Why Pulsed Light decontamination is Ideal for Dairy-Free Products
The plant-based food and beverage industry is booming, driven by growing consumer demand for clean-label, sustainable, and allergen-free products. As brands innovate to deliver dairy-free alternatives like yogurt, creamers, and desserts, food safety remains a top priority, especially when preservatives are minimized or eliminated.
One critical point of control is packaging decontamination, which ensures that harmful microorganisms do not compromise product safety or shelf life. Claranor’s pulsed light decontamination offers a chemical-free, non-thermal solution that’s perfectly suited to the needs of dairy-free products.
What is Pulsed Light Decontamination?
Pulsed light is a physical sterilization process that uses brief, high-intensity flashes of broad-spectrum light to deactivate microorganisms on the surface of packaging materials. Each flash lasts just a few hundred microseconds but delivers high energy capable of disrupting the DNA of bacteria, yeasts, and molds.
This technology is:
- Non-thermal: Safe for heat-sensitive packaging
- Chemical-free: No use of peracetic acid or water
- Fast: Sterilization in milliseconds
- Compact: Easy to integrate into existing lines
Claranor’s patented pulsed light system offers high-performance decontamination with minimal environmental impact—ideal for clean-label and sustainable food production.
Benefits of Claranor’s Pulsed Light decontamination for Dairy-Free Products
- Preserves Packaging Integrity
Dairy-free products are often packaged in bio-based or recyclable materials that cannot tolerate heat or moisture. Pulsed light is a dry, cold process, making it fully compatible with eco-conscious packaging. - Chemical-Free and Eco-Friendly
Claranor’s solution eliminates the need for chemical rinses, reducing the use of peracetic acid, chlorine-based agents, or ethylene oxide. It also drastically cuts water usage, aligning with sustainability goals and environmental compliance. - Energy Efficient
Compared to traditional UV-C lamps or steam-based systems, pulsed light consumes significantly less energy, helping manufacturers lower their carbon footprint and operational costs. - Validated Microbial Reduction
Claranor’s systems are validated to achieve a high reduction level of key contaminants like Aspergillus brasiliensis, commonly found in dairy-free and plant-based yogurts. - Easily Integrated into Production Lines
Whether you use rotary or linear filling lines, Claranor’s decontamination units are designed for seamless integration, supporting high-speed production without disruption.
Case Study: Danone North America “So Delicious” Plant-Based Yogurt
In 2015, Danone North America selected Claranor to equip a filling line for its plant-based “So Delicious” yogurt range. The challenge: achieving a 4-log reduction on mold spores across two cup formats without damaging sensitive packaging or altering product quality.
Claranor’s pulsed light solution met all expectations:
- High decontamination efficiency
- Zero use of chemicals or steam
- No packaging deformation
This success demonstrates how Claranor pulsed light equipment units support hygiene, product safety, and sustainability—three key pillars of modern food production.
For more information on this business case, please contact our team.
Supporting the Clean-Label, Plant-Based Revolution
Today’s consumers are highly informed and increasingly demanding:
- Fewer preservatives
- Plant-based ingredients
- Recyclable or compostable packaging
- Lower environmental impact
For producers, this means rethinking every part of the production line, including packaging sterilization. Claranor’s pulsed light systems are designed to future-proof dairy-free and plant-based product lines, ensuring compliance, efficiency, and safety—all while protecting brand reputation.
Sustainability at the Core of Packaging Decontamination
Reduce Water Consumption
Unlike traditional rinsing methods, pulsed light sterilization is dry and contact-free. It removes the need for water-based decontamination, contributing to zero-waste initiatives and reducing treatment costs.
Lower Energy Use
Claranor’s systems require only a few kilowatts of power, offering an eco-friendly alternative to energy-intensive heat-based or continuous UV-C solutions.
Support for Sustainable Packaging
Many dairy-free brands use materials such as PLA, bioplastics, and paper-based composites. These formats are highly sensitive to conventional sterilization. Pulsed light preserves their structural integrity while still delivering effective microbial inactivation.
Global Expertise, Local Solutions
Claranor has delivered over 600 installations across 60+ countries, serving leading global brands in dairy, beverages, and plant-based food.
Our services include:
- In-house microbiological validation
- Customized integration for new or existing lines
- Ongoing technical support and maintenance
- Regulatory compliance assistance (FDA, EFSA, etc.)
We work closely with clients to adapt each solution to specific packaging formats, line speeds, and microbial targets.
Conclusion: Safe, Sustainable Sterilization for Dairy-Free Products
The plant-based market demands solutions that are clean, green, and efficient. Claranor’s pulsed light decontamination answers that call with:
- Proven microbial efficacy
- Sustainable technology
- Simple integration
- Cost and resource efficiency
If you’re porduce dairy-free yogurts, plant-based creams, or vegan desserts, pulsed light can help you meet consumer expectations while ensuring the highest standards of hygiene.