< Previous20 Food & Drink Internationalwww.fdiforum.netAt a time when the EU Food Information for ConsumersRegulation is about to be introduced regarding theinformation that needs to be included on labels, it’sunsurprising many companies are looking to create moreinformative and accurate labels – which requires newtechnology to make sure they accurately match up withwhat’s actually in the product.These obligations, however, can’t come at the expense ofcreating attractive packaging that stands out on the shelves.Given the huge range of products now available to meetconsumers’ increasingly varied tastes, the challenge is tostand out from the crowd. As Chris Peach, head ofpackaging design at Marketing Sciences, points out,“Designs have probably not become much more complex inrecent years, but they have become more targeted as brandsthink smarter about how they target their marketingbudgets. There is no one-size fits all model when it comes toPoint of Sale design. The only firm and fast rule is that yourPOS has to be disruptive, to stand out from the crowd andgrab the attention of shoppers who would otherwise wanderthe aisles on auto-pilot.“If your POS is noticed the next challenge is to get yourmessage across, and the golden rule here is simplicity. Theaverage shopper spends only seconds looking at POS andPowerfulpackagingThe packaging and labelling industry is facing a hugenumber of challenges – not least the requirement toensure strength and quality while simultaneously meetingthe desires for convenience and sustainability. 20-24:Layout 1 17/4/14 10:48 Page 1Food & Drink International 21www.fdiforum.netPACKAGING PERFORMANCEsimply won’t read cluttered andconvoluted materials. Trying tofit too much on to one piece ofPOS is a common pitfall, andwill lead to consumers ignoringthe fixture altogether.“The increased prevalence ofsmartphones is changing the waywe shop, but designers of POSmaterials are yet to capitalise onthis change. Part of the problemis that shoppers are scepticalabout using their smartphones instores. Shoppers are prepared touse their smartphones to scanPOS material for larger-ticketitems where it is seen asworthwhile to take more timeand perhaps compare pricesonline. The same cannot yet besaid for lower value FMCGgoods. The key to changing thisbehaviour is to offer real value inscanning QR codes – by offeringvouchers, discount codes orrecipe ideas. Consumers wantbenefits, not gimmicks.”Those who attended therecent easyFairs PackagingInnovations event inBirmingham, where Food &Drink International wasexhibiting, will be aware of thework that is taking place in theindustry to improve consumercommunication. At the event,Julia Cole, UK and IrelandMarketing Manager at HP, andTrevor Smith from AmberleyAdhesive Labels, demonstratedhow digital can help brandscreate a more personalrelationship with consumers.Julia said, “More brands thanever are engaging directly withthe consumer and can utilise thebenefits of digital printing toachieve this. As brands learn ofthe capabilities of digitalprinting for packaging, they willbegin to leverage thosetechniques that differentiatetheir products and drive sales byextending their marketingcampaigns in to the packagingitself. Shorter runs, just in timedelivery and minimal inventoryare all key factors in reducingcosts and reducing the time tomarket and digital can helpmake this possible.”It’s clear that the mosteffective packaging performanceis the result of a collaborationbetween all aspects. The mostluxurious packaging materialswill mean little if the actualdesign of the package is so dullcustomers fail to even notice it.Conversely, spectacular and eye-catching design will come tonothing if the materials involvedfail to show it off to full effect.Both aspects are also very muchat the mercy of the technologythat allows for effective andattractive packaging to beproduced at the high speeds nowrequired by retailers andconsumers alike.Many companies are nowoffering solutions thatemphasise speed and efficiency.Companies such as Adpakspecialise in applying the latesttechnology and innovations tothe unusual and sometimesdifficult packaging problems thatarise due to the changing natureof today’s consumer market.The variety of glass, carton andtray variables that now exist ona typical packaging line meanthat enhanced flexibility is verymuch required.One great example offlexibility in action in this regardis Kite Packaging’s Wrap &Hold packing machine andsystem. Designed for highvolume users, the Wrap & Holdsystem offers a universal packingsolution that is secure, savescosts and eliminates the needfor void fill and in-box solutions.The new innovation promises tooffers a number of benefitsincluding a 30% cost saving, dueto a 40% reduction in materialsand labour costs. The packsdesigned for use with theMilchhof Sterzing, inItaly’s South Tyrol, hasenjoyed a longrelationship with theOYSTAR Group, whichhas now led to itsproduction