Food Industry

Many types of foodstuffs (drinks, milk, milk products, sauces, soups etc.) are packaged asceptically in cartons, tubs, bottles and foils to increase their shelf life and product quality. The most commonly used process involves sterilizing with concentrated hydrogen peroxide by either immersion-bath or spray method.

The immersion-bath method involves passing the packaging material (sheets of laminated paper, plastic or laminated aluminium) through a bath of 35% hydrogen peroxide heated to approximately 40—80 °C in order to disinfect it. After the immersion, rollers remove the hydrogen peroxide from the packaging material. The packaging is then formed, filled and sealed. To maximize the life time of the immersion bath, the hydrogen peroxide used needs to be sufficiently stable.

The spray method is used for packaging materials of pre-formed packs or tubs. Depending on the size of the receptacle, an amount of 0.1—1 ml of 35% hydrogen peroxide is sprayed or nebulized stepwise via a nozzle to disinfect the receptacle. After that, several stages follow to evaporate any excess hydrogen peroxide with sterile hot air. The receptacle is then filled and sealed. To extend the operating time between essential cleanout intervals, the hydrogen peroxide must leave as few deposits as possible in the heating system.

Given the varying packaging methods, Evonik supplies different grades of hydrogen peroxide, which have been adapted to the individual processes with regards to stability and residue.

From these grades Evonik can supply the best H₂O₂ grade for each type of packaging machine according to its operating principle, requirements and throughput. For locations that have a combination of operating systems (immersion bath and spray methods) to be supplied from one common H₂O₂ tank, we recommend the grade OXTERIL^® 350 COMBI, which works with both methods. The experienced staff at our Applied Research and Technical Services Department is available to advise you on the grade of Hydrogen Peroxide that will best satisfy your requirements.

The OXTERIL^® grades comply with the specifications of the German Pharmacopoeia 10, the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur III) and the German Foodstuffs Additives Order.

Furthermore, Evonik´s PERACLEAN^® products containing peracetic acid as active ingredient have proven highly effective for applications in the food and beverage industry. They are used for disinfecting equipment, containers, tanks, pipes, bottles etc.