< PreviousPACKAGING SPOTLIGHT 20 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net punnet. So based on these results, simply removing packaging from the supply chain isn’t an environmental cure all. Instead, the emphasis should be on creating more sustainable, eco-friendly and, crucially, recyclable packaging. Yet there’s no denying that fresh produce is an area which needs to lower its reliance on plastic packaging. One of the most exciting Gainsborough Engineering highlights packing machines Stand-up Pouch Machine Model GHP250 Equipped with the latest technology, electronic and pneumatic combined with a construction objective of simple reliable mechanics, the GHP 250 offers flexibility and reliability with low operating costs. The Stand-up Pouch Machines form and seal the pouch from the reel resulting in typically 30% savings over pre-made pouches. The machine can be set up to accommodate a wide range of stand-up pouch sizes. With the focus on tight seals, a must for modern packaging, this allows for an almost unlimited variety of products that can be packed by the machine. Full Servo Continuous & Intermittent Vertical Form Fill Seal With fast changeover and speeds up to ‘140 ppm Continuous & 90ppm Intermittent , the Gainsborough Belt & Jaw Servo Drives offer high speed bagging in compact footprints, ideal for high speed applications such as snacks and nuts, confectionery products, rice and powder as well as vegetable packing. To find out more, visit www.gains-eng.co.uk. 16-23.qxp_Layout 1 03/02/2021 13:13 Page 5Food & Drink International 21 www.fdiforum.net 22 Á UK aftersales spares and service support provided. www.robopac.co.uk Robopac, Unit 7 – 8 Highfield Parc, Highfield Road, Oakley, Bedfordshire, MK43 7TA Tel: 01234 825050 Fax: 01234 827070 Email: sales Turntable Wrapping Machines Rotating Arm Wrapping Machines Case Sealers & Erectors Self-Propelled Robot Wrapping Machines Horizontal Wrapping Machines See us at Stand J60 © Shutterstock /Robert Kneschke solutions in this regard is edible coatings, which can be applied on the surface of fruits and vegetables. Not only do they help to protect produce in transit, but they also reduce spoilage, boosting shelf life and helping to curb food waste. Food waste and recyclability are both, of course, having an impact on the food and drink industry, but one of the most profound changes comes in the form of plain packaging, often touted as a means of reducing the consumption of high salt, fat and sugar products – especially sugar soft drinks and alcohol. It’s been posited in parliament, by action groups and campaigners that using plain packaging for high sugar beverages and alcohol – similar to the plain packaging for cigarettes and tobacco products introduced in the UK in 2016 – would help to curb the obesity crisis and levels of heart disease, stroke and diabetes. However, a report from consultancy company, Brand Finance, found that the global beverage industry could stand to lose as much as $400 billion if plain packaging were extended to sugary drinks and alcohol. There has also been calls for plain packaging to be extended to snack foods, presenting an existential threat for the food and drink industry. Product launches are increasing, shelf space is at a premium and start- ups and artisan produces are emerging 16-23.qxp_Layout 1 03/02/2021 13:13 Page 622 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net PACKAGING SPOTLIGHT SICK’s ready-made quality control system is super versatile SICK’s newly-developed MQCS (Modular Quality Control System) is an “off the shelf”, multifunctional machine vision system, delivered as a ready-to-use package of hardware and pre-written software. Suitable for code reading, 2D or 3D inspection duties, the MQCS significantly reduces cost and development time needed to set up packaging quality inspection systems. Originally, developed as a solution for non-contact 3D inspection of chocolate moulds in the confectionery industry, the MQCS soon demonstrated its versatility to be adapted for other applications such as “right product/right packaging” code matching, counting and aggregation of varied packages, monitoring the cycle life of materials handling equipment, and other 3D inspection and measurement tasks in the food industry. Customers purchase the MQCS as a complete system with pre-written software, control cabinet with touch-screen HMI, and a SICK (Telematic Data Collector) application controller, which can be combined with SICK vision sensors such as the LECTOR image-based code reader and the Ranger 3 camera. For more information, visit www.sick.co.uk. Quality bag sealing & heat sealing machines from RM Sealers RM Sealers, UK’s leading bag sealing machine and heat sealing machine manufacturer, began its business life in 1969 under the name of RM Tool Company. Having built