Nearly 10% of food goes to waste in the supply chain as managers bemoan damaged and excess inventory

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Stock inefficiencies and inventory ‘black holes’ are exacerbating the supply chain crisis for food companies according to new research. Nearly 10% of stock is lost – either through the 7.1% which is damaged or perished or the additional 2.9% which is overproduced. This loss is the equivalent of 3.5% of annual profits, which equates to $114.7 billion in terms of the sale value of lost stock.

This data has been published in a new global report released today (November 10, 2022) by Avery Dennison, a leader in materials science and digital identification solutions. The Missing Billions: The Real Cost of Supply Chain Waste is an in-depth report assessing the state of global supply chains and the issue of waste across the US, UK, France, China and Japan.

The data analyzed 61 global food firms including manufacturers, wholesale and distribution firms and retailers. Respondents said that spoilage of perishable items and concerns over product packaging are their two main concerns in relation to supply chain waste (on a scale of 7 both concerns were ranked as 5.3). Respondents are in a good position to judge this, since nearly all (97%) track supply chain waste.

But transport issues were listed as the biggest concern by nearly half of respondents in terms of the ‘most disruptive to supply chain operations’. The increased cost of transportation was stated by 24.6% with an equal number citing ‘availability of transportation and logistics capacity’ (24.6%).

A massive 92% of respondents said they are coming under pressure to become sustainable and they estimate that a third (32.4% on average) of their total company sustainability impact comes from their supply chain activities. But despite this awareness of the problem, they are not investing the budget required to fix it. Just 3% of technology budgets are specifically dedicated to supply chain sustainability improvement.

When asked about the greatest challenges to achieving supply chain resilience, the largest barrier by far is integrating disparate systems (stated by 21.3%) ahead of ‘budgetary limitations’ (13.1%).

The report highlights an intention to address these issues with a step change in the breadth of technologies used over the next three years to boost efficiency. For instance, while 51% currently track unique items in their supply chain, a further 46% plan to in future. When asked which of these technologies would you consider ‘most strategic to address supply chain waste over the next 24 months’, RFID (selected by 33%) topped the list followed by autonomous delivery vehicles (31%) and delivery drones (15%). Passive UHF RFID is used by 25% of respondents today but this will triple to 74% in three years.

Use of blockchain can help with supply chain tracking and is used by 8% of those surveyed for the report today but this will increase 11x to 95% within three years. Other technologies that can help with broader efficiency are also major investment targets. The use of delivery drones and robots will see a 17x rise in the next three years from just under 5% today to 84% by 2025. Robots and cobots use will rise 14x from 6.6% today to 94% by 2025. Autonomous delivery vehicles will see a 13x increase from 6.6% today to 85% in three years. By 2025 all companies will use predictive analytics (an 8.7x increase from the 11.5% using it today) and 98% will use machine learning (a 6x increase from the 16.4% using today).

Nestlé participated in the research. Mr. Tony Domingo, senior vice president: supply chain & procurement for Nestlé Zone Greater China, says: “Given the highly fragmented routes-to-markets/shoppers, Nestlé China’s supply chain is embedded with its insightful data-enabled platforms and tools such as the indigenous DSCC, QR coding, Intelligent-program-interactive tools equipped for better decision-making, drive visibility from farm-to-chopsticks & transparently optimizing the flow of data, intelligence, information & brands.”

Mr. Arik Mo, head of supply chain for Ice Cream business, Nestlé Mainland China, adds: “We are in the process of implementing RFID technology within the Nestlé China supply chain, we believe in its potential and ability for visibly optimizing efficiencies and managing waste throughout the value chain. It’s evident that the use of such advanced technologies, including those we’ve developed internally i.e. the Digital Supply Chain Centers (DSCC); enable us to detect demand signals, ensuring effective replenishments of products to the marketplace, therefore responding to the needs of customers.”

Shoppers driven by better choices for longer lasting products

The Missing Billions: The Real Cost of Supply Chain Waste also surveyed 7,500 shoppers globally to understand shifts in consumers’ spending. Unsurprisingly, cost is a high priority for consumers globally when it comes to buying products. However, quality is ranked equally alongside cost as the number one concern at 22%. UK consumers are the most cost-conscious with 28% listing it as the top priority followed closely by France and Japan, both at 25%. China is a significant outlier with just 6% of shoppers surveyed stating cost as their number one concern.

The data also reveals some concerning trends around sustainability with just 16% of shoppers putting sustainability in their top three deciding factors and only 12% prioritizing the ethical sourcing of their products. However, the research also signaled the importance of transparency with 44% of food shoppers saying transparency about a product’s origins and journey is important to them and over a third (37%) stating that if brands are transparent about ingredients in their food products it would encourage them to make more sustainable purchases.

