The flow of sterile air needed to maintain aseptic conditions is fully controlled in a closed loop, and designed to auto-correct if deviations occur. The smallness of the aseptic zone leads to savings in the consumption of both power and peroxide.

A peroxide bath, as opposed to a spray system, sterilises the packaging material inside and out. A special thermal carpet keeps the peroxide bath at the optimum sterilisation temperature.

Using servo-motors, the jaw system profile is created in a software model rather than mechanically. This facilitates rapid conversion between different kinds of package production. Profiles are optimised to give better looking packages; printed package designs are synchronised to reduce waste.

Packages are released from the machine in an upright position, which simplifies the production process and increases reliability. Servo-motors accelerate the final folding process to give a good package shape and high capacity. They also enable the production flexibility offered by QuickChange and Volume Conversion functions.

As the filling machine is an integrated part of the line it communicates with all the other line equipment. Sterilisation, filling and sealing processes are continuously controlled, increasing the output of 'on-target' packages. This feature also enables selectable capacity for compatibility with existing processing or downstream equipment.

Several factors contribute to the easy operation of this filling machine: the Tetra Pak Operator Panel with its intuitive touch screen interface; large windows through which operators can observe production at first hand, and ground level access to essential working parts.

The PLMS centre automatically collects production data from the automation platform. To this, the operator can add his own observations. Improvements in production efficiency can then be made on the basis of the two.