a formidable reputation as high quality mechanical and design engineers, they were approached by Doboy in the early 1980’s to exclusively design and manufacture their BD range of Rotary Band Sealers for them. The Doboy bag sealing machines were subsequently rebranded under SIG and Bosch, and now are exclusively supplied through RM Sealers. The company is still able to offer a spare parts and maintenance service for all the machines which are still in use today under and branded under either the Doboy, SIG, Bosch, OK International or RM Sealers name, a testament to the longevity of our bag sealing machines. RM Sealers has more recently increased its market share by venturing into International and European countries such as Ireland, Iceland, Holland, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, America and South Africa. As well as offering off the shelf equipment, the company can also provide bespoke solutions. This includes: * Extra Height Clearance Kit. Bags requiring a seal between 50 and 100mm from the top edge. * Driven Infeed. Mainly used in conjunction with our vertical machines. Assists the operator to accurately and speedily feed bags through the machine. * Emboss Coder. Fitted at the outfeed end of the machine where text and/or numbers are continuously embossed into the seal. * Bag Top Trimmer. If good presentation is important this will trim any excess from the top of the bag, parallel to the seal. * Digital speed option available. To find out more, visit www.rmsealers.co.uk. to take on and disrupt major brands. Producers therefore need to compete on shelf, so manufacturers are taking their packaging back to the drawing board. New product development is rife for packaging, from branding and design, right through to shape and materials. It’s an ideal way for food companies to convey their sustainability message and 16-23.qxp_Layout 1 03/02/2021 13:13 Page 7Food & Drink International 23 www.fdiforum.net PACKAGING SPOTLIGHT © Shutterstock /V ereshchagin Dmitry credentials to consumers. A package made from recycled material isn’t just better for the environment, but it becomes a selling point, allowing manufacturers to stand out in an increasingly competitive marketplace. As important as sustainability is, manufacturers can’t afford to ignore innovative designs and packages that appeal to what modern consumers want. Millennials and generation Z lead busy lifestyles and often forgo traditional meals for quick and easy foods that can be eaten on-the-go. Pouch packaging is ideally suited for this market, particularly sprout packaging. Not only do they offer versatility and great on-shelf appeal but, according to growth forecasts analysis from GMO, the stand- up pouch sprouts market will exceed $900 million by 2024. Therefore, machinery specialised in filling pouch packaging are becoming more commonplace, as are more specialised packaging machines in general. It’s a time of rapid innovation and development for food and drink packaging; changes that include every aspect of the value chain, from design and manufacture, right through to retail and recycling. The cats whiskers – fully recyclable pouch Pets Choice have been manufacturing premium quality Pet Food for 135 years. When they decided to launch their new Webbox Natural range of premium cat food in recyclable pouches, it was a first for the business. The problem this gave them was that to maintain the integrity of the cat food in the pouches a high barrier material was needed. Unfortunately, the traditional pouches used throughout the pet food industry are not recyclable as they are PET/PE, a mixed polymer laminate. As a consequence, Jason Eastwood, Head of Purchasing at Pets Choice, approached National Flexible to see if they could offer a solution. Within a week, National Flexible had configured some trial pouches using a recyclable OPE/PE laminate which included an EVOH barrier. This ran smoothly on their existing packaging lines, so National Flexible were given the green light to go into full production. Once this approval was given, the project took on a life of its own and in just 6 more weeks the pouches were designed and printed, including the addition of a patterned matt lacquer. The pouches also incorporated an ‘easy seal’ reclose feature, ideal for food portion control. All this progress was achieved during a period of lockdown, which added to the communication and logistics problems of getting a new product quickly to market. According to Jason at Pets Choice, “We were very impressed by the response from the National Flexible. They worked with us throughout to enable us to produce a packaging pouch of which we are justifiably proud. It is 100% recyclable and it not only looks good, but it feels great. A real departure from standard printed pouches.” To find out more, visit www.nationalflexible.co.uk, email marketing@nationalflexible.net, or call +44(0) 1274 685 566. 