'AirTight' processing used for tea

Tetra Pak has launched its Centri AirTight concept - already a proven technology for the dairy beverage sector - for the ready-to-drink tea market in Asia.

The D 610 Tetra Centri AirTight Clarifier, which Tetra Pak has been using for a long time for dairy applications, is said to perform just as well for the ready-to-drink tea sector, as its hermetic design allows for air free processing and gentle handling at 10.000 to 15.000 litres/hour.

In addition to the gentle handling, the method of processing the tea is also allows for a reduction in noise and the sanitary exterior, according to David Pomeroy, director Processing Systems Tetra Pak Taiwan.

Pomeroy also claims that the AirTight concept improves the tea aroma too - since no aroma can escape during processing and no air can get in, the flavour of the tea is fully protected.

Uni-President is presently Tetra Pak's largest processing and packaging customer in Taiwan. Tea is their best selling beverage with a volume that represents almost 700 million packages a year. Products include green, black, oolong, flower and milk teas.

The first line with the Tetra Centri D 610 AirTight Clarifier is in operation in Uni-President's plant in northern Taiwan. Tetra Pak adds that because the company was satisfied with the end product quality and the processing efficiency, it has now ordered another Tetra Centri D610 AirTight Clarifier for their new UHT processing plant for tea.