There are automated handling systems for the production of (pet) food aluminum trays that need to be sterilized. Options include conventional linear sweep, magnetic or vacuum solutions or a robotic system. Alu trays, pots or tubs arrive from the filler onto a formation belt and positioned to form a layer. These containers can be picked up by a robot and placed in a tray, or pushed towards a basket. A shuttle transports the full baskets in and out of the batch retorts. The unloading process is the same, in reverse.