Mr. Francisco Melo, senior vice president and general manager at Avery Dennison Smartrac, says: “The current supply chain disruption is leading to a waste crisis in the food industry and elsewhere. Having visibility is key to optimizing supply chains for efficiency and sustainability, as well as helping to build trust and transparency with consumers. Digital identification solutions play a vital role in supply chain planning strategy and it is encouraging to see that companies are committed to further drive this change through the increased use of RFID technology in the coming years.”

Melo adds: “Digital triggers such as Radio Frequency Identification or RFID, provide unprecedented end to end visibility in a highly efficient and accurate way. Connected products not only shine a light on supply chains but also reveal valuable new information to enable consumers to make better decisions, including transparency and carbon footprint data.”

Durham Box wins at North East Charity Awards 2022

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Corrugated packaging manufacturer, County Durham-based Durham Box, has won the Outstanding Charity Support by Small to Medium Companies Award at the North East Charity Awards 2022, held on Wednesday 19 October at The Fed in Gateshead. The award was for the company’s continued support for local charity, Feeding Families. Feeding Families is a lifeline for many families, delivering food all year round to families in food poverty. Working closely with other organisations and agencies, the charity ensures that thousands of families in desperate need have access to emergency food boxes and support packages. Covering Sunderland, Newcastle, County Durham, Northumberland, and Teesside, the charity routinely send out over 1000 emergency food boxes monthly, and provide over 9000 hamper boxes during the Christmas period. Durham Box supports the charity through the supply of corrugated boxes used to distribute food. They also provide branded dump bins, which are placed in local shops, businesses and schools, to enable food donations throughout the region. “The support that Durham Box gives to us is a fundamental part of the charity, without this we would not be able to help as many people are we do,” said Sarah McPhie, Feeding Families’ communications & fundraising manager. “We cannot thank all the team at Durham Box enough!” Dan Morris, Durham Box’s Managing Director, added: “We are delighted to have won an award for our ongoing support for Feeding Families. For those who are struggling in food poverty across the region, life can be particularly challenging for many families, particularly with the rising cost of living and the impact of that across the country. We’re glad that we continue to make a difference with our box donations.” To find out more about Durham Box visit www.durhambox.co.uk

Cheese maker expands globally with support from UK Government and Barclays

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Wyke Farms, the independent cheese producer, has received support from UK Export Finance (UKEF) and Barclays to help finance its Cheddar stock as its export sales have gone from strength to strength now exporting in over 160 countries. Wyke Farms’ products are in high demand – but rising inflation has hugely impacted the cost of milk, increasing Wyke Farms’ production costs exponentially. Wyke Farms’ existing financing facility needed to be revisited to cover the increase in costs, so UKEF stepped in guaranteeing a £30 million General Export Facility with Barclays, allowing the business to continue its upwards trajectory and plough ahead with its global expansion plans. Trade Secretary, Kemi Badenoch said: “I am delighted to see our first-class food producers take full advantage of opportunities outside the EU that trade opens up. “This funding will help Wyke Farms – a local, family-owned, and sustainable firm – promote their iconic British brand and sell more delicious British cheese to customers around the world.” With the backing from UKEF, the third-generation family-owned cheese producer has continued building its market share in Europe after first entering the continent over 25 years ago. Now, its expansion is reaching new regions as it establishes brands in Japan, Australia, South Africa and the USA. Wyke Farms is also developing brands to specifically target Asian markets, including Japan, with its ‘London 1856’ brand putting the Union Jack on the heart of the packaging and the world’s first Carbon Neutral Vintage cheddar ‘Ivy’s Reserve’ targeted at established cheese markets and global pockets of affluence. Wyke Farms was established over 160 years ago and continues to use the secret family recipe. The business produces over 18,000 tonnes of Cheddar cheese each year, 65% of which is sold domestically, including premium own-label ranges in the UK for leading supermarket chains, such as Lidl, Asda and Co-op. The remaining 35% share of around 6,000 tonnes is exported abroad. The business has seen a sizeable uptick in exports in recent years and this is set to continue to grow over the next 12 months. Richard Clothier, third generation family member and Managing Director at Wyke Farms, said: “We’re grateful for UKEF’s support and Barclays which enabled us to fulfil our growing export sales despite the rising cost of production. “By developing these new regions, we can expand sales of our more premium cheeses which helps to improve the milk price paid to Southwest farmers and therefore benefits the whole region. This UKEF support has enabled us to grow our business quicker by allowing us to continue to push further into markets all over the world.” James Binns, global head of Trade & Working Capital at Barclays, said: “Barclays is passionate about supporting the trade and exporting agenda and policy makers and finance providers have a vital role to play in stimulating a thriving, export-led economy. “Supporting Wyke Farms with their working capital is a powerful example of how the private and public sector can work together to bring the benefits of UK Export Finance to bear in these challenging times. The solution we have put in place will enable driven and focused businesses like Wyke Farms to continue their export growth strategy, fulfilling opportunities and diversifying into new markets.”

