< Previous30 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING 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 fully than others certainly can look into unique packaging materials, it’s worth pointing out that there is another modifier which can influence the sustainability of the packaging process – efficiency. If a company’s packaging needs can be handled in a manner which reduces manpower, wastage or material used, then there is an environmental and sustainable benefit to that change. What’s more, there is a financial and manpower saving as well. In this regard, sustainability and the desire to create a leaner packaging process go hand in hand. Many packaging specialists have boosted their research and development departments to emphasise this new approach, and focus is now on packaging that minimises material or waste, as opposed to redesigning or retro-fitting lines to accommodate a unique new packaging solution. This allows Eco Pouch – the future of environmentally friendly, plastic free food packaging Eco Pouch, a range of fully compostable and biodegradable vacuum pouches from industry leading manufacturer, The Vacuum Pouch Company, is now a viable and environmentally- friendly alternative. Derived from 100% natural food stuff ingredients, the pouches are PLA free (polyactic acid is a processed bioplastic which releases harmful substances). Be careful to check with your supplier that your biodegradable vacuum pouches do not contain PLA. Eco Pouch’s credentials are certainly impressive: it is fully compostable -domestically within 26 weeks at ambient temperatures and within 12 weeks industrially at 60 degrees. This has been externally verified and accredited by internationally renowned safety, quality and environmental group TUV (Austria) to composting standard SO370 for Industrial and domestic. The pouches ae also ‘ocean friendly’ with its properties to break down within 24 weeks when exposed to a typical sea environment. Suitable for sous vide cooking, ambient, chilled and frozen food storage, Eco Pouch is available in weights 50 microns and 70 microns (subject to availability and a range of sizes and custom sizes – please ask. Eco Pouch is now available after more than 18 months trialling and testing, culminating in the pouches being approved under the European Directive EC 2002 / 72 for food contact and also confirmed as having no GMOs (genetically modified organisms). The pouches also are manufactured within The Vacuum Pouch Company’s AA rating with the BRC GS for food packaging materials. Famous brands like Fortnum and Mason already using the Eco Pouch range. Mandarin Oriental Hotel have also switched to Eco Pouch as they have successfully achieved their mission of going ‘plastic free’ by March 2021. Two Michelin Star Celebrity chef, Tom Aikens, has also become an ambassador for Eco Pouch. For more information, visit www.thevacuumpouch.co.uk/eco-pouch-biodegradable- vacuum-pouch. 28-36.qxp_Layout 1 28/05/2021 10:32 Page 3Food & Drink International 31 www.fdiforum.net SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING BENCHTOP BAG SEALING MACHINE IMPULSE BAG SEALING MACHINE HORIZONTAL BAG SEALING MACHINE VERTICAL BAG SEALING MACHINE companies to reap the rewards of such initiatives, but also implement changes to their systems on a one by one basis – investing in individual pieces of machinery, and thus higher quality ones, rather than budgeting for a complete overhaul, which might require less-effective choices that cost less to be used. One packaging concept that has proven particularly popular for a while now is that of corrugated cardboard. 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 33 Á © Shutterstock /Kichigin 28-36.qxp_Layout 1 28/05/2021 10:32 Page 4What if food packaging were carbon-neutral? Go nature. Go carton. Food packaging plays a critical role in getting food safely to consumers around the world. But it can also cause problems for the planet. What if all food packaging came from plant-based materials and didn’t impact the climate? At Tetra Pak, we already have paper-based carton packages with reduced climate impact. But we won’t stop there. Our aim is to create cartons made solely from plant-based materials that are fully renewable, fully recyclable and carbon-neutral. It’s all part of our journey to deliver the world’s most sustainable food package. Learn more at gonature.tetrapak.com 187921_TetraPak_GNGC_Ad_Inuit_Food&Drink_International_210x297_Global.indd 116/09/2020 09.50 28-36.qxp_Layout 1 28/05/2021 10:33 Page 5Food & Drink International 33 www.fdiforum.net SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING UK aftersales spares and service support provided. www.robopac.co.uk Robopac, Unit 7 – 8 Highfield Parc, Highfield Road, Oakley, Bedfordshire, MK43 7TA Tel: 01234 825050 Fax: 01234 827070 Email: sales Turntable Wrapping Machines Rotating Arm Wrapping Machines Case Sealers & Erectors