Abstract: A method and an apparatus therefor for stabilizing products in containers in a continuous container flow by stationary, sequential sections by means of overflowing liquid, whereby the sections are graduated with respect to one another in terms of their liquid temperature, and for purposes of efficient liquid recycling are organized in pairs, so that the liquid is transported by overflow among sections, and to set the desired temperature of the overflowing liquid, liquid is added to the liquid being transported, characterized by the fact that the excess liquid in the at least one zone overflows in a cascade fashion from zone to zone of increasing overflow temperature and into liquid reservoirs.

Abstract: A top panel pre-folder for a form, fill and seal packaging machine for forming, filling and sealing an extended top panel gable top carton includes an mandrel positioned along the machine processing path that is movable from above the carton to the interior of the carton as the carton moves along the processing path. A pair of spaced apart pivotal arms, each disposed on opposing sides of the mandrel and transverse to the processing path, is pivotal about an axis toward and away from the mandrel. Each arm includes a flap mounted thereto having a raised portion extending from a face of the flap. The arms pivot to contact the flaps with gable side panels of the carton to infold the gable side panels inwardly over the mandrels. The flap raised portions contact the gable side panels at about gable side panel/vertical side panel junctures.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing aseptically processed low acid products in a container having a small opening, such as a glass or plastic bottle or jar, at a high output processing speed.

Abstract: A unit (3) for sterilizing strip packaging material (2) on a packaging machine (1) for packaging pourable food products, the unit (3) having a bath (8) for containing a sterilizing agent in which the packaging material is fed continuously; an aseptic chamber (15) having an input (12) connected to an output of the bath (8); and an auxiliary recirculating circuit (28) having a blower (30) for aspirating air from the aseptic chamber (15), and two nozzles (27) located close to the input (12) of the aseptic chamber (15) to direct a jet of sterile air onto an intermediate longitudinal portion (2a) of the packaging material (2) having preapplied opening devices (5).

Abstract: A method is described for sterilizing, filling and closing packaging containers open on one side, in which the packaging container is exposed to a sterilizing agent during a clock-controlled transportation in a processing line through different processing stations, which is then removed with sterile hot air. Then, the packaging container is filled with sterile fluid and with a sterile closure.

Abstract: A packing method of an object to be carried in a clean room that can reduce remarkably the amount of evolution of waste and accomplish resource saving, and a packing material therefor, wherein a packing material 102, which wraps an object 101 to be carried in a clean room 130 which is a clean atmosphere, is composed of a material of low dust evolution and capable of being cleaned, wherein the packing material 102 can be used a plurality of times by cleaning.

Abstract: A resealable cap for a medicament vial has a base portion formed of vulcanized rubber or like material known for providing a stable environment for the medicament contained within the vial, and a resealable portion overlying the base portion. The resealable portion is made of low-density polyethylene or like material, and can be punctured by a needle or like injection member for dispensing medicament into the vial. Prior to filling, the cap is assembled to the vial and the cap/vial assembly is sterilized. Then, a needle is inserted through the cap and medicament is introduced through the needle and into the vial. Upon withdrawal of the needle, the penetrated region of the cap is fused by laser or direct heat sealing to hermetically seal the needle hole in the cap.

Abstract: An inventive method, system and apparatus are provided for syringe handling, and more particularly, for syringe labeling, filling and capping operations. To facilitate syringe handling, an inventive apparatus includes a plurality of syringe bodies interconnected in a predetermined orientation by a belt. Such belt may be of pliable construction and may define a predetermined spacing in between adjacent ones of the syringe bodies, such predetermined spacing corresponding with a distance between holders provided in a handling apparatus. The syringe handling apparatus may provide for the placement of contents-related information on belt segments between adjacent syringe bodies and for separating the belt segments, wherein a flap is left interconnected to each syringe body. The syringe handling apparatus may alternatively or also provide for automated filling of the syringe bodies wherein cap removal, filling and cap replacement operations are completed free from manual handling.

