A method and apparatus for the sterilizing of packaging material and/or packages is disclosed herein. The method comprises disposing the packaging material and/or packages in a sterilization device and pressurizing a pressure medium in the sterilization device to at least a pressure sufficient to at least inhibit reproductive capabilities of microorganisms disposed with the packaging material and/or packages. The apparatus is configured to receive packaging material and/or packages and a pressure medium in a sterilization device configured to pressurize the pressure medium in the sterilization device to at least a pressure sufficient to at least inhibit reproductive capabilities of microorganisms disposed with the packaging material and/or packages.
