< PreviousYorkshire desserts companiesexpands warehousing capacity Shipley-basedbakery and patissiers,Just Desserts, isexpanding into a third1,800 square food unitfollowing a 30% salesgrowth in the last year. The handmadedesserts specialist has seen sales increase across its foodservice customer base, particularly in theindependent, farm shop, National Trust properties and garden centre sectors.An investment of more than £60,000 in new equipment has enabled the company to double itsbakery capacity and introduce efficiency measures. The addition of a third unit has led to improved warehousing and office space, as well asrestructure and open up the bakery to increase work flow.James O’Dwyer, Managing Director, Just Desserts, said: “We were cited among small manufacturing firms set to benefit from domestic sales in anexpanding economy in the 2014 Manufactory Advisory Service barometer and we are certainly enjoying an increase in home grown business.“A combination of improved marketing, better sales materials such as our new company video and getting to market earlier in key selling seasons, hascontributed to this success, allowing us to respond to customer needs. Continuing to improve our facilities in Shipley will support our growth strategy.”20 Food & Drink Internationalwww.fdiforum.netWAREHOUSING & DISTRIBUTIONSometimes the smallest bubbles create the biggest popLinde Material Handling and Britvic Soft Drinks found a refreshingsolution when Britvic’s national distribution center in Leicester was lookingto replace its current fleet of order pickers and counterbalance trucks. Britvic Soft Drinks is one of Europe’s leading branded soft drinksbusinesses, with great brands like Robinsons, J2O, Tango and Fruit Shoot,and exclusive agreements to bottle and distribute global brands includingPepsi and 7UP on behalf of PepsiCo.The national distribution centre operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a weekand has circa 150 employees including third party employees based at thesite. They boast a fleet of ten Linde N20 order pickers and seven H35 LPGIC counterbalance trucks. Britvic did fuel saving tests with the trucks against their existing supplierand, the Linde tank lasted longer than the current supplier with expectedsavings of £29,000 a year.For more information, visit www.linde.co.uk.Stancold install large chilleddistribution warehouse forcheese storageStancold, leading installers of temperature controlledwarehouses, hygienic and fire rated areas since 1946, have recentlycompleted a large chilled distribution warehouse for EdwardsTransport, in Shropshire for the storage of cheese products. The new chill store was built as an extension to existing coldstorage buildings and was separated by a 32.5m long, 2 hour firerated warehouse dividing wall, and 60 minute fire rated external PIRwalls to protect boundary to road. The chiller with externaldimensions of 47m x 32m x 10m rising to 13m high wascomplemented with a number of rapid rising chiller doors, fireshutter doors and hinged chiller doors perfect for the application.Working closely with main contractors, Pioneer Design & Build,Stancold have delivered yet another cold store project to a tightdeadline, on budget and to the highest quality standards.For more information, visit www.stancold.co.uk. Stertiltelescopic lip dock levellers Stertil Dock & Door Products offers a comprehensive range of docklevellers for every application and environment. The company’s telescopiclip levellers are controlled using push buttons to achieve raising andlowering plus extension and retraction of the lip. In operation, the platform is raised above the height of the vehicle deckand the lip is extended. The platform is then lowered until the lip forms abridge with the vehicle deck. As loads are transferred, the platform followsthe up and down movement of the vehicle or trailer. Importantly, theextension of the lip is infinitely variable which means that the leveller can besafely used to serve vehicles that have not reversed sufficiently far enoughto make contact with the dock’s bumpers. The telescopic lip also allows precise vehicle loading up to the edge ofthe vehicle’s deck thereby ensuring maximum space utilisation.For more information, visit www.stertil.co.uk. 18-21_Layout 1 22/04/2016 13:47 Page 3Food & Drink International 21www.fdiforum.netWAREHOUSING & DISTRIBUTIONEK Automation joins forces withJoloda to offer one-stop End-2-End solutionAutomated the end of your production line but still looking to furtherreduce overheads? Want to expand production but haven’t got thespace? Looking to drive down remote Distribution Centre (DC)operating costs? Want a one-stop answer to all of these questions?Well, here it is.EK Automation, the leading provider of Automated Guided Vehicle(AGV) solutions, has recently joined forces with Joloda, the worldwideleader in automated truck loading systems and solutions, to offer theone-stop