Abstract: The connection, assembly, or fill of two or more pre-sterilized components having at least one terminal end each for attachment to another component, and an apparatus for performing such a connection, while maintaining the sterility of the components is disclosed. The resulting connection is made permanent by bonding the contacting components together using either a solvent bonding technique, a radio frequency sealer, a heat sealer, or any other suitable process. The connection is preferably made within an active sterile field. Using a low-voltage electron beam instrument, such as the MIN-EB™, a suitable sterile field sphere can be created. The terminal ends of the multiple components remain within the sterile field sphere until the possibility of contamination within the sealed components is significantly reduced to industry acceptable standards.

Abstract: A machine for sealing bottles with sealing caps includes a transporting track for supplying sealing caps, a separating device for making available separated sealing caps and a transfer device for placing the separated sealing caps on the bottles. At least the transfer device is disposed in a sterile chamber and a spraying device is provided for introducing a sterilizing agent into the interior space of the sealing caps and a drying device is also provided for driving sterilizing agent out of the sealing caps.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method of producing, from laminated paper/plastic material, a packaging container with low bacteria contamination which is reformed into a tubular container blank and is provided with an end wall by injection moulding of thermoplastic material at a temperature of at least 200° C., whereafter the interior of the container is subjected to a bacteria-reducing treatment based on a chemical reaction and/or bactericidal irradiation and is filled with the desired contents, and also sealed.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for filling a container such as a plastic bag with product. The apparatus comprises a fill valve and a chamber formed as an integral unit, in which during a filling operation a container with a cap is in place is offered up to and placed in the bag by gripping devices or jaws, the cap is removed by a capper mechanism the bag is filled with product, and the cap is replaced, all the flow paths and surfaces being sterilised by steam during the filling operation.

Abstract: The present invention teaches apparatus and method for an improving the sterilizing of paperboard web material within the typical form, fill, and seal machines currently being used in the aseptic packaging of liquid drinks. By the present invention an anilox roll, typically used in the printing industry, has a sterilant, such as hydrogen peroxide, imbedded within the microscopic pores formed on the cylindrical surface of the roll after which the paperboard material subjected to rolling contact with the roll whereby the sterilant is uniformly applied to the paperboard thereby sterilizing the surface of the paperboard.

Abstract: The present invention teaches apparatus and method for an improving the sterilizing of paperboard web material within the typical form, fill, and seal machines currently being used in the aseptic packaging of liquid drinks. By the present invention an anilox roll, typically used in the printing industry, has a sterilant, such as hydrogen peroxide, imbedded within the microscopic pores formed on the cylindrical surface of the roll after which the paperboard material subjected to rolling contact with the roll whereby the sterilant is uniformly applied to the paperboard thereby sterilizing the surface of the paperboard.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for cleaning and refilling wares for delivering food, e.g. trays, plates, bowls and cutlery, as might be used on airlines and in the health care industry. The wares are provided in sets and kept together in sets. After washing of each set, it is cooled if necessary and immediately refilled, for reuse. This can be achieved by providing a conveyor line along which are arranged a washer, dryer and cooling unit to keep the wares together. The invention provides a basket, configured to hold a number of sets of wares, the exact number depending upon the types of wares.

Abstract: Clean syringe barrels from forming device immediately transferred to a controlled environment to maintain a clean work area. The work area can be a clean room or localized area to avoid the need to maintain cleanliness levels in an entire room. A localized area uses a housing assembly having a HEPA filter coupled to an air inlet to filter the air entering the housing. An air blower is coupled to the air inlet to feed filtered air into the housing assembly and to maintain a positive air pressure in the housing assembly to prevent unfiltered outside air from entering. Syringe tip closures can be introduced into the housing assembly, where syringe barrels and tip closures are cleaned with filtered ionized air and the tip closures are coupled to the barrels. A thin coating of lubricant is applied to the inner surfaces of the syringe barrels. The syringe barrels or medical container can be filled with a substance and a closure member is attached.

Abstract: A method of handling, filling and sealing prefabricated packaging containers that are provided with a closure device is disclosed. The packaging containers are transported in the closed state to a processing plant in which the closure device is opened, the packaging container and closure device are sterilized, and thereafter the packaging container is filled with the desired liquid contents. The same closure device that was removed from the packaging container is then reapplied to seal the container.