Future Planet Capital backs Roslin Tech’s cultivated meat momentum with further investment

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Future Planet Capital (FPC), the international venture capital and impact investor, has revealed its participation in Edinburgh-based food & ag tech company Roslin Technologies’ latest £11m funding round, helping to fuel the company’s next wave of growth in its mission to become the leading provider of animal cell lines to the emerging cultivated meat sector. Cultivated meat is meat grown directly from animal cells without the need to raise animals. Cultivated meat offers a promise to improve animal welfare, lower antibiotics use, and reduce the environmental footprint of meat production. The cultivated meat sector is rapidly growing with billions of dollars invested to date, in over 100 active companies including global meat producers. To make cultivated meat viable, production cost needs to come down and products need to create great consumer satisfaction. High quality cell lines are required to make cultivated meat safe, affordable and nutritious.
Having made an initial investment of £10m in 2017, FPC has supported Roslin as it has grown from an intial concept to the revenue generating commercial enterprise it is today through board representation, funding and strategic commercial introductions. FPC also facilitated an introduction to the now King Charles at its leadership event at COP 26. As a long term partner looking to profitably solve the world’s greatest challenges, FPC says it is now pleased to be making a substantial contribution to this latest round via its Blue Ocean mandate and its Challenge Response II (CRII) strategy.
This new funding will allow Roslin Tech to invest in expanding its cell line portfolio and further developing the protocols for scale up of its cells into competitive cell biomass for meat production. It will do so jointly with its customers, development collaborators, and the University of Edinburgh with which Roslin Tech has a privileged relationship. It will also invest in its insect venture which focuses on breeding better insects for the emerging insect protein sector, a promising regenerative agricultural technique.
Guy Pengelley, investment director at Future Planet Capital, said: “Roslin’s ambitions to create disruptive biotechnologies to improve how proteins are made, very much aligns with FPC’s mission to deliver returns while tackling the world’s greatest challenges. As an early investor, we’re delighted to be in the position to continue to back their both their momentum and continued growth and are excited to see what more we can achieve together over the longer term.”
Ernst van Orsouw, CEO of Roslin Tech, says: “This round is a real milestone for Roslin Tech as we look to expand, but also to have received such strong recognition and support not just from new investors but also from those that have already been an integral part of our journey so far. “We are proud to have recieved this continued support from Future Planet Capital. As firm believers of long term partnerships, in the five years we have worked together they’ve already shown the value add they can provide beyond the initial capital and we are pleased to have received this latest show of commitment in our future ambitions.”

Fungi protein companies unite

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Following the boom in alternative proteins, the leaders of several companies pioneering fungi fermentation for food sustainability purposes have united to form a new trade association: The Fungi Protein Association (FPA). The FPA will represent the interests of its member companies, including advocating for fungi protein in public policy, conducting consumer research, and more. While mushrooms have been used for centuries as meat replacements, various methods of fungi fermentation are creating a new crop of high-protein, high-fibre, meat alternatives.  As such, fermented fungi is taking the alternative protein market by storm. Alongside plant and cell-based protein, it now represents one of the three mainstays of the burgeoning meat alternative sector. In the UK alone, the sale of meat substitutes has grown from £390m in 2018 to £650m in 2021, with sales of mycoprotein products expected to grow at 12.6% CAGR between 2022 and 2032. The increased popularity of mycoprotein chimes perfectly with growing awareness, particularly among Generation Z, about the effect of processed foods on our health, a concern that has continued to grow during the pandemic. Given the lower carbon, land and water footprints compared to chicken and beef, mycoprotein offers a sustainable way to cater for growing alternative protein demand and a growing world population. A 2022 study in Nature found that replacing just 20% of beef with microbial protein – the products FPA members are pioneering – could cut global deforestation by a whopping 50%. In addition to Quorn’s leadership of the fungi fermentation space for decades, dozens of start-ups founded in the past several years have mushroomed into a newly emerging multi-player industry. This has led to a need to create a trade body specifically focused on championing fungi protein. Founding members of the association include Quorn, Nature’s Fynd, Enough, The Better Meat Co., The Protein Brewery, Prime Roots, Mycotechnology, Mycorena, ProVeg and the Good Food Institute. “The world needs more protein, and fungi fermentation offers a delicious, sustainable way to do just that,” said Marco Bertacca, CEO of Quorn Foods. “We’re excited to partner with our fellow fungi enthusiasts to raise awareness and appreciation of the wonderful ways fungi can improve human health and the health of our planet.”

