Abstract: A sterilizing device for web shaped packaging material in which the length of travel of the web after sterilant has been applied is increased, prior to the drying operation, and the sterilant on the film is heated during this increased path in order to increase the activity of the sterilant and allow complete sterilization even at high speeds. This is accomplished by a heated metal cylinder and a chamber which surrounds the web between the cylinder and the drying operation, into which chamber is blown heated sterile air.