< Previous20 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net CARTONING AND SLEEVING in printing technology, manufacturers can leverage these packaging components to create visually striking designs, aligning with brand aesthetics and messaging. This level of customisation not only enhances the product’s shelf appeal, but also contributes to a unique and memorable brand identity in the minds of consumers. Food manufacturers can even go further than using packaging for self-serving aims where informing the customer is concerned. Product information in recent years has taken a leap towards education for the greater good, these understated surfaces communicating important messages about charitable practices, nutritional awareness, and even recipes. This educational dimension contributes to consumer engagement. The public wants to be well informed about where their food comes from, and which communities are benefitting from its ingredients and manufacture. Allowing this through packaging fosters shared responsibility and mindfulness, and feelings of pride in the products they consume. A variety of convenient designs, enabled by the ergonomic possibilities of materials like card and plastic, facilitate easy handling and open up possibilities in packaging formats. Providing consumers with options that align with their busy routines, cartons and sleeves can also contribute to portion control, particularly in the context of single-serve packaging. Waste reduction is then met with a dual approach – ensuring as little product as possible is thrown away, and minimising the need for single-use plastics in particular. The use of recycled materials in the production of cartons and sleeves further contributes to the reduction of the carbon footprint, fostering a more sustainable and circular approach to packaging. Advancements in material science have paved the way for new compositions in cartons and BAG SEALING MACHINES RM Sealers remain a leading British manufacturer and supplier of high quality Bag Sealing Machines, also known as Rotary Band Sealers and Impulse Sealers. Call 01442 843387 to speak to a member of our team SEALERS © www.rmsealers.co.ukFood & Drink International 21 www.fdiforum.net CARTONING AND SLEEVING sleeves. From incorporating barrier coatings to enhance product protection to experimenting with biodegradable materials, manufacturers continuously explore ways to improve the sustainability and functionality of these packaging components. The design and material composition of cartons and sleeves contribute to endless possibilities for making products more delectable prospects. They see foods safely to shelves where their life is extended for less waste, protective properties shielding contents from light, moisture, and many other external factors that could cause damage. However, in this deep look into the potential of cartoning and sleeving food and drink products, we’ve also seen that their significance extends far beyond conventional packaging. Their many contributions, from branding and customisation to education, go far beyond the confines of the recycling bin. The simplest packaging solutions can embrace the symbiotic relationship between packaging, product, and consumer for a well- informed community and quality of experience, as well as a greener and more sustainable future. BENCHTOP BAG SEALING MACHINE IMPULSE BAG SEALING MACHINE HORIZONTAL BAG SEALING MACHINE VERTICAL BAG SEALING MACHINE © stock.adobe.com/etonastenka © stock.adobe.com/Nigel22 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net CONVEYING connections CreatingFood & Drink International 23 www.fdiforum.net CONVEYING W hen investing in any type of manufacturing equipment, the ability to keep it clean must be a paramount consideration. Within the last decade, regulatory shifts such as the Food Safety and Modernization Act (FSMA) in the United States and the Food Standards Act in the United Kingdom are steering the trajectory towards proactive measures against foodborne illnesses. This transformation emphasizes prevention over reaction, necessitating stringent sanitation and hygiene protocols from food processors. Recent data from the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights the staggering impact of contaminated food, draining approximately $15.5 billion annually from the US economy due to food-related illnesses and outbreaks. The alarming statistics reveal an estimated 48 million cases of foodborne diseases yearly in the US alone, leading to about 128,000 hospitalizations and an average of 3,000 deaths. These figures underscore the severity of the issue, echoed by the World Health Organization (WHO), which reports a global toll of 600 million illnesses and 420,000 deaths annually caused by foodborne diseases, urging the urgent adoption of enhanced safety measures throughout the food processing chain. Whilst cleaning and sanitation are frequently used synonymously, it’s crucial to recognize their distinctions. Cleaning, or washing, involves removing visible dirt and debris from surfaces. On the other hand, sanitation goes beyond mere cleanliness; it refers to the process of reducing microbial levels on surfaces to ensure hygienic conditions. The term “sanitary” signifies the capability to diminish microbes, a critical aspect in shielding individuals from potential foodborne illnesses. When choosing your conveyor, it should be considered whether it can be sanitised from the particular food being processed. The first type of conveying system to consider are Belt Conveyors. Among the most ubiquitous conveyor across global food production, belt conveyors offer versatility, suitable for many product types, and efficiency of transportation. Manufacturers often offer a removable enclosure for additional security. Belt conveyors used in consumables manufacturing must be made of a non-porous material for sanitisation Conveying is more than just moving product from one machine to another. It must be a fully integrated system prioritising not only efficiency but hygiene as well. © stock.adobe.com/Creative_studio © stock.adobe.com/sopiangraphics 24 Á24 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net CONVEYING purposes. Optimal for food-grade applications, these conveyors necessitate non-porous materials and can be enclosed if required. However, their operation