EP0355371A1 - Method for sterilising a packaging material, especially packaging containers or the like - Google Patents

Method for sterilising a packaging material, especially packaging containers or the like Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0355371A1
EP0355371A1 EP89112737A EP89112737A EP0355371A1 EP 0355371 A1 EP0355371 A1 EP 0355371A1 EP 89112737 A EP89112737 A EP 89112737A EP 89112737 A EP89112737 A EP 89112737A EP 0355371 A1 EP0355371 A1 EP 0355371A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
packaging
coating agent
packaging material
containers
coating
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP89112737A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0355371B1 (en
Inventor
Georg Fischer
Jürgen Dr. Böhm
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Benz and Hilgers GmbH
Original Assignee
Benz and Hilgers GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Benz and Hilgers GmbH filed Critical Benz and Hilgers GmbH
Priority to AT89112737T priority Critical patent/ATE83454T1/en
Publication of EP0355371A1 publication Critical patent/EP0355371A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP0355371B1 publication Critical patent/EP0355371B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B55/00—Preserving, protecting or purifying packages or package contents in association with packaging
    • B65B55/02—Sterilising, e.g. of complete packages
    • B65B55/04—Sterilising wrappers or receptacles prior to, or during, packaging
    • B65B55/10—Sterilising wrappers or receptacles prior to, or during, packaging by liquids or gases

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for sterilizing packaging material, in particular packaging containers or the like. for the food industry.
  • sterilization is carried out using hydrogen peroxide. This must also be removed from the packaging material or from the packaging container, for example by introducing sterile air or the like.
  • the invention is based on the object of proposing a method of the type mentioned at the beginning by which a particularly sterile surface of the packaging material or the packaging container is achieved with particularly simple means and in which the otherwise usual removal of the disinfectant can be omitted.
  • a liquid coating agent which is solidified or cured until the product is filled is applied to the surface of the packaging material to be sterilized or the inner wall of the packaging container immediately before the product is filled.
  • a suitable coating agent which is preferably sprayed on, is sterile plastic, for example polystyrene or else wax or similar coating agents, such as modified paraffin.
  • the hardening time should not be more than a few seconds and the coating thickness should be between 20 and 40 my. It is recommended to apply the coating agent hot.
  • the method according to the invention is suitable for all conceivable packaging materials, e.g. those made of plastic, paper, metal but also for composite materials made of paper with metal coatings.
  • packaging container is provided with a lid
  • this can also be sterile coated using the same method.
  • the coating application e.g. in the form of wax, a wax-on-wax compound, so that a hermetic seal is present.
  • Packaging containers and lids coated in this way can be sealed in the machine using a heatable sealing tool and thus fully meet the aseptic requirements.
  • lids are used, i.e. those lids that are not absolutely germ-free. This can be accepted with certain products, since these lids do not come into direct contact with the product and experience has shown that the product is consumed even after a short time.
  • the method according to the invention has the particular advantage that the otherwise usual removal of the disinfectant, such as H202, can be dispensed with, so that the equipment required Carrying out the method according to the invention can be kept smaller and, on the other hand, even with improper treatment, no health-threatening processes can occur.
  • the disinfectant such as H202
  • the method according to the invention can also be used for packaging for medicaments or the like. Find use.
  • the invention also relates to the packaging container or plastic cup with the coating consisting of sterile plastic or wax.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Food Preservation Except Freezing, Refrigeration, And Drying (AREA)
  • Manufacture Of Macromolecular Shaped Articles (AREA)
  • Transition And Organic Metals Composition Catalysts For Addition Polymerization (AREA)
  • Apparatus For Disinfection Or Sterilisation (AREA)
  • Packages (AREA)
  • Closing Of Containers (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for sterilising packaging material, especially packaging containers or the like, in which a liquid coating means, e.g. sterile plastic, wax or the like, which is applied immediately before the filling of the product and solidifies or hardens before the filling, is sprayed onto the surface of the packaging material to be sterilised, or the inner wall of the packaging container.

Description

Die Erfindung bezieht sich auf ein Verfahren zum Entkeimen von Verpackungsmaterial, insbesondere von Verpackungsbehältern od.dgl. für die Nahrungsmittelindustrie.The invention relates to a method for sterilizing packaging material, in particular packaging containers or the like. for the food industry.