Abstract: Containers are sterilized by means of a low-pressure plasma and subsequently filled and sealed in a sterilization chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for cleaning and refilling wares for delivering food, e.g. trays, plates, bowls and cutlery, as might be used on airlines and in the health care industry. The wares are provided in sets and kept together in sets. After washing of each set, it is cooled if necessary and immediately refilled, for reuse. This can be achieved by providing a conveyor line along which are arranged a washer, dryer and cooling unit to keep the wares together. The invention provides a basket, configured to hold a number of sets of wares, the exact number depending upon the types of wares.

Abstract: An arrangement for sterilizing a flat web of a packing foil, which comprises a sterile casing having an inlet and an outlet, a rod-shaped UV radiator disposed in the sterile casing, a guide for guiding the web in a circular path around the UV radiator, the UV radiator being centrally arranged within the circular path and the guide being radially equidistantly spaced from the UV radiator, and deflecting elements at the inlet and the outlet of the sterile casing for deflecting the web into the circular path at the inlet and out of the circular path at the outlet.

Abstract: Glass medical devices such as medical containers are manufactured and annealed by heating in an oven which produces a clean device having a low bio-burden. Plastic medical devices and medical containers are formed by plastic molding devices which produce a clean device. The clean devices are immediately transferred to a controlled environment to maintain a clean work area. A localized area uses a housing assembly having a HEPA filter coupled to an air inlet to filter the air entering the housing. An air blower is coupled to the air inlet to feed filtered air into the housing assembly and to maintain a positive air pressure in the housing assembly to prevent unfiltered outside air from entering. Syringe tip closures can be introduced into the housing assembly, where syringe barrels and tip closures are cleaned with filtered ionized air and the tip closures are coupled to the barrels. A thin coating of lubricant is applied to the inner surfaces of the syringe barrels.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method for high-purity bottling of beverages and an apparatus for carrying out such a method. For achieving high-purity bottling within a confined space and for reducing the operating expenses in comparison with conventional plants, it is suggested that an immersion bath sterilizer should be connected directly to a rotary filling machine and that the rotary filling machine should be arranged in a clean room, whereas in the area of the bottle conveying path through said clean room ultraclean-room conditions are created.

Abstract: A production process for a prefilled, sterile syringe comprising providing a sterilized syringe barrel having sealable proximal and sealable distal ends. The proximal end being opened and the distal end being closed and adapted for coupling with a syringe outlet piece. In accordance with the process, the distal end of the barrel is closed and the barrel is then filled through the proximal end while the proximal end is opened with a fluid medium in the form of a liquid, a solution, a suspension or an emulsion wherein the barrel contains the fluid medium in a portion of the barrel and contains a gaseous medium in another portion of the barrel. After the barrel has been filled, a sterile plug is inserted through the proximal end of the barrel to close the proximal end. After pressing the plug into the barrel, the barrel is vented through a tube extending past the plug so that only the liquid medium is within the barrel.

Abstract: A sterilizing device for thoroughly removing hydrogen peroxide from the interior of the container in a short period of time includes a sterilizing agent depositing device 19 which deposits a hydrogen peroxide-containing solution having a sterilizing affect into the interior of the container before the container is filled with a food product and a sterilizing agent removing device 23 which removes the hydrogen peroxide from the interior of the container by blowing compressed hot air into the container. The sterilizing method involves depositing a hydrogen peroxide-containing solution having a concentration in the range of 0.05-0.20 wt. % into the interior of the container before the container is filled with food product, irradiating the interior of the container with ultraviolet light after the hydrogen peroxide-containing solution is deposited in the interior of the container, and removing hydrogen peroxide from the interior of the container by blowing compressed hot air into the interior of the container.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for manufacturing articles, such as syringe barrels, substantially free from contaminants. The apparatus is an enclosure defining at least a class 100 and MCB-3 environment, and includes a molding isolation module and a packaging isolation module. Any contaminants that may exist within the enclosure are removed by the use of horizontal and vertical laminar airflows directed into air filter units. Further, the molding temperature may be selected such that it renders the fabricated articles substantially free from contaminants. The molding isolation module and packaging isolation module keep the fabricated articles substantially free from contaminants from the time the articles are molded to the time the articles are placed in sealed containers for shipment.

