Gentle Motion sterilization is a retort method for food in pouches, bowls and other horizontally oriented packages. The to-and-fro motion reportedly is suitable for edibles with low-to-moderate viscosity and moderate- to high-liquid and particulate content (such as soups and sauces).
Allpax reports that it is testing the impact of the sterilization technique on 15 different foods in various microwavable pouches and bowls. Then, the technicians will evaluate the samples based on taste, texture and appearance.
Greg Jacob, vice president and general manager of Louisiana-based Allpax, said the goal of the project is to match up products with the best possible packaging, in terms of capacity and quality.
“This effort will not only save brand owners a measure of R&D time, but will also indicate opportunities in terms of product enhancements and new product introductions,” he said.
Market research firm Global Industry Analysts predicts that global sales for microwave food packaging will near $12 billion USD by 2018. Rapid technological advancement and increased demand for convenience foods (especially in developing countries) are among the factors driving growth.
Allpax reports that to date, it has found cycle time can be reduced by up to 40% with the sterilization technology. Further, reduced thermal load reportedly improves the shelf-stable food’s taste, texture and appearance.
Allpax plans to release the results of its microwave packaging study at PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2013, scheduled September 23-25. For more information about the show, visit the event website here.