The aseptic packaging market was valued at USD 49.15 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach USD 72.15 billion by 2026 and growing at a CARG of 9.5% over the forecast period 2021 - 2026.
Growth in the aseptic packaging market is driven by the packaging material's ability to respond to the need for high and uniform product quality, higher nutrient retention, and avoid the bisphenol A (BPA) controversy, which is commonly found in can liners. Aseptic packaging has met all these demands while increasing the shelf life of selected products by an estimated period of six to twelve months without refrigeration.
Aseptic packaging is generally seen as a strong substitute for canning and preservatives for increasing shelf life. Though there is a requirement for high initial investment for material and packaging machinery specific to this process, the ROI achieved due to the reduced cost of cold chain logistics and distribution and preservatives has allowed manufacturers to reap benefits within three to five years.
Aseptic carton allowing manufacturers to ship and store a wide range of products at ambient temperatures without requiring refrigeration, extends the potential for manufacturers' customer bases. This includes retailers and foodservice entities that don't have enough refrigerated storage space, as well as customers located farther across the country or internationally that require more time for shipping.
The aseptic packaging process allows manufacturers to extend the shelf life of their products without refrigeration for an estimated 6 to 12 months. This could mean a reduction in food waste at the retailer and consumer levels. Manufacturers have more time to ship and sell their products before they expire or lose flavour, texture or health benefits.
Unlike other processing and packaging methods, aseptic packaging doesn't require the use of preservatives. Manufacturers can offer products with the clean, simple ingredients lists consumers demand while meeting their own needs for shipping and storage of the products to retailers and foodservice customers.
Aseptic packing involves a gentler processing method at lower temperatures, particularly when compared to hot fill and retort processing. Gentler processing can protect the quality of ingredients flavours, textures, appearance and health benefits, which could be lost in hotter processing methods. The processing time itself is also often shorter, which speeds manufacturers' ability to bring products to market.
Because it tends to be lighter and more compact, aseptic packaging can reduce shipping costs and increase transportation and stocking efficiencies.
Using aseptic packaging and processing can also contribute to manufacturers' sustainability efforts by being more environmentally friendly. Transparency Market Research found that aseptic packaging products are safer alternatives to conventional packaging made from glass and PET. Aseptic packaging can also save on energy use and costs by enabling ambient rather than refrigerated shipping.
Aseptic packaging for food and beverage comes in two categories: high acid and low acid. High-acid products include fruit beverages and processed fruits and vegetables, while low-acid products often consist of dairy-based beverages or RTD beverages without fruit juice.
In conclusion,multilayer aseptic carton comes with many advantages over Pet, Glass, Pouch and Can filling. Product, packaging material, and packaging machine - is sterilised, and since sterilisation is maintained through all stages of the packaging process, multilayer aseptic carton ensures long shelf life with highest degree of protection at ambient temperature. Also, it is more cost-efficient and eco-friendly.