Abstract: Apparatus for manufacturing articles including isolation structure isolating the first end of an article producing machine from the second end of the machine to permit a higher level of cleanliness to be established at the first machine end where the articles are actually manufactured than at the second machine end.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for sterilizing containers with gas-phase hydrogen peroxide and heat on a linear form, fill and seal packaging machine. A partially formed container is subjected to multiple applications of gaseous hydrogen peroxide and hot air within a sterilization tunnel. The sterilization tunnel is maintained at a temperature greater than the condensation temperature of hydrogen peroxide. The present invention sterilizes the container allowing for filling of the container with a high acid product such as orange juice for ambient distribution. The container may be any number of possibilities such as TETRA REX.RTM. gable top cartons, plastic bottles, and the like. The invention allows for the efficacious use of hydrogen peroxide gas having a concentration of up to 53%.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for sterilizing packaging with vapor-phase hydrogen peroxide and ultraviolet radiation on a packaging machine. A partially formed carton is sprayed with gaseous hydrogen peroxide from a hydrogen peroxide nozzle. The carton is then conveyed to a UV radiation source for irradiation of the carton with UV energy. The carton is then dried with heated air to flush/remove any residual hydrogen peroxide. The present invention sterilizes the carton allowing for filling of the carton with a desired product such as milk, juice or water. The invention allows for the efficacious use of hydrogen peroxide having a concentration of up to 53% while providing a carton having less than 0.5 ppm hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for sterilising a closed container (1) which is ready to be filled. The container is substantially in the form of a homogenous flat first sheet (2A) and a non-homogenous second sheet (2B) with susbtantially plane insides and with a space (14) between the first and the second sheet. A sterilisation of the insides of the container and the space (14) is achieved by means of electron exposure of the outside of the first sheet (2A).

Abstract: A system and method for sterile packaging of beverages in plastic containers forms the plastic containers and fills them with sterile beverages in a common sterile environment. The containers are formed from a blow molding process in which the containers reach elevated temperatures sufficient to at least inpart sterilize the interior of the containers, are filled with sterile beverages immediately after the containers are formed in the same sterile environment. This eliminates the need for heavy use of sterilizing fluids for the plastic containers such as hydrogen peroxide or the like.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a filled syringe body within a single continuous manufacturing line in a self-contained environment with controlled conditions. The method includes the steps of injection molding the syringe body, sealing the one end of the syringe body, siliconizing the barrel of the syringe body, filling it, sealing the other end of the syringe, and sterilizing it. With this new "injection mold-fill-seal" method, a syringe body can be manufactured as a mass-produced article in one manufacturing line in an inexpensive manner.

Abstract: An infeed sterilizer for a packaging machine that allows for the entire sterilization of an erected carton blank prior to bottom forming. The infeed sterilizer includes a nip roller, a carousel, sterilization means and a sterilization chamber. The carousel has a plurality of carriers for temporarily holding a plurality of erected carton blanks wherein each erected carton blank has both the top and bottom ends open and unfolded or sealed. The sterilization means may be hydrogen peroxide, ultraviolet energy, hot air, electron beams, any combination thereof. The sterilization chamber may be pressurized with sterile air to reduce contamination/recontamination of the erected carton blanks. The sterilized cartons may be transferred to a form and fill carousel disposed above the infeed sterilizer for bottom forming and filling.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for manufacturing articles, such as syringe barrels, substantially free from contaminants. The apparatus is an enclosure defining at least a class 100 and MCB-3 environment, and includes a molding isolation module and a packaging isolation module. Any contaminants that may exist within the enclosure are removed by the use of horizontal and vertical laminar airflows directed into air filter units. Further, the molding temperature may be selected such that it renders the fabricated articles substantially free from contaminants. The molding isolation module and packaging isolation module keep the fabricated articles substantially free from contaminants from the time the articles are molded to the time the articles are placed in sealed containers for shipment.

