< Previous30 Food & Drink Internationalwww.fdiforum.netPACKAGING SPOTLIGHTThere is no faster-moving sector inthe food and drink industry thanpackaging. Once-upon-a-time theresponsibilities of packing were onlytwofold; protect the contents and sellthe product. Nowadays, things are a lotmore complicated. Consumer demandsand expectations have led to anincreased level of interaction, first withlabels and calorie counts, then withever more specific information on RDA’sand information on where the productwas sourced from. On top of that,conscientious consumers aredemanding that packaging have assmall an environmental impact aspossible. All of this must be donewithout compromising the integralelements of appearance, strength anddesign.Packaging has long been thedetermining factor in the success ofmany brands and this has changed littlein recent years. Consumers may now bemore conscious of what they desire, butscience still shows that aestheticallypleasing packaging catches the eye.The trick now is in ensuring that oncethe customer’s attention is caught, theydo not put down the product. Packaging is evidence of the foodindustry attempting to balance itself, bethat through more efficient use ofmaterials or machinery, introducingmore environmentally-friendlyprocesses into play, or increasing theambient profile and shelf life of aproduct with the latest technologies.This has led to major overhauls of thepackaging process in many companies– and some find this a challenge.Investment costs for regulation andlegislation will always be a difficultfactor, especially with varying standardsacross the EU. These are necessitiesthat cannot be avoided however, and aslabelling is one of the fastest-changingsectors when it comes to changes inlegislation, it is something that manyare forced to quickly adapt to.Considering the large quantities offinished products that go through amanufacturing facility in any given day,there is also a necessity for a flawlessand efficiency system that can workwith batches of well over 10,000individual products.If there’s one overarching principlethat has united the global food andbeverage supply chain in recent years,The packagingsector remainsstrong, andrecentinnovationshave helped totackle manyproblems thatcompanies face.Thecompletepackage30-36_Layout 1 27/02/2018 09:42 Page 1Food & Drink International 31www.fdiforum.netPACKAGING SPOTLIGHTB&G Products producesEarthpouch for TroofoodsDriven by a desire to makean environmentally-friendlystand up pouch that is bothrecyclable and compostable,B&G Products and partnerHAVI have spent the lastcouple of years developing asolution that is credible, highperforming and yetaffordable. The Troofoods designswere printed by local partnerTCL Packaging using platesfrom YRG Eclipse. Theproduct range was launchedin Planet Organic just afterChristmas in 100% plasticfree completely compostablepackaging. “Change needs to happen in the world of food packaging and if it’s down tostart-ups to pioneer these changes then so be it,” said Toofoods founderHelenor Rogers.Earthpouch is made from a special type of paper which incorporates a 100%plastic free heat-sealable coating. This material is then formed using a state ofthe art pouch manufacturing process to produce the Stand Up Pouchesproviding food security for dry and moist food products.For more information, visit www.bandgproducts.com. Innovia’s wrap rage solutions Innovia Films is expanding its portfolio of peelable Biaxially OrientedPolypropylene (BOPP) films - Propafilm RCP is currently available in 52and 60 microns and a 25 micron version will soon join the range. Thesesignificantly proven, easy-to-open, food packaging films also includesheavy duty, high barrier and snap wrap options. Amaia Cowan, Market Development Manager – Packaging, said: “Brandowners are becoming increasingly aware that easy-open packaging is amajor purchase consideration for consumers with reduced dexterity. Wehave listened to consumers who often complain about the difficulty ofgetting into conventional packaging. Our easy-to-open packaging rangemakes this much easier. Rest assured, these films continue to protect theproducts they wrap while providing an enhanced product experience.”The acrylic coating ensures a broad sealing range, which enables a widepackaging operating window and good machinability in all standardformats: flow wrap, VFFS or overwrap. For more information, visitwww.innoviafilms.com/applications/packaging/easy-opening-films.then it’s the move to more sustainable practices.Consumers have demanded it for some time, andtechnology has now become commonplace enough toreach an affordable price for the majority ofmanufacturers. From a logistical standpoint, food and drink generatesplenty of packaging. It’s not simply a matter of packingproducts together and transporting them as manyproducts have specific requirements, whether that’s achilled environment, or a greater level of packagingmaterial due to a fragile nature. Of course, when it comesto the packaging of the product itself, many fruit andvegetables, for example, are packaged with a cardboardtray and wrapped in cellophane or film. This has been astandard for generations