Hygiene with UVC in beverage filling
- Inline UVC sterilization of caps and bottle necks
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Continuous conveyor sterilization with steriBELT® 2.0
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Chemical-free and residue-free – ideal prior to capping
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Retrofit solution for existing bottling lines
UVC at the filling machine:
Eliminate microorganisms before bottle closure
In beverage filling, every contact point before closure matters: caps, bottle necks, and conveyor belts. UVC systems inactivate microorganisms within seconds – without water, chemicals, or heat – and can be integrated inline. This reduces cross-contamination and minimizes microbial ingress into the finished product.
Why UVC in beverage filling?
- Immediately effective, no residues: UV-C inactivates microbial DNA/RNA without impacting sensory properties or formulation.
- Inline-capable: Suitable for high line speeds with minimal space requirements.
- Audit-ready and HACCP compliant: Easily documented as a validated hygiene control measure.
Applications in the beverage industry
UV as a solution against cross-contamination
Cap sterilization
Caps & Closures
Before application, caps are treated inline with UVC. This lowers the microbial count on the inside of the cap and in the sealing zone, which is critical for product safety and best-before date stability. The systems can be integrated into any filling machine or bottling line.
Bottle necks
Bottle mouth & finish
UVC treatment targets the outer surface of the bottle neck and – depending on bottle geometry – the upper inner edge, reducing microbial contamination at the bottle mouth prior to capping. This is especially important for still drinks, beer, juices, smoothies, and other sensitive recipes.
Conveyor sterilization
on conveying lines
steriBELT® 2.0 ensures consistently low microbial levels on infeed and outfeed conveyor belts, even during intermittent operation and stop-and-go sequences ahead of the filling machine. This minimizes cross-contamination along the line and maintains stable process hygiene across the full production shift.
steriBELT® 2.0 –
Allrounder for surface sterilization
steriBELT® 2.0 is a compact, high-performance UVC sterilization system for microbial reduction in the food and beverage industry. It is specifically designed for beer bottling and beverage filling lines, where hygienic control before closure is critical for product safety and shelf life.
Benefits for beverage bottling:
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Versatile application: High-performance UVC module for conveyors, rotary tables, packaging materials, and caps.
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Continuous microbial reduction during operation: Dry, chemical-free process suitable for continuous production.
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Suitable for retrofits and new installations: Robust, production-ready design for industrial environments.
Typical installation points in beverage bottling lines
- Cap feed and sorter: UVC treatment prior to capping reduces microorganisms at the sealing surface.
- Bottle neck / mouth area: UVC irradiation immediately before capping minimizes microbial ingress into the bottle.
- Infeed and discharge conveyors: Low microbial levels on contact surfaces reduce cross-contamination along the line.
Benefits for beverage manufacturers
- Improved bottling safety and shelf-life stability through low-microbial cap sealing areas and bottle necks
- Residue-free, chemical-free hygiene
- Straightforward retrofit for existing beverage bottling lines
Customer Testimonials
Head of Bottling, renowned beverage manufacturer
“We have been using UV Hygiene’s UVC bottle neck sterilization in our bottling operations for many years – with excellent results.
The microbial load in the critical neck area has been drastically reduced through UVC treatment, and issues with microbiological contamination have virtually disappeared. For us, this method is reliable, low-maintenance, and an integral part of a hygienically safe bottling process.”
How UVC works
Highly effective against molds, yeasts, and bacteria
Peschl Ultraviolet uses UV-C light with a wavelength of approximately 253.7 nm. This radiation is absorbed by the DNA/RNA of microorganisms, disrupting their ability to reproduce. As a result, bacteria, yeasts, molds, and many viruses are reliably inactivated – without chemicals or heat.
Contact us now without obligation!
Do you have any questions on the subject? Our hygiene team will be happy to answer any questions you may have about our products and UVC disinfection and will provide you with competent advice on air, water and surface disinfection. Contact us for a non-binding consultation!