Abstract: Aseptic filling and sealing of packages with a food product is carried out in compartments which contain an atmosphere of sterile air and which contain devices for filling and sealing packages and a transporter device for transporting the packages through the compartments for the filling and sealing operations. Headspace sterile air is removed and displaced from the packages by injection of nitrogen into the packages from a nozzle which is at a fixed position and which directs the nitrogen at an angle with reference to a vertical perpendicular to the horizontal package transport direction and counter to the transport direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling and sealing intravenous solution bags in a sterile environment. Each bag has a weldably sealable opening for introducing intravenous solution into the bag. The apparatus includes a generally sealed enclosure defining an enclosed interior space sized and shaped for simultaneously containing a plurality of the intravenous solution bags to prevent contamination of the bags. Further, the apparatus includes an intravenous solution delivery system positioned at least partially inside the interior space of the enclosure for delivering intravenous solution through the openings of the bags to fill the bags while the bags are in the enclosure. In addition, the apparatus includes a welder positioned at least partially inside the interior space of the enclosure for hermetically sealing the openings of the bags after they have been filled with intravenous solution and while they are in the enclosure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and device for sterile packing of a substance (2) in a container (1), whereby said substance (2) can not stand the same sterilizing process as the one said container (1) is subjected to. The container (1) is sterilized without containing said substance (2) and while being enclosed in an outer package (4) so that said container (1) becomes internally and externally sterile. Thereafter, said substance (2), which has been sterilized in another way, is inserted into the container (1) without contaminating neither the container (1) nor the substance (2) during said insertion of said substance (2) into said container (1).

Abstract: A bottle or a can as a small container intended for consumers for the aseptic cold filling with beverages in a filling and sealing machine comprises a manual seal to be operated by the consumer and is characterized by an additional mechanical seal for filling and machine sealing.

Abstract: A sterilization system for sterilizing surface areas of a packaging material in a packaging machine is set forth. The sterilization system comprises an ultraviolet lamp including a housing and an ultraviolet light transmission portion. A support assembly is connected to support the ultraviolet lamp. The ultraviolet lamp is connected to the support assembly so that it is pivotable with respect to the support assembly from a first operating position in which the ultraviolet transmission portion of the ultraviolet lamp is disposed to irradiate the surface areas of the packaging material and a second position in which the ultraviolet transmission portion of the ultraviolet lamp is disposed at an angle for cleaning or service. A latching mechanism may be used to secure the ultraviolet lamp in the second cleaning position. Alternatively, the ultraviolet lamp assembly may be automatically moved between the first and second positions using an automatic drive.

Abstract: A packaging machine having a plurality of processing stations is used to form, fill, and seal a carton having interior surfaces and exterior surfaces. The packaging machine includes a sterilization station. The sterilization station comprises a conveyor for transporting the carton through various ones of the processing stations along a processing path, a source of ultraviolet emissions, and an irradiation chamber. The irradiation chamber comprises a plurality of reflecting surfaces substantially surrounding the carton as it passes therethrough along the processing path. The plurality of reflecting surfaces direct ultraviolet light from the source of ultraviolet emissions to irradiate and thereby sanitize the interior surfaces and the exterior surfaces of the container.

Abstract: A method for aseptic and automatic transfer of unsealed pharmaceutical containers (2), which have been aseptically filled with a pharmaceutical preparation (5), from a filling device (6) to a subsequent unit (4), is described and comprises the steps of:a) introducing a sterile inert protective gas (3) into a transportable chamber (1),b) inserting the chamber (1) into the filling device (6),c) introducing the pharmaceutical containers (2) into the chamber (1) and closing the chamber (1), andd) transporting the chamber (1) to the subsequent unit (4), in which the pharmaceutical containers (2) are removed from the chamber (1), said protective gas (3) being continuously and evenly distributed in steps b)-d) over the unsealed pharmaceutical containers (2).

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for aseptically producing, harvesting and packaging a pharmaceutical product. A section of the apparatus includes an aseptic reactor and structure for introducing a reactant thereinto so that a reaction can be conducted for the purpose of producing a pharmaceutical product. The pharmaceutical product is subsequently introduced into a filter/dryer for the purpose of recovering the pharmaceutical product. Thereafter, the filtered/dried pharmaceutical product is delivered to a hammer mill for delumping or a micronizing mill for calibration and sizing the recovered product to produce a final powdered product. Thereafter, the final powdered product is introduced into a dosing device and aseptically introduced into a transportable bin. The small bins are encased inside of a sterile bag for transport and further aseptic handling.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes a plurality of ultraviolet lamps to sterilize containers being advanced along a conveyor system. The ultraviolet lamps are disposed transverse to the advancement of the containers as are the reflectors corresponding to each of the lamps. The reflectors are in direct contact with a cooling manifold which prevents the overheating of the apparatus. In thermal contact with the cooling manifold are temperature detectors which provide warning signals to operators, or can generate a signal to deactivate the lamps. The cooling manifold may be cooled by a circulating fluid. The reflectors may be cooled by a flow of air through a pressurized chamber. The pressurized chamber is defined by the reflectors and transparent plates. The transparent plates substantially enhance the transmission of light having a wavelength of 254 nanometers.

