Aseptic processing is the process by which a sterile (
aseptic) product (typically
food or pharmaceutical) is packaged in a sterile container in a way that maintains
sterility. Sterility is achieved with a flash-heating process (temperature between 195 and 295 °F (91 to 146 °C)), which retains more nutrients and uses less energy than conventional sterilization techniques such as
retort or hot-fill
canning. Pharmaceutical Sterile processing includes use of clean rooms, bacteria retaining filters, dry or steam heat. Aseptic
food preservation methods allow
processed food to keep for long periods of time without
preservatives, as long as they are not opened. The aseptic packages are typically a mix of
paper (70%),
polyethylene (LDPE) (24%), and
aluminum (6%), with a tight polyethylene inside layer. Sterile pharmaceuticals are usually packaged in plastic or glass. Together these materials form a tight seal against microbiological organisms, contaminants, and degradation, eliminating the need for
refrigeration.