< Previous40 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net WATER TREATMENT Water treatment features several phases. With wastewater, the first is primary treatment in which wastewater is put in holding tanks where solids sink to the bottom and fats are taken from the top. Leftover sludge can then be used for other commercial purposes while the liquid remaining goes on to secondary treatment, in which oxidation is used to purify wastewater. Coagulation and flocculation are used to further remove solids, for water clarification, lime softening, sludge thickening and solids dewatering. Tertiary treatment is then used to boost the quality of the resulting effluent from primary and secondary treatment. After this it can be discharged or used for other purposes. The last stage is disinfection, to remove microbes and odours. This makes use of methods like ozone, chlorine dioxide, and UV light. Today businesses must not only make use of these processes to provide the water quality required, but environmental concerns mean that they are needed to minimise water consumption and disposal. Companies in the food industry are committing to water recycling and reuse with a view to improve their sustainability and reduce water emissions, mirroring wider calls to create a circular economy, and playing an important part in this with water use, purification, and reuse. PepsiCo for instance used $9 million from its Green Bond to improve water- use efficiency in its plants, including a project at a PepsiCo snack plant in Vallejo, Mexico, a high-water-risk location, which implemented new water treatment technologies resulting in seventy per cent water reuse rates. Furthermore Carlsberg’s work at its Fredericia brewery, on its dedicated water recycling system, is set to recover ninety per cent of process water, making it one of the most water efficient breweries in the world. Aqua Tech Trade has indicated that the system also involves biogas generation, meaning the plant is self-sufficient. The publication also revealed the water treatment process being utilised, consisting of screens, a reactor to remove degradable organics and produce biogas, biological polishing and activated sludge, ultrafiltration membranes, reverse osmosis (producing a yield of ninety per cent recycled water), advanced oxidation, remineralisation filter, and finally chlorine dioxide. With water conservation methods, businesses can reduce their water footprint. Water can be reused in a number of areas such as when washing equipment, in landscaping, and in cooling towers. Treating and reusing commercial wastewater effectively can significantly cut costs and offer real value from waste long-term. With smarter treatment of wastewater one can secure cheaper disposal costs - which is particularly useful as many in food and drink manufacturing now pay more for disposal of wastewater than the fresh water consumed - and © Shutterstock /Surapol USanakul 38-41.qxp_Layout 1 03/03/2021 09:38 Page 3Food & Drink International 41 www.fdiforum.net WATER TREATMENT minimise required intake of freshwater, gain a marketing tool and improve water efficiency. Treated sludge meanwhile, resulting from water treatment, can be used in waste to energy applications, as fertiliser, and be sold. Wastewater and sludge contain valuable resources including nitrogen, phosphorous, and other nutrients that can be recovered and reused as part of a circular economy. Agriculture is a key sector for water reuse, accounting for seventy per cent of water consumed around the globe. Illustrating the widespread support for this, last year the European Union announced a regulation to facilitate the use of treated urban wastewater for agricultural irrigation, reducing the scarcity of water for this, improving water availability, and promoting efficient use. Closing the water loop is an idea of growing importance, sure to continue impacting the future of water use and treatment in the food and drink industry. Astell Scientific release a range of wastewater-sterilising sinks Astell Scientific is proud to announce the new BioSink range. These small-scale thermal batch Effluent Decontamination Systems (EDS) are capable of automatically sterilising contaminated wastewater before dispatching it to the sewer. With the capability to deactivate biological agents in hazard groups up- to-and-including level 3, the BioSink can be used across a range of containment levels. The Flagship of the range is the BioSink & Autoclave Combo (pictured), which combines the BioSink with the popular AMA440 Compact Top-loading Autoclave to create a versatile sterilisation station. As with all Astell Autoclaves and AstellBio EDSs, the BioSink is customisable to the end-user’s requirements. “The BioSink provides an excellent self-contained unit for all laboratories looking to enhance their biosafety credentials,” said Astell’s Sales and Marketing Director, Paul Birchmore. “Everything that goes down the sink is