ABSTRACT
Aseptic processing and packaging is an attractive and challenging alternative compared to conventional methods of canning foods. Aseptic processing and packaging is one of the most dynamic sectors in the US food and beverage markets. The major aseptic packaging segments are cans, plastic bottles, plastic cups, bag-in-box, paper boards, and pouches. In addition, the aseptic processing industry is going through another period of specific growth via plastic, primarily polyethylene and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), containers to the world market. It is possible to aseptically package small portion packs and bulk containers such as bags, drums, totes, and tankers intended for industrial markets for further reprocessing and packaging. The recent market intelligence data point to an approximate 80% to 20% volume split between aseptic bulk versus aseptic retail packaging, respectively.