All4Pack Innovations 2022 and the finalists are…

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As the pioneering international exhibition for all sustainable packaging and intralogistics solutions, ALL4PACK Emballage Paris is a source of inspiration to support the sector’s players in the face of current and future challenges. It is in this perspective that the tradeshow is organising ALL4PACK Innovations, a major event shining a light on the most outstanding new products and innovations presented by the exhibitors. The 1,100 exhibitors and brands of the ALL4PACK Emballage Paris show were able to present their innovations within the framework of the competition. The first ALL4PACK Innovations jury, made up of French and international journalists, selected the 24 finalists of the competition. These will be put before the second judging panel, made up of the members of the exhibition’s Pack Expert Committee, which will designate the winners in the following categories:
  • Sustainable and Responsible Solution,
  • Design and ergonomics,
  • Innovative technology,
  • Material of the future, and Logistics performance.
The judges may also make their “Judges’ favourite” award to one of the innovations entered. The winners will be announced in early November. The winning products will be on display at the show from 21 to 24 November, on the stands of the exhibitors concerned and in the ALL4PACK Innovations area. The awards ceremony will take place during the show, on Tuesday 22 November 2022.     AND THE FINALISTS ARE …  
SUSTAINABLE AND RESPONSIBLE SOLUTION CATEGORY
  BASTIN-PACK NV – Belgium                                         Stand n°090 – N – 5/A Customised doypack made from MONO-PE therefore 100% recyclable These mono-material bags made from 100% polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP) are recyclable. Similar to standard pouch constructions, they offer full product protection by including high oxygen and water vapor barrier films. Customizable in high definition flexo printing, clients’ packaging gets a superior look. The zip closures are made from recyclable plastic, so they can be disposed of in a recycling bin.     GOGLIO – Italy                                                               Stand n°014 – H – 5/A Flexible packaging “suitable for recycling” Recyclable and compostable packaging solutions, made with polyolefin complexes or mono-materials “suitable for recycling” or composting. High- performance mechanical and barrier laminates with a remarkable and distinctive aesthetic appearance.     LEYGATECH- France                                                      Stand n°073 – N – 5/A Thinox In partnership with GENEOMAT, LEYGATECH has developed the Thinox. This is a lidding solution for reusable containers. This polyethylene film, barrier, 100% recyclable, can be sealed on stainless steel, glass, ceramic, porcelain. This product caters to the new re-use needs of the fast food market, communities and supermarkets. This film complies with the requirements for strong seals (>250mbar), sealing through contaminants and removal of sealant on cleaning. Today the use of stainless steel, glass or other containers involves the use of hermetic lids which are often heavy and expensive. Thinox uses recyclable plastic film to guarantee sealing and reduce environmental impact.     LOIRE PLASTIC INDUSTRIE – France                             Stand n° 006 – F – 5/A LYS PET & RPET lid Launch of a brand-new lid, neck Twist off 82 mm, for food and personal care markets: LYS lid in PET! Developed for PET jars from sister company Acti Pack, the LYS lid in PET guarantees a mono material and 100% recyclable set of jar & lid. Available in virgin PET raw material, LYS lid is also available in versions integrating 50% and 100% of recycled PET, in clear or coloured. The advantage of the PET lid: the same aesthetic finish as PET jar.     SGT FRANCE – France                                                    Stand n°125 – E – 5/A New single layer preform with very low mineral content (<4 %) SGT, a preform manufacturer, has developed in partnership with Avient, a colouring specialist, a new single-layer dairy preform with a very low mineral content (less than 4%). Intended for the dairy products market, this 38 mm neck preform incorporates a new additive technology called ColorMatrix™ Lactra™ Four One Zero which offers both superior whiteness to the bottle and high protection for photosensitive liquids. The ColorMatrix™ Lactra™ Four One Zero formula makes it possible to block light up to 99.9%, even with a low wall thickness (200 microns). Dairy products, such as UHT milk, sensitive to oxidation are thus protected and kept longer, up to 6 months, without altering taste or sensory and nutritional properties.  
DESIGN AND ERGONOMICS CATEGORY
  ACTI PACK – France                                                       Stand n°006 – F – 5/A ISIL range For health and personal care market, Acti Pack proposes a new range, “Isil”, discreet in Basque. The discretion of “Isil” range is located in its neck and cap, which are flat and thin. The range is eco-designed in order to have a “Bottle/cap” pairing with reduced weight. The “Isil” cap is compliant with Amazon norm ISTA-6- and offers tamper-evident seals and first opening security. Acti Pack packaging remains 100% recyclable.     ACTI PACK – France                                                       Stand n°006 – F – 5/A 125 ml Yogo pot New packaging in PET, 100% recyclable and integrating up to 100% recycled PET, for the chilled food market: the PET yoghurt pot. This new PET model named Yogo 125ml is proposing the transparency and the standard dimensions of yoghurt cups from the market and is offering the possibility to use a PET lid, thus making a 100% recyclable mono-material set. Unbreakable and recyclable, the PET yoghurt cup is 7 times lighter than its current glass version.     GOGLIO – Italy                                                               Stand n°014 – H – 5/A Pillow UP – The smart 2 in 1 pouch, flat or upright in a single movement This pouch is the latest innovation from the Goglio R&D team. The pouch is flexible and can be placed flat inside boxes like a “pillow pouch” or placed on a vertical surface like a “stand up” bag. This smart solution combines practical aspects in terms of production and storage. Also available in “suitable for recycling” laminates.     LEEF BLATTWERK GmbH – Germany                                   Stand n°14 – E – 4 LEEF – takeaway collection with paper lid LEEF is a takeaway line. Palm leaf packaging with paper lid. The result is beautiful and sustainable packaging for sushi/luxury items/other.    
INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY CATEGORY
  ADMC – France                                                              Stand n°038 – E – 5/A Multi Q HD high definition container closure integrity system The vacuum decay test is a proven non-destructive, deterministic, sensitive, and reliable CCIT method to identify leaks in pharmaceutical containers. Newly developed advanced sensor technology enables the Multi-Q HD to detect defects down to 1 micron. The ultra-sensitive technology has an improved signal-to-noise ratio that can pick up the slightest rise in pressure to detect even the smallest micron holes.   ENGILICO – 100 % SEAL INSPECTION – Belgium           Stand n°046 – E – 5/A Hyperscope™ – hyperspectral tray seal inspection HyperScope is new tray inspection solution for rigid trays and thermoforms. The inspection solution uses hyperspectral imaging (HSI) and artificial intelligence technology to detect contamination in the seal of trays with a much higher contrast than standard vision cameras, and can even detect contamination through printed plastic foils. Typical applications include the inspection of trays containing cold cuts, cheese, ready meals, etc.     ESKO-GRAPHICS BVBA – Belgium                                     Stand n°058 – D – 4 Esko Solvent Saver Nowadays reducing waste is a top priority. For the production of flexo plates, if the entire plate is not being used, there is no need to cover the whole surface with solvent. Part of Esko Flexo Engine, new Solvent Saver helps plate producers:
  • reduce solvent wastage from 20% to 10% on average,
  • save up to 7,500 litres of solvent per year (when using 5,000 m2 of thick plates)
  • protect margins by lowering costs, and enhance plate quality.
It addresses two of the biggest concerns in the industry today – sustainability, and economic issues.     KHS GmbH – Germany                                                  Stand n°102 – D – 5/A SmartCan filler/seamer block by KHS/Ferrum Great flexibility, a high standard of hygiene and plenty of future viability all rolled into one: the SmartCan filler/seamer block by KHS/Ferrum combines numerous advantages in a single machine. The filler, seamer and housing are perfectly attuned to one another. The computer-controlled can filler and seamer can fill beer and CSD, juices, still beverages and even coffee and tea quickly and efficiently. The can filler/seamer block can fill up to 135,000 cans per hour with a diameter of 50-73 mm.     PRINTING INTERNATIONAL NV/SA – Belgium                 Stand n°015 – B – 4 ACR module Automatic Color Registration [ACR] avoids cumbersome setup procedures, eliminating the need for technical skills from the operator. Printing plates and pads are simply fixed onto the machine and the ACR modules use specific references on printing plates, pads and product fixtures to align all components to get not only registered colours but also to place the (multicolour) image exactly on the spot where it is needed. This ACR setup procedure is much faster and more accurate than manual setup. During production, re-calibration of the setup can be repeated if required. A complete repositioning of the image (all colours together) or adjustment of one particular colour component referenced to any other colour component is also easy to do at any moment during production and takes only a few seconds.     U2 Robotics – France                                                    Stand n°021 – B – 5/A Cleanline – flexible filling line Cleanline is a solution that works with virtually any packaging shape and type of closure. The machine is designed for quick changeovers and frequent format changes. The format elements are printed on a 3D printer, which allows users to produce them quickly. The machine has a much higher productivity per square meter of its area thanks to the magnetic conveyor module.    
MATERIAL OF THE FUTURE CATEGORY
  CILKOA – France                                                                 Stand n°003 – E – 4 Cilkoa Cilkoa is a solution that makes it possible to coat cellulosic materials (paper, cardboard or moulded cellulose) with a thin layer of a few nanometres of alumina, in order to give them high barriers to oxygen and water vapour, without compromising their sustainable end of life (recyclability or compostability). This treatment is the only solution providing gas barrier properties while maintaining such a high percentage of cellulose, above 99%. The treatment also applies to flexible films as well as to objects that have already been shaped.   GETRA – France                                                              Stand n°137 – E – 5/A FE23 industrial stretch film The FE23 industrial stretch film is 100% biodegradable, compostable and recyclable according to the EN13432 standard and responds concretely to the implementation of CSR policies conducted by its users. It has been developed in order to:
  • actively participate in reducing the carbon footprint of companies (bio sourced)
  • also participate in the circular economy (can be recycled)
  • give back its biogenic carbon to soil by composting
