< Previous20 Food & Drink Internationalwww.fdiforum.netPACKAGING SPOTLIGHTGIMA awards Vitax with ‘Best Consumer Product Packaging’ Recognised as one of the industry’s most prestigious award ceremonies, Vitax took home the GIMA award for ‘Best Consumer Product Packaging’ and was also a named finalist in the ‘Supplier of the Year’ award category. Vitax launched its latest weather-proof pouches at Glee with the judges stating that “the pouches are good clear packaging, easy for consumers to understand”. The pouches are produced by Vitax via a process that converts film into a pouch, fills and seals in line. On working with National Flexible on the packaging solution, the company said: “National Flexible really helped the project flow to a successful conclusion with their knowledge of both packaging and machinery.” For more information, visit www.nationalflexible.co.uk. typically sent to landfill instead. Unsurprisingly, black plastic packaging has become a patsy, with supermarkets, such as Waitrose, banning it from its stores and manufacturers phasing it out. Others have taken a more proactive approach, tackling the issue head on rather than skirting around it. The Waste and Recourses Action Programme © Shutterstock/ ixel-Shot(WRAP) has joined with packaging manufacturers, retailers, brands and trade associations to form a road map to the sustainable recycling of all black plastic packaging. An impressive aim, to be sure, but the current signs we’re seeing throughout the supply chain indicate that this industry-wide coalition will achieve its end goal. To put an end to this confusion and help consumers continue to make better, more informed purchasing decisions, campaign group A Plastic Planet has introduced a new ‘trust mark’. The voluntary mark will be prominently displayed on food and beverage products, allowing consumers to more easily find sustainable Increase reliability and efficiency of your weighing process Product giveaway is costly and wasteful but can easily be controlled with weighing. Manual checkweighers help food manufacturers gain visibility of their quality-control processes and enhance their productivity without loss of quality. Increase the speed of your production line and gain better visibility over the performance of your packing facility with METTLER TOLEDO’s scales and software. The scales and software will help you to meet your customer’s specifications, maximise throughput and reduce product giveaway to increase profitability. Benefit from: • Checkweighing & Take-Away weighing modes • colourWeight® Traffic Light Tolerance System • Production Traceability • Web Based Production Reports • Real-Time Production Dashboards • Live Operator Feedback • Central Article Database with Remote Scale Setup • Reduce Product Give-Away Learn more about how the easy-to-use scales and intuitive reporting software can improve speed and accuracy in your weighing operations, visit www.mt.com/uk-ics & www.mt.com/uk-scalemonitor. 19-23.qxp_Layout 1 26/02/2019 10:09 Page 2Food & Drink International 21www.fdiforum.netPACKAGING SPOTLIGHTalternatives. These include materials made from paperboard and cardboard etc. The first retailers to adopt the mark is the UK’s own frozen food specialist, Iceland, and Dutch supermarket chain Ekoplaza. The latter made headlines last year after introducing a plastic-free aisle. While this initiative, validated by major supermarkets, does provide best practice for others to follow, it isn’t enough in isolation. Enforcement is the issue here, so for it to really have a lasting impact on the supply chain, it needs to be backed by Government. Whenever challenges exist, there will be savvy minds coming together to find solutions. That’s exactly what we’re witnessing in the food and drink supply chain and further afield, with researchers, academics and packaging manufacturers joining forces to find better, more sustainable solutions. Some of the most promising developments involve bio-plastics, derived from sustainable and natural sources. Often these are waste sources, the better to create a closed loop 22 ÁDurham Box invests in digital Durham Box have never been afraid to make bold business decisions in order to grow its business and keep up with customer demand. The latest development has been to modernise its infrastructure with a significant investment in a new digital press. The new press is a Wonderjet WD200 - a 2,000mm, single pass, high-speed digital printer with dryer and coater inline. It can accommodate a wide variety of corrugated sheets, from ultra thin microflute, through to classic doublewall board and prints in the standard CMYK range, using water-based dye inks. The investment in the digital press, together with the purchase of a Zünd BHS150 digital cutter, has helped extend the company’s capabilities. Managing Director Mike Morris said: “The investment in the digital