Globally, there are 15,000 aseptic filling systems like this one from Sidel. © Sidel
The world market for aseptically packed products amounted to more than 140bn litres in 330bn packs during 2014, according to a new report from food and drink industry consultant Zenith International and packaging specialist Warrick Research.
The report shows that volumes have risen by 4% a year since 2011, with China achieving the fastest rate of growth of 8% a year, followed by South and South East Asia on 7%. The largest regional markets for aseptic packaging are West Europe and China, with the latter set to become the leading region by 2020, followed by Latin America.
White drinking milk accounts for 42% of aseptically packed products, with beverages responsible for 39% and other dairy or food products making up the remainder. Aseptic filling has also become established for soups, sauces, tomato products and baby foods.
Warrick Research director David Warrick said: “In the past three years, the aseptic filling equipment industry has experienced further consolidation, with several smaller suppliers being acquired by larger groups, strengthening their ability to service international markets.”
Esther Renfrew, market intelligence director for Zenith International, added: “Use of aseptic packaging has generally reflected global economic trends. Volumes have been static in much of Europe, contrasting with rapid growth in many Asian countries.”
The report also found that there were some 15,000 operational aseptic filling systems worldwide; value added dairy products were becoming a fast-moving area of demand for aseptic filling systems, with fillers used for both ambient and chilled dairy products in some regions; and environmental issues have become more important in many regions.
Developments include the introduction of electron beam sterilisation as an alternative to chemical sterilisation, Zenith International said.
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