16-23.qxp_Layout 1 03/02/2021 13:13 Page 824 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net KITE PACKAGING Q&A Can you tell us a bit more about the company? We are more than just a packaging supplier and have a reputation for offering businesses across the UK a broad range of solutions, based on their unique expertise. As a company known for innovative forward-thinking and market leading performance, we have carved out a place for ourselves as a unique brand in the packaging distributor sector. Founded 18 years ago we, are one of the country’s leading packaging suppliers. From day one we set out to partner with customers who saw the value in a solution provider rather than just another packaging supplier. We started up with a unique vision – To be the premier packaging supplier in the UK with a philosophy of employee- ownership. At kite we believe that “customer satisfaction matters so much more when you own the business”. We are now one of the biggest players in the UK market with 7 sites located across the UK. Our business-to-business ecommerce website is the UK’s leading online supplier of industrial packaging. Supported by an in-house team of technical sales consultants, our website offers a complete range of stock product available for next day delivery, is supported by high-quality images and demonstration videos and offers full detailed technical information. Renowned for its best- in-class customer usability features, including on-site live chat functionality, our website has over 29,500 customer reviews on Trustpilot, the most of any company in its category. Through our network of Regional Distribution Centres we have a reputation for developing and maintaining long term relationships with some of the UK’s largest companies. A nationwide team of dedicated Key Account Managers enables us to offer a range of added value packaging solutions, services and products with a focus on helping customers reduce their use of packaging. Our Key Account Managers are supported by specialist teams of packaging technologists and specialist product teams as well as a range of wider resources. We see you were announced ‘Supply Chain Solution of the year” at the UK Packaging awards, can you tell us a bit more about this? Yes of course, this was a great achievement for all involved. Our Regional Distribution Centres offer a high-value, high-service solution and are supported by some of the best teams in the industry. With an array of dedicated in-house specialists, these consist of load retention and in-the-box engineers, packaging technologists, aerospace and automotive packaging design engineers and packaging specialists. Along with this they are also supported by innovative solutions and equipment, with their Mobile Testing facility Unit home to some of the industry’s leading technology and testing equipment. This was the first year in which we had entered the prestigious UK Packaging Awards. Entering 5 submissions, 4 of which were shortlisted, this alone was a great achievement, but to then be announced winners of the supply chain solution of the year category, was a fantastic success for the whole team. The winning solution was a complete Q&A Kite Packaging We spoke to Kite Packaging, a leading UK-based packaging supplier, about its services and solutions and its many innovations. 24-25.qxp_Layout 1 03/02/2021 15:01 Page 1Food & Drink International 25 www.fdiforum.net KITE PACKAGING Q&A packaging re-design for a leading manufacturer of cookers, kitchen appliances and interior furnishings. The client approached us as their existing packaging did not sit correct with their philosophy, was taking too long to pack and was not actually doing the job it was meant to – protect their items. The packaging technologists worked together with the in-house specialist divisions and came up with a packaging solution that not only gave them a re- usable, highly protective solution, but achieved the following great results, reduced packaging weight, damages, plastic content, cost, packing time and packing space. You are regularly updating your expansive e-commerce store with innovative packaging solutions can you highlight a few recent product launches? We have some great recent product launches. Hivewrap First up is our new range of Hivewrap, a 100% recyclable and biodegradable protective paper wrap that is the ultimate sustainable alternative to foam and bubble. This system is the perfect combination of flexibility and presentation, and perfectly moulds around products, making it self-sealing and eliminating the need for tape or glue. Suitable for gifts, retail, cosmetics, ceramics and much more. If improving your environmental credentials, whilst protecting your products is important to you, then this is