thoroughly sterilised using the most effective sterilant that there is – heat.” To find out more, visit www.astell.com. © Shutterstock /RomboStudio 38-41.qxp_Layout 1 03/03/2021 09:38 Page 442 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net MEAT, POULTRY AND SEAFOOD rules Changing the 42-45.qxp_Layout 1 03/03/2021 09:40 Page 1Food & Drink International 43 www.fdiforum.net MEAT, POULTRY AND SEAFOOD © Shutterstock /Alexander Raths In terms of demand, a growing middle class in China, not to mention better supply chains within Europe, have led to an increase in the demand for products such as beef and pork. Imports and exports remain strong, but unpredictable fluctuations in currency have led to complications for some. The industry faces other problems, however, particularly in the UK with twenty-five per cent of UK abattoirs failing `dirty meat` checks. The knock- on reputational costs of this will be felt by both manufacturers and retailers and highlights the importance of independently vetting supplies for quality, rather than going with the cheapest solution. Sustainability and security have also been major drivers of innovation in the seafood sector. Consumers are increasingly interested in the providence of the fish and seafood they eat and keep an eye on the sustainability of the fishing process. Now new EU legislative requirements have come into force which are also emphasising the importance of sustainable fishing – a fact post-Brexit Britain will be watching closely. Packaging solutions are also finding their way within the meat industry to try and keep produce fresher on the shelf for longer. Vacuum-sealed packaging is common in this regard; removing air – and thus pollutants – Brexit, lockdown and the changing world has resulted in plenty of upheaval in the meat, poultry and seafood markets – especially within Europe and its trading partners in the US and Asia. 44 Á 42-45.qxp_Layout 1 03/03/2021 09:41 Page 244 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net MEAT, POULTRY AND SEAFOOD that might make the meat go out of date sooner. Farmers are now looking towards more sustainable – and hygienic – methods of rearing and keeping chickens, with many suggesting that the situation was exacerbated by the poor conditions many animals find themselves within. An infection does spread easier, after all, if the victims are cramped into enclosed spaces with little room to breathe or move. The seafood industry remains a strong force in the food and drink industry, with salmon alone scoring as Britain’s highest export good – with £636 million worth of the fish sold across the globe. £500 million of which comes from Scottish waters. Brexit, however, is set to compound matters for the UK, with the seafood industry and fishers especially paying close attention to how the UK Government will handle negotiations and rules over who gets to fish how much in © Shutterstock /C.Lotongkum Online courses explore storage, discharge and handling of bulk materials The issues surrounding the safe handling and storage of bulk materials is examined during 2 on-line short courses; one looking at the difficulties encountered when handling and transporting biomass materials; the other concentrating on general storage and discharge issues associated with the handling of a range of different powders and particulate materials. The Wolfson Centre for Bulk Solids Handling Technology invite you to attend: 22 - 26 March: Biomass Operations and Handling Technology - an overview of handling and storage issues with different biomass materials 19 – 23 April: Storage and Discharge of Powders and Bulk Materials - a basic level course covering the operation, design and specifications of hoppers and silos for reliable discharge Fees are discounted for multiple attendances. Who should attend? If you are involved in the handling, storage, discharge or transportation of bulk materials, these courses will help you understand why issues occur and how to prevent them happening in future. Register here: https://bit.ly/2NDYZ3r 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.uk VERTICAL IMPULSE HORIZONTAL 42-45.qxp_Layout 1 03/03/2021 09:41 Page 3Food & Drink International 45 www.fdiforum.net MEAT, POULTRY AND SEAFOOD British waters. Current negotiations have failed to please anyone and may still see British waters fished by EU neighbours despite early promises. Beyond that, many farmers in the UK are worried about how trade deals will affect the meat industry, with lamb, beef and pork from the UK being shipped all around the world. One aspect of that will be the concept of `dirty meat` from the US – speaking specifically of chlorinated chicken and bleached eggs, both of which can carry higher levels of contagion compared to UK meat, but which can be mass-produced significantly cheaper. Many manufacturers and farmers in the UK are worried what this might mean for the industry, while animal welfare groups worry it may force a return to