Process and machine for dividing a multi-layered web utilized in aseptic packaging into a plurality of individual webs of equal width

A process of dividing an endless, wide multi-layered web of packing material having two sides into a plurality of individual webs of equal width, and aseptically processing the individual webs by supplying the webs to a forming and filling station of a tubular bag packaging machine where the individual webs are formed into individual packages, filled, sealed and singled, which comprises the steps of

• (a) laser-cutting elongated slits into the endless wide multi-layered web at a distance corresponding to the width of the individual webs to produce the individual webs, the laser-cutting being effectuated with a laser positioned at one of the sides of the multi-layered web and the slits extending through all layers of the web except for a web layer remote from the laser at the other side of the web, which is only notched at least at selected distances, whereby the notched remote web layer holds the individual webs together,
• (b) then sterilizing the laser-cut multi-layered web in a sterilization station, and
• (c) conveying the sterilized, laser-cut multi-layered web in a sterile chamber to a number of tube-shaping and filling elements corresponding to the number of individual webs, the notched remote web layer being torn by the tube-shaping elements to separate the individual webs from each other.