Self-Propelled Robot Wrapping Machines Horizontal Wrapping Machines See us at Stand J60 34 Á © Shutterstock /ADragan 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. Innovative technology is improving in-store performance as well through better print capability. High Quality Post Print has transformed corrugated packaging from protective transit packaging into multi-functional, colourful retail ready packs, without compromising product integrity. Liners and coatings are also being developed for corrugated material to provide even greater food freshness and, with the advent of modern corrugated processes, such as new flutings that offer up to twenty-three per cent storage space saving, it also offers more efficient logistics management through better use of pallets, resulting in fewer vehicles on the road. Automation is another, perhaps obvious, way to improve efficiency and reduce waste. As opposed to using lighter or more environmentally friendly material, it can improve sustainability by reducing human error that would reduce in products being unsuitable for sale. This accuracy is absolutely vital in the 28-36.qxp_Layout 1 28/05/2021 10:33 Page 634 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING sector, where increasingly stringent regulations on labelling – not to mention the huge expense that can be engendered by excessive product giveaway. This has in turn led to an increase in the levels of traceability present within the manufacturing and supply chain – with companies able to find out exactly who the suppliers were of any ingredients used in a given batch of completed products – within a few hours. This improved accuracy, and the reduction in human error that comes with it, has proven itself very valuable for the bottom line as well. Traceability © PROSEAL To order email: sales@colpacpackaging.com Tel: +44 (0)1525 712261 www.colpacpacpackaging.com/stagione The award winning Stagione® range has been extended to bring additional sizes to the maketplace. A new 650ml with the same lid sizes as the current range, plus new smaller 150ml & 250ml trays with rPET lid. is a requirement for many supermarkets, who will want to know where something went wrong in the event of an accident or product recall – usually within twenty-four to seventy- two hours. Having a system in place for this will make a company more attractive to such customers. Of course, there are other ways to improve the sustainability of food packaging, and although it is expensive, it’s hard to deny the benefits of the more esoteric methods. In development we can see milk-based packaging, packaging created from plant extract and even packaging which degrades itself. Edible and environmentally friendly packaging options are another step in the right direction, but the next logical step is in creating fully biodegradable packaging for which to house and transport products. Using this method would help to create a closed-loop approach to packaging, where wasted and surplus food is used to create bio-packaging, which can then be turned into compost, potentially fertilising new fruit and vegetable products. Though undeniably expensive, 36 Á 28-36.qxp_Layout 1 28/05/2021 10:33 Page 7Protect delicate items in transit 100% Recyclable an employee-owned business kitepackaging.co.uk Unique honeycomb shaped sleeve 02476 420065 Pinch top box includes a peel-&-seal strip 100% recyclable & 100% biodegradable No tape or glue required Can be purchased individually or as a bundle Pinch top box Flexi-Hex Flexi-Hex & pinch top box info@macpac.co.uk Tel: 0161 442 1642 www.macpac.co.uk THERMOFORMED PACKAGING SPECIALISTS We design, produce tooling and manufacture packaging all under one roof, at our AA grade BRC accredited factory. We use responsible manufacturing processes and raw materials with up to 100% recycled content as well as being 100% recyclable. UP TO 100% RECYCLED 100% RECYCLABLE Innovative, Economical & Responsible. UK MANUFACTURER 28-36.qxp_Layout 1 28/05/2021 10:33 Page 836 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING © Shutterstock /KtD companies who can keep themselves at the forefront of this innovation often experience unprecedented success. To many manufacturers, this is the realm of the giants – companies that can afford the risk. To them, however, it is not something done for frivolous purposes, but because they have identified an opportunity to pull further ahead and stake their claim in the market. As ever, those who are successful do not take risks because they can afford to, rather they are successful because they take such risks. One thing is for sure, however. With trading conditions placed in jeopardy by coronavirus, and consumers becoming no less demanding when it comes to the environmentally friendly nature of what they eat and drink, now is not the time for manufacturers to sit idly as others capture the market. Opportunities will not make