solution that answers all these questions. The AGVs transfer your finished goods to the despatch docks where the Jolada equipmentautomatically loads a waiting trailer. The trailer becomes the marshalling area, freeing up your space. At the DC, the trailer unloads automatically – thetrailer, tractor and driver are all utilised efficiently. The end result is reduced manual handling, improved space utilisation, reduced damage, improvedstock traceability and reduced overheads.For more information, visit www.ek-automation.com.STI offers rail transportas cost-effectivelogistics solution12,680 kilometres – that’s the distance from the Chinesecity of Shenzhen to Duisburg in North-Rhine Westphalia.Experts from STI Freight Management have now organisedthe transport of 56 tonnes of wall clocks and LED alarmclocks for the non-food ranges of large Germandiscounters on this route. The biggest challenge is processing the transport justin time within a guaranteed tightly set time slot. This isbecause the large promotions organised by discountersare subject to a fixed starting date and arranged for alarge number of branches at the same time. To organisethe distribution, STI had only about three weeks.Transport by ship from Asia to Europe generally takesabout four weeks and was therefore out of the question.Instead, the freight travelled from China to Germany bytrain on behalf of STI.STI is responsible for the secure transport andpunctual delivery of the freight from the time it leaves thefactory. For more information, visit www.sti-freight-management.com.Nestlé Waters opensnew facility in Nigeria Nestlé Waters opened its latest manufacturing facility for Nestlé PureLife bottled water in Abaji, Nigeria. This factory will complement theexisting Agbara factory in the Ogun State.The 14.6-hectare factory features a modern Technical TrainingCentre to provide practical training to young Nigerian engineeringstudents. There, Nestlé Waters will share its expertise in preservingwater resources and ensuring the sustainability of the shared wateraquifers.Marco Settembri, Nestlé Waters Chairman & CEO and Nestlé SAGeneral Manager, said: “We are committed to helping people leadhealthier lives as water is surely the best way to fulfil daily hydrationneeds. Our goal is to provide families in Nigeria and all around theworld with an affordable and convenient daily healthy hydrationsolution.” Nestlé Waters promotes water stewardship programs around theworld in partnership with Project WET (Water Education for Teachers),helping teachers educate children about proper hydration. 6,000Nigerian schoolchildren in 115 schoolsparticipated in the program in2015, and Project WET will beexpanded to 1,200 more pupilsin Abaji in 2016.PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/MARIYANA M18-21_Layout 1 22/04/2016 13:47 Page 422 Food & Drink Internationalwww.fdiforum.netPACKAGING SPOTLIGHTThere is no faster-moving sector in the food and drinkindustry than packaging. Once-upon-a-time the responsibilitiesof packing were only twofold; protect the contents and sell theproduct. Nowadays, things are a lot more complicated. Consumer demands and expectations have led to anincreased level of interaction, first with labels and caloriecounts, then with ever more specific information on RDA’sand information on where the product was sourced from. Ontop of that, conscientious consumers are demanding thatpackaging have as small an environmental impact as possible.All of this must be done without compromising the integralelements of appearance, strength and design. Hence, foodpackaging needs to be engineered for increased strength, usingless material, and always taking into account the cost element.This has led to major overhauls of the packaging process inmany companies – and some find this a challenge. Investmentcosts for regulation and legislation will always be a difficultfactor, especially with varying standards across the EU. Theseare necessities that cannot be avoided however, and as labellingis one of the fastest-changing sectors when it comes to changesin legislation, it is something that many are forced to quicklyadapt to.Considering the large quantities of finished products that gothrough a manufacturing facility in any given day, there is alsoa necessity for a flawless and efficiency system that can workwith batches of well over 10,000 individual products. All of thiswith minimal downtime, efficient energy usage andunparalleled accuracy.This provides problems both within the manufacturingfacility itself, but also the warehouse and distribution sector –specifically in end of line packaging. One solution to this is toautomate the system as much as possible, but to adapt forvaried product lines by having some form of off-lineautomation. By having a separate automation machine, asopposed to one that is part of a specified production line,changes can be made to settings based on what is needed at