GEA, a global leader in providing technology solutions for the beverage and food industry, transferred its aseptic cold filling technology – hailed as the “invention of the 21st century” – to Tan Hiep Phat Beverage Group nearly two decades ago.
This comprehensive partnership has played a key role in delivering exceptional value to Vietnam’s beverage industry, enhancing consumer satisfaction and benefiting society, all while supporting the shift toward sustainable production and consumption.
Aseptic technology drives sustainable beverage production
GEA is a multinational corporation that develops and supplies technology solutions and production processes for the food industry and other sectors. Statistics show that around one-quarter of the world’s dairy products are made using GEA technology, one-third of instant coffee production lines are provided by GEA, and one in every three chicken nuggets is processed with GEA equipment.
As one of the world’s largest suppliers of systems and equipment for the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries, GEA has developed advanced and comprehensive technologies aimed at “providing sustainable solutions for the nutrition and food industry to protect future generations.”
GEA’s aseptic cold filling technology is regarded as the “invention of the 21st century” and is renowned for its absolute sterility, which preserves the maximum amount of nutrients from natural ingredients while being eco-friendly. The innovation of this technology lies in the fact that the product solution is not only UHT sterilized but also maintains sterility during the filling and capping stages with sterilized bottles, caps, water, products, and a sterile filling environment.
The sterilization process enables beverages to be stored for extended periods without refrigeration, reducing energy and logistics costs, lowering carbon emissions, and removing harmful microorganisms. This enhances the safety and quality of the drinks without the need for preservatives, promoting natural and healthy beverages.
Aseptic cold-filling technology is transforming the beverage and food production industry. This innovation has positioned GEA as one of the world’s top companies in aseptic filling technology, with more than 230 aseptic lines installed worldwide.
Since 2000, Tan Hiep Phat has invested in the first aseptic cold filling lines in Vietnam to develop and produce the country’s first natural, health-focused beverage products, which millions enjoy daily, including Dr. Thanh Herbal Tea and Zero Degree Green Tea.
Filling is crucial in any beverage production process, with methods such as hot, cold, and aseptic (sterile at room temperature) available. Through its investment in aseptic cold filling systems, Tan Hiep Phat has become a leader in Vietnam’s beverage industry, especially in the natural, health-focused beverage segment.
Towards Net Zero: Developing sustainable production standards
GEA’s participation in the Vietnamese beverage industry marks a pioneering move in using aseptic technology. It highlights the need to establish new standards for incorporating technology in beverage product development in line with sustainable development.
The world is working towards reducing CO2 greenhouse gas emissions, with Vietnam aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050. In this shift towards net zero, technologies that enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact have become a crucial choice for businesses. One example is the aseptic cold filling technology from GEA, which helps manufacturers save energy and reduce carbon emissions during packaging.
GEA has set a goal to achieve zero greenhouse gas emissions across its entire value chain by 2040. GEA has developed a clear and detailed action plan to meet this ambitious target. GEA’s aseptic filling solutions, certified with the AddBetter label, play a key role in reducing carbon emissions at customer manufacturing facilities.
GEA is continuously improving to drive better growth. The global brand has announced that in its 8th generation, aseptic cold-filling technology will undergo key enhancements to meet the demand for sustainable and clean production. GEA is committed to reducing carbon emissions and advancing several innovations to decrease resource consumption. Furthermore, optimizing the cleaning and sterilization time of aseptic filling equipment between production batches helps maximize productivity and efficiency.
The future of the beverage industry, both in Vietnam and globally, is increasingly defined by the role of aseptic technology. Cold-filling technology will be central to the industry’s growth, driving product quality, safety, and sustainability improvements.
Aseptic cold filling technology promotes sustainability by reducing waste and energy consumption, aligning with the industry’s transition towards eco-friendly practices. It also facilitates the creation of innovative products, like the growing trend of plant-based beverages.
Cold filling technology enhances product quality by minimizing contamination risks through the sterilization of both the product and packaging in a sterile environment before labeling. This method preserves the nutritional value and flavor of the beverage more effectively than traditional pasteurization, which can diminish nutrients and alter taste, while extending shelf life without preservatives and ensuring consistent quality for products made from natural ingredients.
Recently, GEA and Tan Hiep Phat signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement to jointly research and develop new values in the beverage industry, aimed at serving both domestic and international consumers and benefiting society with health and nutrition-focused products of international quality.
Over nearly two decades, the partnership between GEA and Tan Hiep Phat has played a key role in transforming Vietnam’s beverage industry with health-oriented products. Their joint commitment goes beyond benefiting consumers to driving change in the sector, focusing on reducing plastic, carbon emissions, and energy use while helping protect resources and nature for sustainable development.
Vietnamese businesses cannot achieve success alone; they need swift, robust, and comprehensive collaboration with leading global companies and partners to leverage their resources, advantages, and technologies. Over nearly two decades, the partnership between GEA and Tan Hiep Phat has proven to be a key driver of success, reinforcing their position in both domestic and international markets through strategic alliances with leading technology partners.