the ideal solution. The unique honeycomb design has a natural kraft look and is easy to open and recycle. Available with dispensers for quick and efficient use, it can be used as a standalone paper wrap, or with tissue paper for added presentation. Some of its key benefits include: - 35% saving when compared to our bubble wrap - Space saving - 4 x 500mm small bubble rolls = 1 x 500mm roll of Hivewrap - Aesthetically pleasing - Increased speed and efficiency - Highly protective Flexi-Hex This patented protective bottle packaging is a 100% recyclable and biodegradable, plastic-free alternative to plastic and polystyrene and is much more cost-effective than products such as ‘pulp’ packaging. Suitable for protecting a wide range of delicate items, the unique honeycomb design makes the Flexi-Hex bottle sleeve extremely strong and adaptable. Robust, plastic-free, and adaptable it is suitable for protecting a wide range of delicate items. Corrugated bottle sleeves Designed in a way that lets it mould itself around a variety of shapes, makes it perfectly suited to protecting a wide range of products such as glass, ceramics, jars and much more. Tough, To find out more, visit www.kitepackaging.co.uk, email enquiries@kitepackaging.co.uk, or call +44(0) 24 7642 0065. durable and withstands knocks and impacts. These sleeves are eco-friendly, lightweight and 100% recyclable and biodegradable. Wax lined boxes for food PE (wax lined) coated boxes commonly referred to as ‘meat boxes’ are suitable for direct contact with food. Commonly used in the food industry for meat, poultry, cakes, vegetables and much more. Strong, robust and fibre-based these solid board boxes are suitable for packing moist and chilled solutions even in humid environments. One of the key benefits is that products can be directly frozen or stored in the box without the need for additional bags. Ecommerce boxes Our range of e-commerce boxes are 100% recyclable and thanks to their crash lock base design, integrated peel- &-seal strip, tear-open strip, and lid, they are the ideal solution for high volume packing. Simple to erect they are suitable for fast-paced environments, assembling in just seconds. Aesthetically pleasing these boxes are ideal for a range of items such as homewares, beauty products, retail, accessories and much more. Teamed with our range of tissue paper and in- the-box protection such as Hivewrap and our SpeedMan paper, this is the ultimate retail solution. 24-25.qxp_Layout 1 03/02/2021 15:01 Page 226 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net LOADING BAYS AND DOORS Keeping things moving There’s more to consider when it comes to loading bays and doors than just getting good packed and unpacked, as we explore. 26-28.qxp_Layout 1 03/02/2021 13:18 Page 1Food & Drink International 27 www.fdiforum.net LOADING BAYS AND DOORS © Shutterstock /W orldpics In the event of theft or adulteration, a company can be left with financial and reputational damage. Though companies are often insured in the event of theft or damage, this can lead to extended periods of downtime. The inclination here may be to invest in the latest technological safeguards, with next-generation solutions providing another layer of security for worried supply chain managers and food makers alike. Contamination of any kind is an omnipotent threat, with the supply chain having any number of potential entry points for adulteration to occur. These can manifest in a variety of guises, from environmental damage to foreign bodies and other pathogens coming into contact with food and beverage products. The same due care and attention must be applied to the loading and unloading of goods as during its manufacture. Think of it as an extension of the production line, meaning that trucks and pallets should be regularly cleaned. A rugged washdown should also include bay doors themselves, many of which are purposefully built with hygiene in mind. In manufacturing, hygienic design prescribes a set of principles to ensure maximum efficiency and cleanliness, without leaving processors with a convoluted and time-consuming washdown routine. Dirt, however, is far from the only environmental factor that manufacturers must be wary of, with both wind and rain presenting persistent threats. Loading bays are shields against the elements. The difficulty faced by manufacturers is in striking a balance between function and necessity. While lighter materials may be advantageous for the constant opening and closing required of bay doors, conventional options such as these may not hold up against high winds and violent downpours. With one bay out of order due to environmental damage, a company’s entire logistics operation can suffer, setting productivity, profits and orders back with perhaps an even more profound knock-on effect. Investing in durable, weather-proof