capacitiesbeing doubled23 20-24:Layout 1 17/4/14 10:48 Page 222 Food & Drink Internationalwww.fdiforum.netVessel & Tank WeighingPlatform ScalesWeight Indicators & Control SystemsBeware of cheap imitations! Don’t be fooled by...DataMan® 300 series of barcode readers is the true laser replacement for logistics and factory automation apPlications. With higher read Rates than lasers, DataMan image-based readers can easily handle damaged or distorted codes that confuse laser scanNers.Read alL the adventures of Dr. Vision & DataMan:www.cognex.com/adventuresSeries 1, No. 4Dataman® 300 Barcode ReaderDon’t get blinded by the hype and empty promises of lasers! This is a DataMan IMAGE-BASED READER. You can’t get high performance like this with your outdated laser-based scanNer!Thanks to Dataman, you saved my bacon!20-24:Layout 1 17/4/14 10:48 Page 3Food & Drink International 23www.fdiforum.netPACKAGING PERFORMANCEmachine are fully recyclable, including thefilm used to wrap items which produces asecure pack, superior to traditional void fill.The material reduction that the newsystem allows offers substantialenvironmental benefits, achieved through aflexible design element which allows for packsizes to be significantly reduced – deliveringgreater cost saving in the supply chain.Of vital importance during the packagingperformance is traceability and security – toensure that the correct products areidentified and sent to the customer. Cognexhave assisted many companies in this regardwith their vision systems, with one of themost recent being the giant Heinz, who werekeen to upgrade their existing labelverification system to a more reliable versionwhich could eliminate any risk of packagingerror.Olympus Automation were able to installa barcode reading solution to achievecomplete code reading accuracy. Theyworked alongside Cognex to select theDataMan 302X image-based barcode readerwhich, given its advanced functionality,would allow all images to be seen in realtime and therefore establish if a code hadbeen read or not. In addition to meeting therequirements for 1D code reading, theDataMan 302 readers are able to read new2D codes planned for use on the cans in thenear future.The importance of accuracy has also led tothe need for accurate weighing during thepackaging process, and Applied Weighing’srange of dynamic weighing systems can becombined with lead on/lead off conveyors,bar coder readers, metal detectionequipment, wrapping and labellingequipment to provide complete accuracyacross a fully automated check weighingsystem which can also be linked to fillingmachines. In addition to check weighing, thesystem can also be used for classification andsorting, making it suitable for a wide rangeof applications.New technology has certainly offered newhorizons for those involved in packaging,with many tasks now being able to becompleted far faster and more effectively.For example, lock type cases are generallyused for manual packing operations becausethe operator can erect the case in a couple ofsimple steps. They are also generally cheaperto buy because the locks use less board thancases with flaps, plus there are no tape orglue consumables required for closure at thebase. However, companies who wanted toautomate this process, establishing acontinuous packing process, have usuallyhad the issue of radically changing their casestyles because there were no machines toautomate the process.However, a new lock type case erectorspecifically for lock type display cases hasbeen developed by Tekpak Automation. Thishas come about through the development ofa servo driven mechanism, using a speciallydesigned walking beam case transportsystem, while maintaining throughput of upto 26 cases per minute. The system will openand form RSC style cases, without the needfor tape or glue. Featuring a programmablelogic control, the case erector has anadjustable case magazine, incorporating aneasy-load system that allows case blanks tobe loaded while the machine is in operation.The target is to increase speed andaccuracy throughout and Milchhof Sterzing,in Italy’s South Tyrol, has over a period ofseveral years committed to a continuousprogramme of improvement, with the help ofthe OYSTAR Group, which has now led toits production capacities being doubled.Recent additions are two multifunctionalpackaging lines from OYSTAR A+F forproducing yoghurt. The SetLine seriesmachines at Milchhof Sterzing process singlecups as well as 2-cup and 8-cup sets.Together, they produce up to 22,000 125-gram cups per hour. Where needed, the cupsets can also be fitted with all-round sleeves.Thanks to the modular machinery concept,both systems are equipped with a fillingsystem in front and a palletiser in the back.Dr Günther Seidner, MD of MilchhofSterzing, says, “Now we cover the entirepackaging process in a single line. Thefunctionality and construction of the SetLineseries offers us more than the greatestpossible packaging flexibility in very