Kite Packaging launches handheld gummed paper tape dispenser
Leading online UK packaging supplier, Kite Packaging, has added a handheld gummed paper tape dispenser to their existing range of dispensers.
This new product is ideal for those seeking a portable, flexible option that can be used across various packing locations in small to medium operations. Its compact, user-friendly design features an ergonomic handle to reduce hand fatigue and a safety guard to protect against any potential injuries.
Kite’s handheld gummed paper tape dispenser is intuitive and easy to use. It is only compatible with shorter rolls of standard gummed paper tape (50mm x 50m) as these are easier to manage and carry around on a handheld tool. The tape used in conjunction with this dispenser is strong so less is required to securely seal packages, providing cost savings and lowering your carbon footprint. The natural, starch-based adhesive bonds to the fibres of a box, providing a tamper-evident seal.
Available to purchase from Kite at market-beating prices, this dispenser can also be bought as part of a bundle which includes either 96 or 288 discounted rolls of gummed paper tape.
To learn more about the products and services available at Kite Packaging, please visit www.kitepackaging.co.uk.
It’s Fresh! secures £6.7m to grow its food waste reduction technology business
It’s Fresh! has secured a £6.7 million investment led by BGF – the growth capital investors in the UK and Ireland – and Zintinus, a German-based venture capital fund, alongside existing investor Praesidium.
Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Burntwood, Staffordshire, It’s Fresh! is a global food technology business that helps extend the shelf-life of fresh fruit and vegetables throughout the entire food supply chain to reduce waste and optimise produce quality.
Food waste is a significant economic cost to society, with the UN Food and Agricultural Organisation estimating the cost of global food waste to be $940 billion while also accounting for 8% of global CO2 emissions. Fresh produce is a large contributor to global food waste, with some estimates claiming 40-50% of fresh food is wasted from harvest to post-purchase, with long storage and transit times accounting for a considerable portion of these losses.
It’s Fresh! has commercialised and further developed applications for the patented technology which controls the impact of ethylene emitted by fresh produce, and which ultimately controls the rate of ripening, and the eating quality of that produce. The company’s technology slows the rate of ripening and can be applied across the supply chain from harvest through to transit, to in-store fruit containers, making fresh produce safer, more available, and affordable for growers, distributors, retailers, and consumers.
The combined investment will be used to support the business’s global growth strategy and expansion into new markets, as well as the development of new solutions such as using the company’s unique technology within modified air packaging bags.
Rob Ward, CEO of It’s Fresh!, said: “Our ground-breaking technology rises to the challenge of reducing food waste across the supply chain. We not only deliver shelf-life extension, which reduces waste, but at the same time enable our customers to deliver optimal quality to consumers.
“We’ve already generated significant traction across our core markets in USA, South America, and Southern Africa, so this latest investment round comes at a pivotal time for the business, setting us up to scale rapidly and fulfil our potential as global leaders in innovative solutions tailored to fresh produce.”
BGF’s Rowan Bird said: “It’s Fresh! is an excellent example of a technology business that’s addressing a critical climate challenge with innovative solutions that benefit the entire fresh produce supply chain.
“The business has outlined an impressive growth strategy to capitalise on the market opportunity that’s reinforced by strong technical validation and early commercial success. We look forward to working in partnership with the team and its existing investment partners to achieve our combined growth ambitions while supporting a business that’s making a positive climate impact.”
Neil Inskip, head of BGF in the Midlands, said: “It’s Fresh! has a strong track record of growth to date and is developing world-leading technology right here in the Midlands that’s being used to address important global environmental issues. It also demonstrates the investment opportunity that exists on a local level as we look to back even more entrepreneur-led, high potential companies across the region.”
Could moulded fibre lessen the EPR headache?
EY Entrepreneur of the year, UK Transformational Leader and Wired Trailblazer of the Year, David MacDonald is the owner of Cullen, Europe’s largest combined manufacturer of corrugated and moulded fibre packaging. Here he explains how food and drink producers and retailers can turn the new EPR and plastic waste challenges into a commercial opportunity.
The race is on to find sustainable alternatives to plastic packaging, driven by laudable sustainability targets and resulting regulations such as the new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation. We are also far too familiar with the headlines warning of the climate crisis reality, the most recent research stating that 171 trillion pieces of plastic waste now pollute our waters. All of this poses urgent problems for the food and drinks manufacturers and retailers alike.
