Health, safety & hygiene spotlight www.fdiforum.netJULY 2021 £3.50 STERLING Packaging A taste for efficiency A taste for efficiency INTERNATIONAL Food&Drink Food&Drink Cold storage 01.qxp_Layout 1 24/06/2021 07:22 Page 1Diverse bagging with the smallest footprint! The NEW GEA SmartPacker D-Zip Vertical Packer Smart in Every Way • Up to 15% reduction in zip material • • • • * gea.com/uk Contact us as info@gea.com * Reliable products for the dairy industry — a trusted partner for over 30 years R-Biopharm Rhône Ltd • info@r-biopharmrhone.com • www.r-biopharm.com • ++44 (0) 141 945 2924 Ensuring quality vitamin analysis • Robust methods and products. • EASI-EXTRACT® is referenced in AOAC Methods providing confidence that columns meet collaborative trial criteria. • AOAC 2014.02 recommends unique format EASI- EXTRACT® column ensuring optimum repeatability and reproducibility. • Innovative multi-vitamin column available. • Convenient methods of analysis with time saving benefits, replacing traditional methods. Art. No.: P80 EASI-EXTRACT® VITAMIN B12 Art. No.: P88 EASI-EXTRACT® VITAMIN B12 (LGE) Art. No.: P81 EASI-EXTRACT® FOLIC ACID Art. No.: P82 EASI-EXTRACT® BIOTIN Flexibility in mycotoxin analysis Art. No.: P124 AFLAPREP® M WIDE Art. No.: P14 OCHRAPREP® Art. No.: P89 AFLAOCHRA PREP® Art. No.: P904 IMMUNOPREP® ONLINE AFLATOXIN M1 • Methods suitable for the analysis of a diverse range of dairy samples. • Multiple immunoaffinity product formats available. • Consolodate methods with multi-toxin products, improving laboratory workflow. • Reduce analytical time with automated clean-up and analysis maintaining high quality results. • Automated clean-up improves repeatability and reproducibility whilst reducing many of the costs associated with immunoaffinity columns. 02.qxp_Layout 1 24/06/2021 07:23 Page 1Contents July 2021 This magazine is now fully recyclable. By recycling magazines, you can help reduce waste and add to the 5.5 million tonnes of paper already recycled by the UK paper industry each year. Before you recycle your magazine, please ensure you remove all plastic wrapping, free gifts and samples. FoodandDrinkInternational @fdiforumwww.fdiforum.net company/fdiforum News 4 • General news • On line - production news • On the shelf - new products and initiatives R-Biopharm Q&A12 We spoke to R-Biopharm to learn more about the use of official methods to ensure quality analysis. Import & export14 Given the recent upheaval of Brexit and COVID, all eyes are on the UK’s import and export game. Has it been as doom and gloom as many predicted, or is there some light at the end of the tunnel? Health, safety and hygiene spotlight18 Personal protective equipment (PPE) is important in ensuring that your employees are safe in the workplace, but it is important to understand what exactly you need, the legislation that exists, and the new regulations that have come into place. Meet the experts23 Food and Drink International’s semi-regular ‘Meet the experts’ feature is a great way for companies across the supply chain to share their expertise. Cold storage26 Cold storage is critical in the food and drink supply chain, but that doesn’t mean efficiency and energy improvements can’t be made. Group Editor: Steve Fisher (s.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk) Editor: Michael Fisher (m.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk) Editor’s PA: Angela Sharman (a.sharman@blmgroup.co.uk) Assistant Editor: Dominic Cuthbert (d.cuthbert@blmgroup.co.uk) Journalist: Tess Egginton (t.egginton@blmgroup.co.uk) Sales Director: Teri Cooper (t.cooper@blmgroup.co.uk) Sales: Vicky Hunt (v.hunt@blmgroup.co.uk) Tel: +44 (0) 1472 310302 Accounts & Subscriptions: John Downes (j.downes@blmgroup.co.uk) Design & Production: Gary Jorgensen, Mark Casson (studio@blmgroup.co.uk) Editorial: Tel: +44 (0) 1472 310305, Email: fdi@blmgroup.co.uk Part of the Business Link Magazine Group: Armstrong House, Armstrong Street, Grimsby, N E Lincs DN31 2QE England All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, photocopied, recorded or otherwise without express permission of the copyright holder, for which application should be addressed first to the publisher. While every reasonable care is taken, neither the publisher nor its participating agents accept liability for loss or damage to prints, colour transparencies, negatives or other material of whatever nature submitted to this publication. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily the views of those held by the publisher. MAIN: SHUTTERST OCK/LIDANTE • TOP: SHUTTERST OCK/ALEKSANDAR MALIVUK • MIDDLE: SHUTTERST OCK/WEE DEZIGN • BOTT OM: SHUTTERST OCK/AL EKSANDAR MALIVUK Packaging 30 Though the idea of using more sustainable packaging is not new, with consumers prepared to switch brands for environmentally friendly goods, innovation continues apace to provide novel options to the food and drink industry. Engineering and components38 As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, food firms have accelerated discussions with engineers over automation, increasing flexibility and more, while engineers themselves have changed how they work with such companies. The dairy industry 42 There’s no two ways about it – the dairy industry is in flux. Food and Drink International finds out more. Events46 Your chance to keep abreast of forthcoming exhibitions and food fairs from around the world Classified 49 Food and Drink Diary 50 03.qxp_Layout 1 24/06/2021 07:38 Page 1Mars partners with AAK to improve women working in Shea supply chain Mars has joined forces with plant- based oil specialist, AAK, several NGOs and an impact investment fund to create a public-private partnership to improve the livelihoods of women working in Ghana’s shea supply chain. Running until 2030, the Women in Shea (WISH) initiative aims to reach 13,000 women shea collectors from more than 150 communities in northern Ghana. Stakeholders in the WISH initiative have the common goal to bring economic and social benefits to the 13,000 women in the program and promote environmental improvements for the shea tree parklands while meeting the growing market demand for high-quality shea kernels. Project goals will be achieved through expanding the women’s access to savings and financial credits, improving natural resource management techniques, and reducing the time burden and labour intensity of the work associated with shea kernel collection and processing. Each of these areas will enable the women in impacted communities to gain more from the kernels they collect. 4 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net news Breakthrough signals end of fossil fuel plastic with new plant protein substitute New research published in Nature Communications could signal the end of fossil fuel single-use plastics as the science behind a new plant protein substitute is made public. Researchers at the University of Cambridge Knowles Lab describe how they can create a polymer film from plant protein that is sustainable, scalable and 100 per cent natural. Made entirely from plant protein which can be sourced as a by-product of the agriculture industry, the resulting material can be consumed in nature after use like any natural waste, leaving no pollutants behind. The material’s functionality is consistent with conventional plastic, but it requires no chemical cross-linking used in bio-polymers to give them the strength and flexibility of plastic. The chemicals used in cross-linking are often unsustainable and can even leave toxic pollutants behind once disposed of. The research shows how the scientists are able to naturally assemble plant proteins so the final structure is very similar to spider silk. The breakthrough is the first time these structures have been shown in a material that derives from plant protein. Through a process involving acetic acid and water, ultrasonication and heat, the plant proteins are transformed in an energy-efficient way using easily obtainable, sustainable ingredients. Xampla, the Cambridge University spin-out commercialising the technology, is developing its applications to replace single-use plastics including flexible packaging films, sachets, microcapsules found in home and personal care products, and carrier bags. The paper is the culmination of more than 10 years’ research into understanding how nature generates materials from proteins. The scientists were inspired by spiders’ silk which is weight-for-weight stronger than steel but has weak molecular bonds, meaning it can break down easily. They sought to understand the building blocks of this natural phenomenon, with the aim to create a material with the same molecular properties. Durham Box creates stand-out gift pack for Turning Point Brew Co Leading packaging manufacturer, Durham Box, has produced distinctive new gift and shipping packaging for Knaresborough- based