Unlike other stretch films, which are not recycled at all or very few and which contaminate the compost, the FE23 film provides the solution to the main issues of recycling and final pollution of the oceans.     TOSA – Italy                                                                   Stand n°160 – H – 5/A Cai Lun: the TOSA project on pallet-wrapping paper TOSA has invested in a R&D project in collaboration with an external partner which implements a pioneering paper processing method. By means of this process the paper is “deformed” and the fibres composing it stretch by up to 40%, thus allowing us to increase the adaptability to the perimeter of the palletised product, improving its stability and security and also obtaining a more polished finished look than that achieved with standard Kraft paper. Until now, there was only one type of paper on the market dedicated to tertiary packaging. This paper possesses properties that make it suitable for wrapping regular palletised products, without sharp edges, with geometric perimeters.    
LOGISTICS PERFORMANCE CATEGORY
  LIVINGPACKETS FRANCE SAS – France                                Stand n°12 – E – 4 The Box THE BOX, the flagship product of LivingPackets is the result of 3 years of R&D and more than 35 worldwide patents. The Box – foldable line integrates all the technology and know-how of LivingPackets. It includes the logistics tablet (and all its features), the locking system with a special TSA custom interface and an integrated automatic wedging system. A reusable packaging, The Box in its folded configuration helps optimize storage. It prevents problems before they happen. It is preventive, protective and customizable. LivingPackets is on a mission to eliminate the use of environmentally unfriendly packaging in favour of a solution that reduces costs and improves the delivery experience     QIMAROX BV – Netherlands                                       Stand n°148 – M – 5/A Highrunner HR9 palletizer Qimarox introduces a brand new palletizer especially developed for a logistics environment where palletizing goods from containers happens often. Thanks to its unique pattern generator, the Qimarox Highrunner HR9 can stack boxes of almost any size on pallets at lightning speed. With this innovation, importers of various products are able to largely automate the unloading of containers. The Qimarox Highrunner HR9 offers a solution to the physically demanding work of unloading ‘loose loaded’ containers which is time-consuming and unattractive work. The boxes must be manually removed from the containers one by one and stacked on pallets, leasing to physical complaints among staff and damage to goods if boxes are stacked carelessly or dropped.     RANPAK BV – Netherlands                                            Stand n°152 – E – 5/A Cut’it !™ EVO Cut’it! EVO delivers a most innovative approach to the packing process: once the products are packed, the machine determines the highest filling point of the carton, cuts excess cardboard and automatically applies a glued lid, resulting in a box ready for palletizing and shipping. With a high throughput, the machine provides smaller, easy-to-open and tamper-proof boxes, faster and leaner operations, and lower shipping costs thanks to the optimized box sizes. A few new key features and capabilities for this next generation automated system, which was completely redesigned, include improved reliability and productivity, integrated connectivity with real-time remote support and data reporting, integrated box dimensions check, and easier, transparent operation with maintenance.     SCHOELLER ALLIBERT – France                                     Stand n°026 – H – 5/A Magnum Optimum 1210/1125 Magnum Optimum® 1210 is suitable for a variety of applications and is the strongest foldable large container (FLC) on the market. Its double-wall structure offers more volume than other similar containers, while its high folding ratio helps to reduce the cost of reverse logistics. The Magnum Optimum 1210 features unique self-locking doors which makes it easy to use with a variety of accessories available (lids, dust covers and the unique Optiframe). A 4-way FLT entry and easy-to-clean surfaces make the MO1125 a must-have for many supply chains. With a fold rate of up to 73%, this product significantly reduces users’ carbon footprint. Plus, with new tracking and tracing options, this solution allows any freight forwarder to easily manage their asset pool.     STOROPACK France SAS – France                                 Stand n°164 – H – 5/A RENATURE Thermo – New controlled temperature pack RENATURE Thermo is a new product offering to our clients a sustainable and insulative packaging that keeps the needed temperature during the shipment of food and medical products. The flat packed deliveries of panels save transport cost and storage volume. Natural materials like starch as insulative panel and paper as cover make RENATURE Thermo environmentally valuable. RENATURE Thermo is made up of moisture resistant paper wrap with an insulating core made from waste of starch which does not compete with food. After use, RENATURE Thermo can be easily separated and recycled or composted at home. The starch panel can also be reused by the end user. It is easy to cut and glue with only water to make a new customised packaging for their own purpose. Thanks to the unique U-shaped design and light weight of the extruded starch, the shipping goods are perfectly protected.     STOROPACK France SAS – France                                 Stand n°164 – H – 5/A AIRplus® BIO Home Compostable AIRplus BIO Home Compostable aircushions protects products inside the box during transport, and ensures a safe arrival. The aircushions can be used for void fill, cushioning, and block and brace. With these innovative Aircushions, Storopack helps reducing the amount of plastic waste, while keeping the outstanding packaging characteristics to protect light – to medium-weight products. The new Storopack AIRplus BIO Home Compostable aircushions can simply be disposed on a home compost heap, preventing the aircushion from entering the waste system in the first place. The compostability comes from the raw materials, which are partly from the renewable resource starch. The aircushions follow the high standards of the “OK compost home” certification from TÜV Austria.

