
A1. No, it is not necessary to refrigerate the package.
Q2. What kind of products can be made from recycled cartons?
A2. Bio-toilets, industrial pellets, and low-cost furniture are some of the things that can be made from recycled cartons.
Q3. Is aseptic packaging safe?
A3. Yes, it is perfectly safe to consume food from aseptic containers.