Whilst this is a huge challenge, it is also an even bigger opportunity. The positive news is that there are already viable, cost effective alternatives available at scale, with scope for so much plastic to be removed immediately and the tax incentives for them make any price difference with plastic negligible.
Like many of the world’s leading FMCG brands and retailers, most of you reading this need to replace plastic packaging, but don’t know what can be swapped or who can help you do it. So here’s how you can replace your plastic with sustainable alternatives.
Solutions not stunts
You’ll see exciting ideas for plastic packaging alternatives, but you should separate fact from fiction. To make a significant impact, look for solutions that are already available at scale. My company Cullen Eco-Friendly Packaging has produced over 1 billion plastic free products in two years, that are recyclable and compostable. That number is accelerating as our innovation pipeline grows and we expand to meet surging demand from retailers and food producers.
Easy wins
There are simple ways to replace a large volume of plastics each year, look for easy wins in the supply chain. Start by looking at secondary and tertiary packaging, where barrier properties are less necessary, for example collation trays, protective inserts, transport packs right through to primary packaging, items such as trays and punnets. All of these items can be replaced with moulded fibre-based alternatives. Lastly, of course, our latest innovation the Fibre Bottle is currently being trialled with multinational partners and will be on shelves in due course.
Tax incentives
With the new EPR legislation, you’re going to be liable for further taxation on harder to recycle packaging, including plastics, but less so with more sustainable packaging from the likes of us at Cullen Eco-Friendly Packaging. So, the more you can move to moulded fibre the better for your business in the long term.
To find out more, contact sales@cullen.co.uk or visit www.cullen.co.uk
Farmison & Co acquired by consortium led by well-known retailer
Farmison & Co, the sustainable online meat retailer, was today (24 April) acquired by a consortium led by well-known Yorkshire retailer Andy Clarke and Chilli Marketing’s Gareth Whittle, Christian Barton and Kieron Barton for an undisclosed sum.
Over the course of the coming weeks, the consortium intends to recommence operations at Farmison’s production facility in Ripon, North Yorkshire, and return the business to being an important employer in the city.
Gareth Whittle is the former founder and Managing Director of Chilli Marketing and a board member of Farmison prior to administration. Together with Christian and Kieron Barton, the Chilli team powered the rise of the Rekorderlig cider brand in the UK and ten countries across the world.
The consortium will work with the whole leadership team to firstly stabilise the company after a difficult year and then devise and implement a growth strategy.
Andy Clarke, who was Chief Executive Officer of Leeds-based Asda from 2010-16, will become executive chairman of Farmison.
Acknowledging the vision of John Pallagi who co-founded the business with Lee Simmons in 2011, Andy said: “While unable to navigate the economic difficulties of the last 12 months, John’s ‘eat better meat’ mission that sits at the heart of Farmison’s business, is one we believe has significant potential for growth.
“And as a retailer brought up on a farm in Yorkshire, I know how producers across the region appreciated Farmison’s commitment to the best producers who could provide the highest quality meat to customers.
“That’s why I’m very excited about Farmison’s prospects. We have an opportunity to scale this business and further develop both its direct-to-consumer and wholesale plans, building on the ethos and values of what Farmison stands for.
“Nevertheless, there is much work to do to get the business back on its feet and trading again – not least re-engaging with Farmison’s important network of farmers across the region and re-employing colleagues.
“In the short-term, our goal is to bring financial stability to the business, and we’re committed to re-energising Farmison’s long-term vision so it can take advantage of the growth opportunities that are undoubtedly available to it.”
Arvindar Jit Singh, joint administrator and partner at FRP Advisory, said: “We are thrilled to have been able to secure a buyer for Farmison who is able to recommence trading and bring jobs back to Ripon.
“There had been significant interest in purchasing the business and assets of Farmison and a number of serious offers had been put forward in recent weeks, but the proposal from the Consortium provides the best opportunity of both re-establishing the business and maximising returns to creditors.
“We wish the team every success as they take the business forward.”
In the course of the coming weeks, the consortium expects to re-open Farmison’s website and will update customers and suppliers with its plans in due course.
Farmison & Co sells online directly to customers across the UK, and through wholesale channels such as Harrods, Selfridges, Fortnum & Mason and Michelin star restaurants.
Re:Nourish brings back Gazpacho for summer 2023 with new Sainsbury’s listing
Re:Nourish, the innovative food brand behind the world’s first fresh soup in a microwaveable, fully recyclable bottle, is set to make a splash this summer with the return of its first to market Gazpacho that’s made with fresh ingredients.
