Post by Bausch+Ströbel

Traditional stopper feeding systems were not designed for today’s Annex 1 expectations. Sorting bowls are still widely used – but they introduce unnecessary complexity in aseptic processing: increased contamination exposure risk, potential First Air disruption, and additional cleaning and sterilization challenges. ⚠️ Under Annex 1, the key question becomes: why accept this design risk at all? The Bowl-Free Feed (BFF) eliminates the sorting bowl entirely and redefines aseptic stopper handling inside isolator-based fill-finish systems. ✔️ Aseptic setup inside closed, biodecontaminated isolators via RTP transfer ✔️ Fully aseptic configuration without compromising sterility assurance ✔️ Optional robotic setup enabling fully automated, operator-free operation ✔️ Magnetic interlocks prevent incorrect assembly by design By removing the bowl and optimizing machine geometry, the system supports stable First Air conditions – a critical factor in Grade A environments. 💡 Performance remains uncompromised: up to 60,000 stoppers/hour (vials, syringes, cartridges). 🎯 From an Annex 1 perspective, the BFF supports: • Reduced Grade A interventions • Lower contamination risk • Simplified CCS-aligned equipment design • More robust aseptic validation strategies Annex 1 pushes us toward contamination control by design – not by compensation. 👉 Bowl-free is not an upgrade. It is a design reset for aseptic stopper feeding. Explore how bowl-free stopper feeding supports Annex 1–compliant aseptic filling and closing systems on our website or contact our engineering team.