equipment was key to staying ahead of our competitors. The benefits to our customers are boundless.” For more information, visit www.durhambox.co.uk/digital. dŚĞh<ΖƐůĞĂĚŝŶŐƉĂĐŬĂŐŝŶŐƐƵƉƉůŝĞƌƚŽƚŚĞĨŽŽĚĂŶĚĚƌŝŶŬŝŶĚƵƐƚƌLJ͕ŽīĞƌŝŶŐĂǁŝĚĞƌĂŶŐĞŽĨƉĂĐŬĂŐŝŶŐƉƌŽĚƵĐƚƐŝŶĐůƵĚŝŶŐ͗ŝƌ^ŚŽĐŬďŽƩůĞƉĂĐŬƐWĂůůĞƚǁƌĂƉΘƐLJƐƚĞŵƐŽdžĞƐĨŽƌďŽƩůĞƐ>ĂďĞůƐan employee-owned business19-23.qxp_Layout 1 26/02/2019 10:09 Page 322 Food & Drink Internationalwww.fdiforum.netPACKAGING SPOTLIGHTPackline launch rotating clamp attachment for handling film & foil Rolls New to Packline Materials Handling is the clamp attachment designed to provide the swift and easy lifting, motorised rotation and handling of rolls of film, foil, paper and various other packaging materials. Constructed mainly from stainless steel, this roll handling solution is entirely suitable for the food industry and hygienic applications. The motorised rotation, which provides swift and easy handling, is controlled by a hand-held remote control which means that the operator can observe the loading and unloading of the rolls for greater precision. Ease of operation is enhanced with a slow start feature that provides the operator with precise and accurate positioning when docking, loading and un-loading. All Packline attachments are fully interchangeable and can be easily fixed or removed from any Packline lifting machine. The attachment is backed up by a full bespoke design service ensuring the right solution can be made to suit most applications and requirements. For more information, visit www.packline.co.uk. solution. But others are having success by using packaging to address other challenges – such as food waste. But bioplastics is still very much an embryonic industry and far from achieving ubiquity across the industry. So what solutions are open to food makers now? One packaging concept that has proven particularly popular in recent years is that of corrugated. With a wide range of benefits, including an inherent flexibility, corrugated can be modified for different crops and misshapen produce, thereby reducing the potential for bruising and skin damage that can sometimes occur with rigid packaging. Because over eighty per cent of corrugated is recycled, while new boxes are made from recycled material, the environmental footprint is very low. Where new fibre is used, it comes from sustainably managed forests. This commitment to responsible forest management has made a huge contribution to the increase in the size of Europe’s forests – up by thirty per cent since 1950. Although it has been used in one form or other for many years, the corrugated packaging industry is continually investing in new technologies to ensure it retains its top table place. SIG leads the beverage carton industry with first paper straw solution SIG is the first in the industry to offer a market-ready alternative to plastic straws, announcing today that a paper straw solution will be delivered to first customers in the first quarter of 2019. With growing concern about the environmental impact of plastic straws, the food and beverage industry urgently needs an alternative solution. SIG’s new paper straw offers such a solution. Nestlé is the first customer to introduce SIG’s paper straw solution and has already tested the market launch in the Dominican Republic. Michael Schwan, Manufacturing Manager RTD - Dairy Strategic Business Unit at Nestlé: “We are committed to improving the environmental performance of our packaging and addressing the critical issue of single-use plastics is an important part of that. We need effective, scalable solutions and SIG’s new paper straw has the potential to meet that need.” For more information, please visit www.signals.sig.biz/turning-the-tide-on-plastic i2r launch ground-breaking foil tray design i2r Packaging Solutions has unveiled an innovative aluminium smoothwall product that is set to shake-up the food packaging industry. Launched at Packaging Innovations, the patent protected and design registered i2r UltraTM uses a new style of embossing to dramatically increase stress resistance thereby reducing the gauge, price point and environmental impact of the product. i2r partnered with Wolverhampton University to progress the detailed and complex project, utilising finite element analysis prediction software; the stronger, yet lightweight tray design has subsequently undergone significant independent scientific testing and validation. The inclusion of an Alu recyclable logo and a ‘rinse & recycle’ message, helps provide the consumer with a clear and strong environmental call-to-action, assisting to further promote the already high levels of aluminium recycling. The company is initially launching i2r UltraTM with 8 foil containers as an addition to its existing smoothwall range, with further investment in new tooling to expand the range longer term. For more information, visit www.i2rps.com/i2r-ultra. 