Abstract: This invention is an integrated system for making containers and filling them with ultra high purity chemicals all within a cleanroom environment so that the chemicals avoid contamination and meet semiconductor manufacturing purity standards.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for deactivating contaminants involves illuminating one portion of the contaminants with light having frequencies within a first prescribed frequency range, resulting in the deactivating of the one portion of the contaminants, and illuminating another portion of the contaminants with light having frequencies within a second prescribed frequency range, the other portion being at a titanium dioxide supplemented surface, so as to initiate the release of a highly reactive agent in a reaction in which titanium dioxide serves as a catalyst. The highly reactive agent deactivates the other portion of the contaminants.

Abstract: A process for sterilizing and filling packages (1) for flowable media, open on one side, under the influence of pulsating light and use of a filler pipe (5) is improved to the effect that treatment by chemical media together with its associated disadvantages in avoided. For this, the package (1), enclosing the filler pipe (5) and the light source (7), is moved sufficiently far relatively to the filler pipe (5) and to the light source (7) for the bottom edge (16) of the filler pipe (5) and the light source (7) to be located near to the closed end (3) of the package, sterile gas is blown into the package (1) and the light is allowed to take effect, and after shutting off the light source (7), the light source (7) is moved along in one direction and the package (1), being filled, is moved in the other direction, then closed and transported onwards.

Abstract: A process for increasing the resistance of the cut edges of liquid packaging board to penetration by hot hydrogen peroxide, comprising adding to an aqueous pulp slurry at a neutral to alkaline pH, either separately or in preblended form an aqueous emulsion of a cellulose-reactive size, a non-cellulose-reactive size selected from the group consisting of waxes, bis-stearamides, and fatty acid derivatives, and a thermosetting resin that is capable of covalent bonding to cellulose fibre and self-cross-linking.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an airtight, recyclable, biodegradable package includes the steps of stamping a cardboard sheet to mark the folding lines which define the lateral walls, the top walls and the bottom of the package as well as adhesive bands. The sheet is then sterilized. A fast drying adhesive substance is applied on the adhesive bands between the walls. The cardboard sheet is then folded so that the adhesive bands overlap each other in pairs forming a tube. The ends of the tube are closed by folding the bottom walls making a flat base. The top walls are folded to seal the tube. The adhesive in the adhesive bands becomes activated to form a closed airtight package.

Abstract: An apparatus for use while moving a container from a first processing station to a second processing station of a packaging machine is set forth which includes pincers for temporarily holding the sealing panels of the container in a generally closed condition as the container is moved from the first processing station to the second processing station. In accordance with one embodiment of a packaging machine that includes the apparatus, the first processing station may be a filling station and the second processing station may be a sealing station. In accordance with another embodiment of the apparatus, a corresponding method is also contemplated.

Abstract: A polyurethane foam suitable for use as a wound-contact layer in a wound dressing is made by mixing 1 part by weight of an isocyanate-capped prepolymer having from 0.5 to 1.2 meq NCO groups/g with from 0.4 to 1.0 parts by weight of water in the presence of from 0.05 to 0.4 parts by weight of a C.sub.1 to C.sub.3 monohydric alcohol, and then drying the product. The monohydric alcohol is preferably methanol, and the isocyanate-capped prepolymer is preferably an isocyanate-capped ethyleneoxy/propyleneoxy copolymer.

Abstract: A process is provided for the sterilization of the surface of a packaging material, e.g. a plastic coated board, by contacting such material with a hydrogen peroxide solution, wherein the hydrogen peroxide solution is modified by the addition thereto of a penetration-reducing amount of a penetration-reducing salt. The salt referred to is preferably an alkali metal salt, for instance, a sulphate or halogenide, such as sodium sulphate or sodium chloride. A composition is provided that is useful for carrying the sterilization process into effect, wherein a hydrogen peroxide solution is modified by the addition of a penetration-reducing amount of a penetration-reducing salt.