Re:Nourish Gazpacho (500g, RRP £2.80) first launched in 2022 when it landed 6.2% of total UK gazpacho sales via Waitrose and Ocado alone[1]. Following a successful first year in market, it is now back to provide the perfect on the go, fuss free summer lunch solution for 2023. The light and healthy summer meal option is located in the chilled aisle of Waitrose, Ocado, Amazon Fresh and Zapp and, for the first time in 2023, will also be listed in 241 Sainsbury’s stores across the country.
Packed full of authentic Spanish tomatoes, roasted red peppers and cooling cucumber, combined with a splash of extra virgin olive oil, garlic and vinegar, the recipe uses just seven key ingredients all sourced from gazpacho’s home country of Spain. Served up in a handy grab and go bottle, Re:Nourish Gazpacho is set to make its mark on the gazpacho market, worth £1.6m in retail value[2]. Best served chilled – just like they do on the sunny shores of Spain – this deliciously tasty ‘beauty in a bottle’ is packed full of vitamins C, A and E to help maintain skin and collagen formation as part of a healthy balanced diet.
Nicci Clark, founder of Re:Nourish, commented: “Gazpacho is a relatively unfamiliar concept for the UK market, but it’s refreshing taste and lightness makes it the ideal summer lunch and the perfect alternative to the boring summer salad. Our unique, fully recyclable bottle means it can be enjoyed whenever and wherever you like, without compromising on taste or quality. We are delighted to have secured a listing in Sainsbury’s this summer. Our brand is growing globally and we’re looking forward to welcoming new consumers into the Re:Nourish brand.”
The Gazpacho launch will be supported by product sampling, influencer outreach and both organic and paid social media activity throughout the summer months.
All Re:Nourish products are Vegan, Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Low Fat with no artificial preservatives or additives making them perfect for health conscious consumers.
Six craft beverage equipment suppliers merge in $100m deal
Six American craft beverage equipment suppliers have merged in a $100 million deal to create LOTUS Beverage Alliance.
The combined capabilities of LOTUS Beverage Alliance will enable beverage manufacturers of all sizes to access the most comprehensive array of products spanning every step of production for craft beer, wine, hard cider, spirits, cold brew coffee, ready-to-drink cocktails, kombucha, CBD/THC-infused drinks, and sake beverages.
The six merged companies, Alpha Brewing Operations, GW Kent, Twin Monkeys, Stout Tanks and Kettles, Brewmation, and Automated Extractions, are leaders in craft beverage equipment manufacturing and offer essential infrastructure and technology for diversifying the craft beverage industry.
The five founders of the six companies will remain in senior leadership positions at LOTUS: Matt Rennerfeldt, John Watt, Kevin Weaver, Josh Van Riper, and Randy Reichwage. John Ansbro, an industry veteran with more than 30 years of experience in equipment manufacturing, has been named Chief Executive Officer for LOTUS. Ansbro has held senior executive positions at Alfa Laval, Johnson Controls, and the GEA Group.
“LOTUS has everything craft beverage creators need to produce the amazing artisanal products they love, for people who love them,” said John Ansbro, CEO of LOTUS Beverage Alliance. “Our team’s proven industry experience includes a deep bench of experts helping to optimize the production of handcrafted beverages for consumers to enjoy.”
Following the six-way merger, the LOTUS Beverage Alliance ownership structure includes the founders from all six businesses. Additionally, LOTUS has implemented an employee ownership program.
Scott Automation to showcase their new generation palletiser PAL 4.0 at Interpack
Come and visit the stand G74 in Hall 11 at Interpack from 4 to 10 May 2023 and see for yourselves how the latest innovations from Scott, including the new generation palletiser PAL 4.0, can help boost efficiency and safety in your company’s operations. Our team will present to you in detail the features and benefits of this unique palletiser.
We also have a number of recently completed projects to showcase, which you can benefit from when planning your next materials handling investments. These solutions include:
- Layer and robotic palletising systems
- Pallet conveying systems
- Automated Storage & Retrieval Systems
- Turnkey solutions
- All supported by our local maintenance services with 24/7 cover
Loryma expands portfolio of high-protein crispies Lory® IsoCrisp with wheat variant
Ingredients specialist Loryma is expanding its Lory® IsoCrisp range with a wheat-based variant.
The crispy extruded product consists of wheat protein, wheat starch, rice flour and small amounts of cocoa powder.
