Applications

Enhancing Safety and Efficiency of Food Packaging and Processing

Packaging Sanitization

Before cartons can be folded, filled and sealed, sheets of carton are run through a hydrogen peroxide bath. The proprietary stabilizing technology in Solvay’s INTEROX® AG Bath series minimizes residue buildup caused by the sterilization process on roller equipment and surfaces, reducing costly machine maintenance or even breakdowns. It is also efficient and eco friendly as it can sterilise effectively at moderate temperatures and does not require rinsing. INTEROX® AG Spray series sterilizes the interior of finished packaging. Similarly, residue on heater surfaces and spray nozzles is minimized, yielding the same great benefits.

Food processing factories can also use peracetic acid (PAA) to sterilize finished packaging. Touted as a powerful sterilant, Solvay’s proprietary PROXITANE® brand is highly effective at low temperatures, which is ideal for beverages packaged in plastic PET bottles. The low temperature not only avoids shrunken or misshaped bottles, it also requires less energy. Instead of the so-called ‘dry’ disinfection method used with hydrogen peroxide, PET bottles are rinsed with a solution containing PAA as its active chemical.

Cleaning in Place (CIP)

Cleaning in Place refers to the process of cleaning and sterilizing every nook and cranny of the machinery itself ౼ including tanks, piping, and workspaces ౼ between batches without dismantling complex setups. When done successfully, every surface is free of visible and invisible dirt and microorganisms that can potentially lead to illness or food spoilage. Between batches, factories run several cleaning rounds of water, caustic solutions (engineered to soften deposits to facilitate removal), and finally a biocide solution through the machines. Solvay’s PROXITANE® ensures a very efficient and consistent cleaning process. The highly effective product also saves resources as it disinfects at a low temperature and is effective with a lower unit concentration compared to other commonly used biocides.

Direct Food Contact Sanitizer

Some food products require direct protection, such as meat, poultry, fruit, vegetables, and eggs as they can carry harmful microbes and be prone to spoilage. Solvay specifically designed its PROXITANE® 15:10 to meet the stringent requirements of this market. This product has been recognized by leading regulators such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for food contact surface sanitation and the Food Safety Commission of Japan. In addition to the microbial protection, PROXITANE® 15:10 enhances product quality throughout the useful shelf life and, in some cases, extends the shelf life itself. Fast-acting and powerful, PROXITANE® 15:10 quickly breaks down into harmless products: water, oxygen and very dilute vinegar. It is designed to perform across a wide range of temperatures. The specific formulation enables reuse, resulting in real cost savings and more sustainable operations

Food Contact Applications

With more than 20 years of experience as a material supplier in the food and beverage industry, Solvay Specialty polymers equip OEMs with greater design flexibility, superior mechanical performance, and unmatched aesthetic qualities in a range of consumer goods that come in contact with food. As expectations for product performance increase, metals and lower-quality engineering polymers cannot meet the needs of today’s consumers. Solvay’s specialty polymers are the ideal materials for OEMs searching for outstanding mechanical properties, higher heat resistance, inherent flame retardancy, and a high-quality surface finish.