System for processing containers

A system for processing containers, the system comprising:

• an apparatus for processing sealed plastic containers having a first headspace pressure, the apparatus comprising:
• an open entry port or tunnel for continuously receiving containers;
• a sanitizer configured to sanitize outside surfaces of the received containers by sterilization or pasteurization;
• a perforator configured to perforate or open a cap or seal of the containers within the apparatus;
• a sealer configured to seal the perforation or opening formed in the cap or seal of the containers;
• an open exit port or tunnel for continuously exiting the processed containers;
• and
• a conveyor system configured to transport or convey the containers from the open entry port or tunnel, through and within the apparatus, to the open exit port or tunnel and away from the sanitized environment of the apparatus;
• wherein, the apparatus is further configured to:
• (i) maintain a sanitized environment of the containers within the apparatus:
• (ii) maintain a sanitized environment of the containers, caps or seals of the containers within the perforator;
• and, (iii) maintain a sanitized environment of the containers, caps or seals of the containers within the sealer;
• and,
• a production line positioned upstream of the apparatus, the production line comprising:
• a tiller for filling empty blow-moulded containers with a heated liquid to pasteurize inside surfaces of the containers;
• and,
• a capper for sealing the filled blow moulded containers.