thetime. This is particularly useful for pallet-wrapping inwarehouses, as it allows pallets of different sizes to beaccommodated. In addition to this, the vast majority of companies in thefood and drink sector are having to measure and report on theenvironmental performance of their packaging. In fact, somePart of the package The packaging industry is almost unrecognisable from what it was 20 years ago, butwhat changes are on the horizon?PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/BIMXD22-27_Layout 1 22/04/2016 14:14 Page 1Food & Drink International 23www.fdiforum.netPACKAGING SPOTLIGHTcompanies are even taking a more proactive approach by usingpackaging assessments at the design phase, which can offer anopportunity to reduce costs in their supply chains while alsoreinforcing their corporate social responsibility activities andbrand image. All this obviously has to come in addition to thepackaging remaining secure and robust throughout the supplychain.Many packaging specialists have boosted their research anddevelopment departments to emphasise this new approach, andfocus is now on packaging that is made from plant, food orotherwise sustainable material. One packaging concept that has proven particularly popularin recent years is that of corrugated. With a wide range ofbenefits, including an inherent flexibility, corrugated can bemodified for different crops and misshapen produce, therebyreducing the potential for bruising and skin damage that cansometimes occur with rigid packaging.Because over 80% of corrugated is recycled, while new boxesare made from recycled material, the environmental footprint isvery low. Where new fibre is used, it comes from sustainablymanaged forests. This commitment to responsible forestmanagement has made a huge contribution to the increase inthe size of Europe’s forests – up by 30% since 1950. Althoughit has been used in one form or other for many years, thecorrugated packaging industry is continually investing in newtechnologies to ensure it retains its top table place.Innovative technology is improving in-store performance aswell through better print capability. High Quality Post Printhas transformed corrugated packaging from protective transitpackaging into multi-functional, colourful retail ready packs,without compromising product integrity. Liners and coatingsare also being developed for corrugated material to provideeven greater food freshness and, with the advent of moderncorrugated processes, such as new flutings that offer up to 23%storage space saving, it also offers more efficient logisticsmanagement through better use of pallets, resulting in fewervehicles on the road.Digital technology has certainly provided more flexibility for24 ÁPHOTO: SHUTTERSTPCK.COM/VISHNEVSKIY VASILY22-27_Layout 1 22/04/2016 14:14 Page 2Combined with this, though, thechallenge for products more than everbefore is to stand out on the shelves –so the importance of a distinctive,high quality package is emphasised.However this distinctive nature has togo hand in hand with convenience indistribution and display. Whilecreativity is all-important, productsthat require distributors to obtainnew pallets, retailers to invest in newdisplay units and consumers torearrange their kitchen shelves areunlikely to prove particularly popularat any stage in the supply chain.The packaging of many of theproducts on retailers’ shelves remain in the iconic anddistinctive designs they have kept for many years – but whiletheir look hasn’t changed, the materials used often have tocreate more effective, efficient and secure packaging. Toachieve higher shelf spacing is the challenge facing allproducers. This is particularly so in convenience stores wherespace is even more limited. The use of mixed tray systemstherefore has great merit, allowing more variety, choice andrange of products. With an assorted range of products there’s agreater chance of seeing something which will catch the eye.For smaller outlets, these assorted product trays provide acreative way for retailers to offer a wider product range in asmaller space.Consumer demand leading to a rise in single serve packs andsmaller size packs has also driven innovation in the packagingsector and this means there has been a rapid growth in thinwalled packaging, mostly for injection moulding andthermoforming applications. This has all come about as a resultof the boom in the ready-meals market clashing withmanufacturer’s tendencies to include “multiple servings” of anyproduct in a single packet. Consumers who do not have anyoneto share the food with, say those eating at a lunch break atwork – do not want to pay for half a product they will throwaway, nor to overeat. This adaptation again has a knock-oneffect for the industry, as companies rush to adapt tocustomer’s demand for a new line producing packaging forsmaller packs.And all of this rapid adaptation is the reason for the vastnumber of packaging shows and