littlespace; it also provides significant costadvantages.”As well as the new technology, work isAbove: CMB Engineering have formally openedthe CMB Academy of Canmaking and Seaming inthe company’s headquarters in YorkshireRight: Those who attended the recent easyFairsPackaging Innovations event in Birmingham willbe aware of the work that is taking place in theindustry to improve consumer communication24 20-24:Layout 1 17/4/14 10:48 Page 424 Food & Drink Internationalwww.fdiforum.netPACKAGING PERFORMANCEADPAKNo.1 FOR SHRINK WRAPPINGAdpak Machinery Systems Ltd established in 1987 are recognized as one of the leaders in packaging technology.Adpakmarket a range of innovative shrink wrapping, palletisation and pallet stretchwrapping systems supplying both new and second hand machinery and providing a fullafter sales service.Our reputation for these systems is well respected within theindustry. The speciality of the company however, is inapplying the latest technology and innovations tounusual and sometimes difficult packaging problems.We can provide full project management for your installation.Tel: 01282 601444 Fax: 01282 6122013 Pendleside, Lomeshaye Industrial Estate, Nelson, Lancashire BB9 6RYWWW.ADPAK.CO.UKalso continuing apace to ensure the industrywelcomes new talent to bring new ideas intothe sector. CMB Engineering, the canmakingmachinery specialists, are illustrating thathaving formally opened the CMB Academyof Canmaking and Seaming in thecompany’s headquarters in Yorkshire. Thenew Academy – a first in the industry – willserve as a platform to train the company’sexisting customer base, offering in-depththeoretical and practical understanding ofseaming and canmaking.The first phase of the Academy includestraining sessions on the CMB 5500Canmaker. The syllabus incorporates lessonson metal forming, which focus on the criticaloperational areas of the machine.The goal of this course is fortrainees to be able to confidentlymanufacture can bodies that meetstringent industry specificationsand also to effectively care for andmaintain the technical assets of themachinery. At the end of thecourse, each trainee will be given afinal evaluation based on theirability to run the machine atspeed, ensuring that all cansproduced are measured to exactingstandards.Introducing new talent is a further step toensuring the packaging sector is at its peakand can deal with the new challenges thatcome its way via the demands of distributorsand retailers and the continually changingtastes of consumers. The latest software andhardware can certainly help in this regard.Tetra Pak has won a 2014 International Forum Packaging Design Awardfor Tetra Evero Aseptic - the world’s first aseptic carton bottle forambient white milk.20-24:Layout 1 17/4/14 10:49 Page 5INTERNATIONALFood&DrinkFood&DrinkWWW.FDIFORUM.NET MINIMUM COST…MAXIMUM IMPACT!Plan your campaign with Food & Drink Internaonal…...your competors are!As markeng is the vital ingredient for the success and growth of any business, we can offer packages to suit all budgets. Speak to one of our experienced account execuves to find a package to suit your needs. Join some of the biggest names in the industry and give your brand the best chance of being seen by your target market.Can you afford not to? Our editorial schedule is now available, please ask for details.Call today on +44 [0] 1472 310310 or email: fdi@blmgroup.co.uk 25:Layout 1 17/4/14 10:49 Page 126 Food & Drink Internationalwww.fdiforum.netMicrobiology could be suffering from a skills gap – but new initiatives are addressing thisThe importance of food safety andsecurity has been emphasised by high profilescares in recent times, which has increasedthe importance of microbiology to thesector. Companies that can make use oftesting and laboratory services to identifyand address flashpoints during theproduction process are well-placed to avoidpotential embarrassments.The challenge now, though, is to ensurethat the testing and reviewing viamicrobiological methods is accurate andeffective. Indeed the recent Elliott Reviewcommissioned by the UK government toconsider the future of food safety made clearin its recommendations that those involvedwith audit, inspection and enforcement haveaccess to resilient, sustainable laboratoryservices that use standardised, validatedmethodologies.It’s suggested, however, that there may bea skills gap in this sector, and to this regard,Campden BRI has published a new reportidentifying the key areas of microbiologicaltraining that need to be addressed. Thereport suggests there is indeed an industry-wide shortfall in the required practical skillsand knowledge of microbiologists,technologists and managers. Bertrand Emond, Head of Membershipand Training at Campden BRI, says, “Ourneeds document comes at a time whenpathogenic organisms are one of the greatestthreats to food safety and product spoilagecontinues to be a major contributor to foodwastage and financial