Bei der Verpackung von Lebens- und Nahrungsmitteln, wie z.B. Fett, Quark u.dgl., werden an die Keimfreiheit der mit dem Füllgut in Berührung kommenden Flächen des Verpackungsmaterials bzw. der Innenwandung des Verpackungsbehälters hohe Anforderungen gestellt. Diesen Anforderungen zu genügen, bereitet umso mehr Schwierigkei­ten, als bei automatischem Abfüllverfahren nur sehr kurze Zeiträume in der Größenordnung von einigen Sekunden für die Entkeimung zur Verfügung stehen.When packaging foodstuffs, e.g. Grease, curd cheese and the like are very demanding on the sterility of the surfaces of the packaging material that come into contact with the contents or the inner wall of the packaging container. It is all the more difficult to meet these requirements, since with automatic filling processes only very short periods of the order of a few seconds are available for disinfection.

Es ist seit langem bekannt, Heißdampf zur Sterilisierung anzuwenden. Eine Dampfsterilisierung ist jedoch nur bei Anwendung von Temperaturen im Bereich von etwa 125 bis 150° C möglich, so daß das Verpackungsmaterial durch die hohen Temperaturen übermäßig beansprucht wird.It has long been known to use superheated steam for sterilization. However, steam sterilization is only possible when using temperatures in the range of approximately 125 to 150 ° C., so that the packaging material is excessively stressed by the high temperatures.

Anstelle der reinen Dampfsterilisierung ist deshalb auch schon mit einer Kombination mit kalten oder warmen wässrigen Lösungen von chemischen Bakteriziden gearbeitet worden, bei denen zugleich Heißdampf von etwas niedrigerem Druck und Chemikalien eingesetzt wird. Hierbei muß aber aufgrund der strengen gesetzlichen Forderungen wieder besonderer Augenmerk darauf gerichtet werden, das Verpackungsmaterial vor dem Abfüllen des Füllgutes völlig frei von Bakterizid-Rückständen zu halten, was insbesondere bei der Entkeimung von Behältern mit deren Winkeln und Ecken nicht unproblematisch ist.Instead of pure steam sterilization, a combination with cold or warm aqueous solutions of chemical bactericides has been used, which also uses superheated steam of slightly lower pressure and chemicals becomes. However, due to the strict legal requirements, special attention must again be paid to keeping the packaging material completely free of bactericide residues before filling the filling material, which is not without problems in particular when sterilizing containers with their angles and corners.

Das gleiche gilt auch dann, wenn eine Sterilisierung mittels Wasserstoffperoxid durchgeführt wird. Dies muß gleichfalls vom Verpackungsmaterial bzw. aus dem Verpackungsbehälter entfernt werden, beispielsweise durch Einführen von Sterilluft od.dgl.The same also applies if sterilization is carried out using hydrogen peroxide. This must also be removed from the packaging material or from the packaging container, for example by introducing sterile air or the like.

Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, ein Verfahren der eingangs genannten Art vorzuschlagen, durch das mit besonders einfachen Mitteln eine einwandfreie sterile Oberfläche des Verpackungsmaterials bzw. des Verpackungsbehälters erreicht wird und bei dem das sonst übliche Entfernen des Desinfektionsmittels entfallen kann.The invention is based on the object of proposing a method of the type mentioned at the beginning by which a particularly sterile surface of the packaging material or the packaging container is achieved with particularly simple means and in which the otherwise usual removal of the disinfectant can be omitted.

Diese Aufgabe wird erfindungsgemäß dadurch gelöst, daß unmittelbar vor dem Abfüllen des Produktes auf die zu entkeimende Fläche des Verpackungsmaterials bzw. die Innenwandung des Verpackungsbehälters ein flüssiges, bis zum Abfüllen des Produktes verfestigtes bzw. ausgehärtetes Beschichtungsmittel aufgebracht wird. Als Beschichtungsmittel, das vorzugsweise aufgesprüht wird, eignet sich steriler Kunststoff, z.B. Polystyrol oder aber Wachs oder ähnliche Beschichtungsmittel, wie z.B. modifiziertes Parafin. Durch das Aufbringen einer solchen Sterilbeschichtung unmittelbar vor dem Einfüllen des Produktes in das Verpackungsmaterial bzw. dem Befüllen des Verpackungsbehälters erhält man eine absolut einwandfreie Oberfläche, d.h. sowohl abgestorbene als noch lebensfähige Keime werden unter der Beschichtung gewissermaßen versiegelt, so daß diese mit dem Füllgut nicht in Berührung gelangen können. Das Verfestigen der Beschichtung muß so schnell vor sich gehen, daß vor dem Einfüllen des Produktes eine Aushärtung stattgefunden hat. Dies erreicht man entweder dadurch, daß die Strecke zwischen dem Ort des Beschichtungsauftrags und dem Abfüllen so groß ist, daß genügend Zeit zum Aushärten bzw. Verfestigen zur Verfügung steht oder aber dadurch, daß das Beschichtungsmittel abgekühlt wird. Die Verfestigungszeit soll nicht mehr als wenige Sekunden betragen und die Beschichtungsstärke etwa zwischen 20 und 40 my liegen. Dabei empfiehlt es sich, das Beschichtungsmittel heiß aufzutragen.This object is achieved in that a liquid coating agent which is solidified or cured until the product is filled is applied to the surface of the packaging material to be sterilized or the inner wall of the packaging container immediately before the product is filled. A suitable coating agent, which is preferably sprayed on, is sterile plastic, for example polystyrene or else wax or similar coating agents, such as modified paraffin. By applying such a sterile coating immediately before filling the product into the packaging material or filling the packaging container, an absolutely flawless surface is obtained, i.e. both dead and still viable germs are sealed to some extent under the coating so that they do not get in with the contents Can come into contact. The coating must solidify so quickly that a before the product is filled Curing has taken place. This is achieved either by the distance between the location of the coating application and the filling being so large that sufficient time is available for hardening or solidifying, or by the coating agent being cooled. The hardening time should not be more than a few seconds and the coating thickness should be between 20 and 40 my. It is recommended to apply the coating agent hot.