events that take place aroundthe globe. A number which seems to eclipse that of many otherindustries, from ingredients to processing and even retail. Tomany, packaging is first and foremost in the food and drinkindustry – and as time goes on, there may be even morechallenges for the sector.Many politicians, business people and members of the publicoften ask what a country, an economy or even a sport will looklike in 10-15 years’ time. Perhaps the big question should be,how unrecognisable will the packaging industry become in thattime? Is it time for a new Packaging Supplier?Kite Packaging is one of the UK’s leading packaging suppliers offering a best in class service to a wide range of industries.It’s not just us that say so, visit our website to see what our customers say about us on Trustpilot.Call today to speak to one of our friendly and experienced team on 02476 420065We have the UK’s leading B2B ecommerce website, offering 2,500 stock products.Our commitment to our customers :Service levels that are second to none.Next day delivery available.Lowest prices.High quality products.Credit facilities.One-to-one account management.www.kitepackaging.co.ukBoxesProtection & Void FillTapePallet WrapMailing & PostingMachinery & SystemsProducts we offer:24 Food & Drink Internationalwww.fdiforum.netPACKAGING SPOTLIGHTpackaging design, especially as legal requirements have requiredmuch more information is on packaging that was previously thecase. Many companies have introduced QR codes on theirproducts to allow customers to receive promotional materialand much else, while it also has value when it comes totraceability.PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/THITAREES22-27_Layout 1 22/04/2016 14:14 Page 3Food & Drink International 25www.fdiforum.netPACKAGING SPOTLIGHTPOUCHESSN Pouch packtechnologyFor form, fill and seal packaging machines whether for food,beverage, pet food, seeds, household products, cosmetics andpharmaceuticals – SN is the ideal partner for economical andefficient pouch packaging. As the global leader in the productionof rotary-type horizontal FFS and FS machines, SN is a provider oftailor-made pouch packaging technology for a wide range ofproducts, packaging formats and filler speeds. From consultation todevelopment, production and service, SN combines fifty years ofexperience in the industry.Knowledgeable advice, development, production and service – allthese areas go hand in hand. This fact guarantees closelymonitored individual customer support, smooth project handling,reliable delivery times and best return on investment for ourclients. Our mutual goal is to implement the unique and perfect solutionfor your business. Whether pillow or stand-up pouch, a pouchwith contour, spout or reclosure-system: we realize custom-madeFFS and FS pouch packaging machines – tailored precisely for yourrequirements and your product.SN machines have output rates which start at 20 pouches perminutes for the smaller applications, and rise up to severalhundred pouches per minutes for the high-speed applications. SN manufactures and supplies customized FFS or FS machine,with dosing systems and associated accessories. And they do sowith the highest production rates, maximum precision andconsistent pouch quality. The machines have an extraordinary longlife cycle, they are simple to operate and can be retrofitted easily atany time. This, and their extremely low energy and maintenancecosts, makes SN pouch packaging machines the most economicalof their kind.For more information youcan call Penn Packaging direct on +44 (0)1473 893 990 or visit their website on www.penn-packaging.co.uk RE-SEALABLE PACKAGINGSelo’s re-sealablepackagingIn recent years the demandfor reliable re-sealable packs hasincreased considerably. We’veall bought so called re-sealablepacks only to find that thereseal mechanism is not reliableand we end up using some othertype of material to keep ourproducts fresh.Based on this frustration Selointroduced a re-sealablepackaging device specificallydesigned for sliced meats andcheese. This very simple to usecreation allows the consumer toeasily open the pack, remove theproduct and resealwith a minimumamount of fuss. Thereseal mechanism isvery reliable and willremain consistenteven after beingused a number oftimes.The packs areproduced on ourOmori flowrappersthat enable the packs to be gas flushed with industry standardresidual levels. From a flat roll of film, various looking materials canbe used that easily differentiate between standard and premiumproduct, which can be packed on the same machine using the samepackaging format. Another form of re-sealable packaging is the ‘Doy Pack’ that canbe used for a variety of products. Our equipment can fill the packssolids, liquids or a combination of both products. The option of gasflushing can also be incorporated to ensure shelf life demands. Ourequipment produces the highest quality of hermetic seals