doors, then, is of the utmost importance. Robust security doors should factor in water and airproofing measures alongside good thermal transmittance. The trend in recent years has seen specialist door makers turning to wooden fibreboards – such as MDF – treated with polyurethane-based insulators as a waterproofing solution. The doors are then reinforced with heavy duty metal armours such as stainless steel to provide a rigorous defence. This satisfies all concerned, with a lighter, more functional structure, and protection against tough weather conditions. The above assumes that all loading bays are made equally which, of course, is far from the truth of things. In reality, specific loading bays and doors are required depending on the kind of products moving through them. 28 Á 26-28.qxp_Layout 1 03/02/2021 13:18 Page 228 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net LOADING BAYS AND DOORS So what might be sufficient for an ambient product can be detrimental to frozen goods. In the latter example, a few degrees difference in temperature can spell disaster, leaving an entire shipment wasted and the producer left to absorb the costs. Loading bays are make-or-break areas in ensuring a stable and reliable cold chain. Accomplishing this aim sees companies turning towards four sided vehicle seals whereby a vehicle will only be opened from inside a facility. Here it is then loaded, secured and deployed and all without affecting the carefully controlled temperature. The specialised and expensive equipment inside warehousing and distribution facilities are often attractive to thieves and their third parties. Although a company may never suffer theft, it’s important to safeguard its potential. There are several security measures at a company’s disposal, including electronic key cards, iris recognition and keyless entry devices. As well as helping to deter and disengage would-be thieves, they also do away with lock and keys. As companies of all kinds embrace automation, the idea of a physical lock and key is becoming antiquated. Better to move with the times and embrace these next- generation solutions. If still in doubt, a company can take stock in the fact that their competitors will be investing in the latest technology available. Modular loading docks and mobile platforms are being used with increasing frequency, given the flexible and practical benefits they offer over traditional fixed raised loading docks. For safety purposes, dock levellers are also a far more common site in warehouses and distribution facilities. In short, they’re a cylinder powered platform which can be used to bridge the gap between loading bays and logistics vehicles of any height or distance. This relatively simple technology offers significant gains by prevent costly spillages and worker causalities. Loading bays are critical in a products journey through the supply chain. From farm to fork simply wouldn’t be logistically feasible without these critical junctions along the way. For that reason, companies must ensure that their doors can withstand theft and forced entry, environmental damage as well as preserving the integrity of the products that move through them. © Shutterstock /Kunal Mehta 26-28.qxp_Layout 1 03/02/2021 13:18 Page 3www.fdiforum.net Plan your campaign with Food & Drink International… ...your competitors are! As marketing is the vital ingredient for the success and growth of any business, we can offer advice and packages to suit all budgets. Speak to one of our experienced account executives. CAN YOU AFFORD NOT TO? • Print • Online • E-Newsletters • Regular News • Topical Features The perfect medium to give your brand the best chance of being seen! Contact us below for our 2021 editorial schedule Call today on +44 [0] 1472 310310 or email: v.hunt@blmgroup.co.uk INTERNATIONAL Food &Drink Food &Drink 2019 AUGUST I N T E R N FoodFood &&& FoodFood & £3.50 .fdiforum.netwww N A T I O N &&Drin Drin Drin &&Drin 0 STERLING A L nk nk nkk thi Fre i ki h ND EXPORT NEWS IMPORT AND E G SPOTLIGHT PROCESSING S SEPTEMBER 2019 I N T E R N Food Food &&& Food Food & £3.50 .fdiforum.net www N A T I O N &&Drin Drink Drin &&Drink 0 STERLING A L nk nk nkk tota The t l GY TOTAL SHOW pac cka PPMA TOTAL MICROBIOLOGY MHX 2019 IMHX 2019 ge 54) V N preview on pag otal Sh OBER 2019 OCT I N T E R N FoodFood &&& FoodFood & £3.50 .fdiforum.netwww N A T I O N &&Drin Drin Drin &&Drin 0 STERLING A L nk nk nkk cho The i t t l mental c ws Environmen Spotlight Spotlight auBe Brra evvial ale NOVEMBER 2019 I N T E R N Food Food &&& Food Food & £3.50 .fdiforum.net www N A T I O N &&Drink Drink Drin &&Drink 0 STERLING A L nk nk nkk Packaging ging Packaging spotlight for s Ingredie Fi Europe ent rs and epositors llers MINIMUM COST…MAXIMUM IMPACT! www.fdiforum.net 29.qxp_Layout 1 03/02/2021 13:19 Page 1Next >