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Aseptic Packaging for Energy Efficiency and Resilient Food Supply: A Comparative Study of Milk Preservation

Mahmood, Anum LU (2025) MTTM01 20251
Packaging Logistics
Abstract
Global food systems are increasingly vulnerable to climate change, energy volatility, and geopolitical disruptions—threatening the security and stability of perishable supply chains. This thesis investigates the potential of aseptic packaging technologies, specifically ultra-high-temperature (UHT) treatment and sterile filling, as a means to reduce energy consumption and enhance resilience in the dairy sector. Using milk as a representative case study, a comparative analysis was conducted between aseptic and conventional cold-chain preservation methods in the Swedish and broader European context.
A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining literature review, quantitative energy benchmarking, and modeling across five supply chain... (More)
Global food systems are increasingly vulnerable to climate change, energy volatility, and geopolitical disruptions—threatening the security and stability of perishable supply chains. This thesis investigates the potential of aseptic packaging technologies, specifically ultra-high-temperature (UHT) treatment and sterile filling, as a means to reduce energy consumption and enhance resilience in the dairy sector. Using milk as a representative case study, a comparative analysis was conducted between aseptic and conventional cold-chain preservation methods in the Swedish and broader European context.
A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining literature review, quantitative energy benchmarking, and modeling across five supply chain disruption scenarios. Results demonstrate that aseptic systems offer lower total energy demand by eliminating the need for continuous refrigeration post-processing. Shelf life is significantly extended—from 7–14 days for refrigerated milk to 6–9 months for aseptic alternatives—substantially reducing food waste in storage and transport. Scenario analysis showed that aseptic systems outperformed refrigerated logistics under conditions such as transport delays, power outages, and prolonged storage.
While minor trade-offs exist in terms of sensory attributes and vitamin retention, aseptic packaging maintains microbial safety and product integrity, making it well-suited for crisis preparedness. However, economic and regulatory barriers still hinder broader adoption, particularly for small- and medium-sized processors.
This research concludes that aseptic technologies are a scalable, energy-efficient, and resilient preservation strategy. Their integration into food systems can contribute significantly to Sustainable Development Goals related to climate action and sustainable consumption, positioning them as vital tools in the transition toward future-proof food logistics. (Less)
Popular Abstract
Milk that doesn’t need a fridge? It could help feed the world more sustainably.
Every day, vast amounts of energy are used to keep our food cold, from factory to truck, warehouse to supermarket, and finally in our homes. But what if some foods, like milk, could skip the fridge altogether? This master’s thesis explores how aseptic packaging, a method that sterilizes milk and its container, can make milk shelf-stable for several months without refrigeration.
This simple shift could have big consequences. Using Sweden’s dairy supply chain as a case study, the research compared traditional refrigerated milk with aseptically packaged milk (often called UHT milk) in terms of energy use, food waste, and resilience during disruptions. The... (More)
Milk that doesn’t need a fridge? It could help feed the world more sustainably.
Every day, vast amounts of energy are used to keep our food cold, from factory to truck, warehouse to supermarket, and finally in our homes. But what if some foods, like milk, could skip the fridge altogether? This master’s thesis explores how aseptic packaging, a method that sterilizes milk and its container, can make milk shelf-stable for several months without refrigeration.
This simple shift could have big consequences. Using Sweden’s dairy supply chain as a case study, the research compared traditional refrigerated milk with aseptically packaged milk (often called UHT milk) in terms of energy use, food waste, and resilience during disruptions. The results show that aseptic milk consumes significantly less energy after it leaves the factory, especially since it doesn’t require cold storage or cooling during transport. It also lasts much longer, up to nine months instead of just one or two weeks, which reduces the risk of spoilage and waste.
One of the most exciting findings is how well aseptic milk performs during crises. In simulations of real-world problems like power outages, transport delays, or stockpiling during emergencies, UHT milk stayed safe and usable, while refrigerated milk often spoiled. This makes aseptic packaging not just an energy-saver, but also a valuable tool in making food systems more resilient in a changing and uncertain world.
Of course, nothing is perfect. UHT milk can have a slightly different taste, and some vitamins degrade more quickly than in fresh milk. It’s also more expensive for small producers to implement aseptic systems. But the benefits, lower energy consumption, fewer emissions, longer shelf life, and better preparedness for disruptions, make it a promising alternative for the future of food.
To reach these conclusions, the study used a mix of energy data, supply chain models, and disruption scenarios. The results were compared across different climates and conditions to better understand real-world applications. While this research focused on milk, the same methods can be applied to other liquid foods like plant-based drinks, juices, and soups.
In a time when climate change, war, and energy instability are putting pressure on global food systems, innovations like aseptic packaging could have a big impact. They offer a practical way to cut food waste, reduce emissions, and ensure that essential foods stay available even when things don’t go as planned. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Mahmood, Anum LU
supervisor
organization
course
MTTM01 20251
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
Aseptic Packaging, UHT Milk, Energy Efficiency, Supply Chain Resilience, Food Preservation, Cold Chain Disruption, Sustainable Food Systems.
language
English
id
9207803
date added to LUP
2025-07-02 11:47:15
date last changed
2025-07-02 11:47:15
@misc{9207803,
  abstract     = {{Global food systems are increasingly vulnerable to climate change, energy volatility, and geopolitical disruptions—threatening the security and stability of perishable supply chains. This thesis investigates the potential of aseptic packaging technologies, specifically ultra-high-temperature (UHT) treatment and sterile filling, as a means to reduce energy consumption and enhance resilience in the dairy sector. Using milk as a representative case study, a comparative analysis was conducted between aseptic and conventional cold-chain preservation methods in the Swedish and broader European context.
A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining literature review, quantitative energy benchmarking, and modeling across five supply chain disruption scenarios. Results demonstrate that aseptic systems offer lower total energy demand by eliminating the need for continuous refrigeration post-processing. Shelf life is significantly extended—from 7–14 days for refrigerated milk to 6–9 months for aseptic alternatives—substantially reducing food waste in storage and transport. Scenario analysis showed that aseptic systems outperformed refrigerated logistics under conditions such as transport delays, power outages, and prolonged storage.
While minor trade-offs exist in terms of sensory attributes and vitamin retention, aseptic packaging maintains microbial safety and product integrity, making it well-suited for crisis preparedness. However, economic and regulatory barriers still hinder broader adoption, particularly for small- and medium-sized processors.
This research concludes that aseptic technologies are a scalable, energy-efficient, and resilient preservation strategy. Their integration into food systems can contribute significantly to Sustainable Development Goals related to climate action and sustainable consumption, positioning them as vital tools in the transition toward future-proof food logistics.}},
  author       = {{Mahmood, Anum}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{Aseptic Packaging for Energy Efficiency and Resilient Food Supply: A Comparative Study of Milk Preservation}},
  year         = {{2025}},
}