thatmeans the packs can then be sent for further process, such as retortor sous-vide. This type of pack is proving to be an ideal replacement for jarsand containers as they are far easier to store, transport and assistwith packaging waste directives.For more information, or to get intouch with Selo directly,call +44 (0)845 293 2910 or visit www.selo.com 22-27_Layout 1 22/04/2016 14:14 Page 426 Food & Drink Internationalwww.fdiforum.netPACKAGING SPOTLIGHTUNI Packaging supplyspeciality coffee brand withdigitally printed pouchesContemporary coffeeroaster, Purssells London,has used flexible packaginggroup, UNI Packaging, tosupply them with pouchesfor their speciality blends. Launched last year,Purssells aims to representthe very best coffeeavailable with respect toquality, provenance andtaste. Alongside sixdistinctive roasts that makeup their off-the-shelf range,Purssells bespoke servicecan craft each coffee to acustomer’s specificrequirement from roast,grind and brew to tastingnotes and price point.Following trials, UNIPackaging manufacturesthe Purssells pouches from a PE/aluminium laminate. Incorporating a tearnotch, re-close zipper and venting valve, the pouches are digitally printedvia UNI Packaging’s award-winning digital print offering, Digiflex®. Withlow origination costs and the ability to print various designs consecutivelywith no additional setup, digital print is the ideal solution for Purssells’short run requirements.Purssells successful entry into the booming UK coffee market hasprovided UNI Packaging with follow-on pouch orders.For more information, visit www.uni-packaging.com.Tetra Pak expects to delivermore than 100m renewablepackages in 2016Tetra Pak expects to deliver more than100 million packs of Tetra Rex® Bio-based to customers during 2016. The world’s first package madeentirely from plant based materials hasgained popularity among consumersacross Finland, Sweden and Norway,with brands such as Valio, Arla Foods,Vermlands Mejeri and TINE.The package was launched in January2015, and its environmental profile hasscooped seven awards last year,including first place in the SustainableInnovation category at the EthicalCorporation Responsible BusinessAwards.“The success of Tetra Rex Bio-basedin its first year is extremely encouraging,”said Charles Brand, Executive VicePresident Product Management &Commercial Operations at Tetra Pak. “We are proud to be the firstcompany to deliver a package made entirely from plant-based materials.Every package is traceable to its origin, helping customers to enhancetheir brand and communicate with consumers. This is a significantmilestone in Tetra Pak’s long term ambition to provide 100 per centrenewable packaging across our product portfolio.” Kite Packagingintroduce new‘box for bottles’innovationKite Packaging hasintroduced its new box forbottles innovation.Available to purchase viatheir ecommerce websitewww.kitepackaging.co.uk,the new range offersintegrated internaldividers as opposed toseparate ones, increasingstrength and durability.The new design allows thebox to be made up quickerthan traditional alternatives so is particularly suited to packingdepartments where speed and volume throughput is important.Innovative protection in the Food and Drinks industry has grownin popularity in recent years, particularly with users who aresensitive to the need for good quality, reliable protective packagingat very competitive prices. The cardboard boxes for 70cl bottles are delivered flat packed andquickly and easily fold up into their 3 dimensional shape. Theintegrated design of the internal divider cells mean they pop fullyinto place and prevents the bottles from rattling and knockingtogether, reducing the likelihood of damage in transit. Made from heavy duty corrugated cardboard, Kites one-piecewine boxes with integrated dividers are useful for wine retailers,home enthusiast or caterers who either store or regularly transportquantities of wine and are available with 6 or 12 dividers. Specifically designed for protecting glass, Kite Packaging’s rangeof Air Shock Bottle Packs are particularly ideal for thosetransporting valuable and fragile goods where there is a high risk ofdamage during transit. Protected by an armoured air, thislightweight solution will significantly reduce pack weight and is alsoavailable with a single outer wall box for added security andprotection. For more information, visit www.kitepackaging.co.uk22-27_Layout 1 22/04/2016 14:14 Page 5Food & Drink International 27www.fdiforum.netPACKAGING SPOTLIGHTQuin System’s versatile new VersapackTMallows efficientend of line packing of new style pack formatsQuin Systems has launched an integrated robotic case packer and case erectoroptimized to efficiently pack modern pack formats and cases so that their customers canbenefit from the significant innovation in the packaging industry. Key to the success of VersapackTMis the ability to case pack new-style