now, which makes change adifficult prospect indeed.The vast majority of companies in the food and drinksector are having to measure and report on the© Shutterstock/Gts32 Á30-36_Layout 1 27/02/2018 09:42 Page 2PACKAGING SPOTLIGHT32 Food & Drink Internationalwww.fdiforum.netIf you think you’ve seen this before, you’re wrongAsk us for a sample on 01274 68 55 66 or email marketing@nationalflexible.netenvironmental performance of theirpackaging. In fact, some companies areeven taking a more proactive approachby using packaging assessments at thedesign phase, which can offer anopportunity to reduce costs in theirsupply chains while also reinforcingtheir corporate social responsibilityactivities and brand image. All thisobviously has to come in addition tothe packaging remaining secure androbust throughout the supply chain.Many packaging specialists haveboosted their research anddevelopment departments toemphasise this new approach, andfocus is now on packaging that is madefrom plant, food or otherwisesustainable material. One packaging concept that hasproven particularly popular in recentyears is that of corrugated. With a widerange of benefits, including an inherentflexibility, corrugated can be modifiedfor different crops and misshapenproduce, thereby reducing the potentialfor bruising and skin damage that cansometimes occur with rigid packaging.Because over 80% of corrugated isrecycled, while new boxes are madefrom recycled material, theenvironmental footprint is very low.Where new fibre is used, it comes fromsustainably managed forests. Thiscommitment to responsible forestmanagement has made a hugecontribution to the increase in the sizeof Europe’s forests – up by 30% since1950. Although it has been used in oneform or other for many years, thecorrugated packaging industry iscontinually investing in newtechnologies to ensure it retains its toptable place.Innovative technology is improvingin-store performance as well throughbetter print capability. High QualityPost Print has transformed corrugatedpackaging from protective transitpackaging into multi-functional,colourful retail ready packs, withoutcompromising product integrity. Linersand coatings are also being developedfor corrugated material to provide evengreater food freshness and, with theadvent of modern corrugatedprocesses, such as new flutings thatoffer up to 23% storage space saving, italso offers more efficient logisticsmanagement through better use ofpallets, resulting in fewer vehicles onthe road. Combined with all of this is thechallenge for products more than everbefore is to stand out on the shelves –so the importance of a distinctive, highquality package is emphasised.However this distinctive nature has togo hand in hand with convenience indistribution and display. While creativityis all-important, products that requiredistributors to obtain new pallets,retailers to invest in new display unitsand consumers to rearrange theirkitchen shelves are unlikely to proveparticularly popular at any stage in thesupply chain.The packaging of many of theproducts on retailers’ shelves remain inthe iconic and distinctive designs theyhave kept for many years – but whiletheir look hasn’t changed, the materialsused often have to create moreeffective, efficient and securepackaging. To achieve higher shelfspacing is the challenge facing allproducers. This is particularly so inconvenience stores where space is evenmore limited. The use of mixed traysystems therefore has great merit,allowing more variety, choice and rangeof products. With an assorted range ofproducts there’s a greater chance of35 Á30-36_Layout 1 27/02/2018 09:42 Page 3Food & Drink International 33www.fdiforum.net !"#$ % © Robert Kneschke/Shutterstock30-36_Layout 1 27/02/2018 09:42 Page 434 Food & Drink Internationalwww.fdiforum.netThe specialists in leak detection solutions.www.dynascan.co.uk info@dynascan.co.uk | +44 (0)1480 462142 䈱 Eliminate problem metalsVibratory FeederWWW.ERIEZ.COMERIEZ MAGNETICS EUROPE LIMITED | T: +44 (0)29 2086 8501 | E: info@eriezeurope.co.ukEriez’ wide range of Metal Detectors, Magnetic Separators and Vibratory Feeders provide the ultimate solution to protect product purity and increase the efficiency of your process line – from the moment ingredients enter your plant to the time your end product ships. Improve quality control Protect machinery Protect reputation Eliminate downtime Save costs30-36_Layout 1 27/02/2018 09:42 Page 5Food & Drink International 35www.fdiforum.netPACKAGING SPOTLIGHTLargest manufacturer of stretchwrapping equipment in the world.UK aftersales spares and service support provided.www.robopac.co.ukRobopac, Unit 7 – 8 Highfield Parc, Highfield Road, Oakley, Bedfordshire, MK43 7TATel: 01234 825050 Fax: 01234 827070 Email: sales@aetna.co.ukTurntableWrappingMachinesRotating Arm Wrapping MachinesCase Sealers &ErectorsSelf-PropelledRobot WrappingMachinesHorizontal WrappingMachinesseeing something which will catchthe eye. For smaller outlets, theseassorted product trays provide acreative way for retailers to offer awider product range in a smallerspace.Pouch packaging has been a silentplayer in this market, with manylarge companies including