overcrowding and cruel treatment of farmyard animals. The US remains the top export destination for Salmon, buying almost £215 million. Closer to home however, France recorded a fifty-five per cent jump in their demand for British Salmon, importing £110 million worth. A newer market for the fish, China also showed a 40% increase in demand, with £65 million being exported to that part of Asia. Waters have begun to show less yield when it comes to seafood, however, leading to difficult political struggles such as that in China. Sustainable initiatives are being proposed by many, but unless individual fishing companies take the steps themselves, these are unlikely to go anywhere. The question becomes then, how far- sighted these companies can be. They already face lesser yields and tighter profits but a continued refusal to acknowledge the problem will inevitably lead to their own demise. Real time temperature monitoring Real time temperature monitoring streamlines processes and procedures enabling all catering facilities to act immediately should any unforeseen issues arise. Wireless data loggers transmit data via the cloud which is stored locally on PCs and other devices. This means the user can access real, live temperature monitoring data wherever they are saving tremendous time and, in turn, money. They can track live temperature recordings so that refrigeration and freezers don’t go above critical limits. Monitoring both air and core temperature in refrigeration units allows organisations to install early alert systems ensuring they stay one step ahead. This also ensures more accurate food temperature controls which improves safety and reduces food spoilage. Not only do wireless data loggers provide live data as and when something goes wrong, but they also support social distancing measures by reducing the number of people involved in the temperature monitoring process and limiting human to human contact. For more information, visit www.etiltd.com. © Shutterstock /W atchares Hansawek Specialist packaging solutions from Packaging Automation Packaging Automation Ltd is a British manufacturer of packaging machinery with specialist knowledge of tray heat sealing technology and factory automation. Established in 1963, the Cheshire-headquartered company boasts expertise in tray & pot sealers, conveyors, tooling, coding equipment, sealing options, complete line solutions and, of course, packaging. The company’s expertise expands beyond the design and manufacture of packaging machinery to the use of different packaging materials and their properties and limitations in various applications as well as their environmental impact. Its packaging seal technologist works in close collaboration with film and tray suppliers in the development of new packaging materials to offer its customers more recyclable and compostable solutions. The relationships with packaging manufacturers ensures Packaging Automation is at the forefront of new developments so that it can evolve the technology in its machines to ensure they have the capability to handle and seal materials during their development phase. For more information, visit www.pal.co.uk. 42-45.qxp_Layout 1 03/03/2021 09:41 Page 4market developments, debate key issues and network with other business leaders. The 2021 event will be hosted virtually, featuring a full day of presentations, interactive panels, interviews and discussions, alongside extensive networking opportunities. For more information, visit www.zenithglobal.com/events/uksd2021. Alimentaria 17-20 May Online As a leading trade show, Alimentaria anticipates trends and predicts business opportunities. For this reason, this edition of Alimentaria presents a new concept which multiplies its offer to boost the business of each sector and facilitates transversal synergies. In addition to a commercial platform, Alimentaria shows its close relationship with the tourism sector and the food industry, putting value on gastronomy, innovation and trends through a wide range of activities. To find out more, visit www.alimentaria.com/en. ANUFOOD China 21 – 23 April Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Centre, Shenzhen, China ANUFOOD China will celebrate its debut at Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center in Shenzhen, China from 21 – 23 April 2021. The exhibition is poised to establish a comprehensive platform covering the food and beverage market in Southern China. Over 700 exhibitors and more than 15,000 visitors are expected within 20,000 square meters for this grand industrial event. To find out more, visit www.anufoodchina.com. UK Soft Drinks Conference 11 May Online Zenith Global’s UK Soft Drinks Conference is the industry’s main annual forum to hear about the latest 46 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net Events Food & Drink © Shutterstock /beats1 © Shutterstock / FOT OGRIN The NAFEM Show 26 – 28 August Orange County Convention Centre, Orlando, Fl The NAFEM