bag formats andstand-up pouches in many different orientations. A wide range of cases can be erectedand packed including narrow 80 mm shelf ready cases. Patented case handling and caseclamping mechanisms and self-policing procedures allow environmentally-friendly lighterweight, recycled cardboard to be quickly and efficiently erected. “VersapackTMis the smallest and fastest integrated case erecting and packing machineon the market with the ability to pack products in many orientations including on-edge,”says Mike Webb, Quin Systems. “The efficient servo-driven case erector has been designedto handle a wide range of cases including very narrow retail-ready cases, a necessity forthose supplying major retailers who want to make the most of their shelf space.”www.versapack.co.uk www.quin.co.uk i2r creates unique bakeryoffering with new rangeMarket leading aluminiumfoil tray manufacturers, i2rPackaging Solutions, haverecently launched a range oftulip muffin wraps andgreaseproof papers to expandtheir bakery offering. Theinitiative aims to position thefirm as the only UKmanufacturer to provide thebaking industry with a one-stop-shop for both aluminiumfoil containers and FSCaccredited tulip paperproducts, which can be branded and personalised. “Not only can we supply our lightweight, robust aluminium foil packaging,we can now provide a full range of tulip wraps and greaseproof papers tocover multiple bakery applications. And as we have our own productioncapability, with an ongoing expansion programme, we can offer first-ratesupply chain performance direct from a UK manufacturer, together with a costbenefit of buying direct,” said i2r’s Guy Rowledge. “In effect we’re challenging traditional market constraints by being a singlego-to resource. This combined with unrivalled customer service makes this atruly unique offering.” For more information, visit www.i2rps.com/baking.National Flexible’s GrabBag Grabs AttentionNational Flexible had several new packaging formats on show at thePackaging Innovations Exhibition but were surprised when most visitorssimply wanted to talk about the new flowwrap grab bag. It wasundoubtedly the star of the show.The pack is formed using standard flow wrapping machinery with fewmodifications. It is essentially film on the reel which dramatically reducesthe labour costs associated with packing by hand, whilst also improvingmanufacturing efficiencies at speeds of up to 30 packs per minute.Currently available in a paper or lacquered finish, the film has no pre-creasing and the window aligns 100% every time. Extra benefits of thisthinner film is it not only saves packaging waste but gives perfect ‘onshelf pack presentation.’ The combination of this upright laminate pack,on an automated machine has already been recognised as abreakthrough for sandwich pack manufacture and presentation. For more information, visit www.nationalflexible.co.uk. Maldon Salt Company launches newartisan styled packs with Qualvis Leading print and packaging business, Qualvis, has created a new range of packs for theMaldon Salt Company. Designed by Pearlfisher, the packs for Sea Salt Flakes, Smoked SeaSalt and Whole Black Peppercorns communicate Maldon’s values, heritage, artisan andnatural cues with a premium pack feel, whilst also offering a more consumer friendlyexperience.Qualvis has created the premium feel by reverse board printing the pack design with finedetailed foil blocking, while 3D contoured embossing gives a tactile effect for enhanced on-shelf appeal. The consumer friendly solution was achieved with the addition of a Concora-style, easy tear-opening feature to the top panel, for easy re-closure and seal for improvedproduct security and hygiene. The packaging is manufactured with low migration inks andvarnishes. Maldon Salt Managing Director, Steve Osborne, said: “It is fair to say that we have seenbest practice in action - excellent turnaround, first-class customer service and delivery of a quality and reliable product.”For more information visit www.qualvis.co.uk22-27_Layout 1 22/04/2016 14:14 Page 628 Food & Drink Internationalwww.fdiforum.netDEPOSITING & FILLINGTechnology has played a crucial role inthe evolution of the food industry. Withthe advent of industrialisation inagriculture to automation along theproduction line, technologicaldevelopment has catered to the growingneed for speed, efficiency and volume.These three needs are still ushering innew methods and machines to transformthe production and processing of food.One of the most exciting developments inthis regard is 3D printing. 