is limited to a horizontal or near- horizontal plane, demanding a considerable floor space allocation. The second conveyor for consideration is a Chain Drag Conveyor. Comparable to tubular cable drag conveyors due to their stainless-steel chain and potential for enclosure, chain drag conveyors present a divergence in their suitability for food material transport. The use of chains can lead to the accumulation of product residue, potentially causing contamination concerns if not diligently cleaned. Chain Drag Conveyors are therefore best used with dry foods such granules, coffee, pet food, fish food, tea, and grains. If hygienic design remains a concern, enclosed tubular conveying systems are the gold standard for processing large amounts of dried products and powders. These fully enclosed conveyors serve as a bulwark against product contamination by completely sealing off the conveyed goods from the external environment, unlike traditional bucket elevators and flat belt systems. Shady Lane, Great Barr, Birmingham, B44 9EU England Tel: +44 (0)121 360 0155 For all your Power Transmission Solutions • Roller Chain • Gears & Sprockets • Timing Belt Drives • V Belt Pulleys • V Belts • Clamping Elements • Inverted Tooth Chain • Inverted Tooth Sprockets • Sealmaster Bearings • Shaft Couplings • Freewheel Clutches • Torque Limiters • Overload Clutches • Sheargard Clutches • McGill® Cam Followers • Gearboxes The Driving Force In Power Transmission sales@crossmorse.com www.crossmorse.com Power Transmission SolutionsFood & Drink International 25 www.fdiforum.net CONVEYING The final conveyor for consideration is a Pneumatic Conveyor System. Typically crafted from stainless steel, pneumatic tubes offer a versatile conveying solution, adaptable for both horizontal and slightly inclined transport. This makes these systems ideal for liquid or viscose materials which require gravity flow. Equipped with a top-end filter to sift out stray particles during operation, these tubes can be fitted with Clean-in-Place (CIP) technology. CIP technology is highly recommended here, as the tube can be challenging to access and clean thoroughly, potentially impeding efficient maintenance protocols. Understanding the premier conveying methods, the next job for a discerning manufacturer is to identify the most desirable features within a conveying system. One notable feature to prioritise is the implementation of nylon-coated cables, particularly in cable drag conveyors. The nylon is pivotal in minimising direct product contact with metal-stranded cables, which might otherwise create breeding grounds for harmful bacteria. This is a requirement in many global health and safety guidelines. Furthermore, nylon mitigates crevices in the cable, reducing the likelihood of materials getting ensnared and simplifying the cleaning process, efficiently clearing dust accumulation resulting from the conveyance of dry materials. A seamless, crevice-free rounded design isn’t just an aesthetic choice; it’s a strategic preventive measure against the accumulation of waste material. Smooth conveyors substantially mitigate microbial contamination risks. Furthermore, a design featuring fewer bolts and fasteners should be a consideration to prevent product contamination resulting from wear and tear. Solutions to this could include opting for conveyor systems with seals to segregate the drive mechanism from the material in case of leakage. For a truly sanitary solution, incorporating outboard seals and a standoff between the drive and conveyor outlet, ensures an added layer of protection against contamination. Ensuring durability not only reduces unplanned downtime but also curbs potential microbial growth. When opting for cable or chain designs, it is important to examine the materials used. Contrary to popular belief, cables often out-perform the tensile strength of chains. Aircraft-grade 304 stainless steel cable boasts exceptional resistance to rust and corrosion, ideal for enduring frequent cleanings. In fact, assessing cleaning solutions for specific applications and materials is critical. Conveyor manufacturers might offer test or demo units to gauge the effectiveness of sanitary or CIP units in achieving desired cleaning and sanitation levels. If the system is required for high-temperature applications, manufacturers should inquire about cable material upgrades, ensuring compatibility with the stringent industry temperature requirements. The significance of tube valves as a hygienic design aspect cannot be overlooked. These valves effectively eradicate the accumulation of residual materials, a common issue found in traditional outlet designs. The reduction in these pockets of leftover materials significantly curtails cross-contamination risks. While CIP options minimize downtime, periodic dismantling of tubular conveyors for targeted cleaning will occasionally be necessary. Optional quick-release connectors facilitate swift dismantling and reassembly, thereby reducing downtime. The best conveying solutions can easily be identified by assessing product types, then understanding key areas of concern during food processing. Whether it be hygiene, temperature control, or durability, effective conveyors exist for all needs. Gressenhall | Dereham | Norfolk | NR20 4DT | +44 (0)1362 861066 | www.premierpalletinverter.co.uk © stock.adobe.com/AkuAku26 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net PUMPS AND FLUIDS F luid pumps are employed for many a processing challenge when it comes to food, drinks and ingredients of differing viscosities. Applications vary widely, with sauces, jams, syrups, flavoured waters and alcoholic beverages like wine and beer easily handled. However, with the correct equipment, even more potentially troublesome fluids can be moved between storage and production tasks too. Part of a network of pipes, vats, and vessels, pumps are to a factory what the veins and arteries are to a human body – safely containing and moving around the ingredients often vital to a food business. Their significance lies in keeping large volumes of otherwise tough to handle materials in line with the routine of food and drink manufacturing processes. Their gifts are in their versatility. They have a remarkable ability to adjust to the diverse terrain of a busy working environment, surrounding liquids