Aseptic Packaging Market Taking Off

By Alec Italiano, contributing writer

Advances in technology have led to enormous growth in the aseptic packaging market

Aseptic packages are the fastest growing sector of the packaging market. According to Freedonia, a market research company, the aseptic packaging market grew about 9 percent in the last year with a projection to be a $35.8 billion sector of packaging in the next year. Oystar, a global supplier of packaging machines and solutions, says this growth is due to consumers’ demand for natural food and beverages with a longer shelf life.

Aseptic packaging is unique in the sense that it can keep food shelf stable without added preservatives. As consumers seek products that use fewer chemicals and processing methods, this translates to a demand for fresh food. However, even if refrigerated, fresh foods have a very limited shelf life. This problem escalates when markets with less sophisticated cold chains are entered. This is where aseptic packaging steps in to fill the gap.

Hot-fill and retort processing are two ways aseptic packaging technology achieves the goal of longer shelf life without preservatives and without refrigeration.  Retort pouches are made from multiple layers of laminate that are flexible and are used primarily for ready-to-eat meals where hot water is added or in drinks packaged in pouches.  Hot-fill packaging technology is advancing, allowing for food, especially soups, to be packaged at higher and higher temperatures. These higher temperatures allow for a longer shelf life, while preserving flavor. This amounts to a win for consumers and a win for food manufacturers.

This technology originated in the 1960s, but recent developments in packaging technology are transforming the market.  These developments have achieved levels of automation, flexibility, and speed that make it comparable to other production lines. The advancements have also allowed for expansions in the types of food and beverages that can be packaged. Traditionally, items such as sauces, baby food, and dairy products were the packaged using this technology. But now, foods like potatoes and soups — traditionally packed in a jar or can — are now open for consideration in aseptic packaging.

Want to publish your opinion?
Contact us to become part of our Editorial Community.