Kite Packaging introduces the Hivewrap box

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The bestselling Hivewrap paper is now available as an all-in-one protective paper solution named Hivewrap box. Kite have cleverly designed a fully recyclable corrugated dispenser which expands and compresses the hive-shaped cells to provide effective shock absorption and protection, making it a great addition to any packing area. The dispenser features a pre-cut slit through which the paper is pulled manually, expanding into a strong interlocking hexagonal structure as it does. The paper is used to wrap and protect customer’s products, then hand torn and placed into the outer packaging. This prevents any internal movement and damage from occurring. Glue at the base of the box stops it from slipping when being used. The hivewrap box is biodegradable and kerbside recyclable, aiding sustainable disposal and enhancing overall end customer satisfaction with purchases. FSC approved, it integrates sustainability into the start and end of its life. An ideal point of sale product due to its compact nature, it can be conveniently placed at any till or packing area making it perfect for start-ups and small businesses. This new product launches the innovation of Hivewrap paper as the ultimate paper protection alternative, supplying Kite’s customers with a new standard of value for money. The aesthetic honeycomb texture presents ecommerce orders in an attractive manner with instantly recognisable eco-friendly credentials. For more information on the Hivewrap box, please visit www.kitepackaging.co.uk.

A smoother transition to automation success

David Jahn, sales director at Brillopak explains why automation should not be feared and that proper planning can prevent myriad issues, while delivering significant performance increases. Your investment in end-of-line automation in food packing is no longer a medium-term aspiration, it is now a short-term business imperative. And with an optimum combination of class-leading technology and a partner that understands every facet of the evolutionary process, you can quickly reap the throughput rewards and avoid all the planning, architectural and logistical pitfalls. This push to automate is being driven by your end users; the proliferation of digital supply chains, which thrive on end-to-end operational data; labour market shortages, evolution and migration; and efficiency, agility & speed of response becoming ever-more essential metrics for your customers. But we know that deploying automation is a big step as it can be very different to manual operations. There is also an element of perceived risk. Indeed, we’ve heard from many food processors and packers who are not fully utilising their new automation equipment, often for simple reasons that were overlooked at the planning stage. These can include simply not asking “why are we automating?”, a failure to create forward-looking requirements plans, engineers and operators being reluctant to use more complex technology, failure to consider future business when planning and failure to involve all stakeholders. To prevent these issues, we highly recommend you partner with a manufacturer that can act as an expert guide, as you prepare and transition into automation – from planning through design, deployment, evaluation and enhancement, and onto carefully phased and fully scaled operations. There’s a lot to consider.