Das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren ist für alle denkbaren Verpackungs­materialien geeignet, wie z.B. solchen aus Kunststoff, Papier, Metall aber auch für Verbundstoffe aus Papier mit Metallbeschich­tungen.The method according to the invention is suitable for all conceivable packaging materials, e.g. those made of plastic, paper, metal but also for composite materials made of paper with metal coatings.

Sofern der Verpackungsbehälter mit einem Deckel versehen ist, kann auch dieser nach dem gleichen Verfahren steril beschichtet werden. Beispielsweise bei der Verwendung von Stülpdeckeln, die nach dem erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren beschichtet sind, erhält man durch den Beschichtungsauftrag, z.B. in Form von Wachs, eine Wachs-auf-­Wachs-Verbindung, so daß ein hermetischer Abschluß vorhanden ist. So beschichtete Verpackungsbehälter und Deckel können durch ein aufheizbares Siegelwerkzeug in der Maschine versiegelt werden und so den aseptischen Ansprüchen voll genügen.If the packaging container is provided with a lid, this can also be sterile coated using the same method. For example, when using slip covers that are coated by the process according to the invention, the coating application, e.g. in the form of wax, a wax-on-wax compound, so that a hermetic seal is present. Packaging containers and lids coated in this way can be sealed in the machine using a heatable sealing tool and thus fully meet the aseptic requirements.

Grundsätzlich ist es aber auch denkbar, daß sogenannte keimarme Deckel verwendet werden, d.h. solche Deckel, die nicht absolut keimfrei sind. Dies kann man bei bestimmten Produkten durchaus in Kauf nehmen, da diese Deckel nicht direkt mit dem Produkt in Berührung kommen und das Produkt erfahrungsgemäß auch nach kurzer Zeit verzehrt wird.Basically, it is also conceivable that so-called low-germ lids are used, i.e. those lids that are not absolutely germ-free. This can be accepted with certain products, since these lids do not come into direct contact with the product and experience has shown that the product is consumed even after a short time.

Das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren hat vor allen Dingen den Vorteil, daß das sonst übliche Entfernen des Desinfektionsmittels, wie z.B. H202, entfallen kann, so daß einmal der apparative Aufwand zum Durchführen des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens kleiner gehalten werden kann und zum andern auch bei einer unsachgemäßen Behandlung keine gesundheitsgefährdenden Abläufe eintreten können.The method according to the invention has the particular advantage that the otherwise usual removal of the disinfectant, such as H202, can be dispensed with, so that the equipment required Carrying out the method according to the invention can be kept smaller and, on the other hand, even with improper treatment, no health-threatening processes can occur.

Außer in der Lebens- und Nahrungsmittelindustrie kann das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren auch bei Verpackungen für Medikamente od.dgl. Verwendung finden.In addition to the food and food industry, the method according to the invention can also be used for packaging for medicaments or the like. Find use.

Gegenstand der Erfindung ist auch der Verpackungsbehälter bzw. Kunststoffbecher mit der aus sterilem Kunststoff oder Wachs bestehenden Beschichtung.The invention also relates to the packaging container or plastic cup with the coating consisting of sterile plastic or wax.

