UHT Milk in PET for First Time
Canadian Plastics
An Italian dairy company is believed to be the first in the world to offer ultra-high temperature (UHT) milk in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) containers. UHT milk is generally sterilized before packaging, then dispensed into pre-sterilized cont...
An Italian dairy company is believed to be the first in the world to offer ultra-high temperature (UHT) milk in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) containers. UHT milk is generally sterilized before packaging, then dispensed into pre-sterilized containers in a sterile atmosphere. The milk from Centrale del Latte di Brescia S.p.A. has a shelf life of 90 days.
The aseptic filling technology for this application was supplied by Krones AG of Germany. A compact PET-Asept line with isolator technology fills up to 12,000 bottles per hour. The 0.5 L and 1 L containers are produced by a Contiform S blow molding machine, also from Krones.
The dairy company had conducted extensive studies with regard to the barrier properties of PET and possible interactions between PET and milk. One result of this work was that the dairy opted for a full-sleeve label made of metal-coated PET film, which covers the bottle closure as well. This provides impermeability to light and a good oxygen barrier, as well as an attractive appearance.
The dairy also uses PET containers for fresh milk, instead of cartons.
Krones Inc. 414-409-4000