IMA ILAPAK engineers energy and labour saving packaging solutions

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IMA ILAPAK presents how its suite of horizontal and vertical packaging machines is advancing to enable food producers to reduce their line-side labour requirement and energy bills and adapt to latest generation films. As well as applying digital servo technology across its entire portfolio, IMA ILAPAK has engineered a breakthrough automatic splicing system for its Vegatronic 6400HD (Hygienic Design) and long dwell sealing jaws that enable its Delta 3000 flow wrapper to run heat-sensitive mono-materials. NEW: digital servo drives cut energy bills In a move designed to help its customers keep energy costs in check, IMA ILAPAK has upgraded all of the machines in its portfolio to digital servo technology. The use of the very latest servo technology to power functions such as head height adjustment, infeed belts, jaw drives and film drives has dramatic impact in terms of energy efficiency as it reduces load on factory air conditioning units. Tony McDonald, Sales and Marketing Director at ILAPAK UK, explains: “Conventional squirrel cage motors use fans to stop the machine from overheating, blowing hot air into the atmosphere. The factory air conditioning system then has to work extra hard to cool the hot air that is generated. This isn’t necessary with digital servo motors, which translates to huge energy savings for our customers.” NEW: Labour saving automatic splicing on Vegatronic 6400HD IMA llapaks’s newest continuous motion VFFS system, the Vegatronic 6400HD now comes with a game-changing automatic splicing feature. Automatic splicing has always been a ‘pain point’ on baggers owing to the geometry in the forming tube. ILAPAK has overcome this challenge by designing a splicing process in which the films are angled in a way that guarantees successful splicing, thereby eliminating the need for manual reel changes. The Vegatronic 6400HD was conceived to meet the growing expectations of the market in terms of sanitary design, accessibility, fast changeover and OEE (overall equipment effectiveness). Open frame design, IP66 rated electrical components, easily removable forming tube and a cantilever film reel shaft are among the features that combine to make the Vegatronic 6400HD the most efficient and hygienic bagger on the market today. Delta 3000: at the core of an automated workflow The Delta 3000 flow wrapper with automatic infeed demonstrates how designing an automated workflow around the flow wrapping function can help companies to reduce near-line labour requirements whilst making efficiency gains. “We are seeing an industry-wide shift towards integrated flow wrapping systems as a response to the ongoing labour crisis. Instead of buying stand-alone flow wrappers, food businesses of all sizes are looking at the fully automated solutions that used to be the preserve of very high-speed operations. As part of the IMA Group and FLX HUB, we are ideally placed to implement turnkey solutions incorporating everything from infeed and outfeed automation, alignment systems, stackers, and buffers to case packaging and palletising,” says Tony. With its heavy duty, hygienic design, the Delta 3000 is fast becoming the flow wrapper of choice for the fast-growing chilled sector, where it is used to pack everything from sandwiches, pies and cheese portions to fresh fruit & veg, meat, poultry and fish. IMA ILAPAK is currently experiencing particularly high demand from producers of sandwiches and hand-held snacks thanks to the Delta 3000’s ability to accommodate complex laminates, paper films and recyclable PE and PP mono-films with its long dwell sealing technology. “The Delta 3000 has a long dwell sealing head which is capable of running films that a rotary sealing system simply cannot handle. Paper films are notoriously difficult to run on flow wrappers because of their structure – applying heat evenly and efficiently to achieve a hermetic seal is made difficult by the thermal insulating properties of the top paper layer. IMA ILAPAK has overcome this by deploying special geometry surface treated sealing jaws in conjunction with consolidated long dwell technology,” says Tony. The long dwell sealing jaws and special surface treatments developed by IMA ILAPAK also enable the Delta 3000 to run heat-sensitive mono-materials at high speeds. At the same time, the Delta 3000 meets the chilled food industry’s stringent hygiene requirements by enabling full wash down capability, even of the sealing elements. This has been achieved through full stainless steel execution, isolating the electrical cabinet from the main machine frame and smooth, sloping surfaces without recesses. As well as food applications, the Delta 3000 is suited to non-food applications where a hermetically sealed pack is required, such as medical and personal care products like wet wipes. IMA Record shows its Panda Red flow wrapper IMA Record has highlighted he Panda Red horizontal flow wrapping machine, a flexible machine that can find application in both food and non-food industries. This machine can be integrated with multiple automatic feeding systems offered by IMA Record and can be equipped with all the main options in order to deliver maximum performance. The Panda Red is available in the Bottom Seal version with rotating sealing jaws for a packaging speed up to 240ppm. The stainless steel chassis and the availability of washdown infeed match the level of sanitation required by the food industry, including IQF applications. 100% made in Italy, with a simple and intuitive HMI, Panda Red can be easily connected for remote assistance and to the local ERP network.

The first Illig down stacking machine with a punch press in the UK delivered to Macpac

Never wanting to stand still Macpac is no stranger to investing in new machinery, in fact over the past 10 years Macpac has replaced 90% of their machine park, upgrading to modern, faster and more energy efficient machinery than their predecessors. However, this time it’s a game changer for Macpac, with the first Illig down stacking machine with a punch press in the UK.  This new Illig RD74 machine gives Macpac the capability to produce thermoformed packaging with holes punched and removed within the forming itself, using its second cut station for the punching process that is required. The addition of the down stacking station means tooling can be produced more cost effectively than any up-stacker style machine without compromising run speed and quality to the product. M.D Graham Kershaw said “The new machine gives Macpac a huge leap forward in terms of manufacturing capabilities.  Having a machine that can punch and clear within a forming opens so many new avenues for Macpac in terms of customers’ demands.  Where in the past we have had to turn away business due to our machines capabilities we can now offer this service and guarantee the same quality of product and customer service we offer at Macpac” Replacing older, less-efficient machinery over the past decade has allowed Macpac to increase their production capacity, without increasing the footprint of the manufacturing site.  Being able to keep overheads to a minimum is key to Macpac being the successful and stable business they have become, which, during the current financial climate and period of uncertainty, is particularly reassuring for customers looking to place their orders with a company they can trust.