PETpla.net Insider 08 / 2017

TRADE SHOW PREVIEW PET planet Insider Vol. 18 No. 08/17 www.petpla.net 62 GEA brings flexibility to dairy processors with Sterilfoil aseptic technology Foil closure for dairies GEA will be unveiling its Sterilfoil technology for the first time at Drinktec. This new technique for fitting sterile foil caps on PET and HDPE bottles makes GEA able to offer a complete range of aseptic closure options. This provides its customers with flexibility allowing them to choose the bottling and cap- ping system that best suits their needs. It is essential for today’s dairy processing companies to be flexible. A plant must be capable of produc- ing multiple product lines and offer the facilities for its technologists to develop new products and bring them to market quickly and profitably. By bringing its entire range of bottling and capping technologies together, GEA has provided its customers with flexible systems designed for today’s market but also capable of being adapted to meet future demands. Single aseptic line with foil closure Sterilfoil VHP L is an integrated aseptic system for closing HDPE bot- tles, containing high or low-acid bev- erages, with aluminium foil. GEA has introduced it across its entire range of aseptic rotary bottling systems. When used with GEA’s ABF (Aseptic Blow Fill) technology, it is possible to blow the bottle, fill the product and provide the foil closure in a single aseptic line for PET bottles. The system that can cap up to 48,000bph in size ranges from 200ml to 2.5l. Screw overcaps can be fitted during a subsequent operation if required. Decontamination up to 6 Log Sterilfoil is a simple linear system mounted on the top of the capping area and integrated within the micro- biological isolator of the machine. The system uses VHP (Vaporised Hydrogen Peroxide) to provide effec- tive microbiological decontamination of the aluminium foil up to 6 Log (on B.atrophaeus) and beyond. Foils are pushed along a sterilisation chute and then treated on both sides to provide simultaneous internal and external sterilisation by pressurised VHP. The sterilisation chute is electroni- cally heated on both sides to avoid H 2 O 2 (dry Hydrogen Peroxide) con- densation and any foil jams that could affect the production efficiency. GEA uses silicon surface heaters to ensure that the temperature remains uniform along the surfaces. Why foil? HDPE bottles are demanded in the dairy industry especially for the packaging of ESL (Extended Shelf Life) milk, milk-based products and drinkable yoghurts. HDPE provides a natural barrier to light and oxygen – comparable with that provided by a cardboard carton – that would oth- erwise seriously affect the shelf life of these sensitive products. HDPE bottles can also be designed to look pretty on retailers’ shelves as they can be easily decorated with branding and promotional messages and carry the required nutritional information direct onto the bottle surface. However, HDPE is a naturally plia- ble material and so foils are mandatory for sealing as it is impossible to guar- antee an airtight, robust seal using a screw cap alone. Screw caps are often fitted as an additional safeguard, espe- cially to the large format bottles. Foils are also used on PET bottles when the cap design cannot ensure a perfect seal with the neck of the bottle or when the brand owner wants to deliver pre- mium product awareness. Consumers recognise that the foil closure provides maximum product safety in a higher value product. This compensates for the slightly more complicated opening of the container. Aseptic blow fill technology It was back in 2011 that GEA responded to market demands for reduced footprint, greater flexibility, greater efficiency and better environ- mental performance with the introduc- tion of the world’s first rotary aseptic blow moulding ABF machine. GEA ABF, with integrated blowing, filling and capping functions within a sterile environment, transformed aseptic bottling technology and slashed the total cost of ownership at a stroke. The principle of ABF is to sterilise the preform, not the formed bottle, with H 2 O 2 at the exit from the oven, Sterilfoil VHP L is an integrated aseptic system for closing PET and HDPE bottles with aluminium foil. (Photos: GEA) Hall A3 - Booth 313