Claims (9)

1. Verfahren zum Entkeimen von Verpackungsmaterial, insbesondere von Verpackungsbehältern od.dgl. für die Nahrungsmittelindustrie, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß unmittelbar vor dem Abfüllen des Produktes auf die zu entkeimende Fläche des Verpackungsmaterials bzw. die Innenwandung des Verpackungs­behälters ein flüssiges, bis zum Abfüllen des Produktes verfestigtes bzw. ausgehärtetes Beschichtungsmittel aufgebracht wird.1. Process for disinfecting packaging material, in particular packaging containers or the like. for the food industry, characterized in that a liquid coating agent which is solidified or hardened until the product is filled is applied to the surface of the packaging material to be sterilized or the inner wall of the packaging container immediately before the product is filled. 2. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeich­net, daß das Beschichtungsmittel aufgesprüht wird.2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the coating agent is sprayed on. 3. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, dadurch gekenn­zeichnet, daß als Beschichtungsmittel steriler Kunststoff verwendet wird.3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that sterile plastic is used as the coating agent. 4. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, dadurch gekenn­zeichnet, daß als Beschichtungsmittel Wachs verwendet wird.4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that wax is used as the coating agent. 5. Verfahren nach einem oder mehreren der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Beschichtungsmittel heiß aufgetragen wird.5. The method according to one or more of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the coating agent is applied hot. 6. Verfahren nach einem oder mehreren der Ansprüche 1 bis 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Beschichtungsmittel nach seinem Auftrag auf die zu entkeimende Fläche des Verpackungsmaterials bzw. die Innenwandung des Behälters abgekühlt wird.6. The method according to one or more of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the coating agent is cooled after its application to the surface to be sterilized of the packaging material or the inner wall of the container. 7. Verfahren nach einem oder mehreren der Ansprüche 1 bis 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Beschichtungsstärke etwa zwischen 20 oder 40 my liegt.7. The method according to one or more of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the coating thickness is approximately between 20 or 40 my. 8. Verfahren nach einem oder mehreren der Ansprüche 1 bis 7 zur Anwendung bei Behältern, insbesondere Kunststoffbechern mit Deckel, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß auch der Deckel zumindest auf seiner dem Füllgut zugewandten Innenseite mit flüssigem, sich schnell verfestigendem bzw. aushärtendem Beschichtungsmittel versehen wird.8. The method according to one or more of claims 1 to 7 for use in containers, in particular plastic cups with lids, characterized in that the lid is also provided with liquid, rapidly solidifying or hardening coating agent at least on its inside facing the filling material. 9. Verfahren nach einem oder mehreren der Ansprüche 1 bis 8 zur Anwendung bei Behältern, insbesondere Kunststoffbechern mit Deckel, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß diese Beschichtung auch zum Versiegeln des Behälters bzw. Kunststoffbechers eingesetzt wird.9. The method according to one or more of claims 1 to 8 for use in containers, in particular plastic cups with lids, characterized in that this coating is also used to seal the container or plastic cup.
EP89112737A 1988-08-23 1989-07-12 Method for sterilising a packaging material, especially packaging containers or the like Expired - Lifetime EP0355371B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT89112737T ATE83454T1 (en) 1988-08-23 1989-07-12 PROCESS FOR DISINFECTION OF PACKAGING MATERIAL, PARTICULARLY OF PACKAGING CONTAINERS OD.DGL.

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE3828574 1988-08-23
DE3828574A DE3828574A1 (en) 1988-08-23 1988-08-23 METHOD FOR BACTERIZING PACKAGING MATERIAL, ESPECIALLY PACKAGING CONTAINERS OD. DGL.

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0355371A1 true EP0355371A1 (en) 1990-02-28
EP0355371B1 EP0355371B1 (en) 1992-12-16

Family

ID=6361416

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP89112737A Expired - Lifetime EP0355371B1 (en) 1988-08-23 1989-07-12 Method for sterilising a packaging material, especially packaging containers or the like

Country Status (3)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0355371B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE83454T1 (en)
DE (2) DE3828574A1 (en)

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2355073A (en) * 1935-06-25 1944-08-08 American Can Co Method of packaging milk

Family Cites Families (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CH523820A (en) * 1970-05-29 1972-06-15 Froelich Martin Process for the mechanical packaging of sterilized products and device for carrying out the process
JPS5749453A (en) * 1980-09-05 1982-03-23 Jujo Paper Co Ltd Method of removing hydrogen peroxide from food instrument material

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2355073A (en) * 1935-06-25 1944-08-08 American Can Co Method of packaging milk

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ATE83454T1 (en) 1993-01-15
DE3828574A1 (en) 1990-03-01
DE58903009D1 (en) 1993-01-28
EP0355371B1 (en) 1992-12-16

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