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 ® 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 %.