Aseptic, minimal processing and flexible lines on show in 2027

Under the key theme of ‘Navigate Complexity. Smart. Safe. Sustainable’, Anuga FoodTec 2027 plans to show how beverage and liquid food production are developing further in terms of technology. Sensitive formulas, smaller batches and increasing requirements for flexibility are changing process management and line concepts noticeably. The focus is on aseptic process chains, automated format changes and procedures of minimal processing — from dry aseptic PET lines through inline dosing systems to HPP and PEF technologies.

Aseptic filling technologies are currently continuing to develop dynamically. Especially with sensitive beverages like plant-based drinks, drinkable yoghurt or protein-rich ready-to-drink products, the requirements for product safety and line performance are increasing. One example of this is dry aseptic PET lines, in which stretch blowing, filling and sealing are integrated into consistently sterile process chains. Modern systems achieve performances of up to 72,000 containers per hour. Preforms and closures are sterilised with gaseous hydrogen peroxide, while sterile isolator concepts secure the complete process chain. Interim sterilisations for format changes only require around 30 minutes.

Aseptic lines used to often be designed for clearly defined product categories. “Today, beverage producers must increasingly cover different formulas and packaging concepts on the same systems — from sensitively filled juices to carbonated refreshment beverages,” said Carola K. Herbst from the DLG (German Agricultural Society). Modular filling systems, strict hygiene concepts and automated format changes should make it possible to master this complexity. New gripper systems prevent bottle rotations when sealing and support automated changes between different bottle formats with identical neck finish.

This is especially apparent with PET lines. While 28 mm mouths are mostly used for carbonated soft drinks, aseptically filled juices or milk mixture beverages often require 38 mm openings. The change between both formats to date often meant several hours of retooling — especially at the stretch blowing machine. New concepts reduce these retooling times. KHS has thus presented a system that accelerates the mouth change on the stretch blowing machine, InnoPET Blomax, including preform feed. The extent to which the industry is developing in the direction of integrated platform concepts is also shown by aseptic lines for different packaging materials. The Unibloc Flex from GEA enables the processing of sensitive beverages in both PET and aluminium bottles on a common line.

Anuga FoodTec will also cover much more at the event in Germany, including showing how networked, automated and AI-supported systems create transparency and efficiency along the entire value creation chain.

Anuga FoodTec will be running from 23 to 26 February 2027 in Cologne, Germany.

Image credit: Koelnmesse