KraftHeinz, Mars and others moving intothe sector. There are many reasonsfor this change. Firstly, the lack ofrigidity in the packaging is a bigselling point. Cans, cardboard andpaper packaging are all verysusceptible to damage and harmbecause they need to conform to arigid shape and so cannot flex whenpressure is applied. This leads tocans being malformed in transit orcardboard being punctured. Pouchpackaging is typically made ofpuncture-resistant laminated film,and many layers of it. This allows thematerial to flex and bend, taking onwater-like properties to avoid beingdamaged. While it does not offerthe same protection to the foodinside, certain foodstuffs such assoups, ready meals or rice, do notfear being jostled or malformed.They will simply flow back intoshape. All of this works together notonly to reduce the chance ofdamage, but also to offer longershelf life and ensure the productremains attractive on the shelf anddoes not fade or becomemisshapen. Stand-up pouches canalso be made from 100% recycledmaterials, adding an environmentalappeal to the design.As always, the packaging marketis a complicated and fluid creature,prone to change and adaptation at arate that defies evolution. This is anecessity however, thanks to theever-changing demands ofconsumers, which can at times seemwhimsical indeed. Some trends suchas environmental concerns haveremained stable however, and arebest adhered to in early stages ofpackaging design. One thing is forsure, though the market remainsstrong – there is still plenty of roomfor innovation. © Shutterstock/hedgehog9430-36_Layout 1 27/02/2018 09:42 Page 636 Food & Drink Internationalwww.fdiforum.netPACKAGING SPOTLIGHTPW15iA HBM load cell offers all-in-one solution to automated applications The new PW15iA Digital load cell from HBM offers a flexible and cost-effective solution to a wide range automated & packaging applications.It is fully adaptable and features a range of integrated functions. Theseinclude a wide range of algorithms for check weighing, filling andbatching which eliminates the need to undertake these functionsseparately reducing development times significantly. Compatible with industry standard dimensions (SP4M footprint), theload cell can also be quickly and easily integrated into existing systems,without any additional construction effort, minimising costly downtime. Featuring an OIML certificate for C3, and a maximum scale division ofY up to 10,000, the new PW15iA dramatically improves speed whilstreducing overall costs, thereby increasing profitability. Designed to achieve a degree of IP68/IP69 protection, the PW15iA is housed in stainless steel and is compatible with all cleaning agents anddisinfectant agents, commonly used in the production process. For more information, visit the HBM website at www.hbm.com.ENIGMA – Gravureis now dead in thewaterNational Flexible has achieved a newflexographic print process – the enigmaprinting technology.This latest technology allows higher imageresolution and greater contrast. It is a newdevelopment in screening which gives greatercolour gamut whilst reducing the dot size to aminimum. The result of this is stunningflexographic image quality and amazing depthof colour. Packaging buyers have long been looking forgravure replacement and this method offersnear-gravure image resolution whilst keepingthe costs competitive to the flexographicmarket. Jim Campbell at Campbell’s shortbread said:“Absolutely astonished at the remarkablydetailed print quality on our three newproducts. We have traditionally used gravureprint, but the incredible standard of the newEnigma Repro technology means that gravureis now dead in the water.”For more information, visitwww.nationalflexible.co.uk.BARRICOTE Barrier Papers – successfulhygiene certificationBARRICOTE stands for a range of particularly environmentally-friendly and at thesame time very effective barrier papers for food packaging from Germany-basedspeciality paper manufacturer Mitsubishi HiTec Paper. Following successful completion of the field tests for BARRICOTE, hygienemanagement systems at the Bielefeld and Flensburg mills have now been certified inaccordance with the INREKA certification standard including DIN EN 15593. Thisconfirms the effective implementation of the stringent hygiene requirements placed onthe production of food packaging papers.BARRICOTE barrier papers for food packaging are pure paper products made fromvirgin fibres with water-based coatings for combinable barriers against migration ofmineral oils, water and water vapour, grease and oil, as well as aroma. Free fromplastic, aluminium, foils or fluorocarbons, the FSC Mix and PEFC certified BARRICOTEpapers are recyclable, compostable and highly sustainable. This not only protects thefood, but also the environment and consumers.For more information, visit www.barricote.com. High Flow Gas Mixers for PackagingBSL Gas Technologies are very pleased tohave supplied another pair of CF5000 unitsto a prominent brewer in the UK. Eachsystem comprises of a high-flow gas mixer,mix display analyser and stainless-steelframe. Using BSL’s unique flow control valvetechnology, high-flows of mixed gas areachieved