themselves available. They must be grasped. Proseal takes the lead in sustainable tray formats Proseal says it is perfectly positioned to help food producers explore options for alternative packaging materials. The tray sealing specialist has worked closely with both tray and film suppliers to stay ahead of the demand from retailers and consumers for environmentally- friendly solutions and has a proven track record with many alternative formats now available in the market following the work Proseal has done. Proseal’s entire range of tray sealing machines already have the capabilities to handle different materials such as board and pulp with no modifications necessary. This enables food manufacturers to switch more easily to new pack formats without an additional costly investment. Proseal also acknowledges the important role that plastic packaging plays in the food sector, particularly its ability to help reduce food waste, which is widely acknowledged as a significant environmental problem. Protein producers have now switched from PE lined PP trays to mono APET, which can be recycled. To find out more, visit www.proseal.com. 28-36.qxp_Layout 1 28/05/2021 10:33 Page 9www.fdiforum.net Plan your campaign with Food & Drink International… ...your competitors are! As marketing is the vital ingredient for the success and growth of any business, we can offer advice and packages to suit all budgets. Speak to one of our experienced account executives. CAN YOU AFFORD NOT TO? • Print • Online • E-Newsletters • Regular News • Topical Features The perfect medium to give your brand the best chance of being seen! Contact us below for our 2021 editorial schedule Call today on +44 [0] 1472 310310 or email: v.hunt@blmgroup.co.uk INTERNATIONAL Food&Drink Food &Drink I N T E R N Food Food &&& Food Food & N A T I O N &&Drin Drin Drin &&Drin A L nk nk nkk ahe The d y safety and a News Healltth, saf hygiene Pumps and nd fluids I N T E R N Food Food &&& Food Food & N A T I O N &&Drink Drink Drin &&Drink A L nk nk nkk inno Foc ovati io i News Packaging spotlight oading ba L ayy doors s ysand I N T E R N Food Food &&& Food Food & N A T I O N &&Drin Drin Drin &&Drin A L nknknkk News ng and challeng Meeting Flavouring colouring ges colouring c er Softw waaree sp spotlight I N T E R N FoodFood &&& FoodFood & N A T I O N &&Drink DrinkDrin &&Drink A L nk nk nkk Beverages ellff The futu in foc The futu On the shel ture s in focus i s End off line packkaaging MINIMUM COST…MAXIMUM IMPACT! www.fdiforum.net 37.qxp_Layout 1 28/05/2021 10:53 Page 138 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net HEALTH, SAFETY AND HYGIENE practices Enhanced 38-41.qxp_Layout 1 28/05/2021 10:55 Page 1Food & Drink International 39 www.fdiforum.net HEALTH, SAFETY AND HYGIENE © Shutterstock /Aleksandar Malivuk When health, safety, or hygiene are compromised a food business may face recalls, fines, a damaged reputation, contract losses, and cause serious illnesses. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, these factors have only garnered more awareness with consumers. Not only affecting public expectations, the pandemic has required changes within food and drink facilities, despite already high standards, with the importance of having robust HACCP and hygiene protocols reinforced for producers. Though COVID-19 has not been found to be food borne, it is still transmittable via food if those handling it are infected and cough or sneeze onto it, and through contaminated packaging. To reduce risk of contamination, thorough and more frequent hygiene practices must be implemented, and it must be ensured that staff, whether they be involved in handling raw materials, processing, or storage, follow social distancing and sanitisation processes. Common touch points such as doors and machine handles should be disinfected frequently, regular hand hygiene procedures enacted (e.g. washing hands for at least twenty seconds), and masks, face shields, gloves, and other PPE can be useful to contain infection between employees and the spread to food. Of course, preventing coronavirus transmission is not the only concern in food facilities, with microbial contamination of food products a long- time issue, as well as antimicrobial resistance, pushing frequent cleaning and surface sanitation. Without a strong sanitation routine food is more vulnerable to spoilage and consumers are more likely to become ill from food borne pathogens. Moreover, with niches across food factories that house microorganisms and food residue, it is essential that these be found, and cleaning/hygiene programmes examined. Regular testing is vital to ensuring Health, safety, and hygiene are of the utmost importance in the food and drink industry, ensuring food is safe for consumption - thus preventing illnesses and reputation damage - and the working environment is secure for employees. 40 Á 38-41.qxp_Layout 1 28/05/2021 10:55 Page 2Next >