Is aseptic packaging feasible for VS1000 and larger systems?
Aseptic packaging allows you to package product that is shelf stable under ambient conditions for up to one year, some time longer. However, such machines are expensive. Including the UHT sterilizer, the price tag is well over half a million US dollar for the smallest system. If you were to use Tetra Brik® or similar packaging then the packaging material cost would likely exceed the product cost inside it. Cheaper packaging material alternative is aseptic multi-layer poly pouches. Three layer plastic pouches are the cheapest and can still give an ambient shelf life of 30 days. Many people use co-packers to formulate and package the product aseptically. Co-packers must have systems that can sterilize the product at “Ultra High Temperature” in 143 degrees Celsius range. If a co-packer can package milk aseptically, he can also package soymilk. Aseptic juice packaging lines are not usually equipped with UHT sterilizers.