Show is the world’s leading showcase dedicated exclusively to foodservice equipment and supplies. Here’s where attendees will discover the very latest in equipment and the industry’s top supplies. Applications to exhibit are being accepted now. To find out more, visit www.thenafemshow.org. Due to the coronavirus outbreak, readers should be aware that events may have been cancelled or postponed. All dates correct as of publishing, but please check beforehand. Plant Based World Conference & Expo Europe 24-25 June Business Design Centre, London, UK A 100% plant-based event for 46-47.qxp_Layout 1 03/03/2021 09:43 Page 1foodservice, retail, and healthcare professionals, distributors, investors, manufacturers, and the plant-based influencer community, attend this expo to network with professionals who have embarked on both personal and professional plant-based journeys, many creating some of the world’s most revolutionary plant-based products and foods. Plant Based World Europe’s mission is to get the latest plant- based products in front of decision makers, educating them on how these foods will improve the wealth of their business and the health of the people they serve. For more information, visit www.plantbasedworldeurope.com. Food & Drink Expo 5-7 July NEC Birmingham The UK Food & Drink Shows offer a full portfolio of events covering food development, grocery, manufacturing, specialist retail, wholesale and foodservice. Food & Drink Expo will run alongside The Ingredients Show, Foodex, National Convenience Show, Farm Shop & Deli Show and The Forecourt Show. To find out more, visit www.foodanddrinkexpo.co.uk. The Sweets & Snacks Expo 23 – 25 June Indiana Convention Centre, USA The Sweets & Snacks Expo is a can’t-miss event for thousands of confectionery and snack retailers, manufacturers and suppliers for a reason – here you’ll find all the product innovations, insights and industry connections you need to build a world-class in-store or online experience that will delight your shoppers. To find out more, visit www.sweetsandsnacks.com. Food & Drink International 47 www.fdiforum.net Vertical Farming World Congress 20-24 September London & Online Bringing together vertical farming operators, investors, suppliers and customers, the 2nd annual Vertical Farming World Congress is designed to help develop and advance the sector’s future. The 2021 event will feature two days of online conference sessions and networking opportunities, with additional elements for those attending in person, including vertical farm tours, produce tasting, policy forums and training courses. For new entrants as well as industry leaders. To book, please visit the registration tab. For more information, visit www.zenithglobal.com/events/vfwc2021. © Shutterstock / YEINISM 46-47.qxp_Layout 1 03/03/2021 09:43 Page 2FEATURES Ingredients Spotlight End of Line Packaging Transport & Logistics Mixing & Blending Gears & Drives Beverages Health, Safety & Hygiene Import & Export Next month in April 2021 - Deadline 17th March INTERNATIONAL Food &Drink Food &Drink Visit us at www.fdiforum.net where you’ll find the latest news as it breaks – and why not subscribe to our newsletters so you can have the latest news emailed to your inbox, in between printed issues? 48.qxp_Layout 1 03/03/2021 08:12 Page 1Classified Often imitated… …never equalled You can feature your company in our hugely popular Online Directory with a description, contact details and a hyperlink If you would like further information please contact Sam Trott on +44 [0] 1472 310310 or email v.hunt@blmgroup.co.uk or visit www.fdiforum.net/directory From field to fork, Food & Drink International is the voice of the industry. Food & Drink International 49 www.fdiforum.net Depositors Tel: 01282 440040 enquiries@riggsautopack.co.uk www.riggsautopack.co.uk Manufacturers of depositors & filling machines for the food production industry Labels Tel: 01482 506560 sales@datamarkuk.com www.datamarkuk.com • Self adhesive Labels • Lasersheets • Fanfolded Labels • Thermal Transfer Ribbons • Barcode Labels w w w . fd if o ru m .n et To advertise your services on the Classified pages contact us on 01472 310302 Hoses Providing all hose and couplings wash-down and non-glass sight glass requirements to the Food & Dairy Industries Tel: +44 1933 673699 Fax: +44 1933 675819 E-mail: enquir y@f lexrite.co.uk Web: www.f lexrite.co.uk FlexRite 19 The Trinity Centre Park Farm Industrial Estate Wellingborough Northants, NN8 6ZB • Superb Location - Close to the ports of Grimsby & Immingham - Great motorway links - Close to the town centre • Secure off street parking • High speed internet availability • Easy in/out terms • A range of affordable office sizes Armstrong House, Armstrong Street, Grimsby DN31 2QE Tel: (01472) 310301 Email: s.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk Ground floor offices to let - prime location in Grimsby To Let Online Directory 49.qxp_Layout 1 03/03/2021 08:11 Page 1Next >