19-23.qxp_Layout 1 26/02/2019 10:09 Page 4Pouch packaging has also become an increasingly popular option over the last few years with many of the industry’s biggest players moving into the sector. The lack of rigidity in this kind of packaging is a big selling point. Cans, cardboard and paper packaging are all very susceptible to damage and harm because they need to conform to a rigid shape and so cannot flex when pressure is applied. This leads to cans being malformed in transit or cardboard being punctured. Pouch packaging is typically made of multiple layers of puncture-resistant laminated film. This allows the material to flex and bend, taking on water-like properties to avoid being damaged. While it does not offer the same protection to the food inside, certain foodstuffs such as soups, ready meals or rice, do not fear being jostled or malformed. They will simply flow back into shape. All of this works together not only to reduce the chance of damage, but also to offer longer shelf life and ensure the product remains attractive on the shelf and does not fade or become misshapen. Stand-up pouches can also be made from 100% recycled materials, adding an environmental appeal to the design. Innovation is part and parcel of the food packaging market, but recently the onus has been on making more environmentally-friendly, easier-to-recycle packages that also still have strong shelf appeal and resonate with consumers.Food & Drink International 23www.fdiforum.net 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°ÕJÀL«>V°VTurntableWrappingMachinesRotating Arm Wrapping MachinesCase Sealers &ErectorsSelf-PropelledRobot WrappingMachinesHorizontal WrappingMachinesSee us at Stand J60© Shutterstock/ Minerva Studio19-23.qxp_Layout 1 26/02/2019 10:09 Page 57+(+20(2)9,6&2863803,1*62/87,216Kecolhaveover25yearsofexperienceinhandlingalltypesofviscousproductsinthefood,pharmaceuticalandcosmeticsmarkets,aswellasgeneralindustrialapplications.T:+44(0)1746764311E:sales@kecol.co.ukW:www.kecol.co.ukᅚHoneyᅚPetroleumJellyᅚMascaraᅚSaucesᅚLanolinᅚLipGlossᅚEssencesᅚEyeOintmentᅚMeatPasteᅚParaffinWaxᅚFaceScrubᅚTeethingGelᅚTomatoPureeᅚMedicalAdhesivesᅚVeterinaryCreamsᅚFruitPasteᅚToothpasteᅚMaltᅚJamᅚWaxAsampleofproductswealreadypump…24-28.qxp_Layout 1 26/02/2019 10:13 Page 1Food & Drink International 25www.fdiforum.netPUMPS AND FLUIDSHygiene and efficiency remain two of the key aspects in the pumps and fluid industry, particularly with increased consumer and media attention being placed on food and drink products. Where any liquid or low-viscosity food material is being pumped through a processing line it’s key that it is done so in a manner that both optimises and ensures sanitation – without causing blockages or problems within the process itself. As the industry has been a consistent one for many decades it’s easy to see that most companies are now able to handle the hygienic necessities of the © Shutterstock/ MOLPIXFluid BUSINESS 26 ÁInnovations in the fluids and pumps industry may well see it a major player in the coming years, but the focus is on adapting and staying ahead of the pack 24-28.qxp_Layout 1 26/02/2019 10:13 Page 226 Food & Drink Internationalwww.fdiforum.netPUMPS AND FLUIDSprocess – with adaptations such as hygienic hoses and pumps. But that’s not to say that there hasn’t been innovation in other areas; as companies vie for competitive edge over one another. In efforts to increase efficiency many pump process machines now include metering of additives themselves, essentially measuring and administering flavourings, acids, vitamins or colouring directly to the food material – in line with the recipe of the product. Of course, these then need to be mixed, and in that regard industrial mixers are now a common part of the process at this point – fitting seamlessly into a pump production line. Ensuring products are mixed and blended effectively has always been a challenge for the food and drink sector, but never more so than now. Labelling requirements that demand products contain exactly the correct make-up of ingredients and weight, along with an increased focus on cleanliness, has meant accuracy and effectiveness is now a top priority. However, this has to be countered with the changing tastes of consumers who now prefer products to appear natural and not totally uniform in appearance. The goal is versatility, alongside the typical ones of efficiency, reliability and hygiene. A food manufacturer might now have a number of different products which have vastly different requirements in terms of mixing. Mixing companies such as Advanced Engineering have risen to the challenges through the sheer number of products they can now provide manufacturers. From top entry batch, sealed bearing, bottom entry to single stage and three stage inline high shear rotor stator mixers and fluid mixers. This flexibility is particularly