The machine recently received FDA approval of the blow fill seal filler for low acid product manufacturing in the US.
Brand refresh
Speaking to DairyReporter, Guillaume Rolland, VP, sensitive products, Sidel, said for more than two decades dairy producers worldwide have been turning to PET bottles to refresh their brands, with both refrigerated and shelf-stable products, and many have been working with Sidel.
For example, LSDH France launched its UHT white milk in PET bottle without aluminum foil in 2007. In Brazil, Jussara switched its UHT white and flavored milk production from carton to PET, for family and on-the-go bottle formats. Later on, the Brazilian company also launched a range of on-the-go, lactose-free products.
In China, liquid dairy producer, Yili has released its six-month shelf life premium drinking yogurt in PET bottles.
According to Euromonitor, liquid dairy PET products are forecast to grow by 4.4% in the period from 2018 to 2020 and with 13.7bn package units today, PET-packaged products are estimated to reach 14.9bn units worldwide in 2020.
Rolland added Sidel’s Aseptic Combi Predis merges dry preform sterilization with aseptic blowing, filling and sealing functions within a single production enclosure.
It differs from traditional aseptic technology because the package sterilization takes place during the preform rather than during the bottle phase.
Dry preform sterilization
On receiving FDA approval for the technology, Sidel claims it is the only aseptic PET filling equipment with dry preform sterilization validated for low acid manufacturing and commercial distribution for the US market.
“We are particularly proud of this FDA acceptance. It confirms our Aseptic Combi Predis design is compliant with the FDA’s current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) requirements,” said Rolland.
This regulatory acceptance demonstrates how the Sidel patented technology is 100% safe for the packaging of UHT milk, soy beverages, coconut water, or teas in PET bottles, sold through the ambient chain market in the US and the rest of the world.
Sidel Group, along with Gebo Cermex, will join Pack Expo International in Chicago October 14-17, showcasing its packaging lines in the beverage, food, home and personal care sectors. A special focus will be on its EvoDECO flexible labeling portfolio and its Super Combi.