Solutions for the non-alcoholic beverage industry

Filtration remains central to quality in non-alcoholic beverage production. From clarity to shelf life, it matters throughout. Whether it’s bottled water, juice, soft drinks, coffee, or plant-based drinks, each product depends on a process that keeps results consistent. Each beverage presents its own set of processing requirements. But in the end, they all rely on reliable filtration, from start to finish.

As more consumers seek health-focused, clean-label beverages, manufacturers are under increased pressure to deliver product uniformity, reduce operational costs, and meet strict food-contact standards. From cold brew coffee infused with functional ingredients to delicately carbonated sparkling water, each application benefits from a tailored, performance-driven filtration approach.

Click the links within each card below to explore filtration solutions by beverage category.

Water and juice filtration play a critical role in delivering safe, appealing, and shelf-stable products. Multiple filtration stages are common in these applications, each one helping to remove solids, microbes, and off-flavors, while preserving what matters: flavor, clarity, and nutritional value. From the first intake through final filling, every step supports hygiene and product integrity.
 

Our process map outlines the key filtration stages in both water and juice production, showing where advanced technologies are applied to ensure quality, consistency, and regulatory compliance. The map shows how Atlas Copco’s filtration systems play a role at every step, supporting product quality, safety, and consistency throughout the bottling process.

• Pleated fiber filter cartridgess: PFP, PFP-A, PFP-B, SFG-G
• Pleated membrane filter cartridges: SME+, BME+, SME-X+, SMV, SMT-G, 
• Activated carbon filters: ASC
  
• Steam filtration systems: MSS, MPSC

**All filters are available in food-contact compliant materials, tested to meet FDA and EU guidelines

Pure, safe, and consistent filtration for bottled water production

Producing bottled water involves more than removing visible impurities. From source to packaging, each stage in the process plays a role in preserving purity, taste, and shelf life. Filtration is applied at multiple points to protect the product from particulate matter, organic contaminants, and microbial risks, while also ensuring compliance with food safety standards.

In addition to treating the water itself, dedicated filtration is used to protect critical utilities such as steam, compressed air, and clean-in-place systems. These safeguards help maintain hygienic conditions throughout the bottling line, including in bottle blowing, filling, and capping operations.
 

Water filtration stages

• Source and coarse filtration
  Sand and particulate filters remove visible sediments and debris
  
• Activated carbon filtration
  Reduces chlorine, off-flavors, and organic contaminants
  
• Micron and membrane filtration
  Cartridge filters (1–5 µm) protect downstream reverse osmosis (RO) membranes
  
• Reverse osmosis (RO)
  Removes total dissolved solids (TDS), microbes, and organics by up to 99%
  
• Final filtration before bottling
  0.2 µm membrane filters ensure microbial retention
  
• Sterile air/gas filtration
  Applied in bottle blowing, tank venting, and capping

Protecting flavor and freshness, filtration for juice production

Juice production requires careful control at every step to preserve flavor, color, and clarity, without compromising microbiological safety. Filtration is critical not only for removing solids and haze, but also for maintaining the delicate sensory characteristics that define premium juice products.

The process involves multiple stages tailored to the juice type, from clarification and depectinization to microbial stabilization and final polishing. Cold filtration methods are often preferred, especially when heat-sensitive ingredients or nutrients are involved.

Juice filtration stages

• Clarification and pulp removal
  Enhances clarity and stability by removing solids and haze
  
• Pre-filtration and depectinization
  Helps remove pectin and fine particles prior to clarification
  
• Microbial control and stabilization
  Cold sterilization using PES membranes ensures product safety
  
• Color/flavor preservation
  Specialized filters retain antioxidants and aromatic compounds
  
• Final polishing before packaging
  Prevents spoilage and fermentation in shelf-ready juice
  
• Sterile compressed air filtration
  Used during aseptic filling and sealing