valuable as it’s hugely important for manufacturers that the correct mixer is chosen for the job in hand. To this end, Advanced Engineering also offer free on-site trials with purpose built test rigs – enabling manufacturers to see the results themselves. When it comes to the valves industry, the demand for the elimination of preservatives from food and beverages is set to drive demand higher than ever. Transparency Market Research has shown that many large players in the valves industry have taken to investing in developing regions and emerging markets in order to cater to the huge potential there. The research report also claims that the global hygienic and aseptic valves market is set to increase from $6 billion in 2015, to $9 billion by 2025 – an increase of 50% in just a single decade. Of the various types of valves available, hygienic single seat valves are expected to do the best, outperforming all other segments and acquiring a figure close to 26% of the global market. This is due to the ability of these valves to meet the strict and varied requirements pertaining to aseptic and hygienic process in the food and drink industry. Much of this comes in comparison to 24-28.qxp_Layout 1 26/02/2019 10:13 Page 3the rest of the food and drink industry, who often show some reluctance to face new laws and regulations on the issue of hygiene. This is perhaps understandable given the upsetting nature of new regulation has on a well-run process, but the valves industry flourishes in such difficult times due to its focus and ability on controlling and improving hygiene. A major challenge in the pumps and fluids industry is that of ensuring traceability is in place. Labelling regulations mean that packaging needs to explain exactly what is in the product so it is vital manufacturers can identify ingredients during the mixing process. In many cases – Food & Drink International 27www.fdiforum.netPUMPS AND FLUIDS28 Á© Shutterstock/ bit mechanicRiggs Autopack Ltd • Premier Mill • Brunswick Street • Nelson • Lancashire • BB9 0HUT: +44 (0) 1282 440040 • E: info@riggsautopack.co.ukwww.riggsautopack.co.uk @riggsautopackBritish Manufacturer of Food Grade Transfer Pumps24-28.qxp_Layout 1 26/02/2019 10:13 Page 428 Food & Drink Internationalwww.fdiforum.netPUMPS AND FLUIDSparticularly that of a recall – a large retailer might give a manufacturer less than 24 hours to ascertain where something went wrong. This is important for the retailer due to the fast spread of negative publicity through the media – requiring them to make a prompt response. However, the onus is then passed down to the manufacturer, who must check their systems to see if it was something that went wrong on their end; or whether it might have happened outside of their control. In the cut-throat world of supermarkets it’s guilty until proven innocent, and a poor traceability system that cannot meet the retailer’s demands is sure to lead to damages – or perhaps even a loss of a major contract. Detection, scanning and vision systems should be employed at various stages throughout the process – with the results of these monitored by software systems or employees. While pumping systems can and should be able to meter and prepare the product as per the recipe specifications, there is still a need for quality control and assurance at every stage of the process. © Shutterstock/ Spartak KarpovA major challenge in the pumps and fluids industry is that of ensuring traceability is in place. Labelling regulations mean that packaging needs to explain exactly what is in the product so it is vital manufacturers can identify ingredients during the mixing process.YOUR EXPERTSIN CLEANINGIN PLACE• Saves costs• Meets the highest requirements on hygiene• Increases safety and quality• Used in breweries and food & beverage industrieswww.sera-web.comContact: 01733 396040sales.uk@sera-web.com 24-28.qxp_Layout 1 26/02/2019 10:13 Page 5Food & Drink International 29www.fdiforum.netBAKERY & CONFECTIONERYTimes are changing slowly within the bakery and confectionary sector, but changing they are. New tastes, new demands and ever-more critical consumers are looking both at ingredients, health benefits and the ecological impacts of the food they eat. Nowhere is this more common than with bread and bakery – which has long been touted as unhealthy (on a carb and calorie level), and the confectionary industry, which, rather obviously, has the same problem. This hasn’t crippled either industry by any means and has instead opened up a new world of opportunity, as companies able to rise to the challenge and satisfy these demands gain new USP’s over their rivals. There has been a packaging 30 Á© Shutterstock/ Master1305A changing INDUSTRY As global trends continue to shift, the bakery and confectionary industry finds itself with more challenges than ever 29-33.qxp_Layout 1 26/02/2019 10:26 Page 1Next >