loss. Microbiology istherefore an absolutely essential area whichrequires the highest levels of specialist skillsand expertise. It’s very concerning asignificant number of our members arereporting that the level of practicalexperience of newly qualified, and evensome established microbiologists,technologists and managers is not sufficientto meet the needs of the food and drinksector.”Devised in collaboration with companiessuch as Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Tulip and TwoSisters Food Group, the report will be usedby Campden BRI to inform the developmentof industry training provision. It recognisesmicrobiological training needs differdepending on job roles – so the trainingrequirements of laboratory staff will bedifferent from that of food technologists.Acknowledging these differences andtailoring microbiological training to sector-specific needs is therefore a top priority.Gayna Quinn, Group Technical Directorat Tulip, says, “The microbiology skills gapA closerlookA closerlook26-28:Layout 1 17/4/14 10:51 Page 1Food & Drink International 27www.fdiforum.netMICROBIOLOGYrepresents a potential food safety risk for theglobal food and drink industry. With manyexperienced food and drink microbiologistseither leaving or retiring from the industry,or their roles expanding to includeadditional areas of responsibility, there is areal concern that much of the appliedindustrial microbiological skills base is beingeroded. New staff coming into the industryoften lack the appropriate knowledge andpractical skills required.“Food safety is paramount and it is vitalthat food and drink employees have athorough understanding of the hazards andrisks associated with microbial agents. Foodindustry requirements are constantlyevolving – changes in the use and storage offood materials, together with global sourcingand the impact of climate change mitigationare all placing additional challenges on thecontrol of microbiological risks in the globalfood and drink supply chain. This meansthat now, more than ever before, we need toinvest in microbiological training to up-skillexisting employees and lay the foundationsof good working practice for the nextgeneration.”Many companies that specialise inlaboratory and testing services are reachingthe very highest standards. Neogen Europe,for example, offer qualitative UKAS-accredited testing as part of itscomprehensive DNA based contractlaboratory service. They also provide easyand accurate F.A.S.T. Species IdentificationKits that can be performed on-site by foodprocessors. These are particularly valuablefor use in the factory environment as theyrequire only basic equipment, are quick torun and produce an easy to interpret result.Many microbiology specialists, such asSouthern Group Laboratory, emphasise theimportance of receiving accreditation forUKAS, as it provides an assurance of thecompetence, impartiality and integrity ofconformity assessment bodies. Applying forUKAS accredited certification, testing andcalibration and inspection has additionalbenefits in the food and drink sector as itreduces the need for suppliers to be assessedby each of their customers – allowing themto apply for and win contracts moreeffectively.SGL are a particularly good example ofhow testing specialists can emphasise theireffectiveness by meeting various standards.All their activities are certified to ISO 9001:2008 with quality control accredited byUKAS to EN ISO/IEC 17025:2005 –ensuring consistent high quality productswith continual improvement of processesand services in line with their customer’soften challenging requirements.As well as accessing and interpreting theinformation gleaned from these testingservices, a further challenge is making sureit is acted upon. Bactest have dealt with thisvia their Speedy Breedy detector, whichaims to enable the rapid detection ofmicrobial contamination. It can be used in-situ, even on the production floor, and ,particularly important given the need fortraceability, provides an audit trail ofmeasurements over time. Researchers canunderstand microbial behaviour via aPuratos’ Center forBread Flavour inSankt-Vith is a centreof excellence forsourdoughfermentation28 PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/ZURIJETA 26-28:Layout 1 17/4/14 10:51 Page 228 Food & Drink Internationalwww.fdiforum.netMICROBIOLOGYConvenienceyou can trust...t.01536 403815www.sglab.co.ukPREPARED CULTURE MEDIASTAINS AND REAGENTSFOR EVERY MICROBIOLOGIST 4356compact portable respirometer.Speedy Breedy can be connectedto a PC to enable users tovisualise microbial activity innear real time.Those who wish to introducethe concepts of microbiologyinto their production processcan certainly benefit from a hostof initiatives to support newenterprises. For example, theNoWFOOD Food Research andDevelopment Centre, which isbeing launched by theUniversity of Chester, is offeringup to twelve hours of fundedsupport for eligible SMEs. Aspart of the