3D printing was once the stock andtrade of academic pipedreams and sciencefiction narratives, but the technology hasrapidly become a viable tool formanufactures and restaurants to exploit.Perhaps the greatest strength of this newtechnology is in its adaptability, and howalmost every industry can reap one benefitor another. The medical applications areespecially fascinating, and yet it’s thepotential impact it has on the foodindustry that perhaps best demonstratesthe integral part the 3D printing couldplay in the years to come. Trade exhibition and futurist fooddocumentaries take delight in showcasingthe prowess and precision of printingfoodstuffs, and the examples are certainlycompelling, but it’s evident that there’sstill a way to come. Programming aspecific design and allowing it to manifeston the plate (or surface) offers a level ofprecision and reliability that just simplycan’t be achieved by human hands alone.Intricate culinary designs are all well andgood, but it’s hardly the game changingtechnology that’s been touted for thefuture. The applications extend beyondthe aesthetic to potentially revolutionisingPHOTO: TINXI / SHUTTERSTOCK.COMTaking thenext stepMany believe the future of food production belongs to 3D printing,but integrating its capabilities alongside existing filling and depositingmethods is possibly the best route forward. 28-31_Layout 1 22/04/2016 13:56 Page 1Food & Drink International 29www.fdiforum.netDEPOSITING & FILLINGwww.multi-fill.comsales@multi-fill.comPhone +1 801.280.1570Fax +1 801.280.4341Building B, 4343 West 7800 SouthWest Jordan, Utah 84088 USARepresented in the UK and Ireland by:F. Jahn & Co. Ltd.Tel: 020 8977 8822Web: www.f-jahn.co.ukE-Mail: sales@f-jahn.co.ukManufacturer of depositors for thefood production industryRiggs Autopack Ltd is a British manufacturer of highquality volumetric depositors and filling machines. Theyare a UK market leader with an excellent reputation andsupply their equipment to the food production industry.Clients range from cottage industries through tomulti-national food groups such as Bakkavor, Kerry,Greencore and Samworth Brothers. They also supplytheir depositing equipment to operate in conjunctionwith third party machinery such as in-line tray sealing,rotary pot sealing, thermo-form and VFFS applications.Their depositors and filling machines are built in-house at their Nelson factory in Lancashire; they areone of the most precise and hygienic on the marketwith exceptional fill accuracy, reliability and build quality. If you’re a small, medium or large scale foodmanufacturer seeking a high quality system toaccurately fill jars, bottles, pots, tubs, ready meal trays,buckets, jerry cans, pouches or bags, then RiggsAutopack could have the solution. For more information, visit www.riggsautopack.co.ukthe entire food production processes.Filling and depositing is an integral andessential aspect of the production line,one which could greatly benefit from theproficiencies of 3D printing. 3D printing foodstuffs isn’t without itssetbacks and challenges. One of thebiggest hindrances has been the relianceon a print head that is only capable ofprinting complete liquids, drasticallyreducing the textures which could berecreated. Another is in the methodcurrently employed to fill a 3D printingsyringe which involves cooking food,drying it and grinding it up, leading to aloss of minerals and vitamins. To combatthe lack of texture in 3D printed foods,the hardware itself required an overhaul. With developments to the print headtechnology, fluids containing lumps,crystals and fibres can now be 3D printed,unlocking a treasure trove of possibilityfor food manufactures. Print headspreviously were prone to regular clogging.The development was led by trying toestablish 3D printing as a viablealternative to conventional mouldproduction methods, as well as decreasingset-up times and increasing accuracy.Doing so, would enable the technology tobe compatible with other food productionprocesses, which will prove crucial inrealistically implementing 3D printing aspart of the process. Foodjet Printing Systems, who provide2D+ printing to the food industry, printsa mixture of food and a safe-for-consumption solidifying agent, which isinjected into a modified Foodjet 3Dprinter as ink. The additive mix ensuresthat the layers merge without theformation of a visible layer, and are strongenough so that food items do not collapse.This principle has already been applied toa variety of materials, including typicalgoods manufacturers already usedepositors and filling equipment for, suchas oils and jams, as well as dough andmeat pastes. The company is nowdeveloping a large capacity 3D printerwhich boasts multiple print heads and aconveyor belt to print larger quantities offood in a single session. Therein lies thepossibilities for food manufactures,particularly when it comes to depositorsand fillings. For filling applications, this could meanimplementing 3D printing in automaticconveyer filling lines in conjuncture withexisting filling machines. In this way, 3Dprinting can prove advantageous tomanufacturers looking to increaseefficiency, lower cost and curb productiontime – all vital in processing a greatervolume. The next crucial step in taking 3D food30 Á28-31_Layout 1 22/04/2016 13:56 Page 2Next >