With 71g per 100g, the crispies are rich in protein while containing little sugar and saturated fatty acids. This means they not only add a pleasant crunch to high-protein, low-carb and sports nutrition products such as biscuits, bars, muesli and granola, but also promise a plant protein boost.
Manufacturers can also offer the vegan crispies, which have a diameter of about two millimetres, in their original form – for example, as crunchy additions to muesli.
The new Lory® IsoCrisp variety is made from European wheat, has a neutral taste and can be individually flavoured.
For further information, please visit: http://www.loryma.de/en/ or LinkedIn.
London Packaging Week to dock at the home of world-leading events – Excel London
London Packaging Week will again assume its rightful place at the epicentre of the packaging industry later this summer, but in a brand-new home – the world-famous ExCeL Centre in London.
London’s premier international convention and events venue, situated on the historic Royal Victoria Dock’s northern quay, will host four co-located events – Packaging Premiére, PCD, PLD, and Food & Consumer Pack – held on 21 & 22 September.
Event organiser, Easyfairs, is delighted to secure such an iconic venue. The docks continue to draw people and produce from all over the world some 167 years after their opening.
As one of the world’s most connected venues, the ExCel offers more space, extra parking, and improved transport links. With more convenient hotels, London Packaging Week promises an enhanced visitor experience for the thousands of anticipated visitors.
“We’re already fielding an increased number of enquiries from people wanting to find out what opportunities might lie within this showpiece event for their business,” said Renan Joel, Managing Director, Packaging at Easyfairs.
“There’s a reason London Packaging Week remains the beating heart of a global network of brands, innovators, designers and creators – its credentials in breaking down what the next 12 months and beyond have in store for the world of package design, branding, and material innovation, are second to none.”
PROPER snacks healthy foods founder Cassandra Stavrou, wellbeing guru Liz Earle MBE, and Candy Kittens confectionary co-founder Jamie Laing have also been revealed as the first confirmed headline speakers, with more very exciting names set to be confirmed soon. The full content programme is set to be released in early June.
The four shows combine to capture the inspiring free-spiritedness of the art and fashion worlds and blend them with the cutting-edge science and technology of packaging to create a unique showcase.
Packaging Premiére is focused on the future of luxury packaging. It matches visitors from the ExCel Design – combines the world’s most cutting-edge cosmetics packaging solutions under one roof. Meanwhile, PLD focuses on Premium and Luxury Drinks packaging, connecting designers, specifiers, and buyers across the premium beverage industry. Completing the event is Food & Consumer Pack, which highlights the latest innovations in the food and FMCG sector and attracts global brands and manufacturers.
“Exhibitor slots have begun to fill up rapidly, with some of the biggest names in the food, BPC, premium, and luxury packaging industries already on board,” added Joel.
“LPW is renowned as one of the premier exhibitions for sustainable and stylish packaging solutions worldwide. Top luxury brands will once again walk the floor of the ExCel on the lookout for sophisticated packaging that prioritises their environmental commitments while adhering to aesthetic expectations.”
Over 5,000 expected visitors will have access to over a hundred of the best packaging suppliers and innovative solutions in design, sustainability, branding, e-commerce and more!
Registrations for attendees will open shortly. To register interest in visiting, or to enquire about exhibiting at the show, visit www.londonpackagingweek.com today.
Kite Packaging adds semi-automatic carton sealer to range
The leading online packaging supplier has added a new semi-automatic carton sealer to their existing range of sealers.
This low-cost, entry-level system secures packages ready for shipping with high quality seals and is perfect for businesses with a large daily throughput. Automating this function improves the efficiency of packing processes, offering significant time savings that can be applied elsewhere to increase productivity.
Kite’s new semi-automatic carton sealer is great for those seeking a flexible option as it can be moved to wherever sealing is required. Infeed and outfeed conveyors are included with the carton sealer unlike similar products on the market, saving you the hassle of purchasing these accessories separately. These ensure a smooth in and out feed from the sealer, maintaining the pristine condition of cartons and their contents, while the top and side drive belts securely carry them through the system for a professional finish each time.
This plug and play system is easy to set up, adjust and maintain. Available to purchase from Kite at market-beating prices, these carton sealers can be bought as part of a bundle which includes either 12 or 36 discounted rolls of hotmelt machine tape.
To learn more about the products and services available at Kite Packaging, please visit www.kitepackaging.co.uk.