support, FoodDevelopment Technologists canvisit client premises to advise onprocesses, equipment andmonitor for food safety andlabelling legislation compliance,and their service packagesinclude assistance on foodmicrobiology and shelf lifeevaluation.Microbiology isn’t justconfined to identifying anddealing with potentialcontaminants, however.Microorganisms, for example,can be used to ferment flour andwater to create sourdoughswhich can be used as a leaveningagent for bread and create aparticularly distinctive taste.With the increasing interest intraditional flavours, sourdough isbecoming more popular and, tothis end, Puratos opened theirCenter for Bread Flavour inSankt-Vith as a centre ofexcellence for sourdoughfermentation and bread flavourdevelopment. Having enjoyedsuccess since it was opened fiveyears ago, this has now beensupplemented with the launch ofa Sourdough Library wheredifferent sourdoughs are keptand grown in perfectlycontrolled conditions, ensuringthe viability of these variousunique sourdough strains foryears to come.As companies require closerscrutiny of their products thanever before, microbiologyspecialists are ensuring potentialflashpoints are addressedeffectively. A number ofinitiatives can also help bridgeany potential skills gap.PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/LUCHSCHEN 26-28:Layout 1 17/4/14 10:51 Page 3Food & Drink International 29www.fdiforum.netLABORATORY SHOWCASEQuality Testing for Quality ProduceSpeciation • Allergens • Mycotoxins • GMO • Marine Biotoxins • Norovirus Neogen Europe Ltd. has over 25 years’ experience of developing, manufacturing and marketing a diverserange of products and laboratory analysis dedicated to food safety to ensure the safety, quality and legality ofmanufacturing operations. Neogen’s continual expansion and investment in new technologies ensures that the company is constantly increasing its range of UKAS accreditedtesting. All of its food testing services are carried out by highly trained scientific analysts within the UK using sophisticated, state-of-the-art equipment.Ordering your tests and getting samples to Neogen is a quick and easy process, the company can provide flexible turnaround times to suit your needs.All results are confidential and Neogen has a dedicated specialist customer service to discuss your results. Services are subject to extensive, qualitycontrol and regular quality assurance. For customers who require on-site testing, Neogen Europe Ltd. provides an extensive range of rapid food safetydiagnostic test kits to meet the growing need for higher safety and quality within the food industry. Neogen’s solutions for food safety testing includediagnostic test kits for Allergens, Histamine, Hygiene Monitoring, Mycotoxins, Speciation and Food Microbiology.To request a brochure or further information simply quote: NE794Tel: 01292 525 625 Email: info_uk@neogeneurope.com www.neogeneurope.comDiscovering innovation at the heart of the laboratory industries5 & 6 November 2014NEC, BirminghamWe are delighted to announce that Campden BRI will be running two full day seminars alongside Lab Innovations 2014, as well as a dedicated theatre of presentations on the show floor.With even more exhibiting companies, conference sessions, networking opportunities, product launches and keynote speakers – Lab Innovations 2014 is set to be the best show yet!Registration will open later this year. Save the date and start planning your trip now.For more information, please visit our website www.lab-innovations.comRapid, portable contamination testing for the food and drink industryBactest, inventor and manufacturer of Speedy Breedy, the rapid, sensitive, quantitative and portable contamination test,has launched a range of media products for use with Speedy Breedy to screen for important food and beveragecontaminants.Speedy Breedy is a digitalised, rapid contamination detector which enables manufacturers to simply and safely screen rawingredients, process water and finished product for microbial contamination. Adding to the existing range of specific testing options for E. coli, Coliforms, Enterococci and Pseudomonas, the latestproducts allow for Speedy Breedy users to screen for Clostridium perfringens, Lactic Acid Bacteria, Listeria, Salmonella,Staphylococcus and yeasts. Combining rapid detection technology with a simple, compact design, Speedy Breedy allowsfor testing at source, shaving days off of the time taken to receive laboratory results. These new products can help manufacturers gain confidence when shipping products, reduce time to shipping andtherefore the cost of working capital and inventory storage. Able to rapidly assess multiple critical control points in aHACCP system to significantly reduce process downtime in the event of a contamination issue, Speedy Breedy offers ahighly versatile testing solution for the industry.Tel: 01223 421299 www.bactest.com29:Layout 1 17/4/14 10:52 Page 1Next >