Swiss Can AG
Can sterilisation for the food industry
The Grabher brothers turned a start-up into one of the most important players in the market for automation of can and jar filling. The cooperation between Swiss Can AG and sterilAir AG existed since the beginning.
„In the past, there was a method of burning out the containers with flames to sterilise them, which of course brought with it some undesirable side effects such as the formation of soot.“
– Michael Grabher, CEO, Swiss Can AG
A strong Swiss team
From the very beginning, the Grabher brothers relied on the Swiss UVC specialist. This was due to the high quality standard, the exact and reliable calculation data, the competent advice as well as the fast and accurate answers. Last but not least, the Swiss background and the short distances were important as well.
The concept and know-how of the Swiss machine builders had always been focused on tin cans. As sterilAir was known as a reliable partner for hygiene, the future cooperation was obvious. Projects with sterilAir are realised continuously. Hygiene is a huge topic, especially in the packaging sector, which is attracting even more interest due to the Corona situation. In Asian countries, for example, sterilisation of containers is not simply nice-to-have, but a must-have and a requirement of the food authorities.
UVC as a safe and alternative disinfection solution
The disinfection of cans has always been carried out with UVC at Swiss Can AG.
Due to demand and customer requirements, the disinfection function with UVC was implemented. This is mandatory for packaging lines producing in or for China. Originally, they were only used for highly sensitive products such as powdered milk and baby snacks. These filling lines are then used in clean rooms, areas with very high hygiene requirements.
„The most important thing is that the sterilisation reaches the prescribed LOG reduction. This must always be 100% guaranteed, even under less than optimal ambient conditions. For this, the design plays an enormously important role. The experts at sterilAir provide us with calculations that reliably and bindingly correspond to the required performance. Often, the systems are subsequently tested by our customers and checked for the required results. With our hygiene partner, precisely calculated parameters are a sure thing.“
– Michael Grabher, CEO, Swiss Can AG
Modular system for
individual UVC implementation
First and foremost, it is about meeting the customer's specifications. The customer who commissions the installation usually has to comply with the state requirements. Depending on where the installation is delivered, the requirements can be different. The aspect of occupational safety plays an important role.
Disinfection takes place in a shielded tunnel area of the system. This is always protected by a safety switch. The sterilAir E-series is a modular system that is ideally suited for installation in new or existing systems. Depending on the configuration selected, the systems also comply with HACCP or FDA requirements. Different operating conditions are also taken into account. The sterilAir E series offers UVC modules with impact protection or with integrated reflector, but also submersible modules with IP68 classification.
For Swiss Can AG, UVC is the most effective sterilisation solution. There is also the option of disinfecting containers with Xenon Flash Light. However, this is very expensive compared to UVC and has a higher energy consumption. Xenon lamps produce a wide range of wavelengths, many of which are outside the bactericidal spectrum. In addition, sterilAir UVC modules do not need to be actively cooled, which simplifies implementation.
Positive impact on product quality and shelf life
The high UVC disinfection performance guarantees germ-free packaging and thus helps to offer safe products. Especially in the area of children's or baby food, product hygiene and safety is a crucial issue. UVC treatment also has a positive influence on shelf life.
After the sterilisation of empty cans, further applications were developed. Lid, base and spoon disinfection were added. In the long term, it is out of disscussion that hygiene and disinfection are becoming increasingly important in all areas. Whether it is to reduce food waste or to meet regulatory requirements. Also the Covid-19 pandemic raised the awareness that microorganisms are our constant companions.
„Asian countries are more sensitised to the hygiene regulations for filling and packaging plants. State-imposed instructions and laws have been in place here for a long time. Sterilisation is required for all products that are produced for a target group with a sensitive immune system, such as small children. Even more in view of the current situation, which requires a rethink among producers.“
– Michael Grabher, CEO Swiss Can AG
„We are pleased that in sterilAir we found an expert whose hygiene concepts are based on exact calculations and designs. There are no rule of thumb assumptions here, sterilAir UVC applications are proven. If I want to disinfect containers in the sensitive area where our machines are used, I have to be able to calculate this exactly. We want to, have to and can rely one hundred per cent on sterilAir's calculations, regardless of the application.“
– Michael Grabher, CEO, Swiss Can AG
Do you have questions?
Contact our specialist advisors today:
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sterilAir AG
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sterilAir EU-Lager
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sterilAir UK Ltd
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