The need to process a large quantity of fruits or vegetables in a very short period for subsequent bulk sale and commercial packaging makes aseptic storage necessary to preserve and extend the product’s life for more than a year.
At the same time, the consumer market demands these products throughout the whole year. This is why food and beverage manufacturers need to use aseptic storing to be able to preserve and process fruits and vegetables all year round regardless of their season.
Aseptic storage allows the preservation of these products for long periods of time under optimal conditions at room temperature. For products that suffer color changes, aseptic storage is done under chilled conditions.
There are 4 types of aseptic storing:
- Tanks: to store from 1000 liters to 4millones liters. They are gallons that can contain several million liters.
- Drums, made out of metal or cardboard, they store up to 200 liters. They contain a sterilized plastic bag inside. This is the option most suitable for small producers where the bulk product is sold in small consignments. The product inside has been previously sterilized. They can be shipped worldwide without needing refrigeration. For packaging these drums, we use aseptic fillers for drums. They allow for air-less sterile packaging. An ideal solution for products such as creams, fruit juices and vegetables; whether concentrated or not.
- Bins, 1000 kg capacity. This system is identical to the storage drums described above, except with the difference that the container in this case has a 1000 kg capacity. They may also be made out of cardboard or wood. They are best suited for medium production levels and long distance shipping.
- Canteens or aseptic farms. For huge quantities or self storage. They are constituted by tanks from 25,000 liters to 4 million liters.
MachinePoint supplies aseptic storage cellars with stainless steel. Automated loading and unloading is done under sterile conditions. Robotic welding assures the canteen sterility. To sterilize the tanks; steam is injected, and subsequently replaced by sterile nitrogen. For the larger containers chemical sterilization is used to ensure the tank integrity.
Tank cleaning is done by an automated CIP system. Volume control and pressure are monitored every minute, so that failures are detected immediately and product losses avoided. Thanks to the nitrogen atmosphere within the tanks, there is no product oxidation and product life is extended to over 1 year.
Frequently asked questions about aseptic storage
Aseptic storage is crucial for maintaining the quality of food and beverages during handling and transportation, ensuring they reach the end consumer in optimal conditions.
Aseptic storage is crucial for maintaining the quality of food and beverages during handling and transportation, ensuring they reach the end consumer in optimal conditions.
The benefits include prolonging shelf-life, ensuring food safety and quality, and preserving product freshness for longer periods.
Aseptic storage contributes to product shelf-life by maintaining a sterile environment that prevents microbial proliferation and product degradation, ensuring products retain their organoleptic and nutritional properties for longer.
Yes, other preservation methods can be combined, including refrigeration, vacuum packaging, or the use of natural preservatives, to enhance preservation efficacy and meet the specific needs of each industry.