with relatively low supply gaspressure.The AW analyser outputs a 4 to 20 mAsignal which the customer uses with theirexisting Scada system.The gases are used on the kegging linefor packaging beer of various types intokegs and for blanketing beer tanks prior topackaging.In addition to the beer packaging, this unit can also be used for food packagingmaking this a very versatile unit to own.For more information, visit www.bslgastech.com.30-36_Layout 1 27/02/2018 09:42 Page 7Food & Drink International 37www.fdiforum.netCLEAN AIR SOLUTIONSClean air is of paramount concern forthe food and drink industry, not onlydue to the stringent requirementsinvolved in the manufacture of foodproduce, but also to avoid thereputational crisis of any incidentsoccurring. With a variety of harmfulmicrobes and particles able to travel viaair, there is great potential for harmfulmicrobes to interact with the process ata crucial stage, possibly leading tocontaminated products. Competition in the food and drinkindustry is intense enough as it is,without considering the fallout of failingto assure the hygiene of products. Andwith traceability becoming an ever-increasing requirement ofmanufacturers, it won’t be difficult forretailers to trace problems backwardsand identify where a mistake was made.With recent shifts in the food and drinkindustry leading to more pre-cookedmeals, which can often by reheated viamicrowave, this becomes an evenbigger challenge. Pre-cooked mealsneed to have extremely limited contactwith the atmosphere, and if any of theair in a factory is less than clean, therewill be great chance for spore growth.That’s where clean air solutionscomes to the fore. It’s worth noting thatclean air solutions as an industry is© Shutterstock/KokliangTheairbornemenaceWith stringent hygiene requirements across the food anddrink industry, the need to sanitize the air we work in shouldbe obvious, but are there other benefits?38 Á37-39_Layout 1 27/02/2018 09:44 Page 138 Food & Drink Internationalwww.fdiforum.netCLEAN AIR SOLUTIONSmore than a single machine which canpurify air, something many fail torealize. It is also the way a processingline is laid out, how a factory isarranged, how workers operate – all theway through to environmental controlsto limit exposure. While this meansthere might not be one catch-allsolution, it also means that there is arange of solutions which might beflexible to varying budgets andcircumstances.In many cases the establishment of acleanroom is common, which despitethe name can be as large as amanufacturing facility or process line, oras small as a single storage room. Thesecan be designed to protect bothproducts and personnel. Cleanroomscan help to preserve freshness inproducts as well as preventcontamination. When it comes to operating acleanroom, it’s important to rememberthat staff themselves are one of thelargest factors of contamination. Thisnot only includes particles they mightbring into the facility themselves, butalso how they operate machinery andinteract with surfaces. Workers shoulduse cleanroom garments, and should bewell trained and motivated. In somecases, facilities might also use cleaningbooths to ensure staff aredecontaminated before they actuallyenter the facility. It’s not only for hygiene requirementsthat one should look at clean airsolutions, however. Evidence suggeststhat a carefully maintained andprotected work area can have positiveeffects on working satisfaction, and alsoreduce levels of illness andabsenteeism. Dust and foreign particlesare kept away from the process line,resulting in improved health foremployees, both in the short and longterm. In an industry set to suffer fromthe effects of the National Living Wage,getting the most out of employees isgoing to be important, and clean airsolutions might provide the bestopportunity. This again ties into the necessity tomake staff aware of the developmentsand what they mean for them – which© Shutterstock/Kondor8337-39_Layout 1 27/02/2018 09:44 Page 2Food & Drink International 39www.fdiforum.netCLEAN AIR SOLUTIONSwill not only draw attention to how thecompany is helping, but why any policychanges to improve the layout of thefacility are being implemented. Re-arranging factory layouts can be adamning task at any time, especiallydue to the loss of production duringthe process – so it might be a goodtime to implement any other changesthat might improve efficiency alongsideit. The long-term benefits of investing inclean air solutions are clear, but it’s theshort term ones as well that help tobalance it. As always, what matters the most isthe bottom line of the company – andin that regard a cleanroom certainlydelivers. Higher levels of cleanlinesspromote fresher produce with lowerchances of defects, leading to highercustomer satisfaction, and the meetingof standard requirements from largeretailers. In a time where supermarketsare facing increased levels of productrecalls, namely due to the industry’sstruggles to keep up with the supplychain demand, any actions that can betaken to reduce product recalls willmake a manufacturer popular with thebig supermarkets. © Shutterstock/momente37-39_Layout 1 27/02/2018 09:45 Page 3Next >