from water, to oil, to liquid chocolate and everything in between. Centrifugal pumps, designed for low- viscosity fluids, enable the smooth flow from tanks to bottling lines. For thicker liquids, positive displacement pumps take centre stage. Here, a combination of piston pumps, gear pumps, and peristaltic pumps forms a team, addressing challenges posed by the likes of sauces, syrups, and creamy desserts. Consider the delicate process of crafting a chocolate sauce, in which maintaining its velvety texture is essential to a high-quality finished product. In this scenario, the peristaltic pump’s rhythmic action precisely handles the dense, rich chocolate, guaranteeing a uniform and controlled flow. Meanwhile, gear pumps are at their best when transferring the delicate nuances of olive oil through low- pressure cavities; a gradual process which maintains a steady flow and preserves the oil’s smooth quality. Selecting the right pump for a broad range of fluids is a critical aspect of ensuring efficient and reliable 28 Á Pumping flavour We explore the diverse applications, challenges, and innovations that make these unsung heroes essential to the heart of food and beverage manufacturing. Food & Drink International 27 www.fdiforum.net PUMPS AND FLUIDS © stock.adobe.com/Adin28 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net PUMPS AND FLUIDS processing. The applications span a wide spectrum, primarily focusing on low-viscosity fluids such as juices, jellies and certain sugars. However, this diversity poses a significant challenge in terms of pump specification, considering factors like the fluid’s pumpability and sensitivity to stress. One critical parameter to consider is viscosity, as it determines the force required to move fluids. Some fluids, like ketchup and the molten chocolate we mentioned earlier, may change viscosity during processing, adding an extra layer of complexity. Additionally, the presence of particulates, such as solid objects like blueberries, introduces challenges in maintaining a steady flow to protect both the particulates and the pump mechanism from damage. Abrasiveness is another consideration, particularly for substances like slurries containing sugar, mustard with seed shells, tomatoes, and other produce with dirt and sand. These naturally abrasive materials can cause long-term wear on the pump surfaces, affecting its longevity and efficiency. Chemical attack becomes a concern when dealing with liquids or slurries with high levels of salt or acid, as their chemical properties can potentially damage fluid pump components. Careful consideration must be given to the materials used in the pump construction to ensure compatibility with the specific properties of the fluids being processed. Variable flow, arising from the need to process multiple variations of food or beverages, further complicates the pumping process. Selecting and modifying fluid pumps appropriately becomes crucial to guarantee reliable production with consistent quality at all times. But any trustworthy pump manufacturer will assist and advise on the right pump selection and modifications, so you can navigate your company’s individual needs, however complex. No different to the sensitivities needed with pharmaceutical pumps, fluid pumps for the food and beverage industry must not only address routine cleaning and sanitisation, but also provide superior hygienic performance to ensure the protection of food from contamination. Careful consideration of the aforementioned factors – viscosity, particulates, abrasiveness, chemical properties, and variable flows – is paramount in a selection process that supports fluid dynamics when dealing with food. To help you along the way though, the industry’s universal approach to food safety means that the vast Food & Drink International 29 www.fdiforum.net PUMPS AND FLUIDS majority of pumps will feature stainless- steel exteriors and sanitary function by design. These machines are not just tools to shift liquids, they also safeguard the cleanliness of any contents, ensuring they meet the highest standards of purity at any stage of production. However, the responsibility doesn’t rest solely on machinery. It extends to the human element as well. Personnel should always wear protective gear and give their hands a thorough wash whenever necessary between tasks, taking care when moving across the factory floor. Step into any modern food production facility dedicated to quality, and you’ll see the commitment to every nook and cranny, conduit and pump being thoroughly cleaned and cared for to remain that way. One key reason stainless steel is so widely used is for its easy-to-clean surface, so there’s no excuse not to give the time and focus to keeping your pumps immaculate for the sake of safe and delicious products. Looking ahead of their immediate functionality and hygiene, the evolving landscape of pump technology brings innovation into focus. Smart pumps, equipped with sensors and monitoring systems, enhance operational efficiency and contribute to predictive maintenance, reducing downtime and ensuring continuous production. This fusion of technology with the mechanical simplicity of pumps aligns seamlessly with the evolving demands in food industry. With a growing focus on sustainability in particular, the environmental impact of pump usage has contributed to upgrading their design. Companies have a responsibility to source pumps that have been designed with energy-efficient features that also minimise wastage. This symbiotic relationship between technology, efficiency, and sustainability paves the way for an ever more environmentally conscious food production landscape. The spectrum of applications for pumps in the food industry is vast and diverse, spanning from delicate chocolate confections to refreshing fruit blends. As technology continues to evolve, pumps are becoming integral components of a sophisticated and efficient food production ecosystem. Through the intricacies of fluid dynamics, where machinery, hygiene, and personnel coordination combine to powerful effect, pumps overlap these concerns in multiple surprising ways. But if you treat them with the significance they deserve, they’ll always steer your products towards great flavour, texture, appearance and safety. © stock.adobe.com/zyabich© stock.adobe.com/279photoNext >