International Dispensing Corporation has received the DuPont Award for IDC's patented Aseptic Gravity Flow Valve technology.
DuPont and a panel of international food and medical packaging experts reviewed hundreds of technologies and selected 18 Award winners. IDC's Aseptic Gravity Flow Valve (GFV) was honoured in a ceremony held in Chicago, US last month, alongside other technologies from companies such as Fuji Tokushu Shigyoj, Japan, Tetra Pak, Switzerland and Pechiney Plastic Packaging, France.
IDC was recognised for its leading-edge aseptic dispensing valve, which has opened new markets for low acid, non-preserved products that until now could not be dispensed from a flexible bag or pouch. Gary Allanson, president and co-inventor of the dispensing technology, said: "IDC's GFV is the only disposable valve worldwide that is capable of travelling through an aseptic filler and able to dispense low acid, self stable products aseptically."
The GFV is said to offer key advantages to the packaging industry which include a tamper-proof closure and an extremely tight seal that serves as an oxygen and bacteria barrier. IDC claims the valve can fit onto any flexible bag, pouch or semi-rigid package and protects the package's contents from contaminants. The GFV was awarded utility patent protection in 2002 and 2003 in the US, South Africa and Eurasia with other patent applications pending in various countries worldwide.
IDC, founded in 1995 and based in Maryland, US, is a research and development company that develops and manufactures leading edge packaging and aseptic dispensing solutions for the pharmaceutical and foodservice industries.