craft beer micro brewery, Turning Point Brew Co. The vibrant selection gift pack, comprising either 4 x 440ml cans, or 4 x 330ml cans, was created to showcase innovative beers from the brewer’s core range, including the iconic Disco King, an American pale ale and three popular Custard sweet ales in various unique flavours. Formed in 2017, Turning Point Brew Co’s founders have seen a rapid expansion of their business, particularly in online sales of their house and special beers. In developing their gift pack concept, the brewery approached Durham Box with a loose idea, which the packaging manufacturer then converted into reality with a concept and samples. Basing the artwork on the playful design of the Disco King pale ale, the gift box was digitally printed through Durham Box’s Nozomi C18000, onto a clay-coated outer liner to give a vivid eye-catching look. Complete packing line solution for langoustines An integrated weighing and tray sealing solution from Ishida Europe has enabled one of Spain’s leading fish processors to double throughput on one of its most popular and important product lines. The recently installed line at Gambastar, based in Burgos, Northern Spain, comprises a 16-head Ishida CCW-RVE waterproof multihead weigher, QX-1100 automatic twin lane tray sealer and DACS-G checkweigher, which is weighing and packing fresh langoustines into several different-sized trays. By replacing its previous linear weigher with the Ishida multihead, Gambastar has been able to increase line speeds from around 35 to 70 packs per minute. Equally important, the Ishida solution is delivering excellent accuracy - to within 2% of target weight on a typical 520g tray. A particular benefit of the QX-1100 tray sealer is the single tool that is required for the three different tray sizes from 200g to 1kg. This means that changeovers between packs can take place within a matter of minutes. © Shutterstock/Alvarfuente 04-11.qxp_Layout 1 24/06/2021 08:11 Page 1Enhanced security for your food production With ifm you can monitor and control your hygienic production processes in a precise and, thanks to IO-Link, even more comprehensive and convenient way: The new TCC tempera- ture sensor with integrated Calibration Check Technology continuously validates the measured value and protects the production process and product quality in equal measure. The LMT level switch works reliably even in highly viscous, sticky and foaming products . It approved (3A and EHEDG) sensor with G1/2”process connection and ceramic-capacitive CIP- cleaning and increase the availability of your system. ifm - close to you! An unbeatable team! ifm.com/ukifm.com/uk Go ifmonline Go ifmonline years W AR RANTY on ifm pro du ct s 04-11.qxp_Layout 1 24/06/2021 08:11 Page 2Mettler-Toledo redefines speed and precision of checkweighing with new FlashCell™ load cell technology Next generation EMFR load cell technology designed by Mettler-Toledo is faster and more precise than previous load cells to address the growing demand for higher throughputs, increased weighing precision and smaller line footprints. Mettler-Toledo Product Inspection’s C-Series checkweighing systems are setting new standards for speed and precision with the addition of new load cell technology that allows them to achieve industry-leading throughputs. The FlashCell™ load cells weigh food products at speeds of up to 800ppm, with precision better than required by Measuring Instrument Directive (MID). With three different load cell types in the FlashCell™ portfolio, food manufacturers can select the appropriate loadcell for their products, weighing a complete product range up to 10kg reliably and precisely. Users of Mettler-Toledo C-Series checkweighers can now process products more speedily and reduce product give-away through greater weighing precision. Manufacturers will also benefit from smaller checkweighing system footprints to fit within limited factory floor space. Frank Borrmann, Market Manager, Mettler-Toledo Product Inspection, explained: “In today’s market, food manufacturers need to be able to respond quickly and competently to fast-changing trends, including changes in product types, shapes and weights. By investing in a checkweigher from Mettler-Toledo with FlashCell™ load cell technology, manufacturers will receive a flexible and future-proof system, where every component can adapt to future requirements.” For more information, visit www.mt.com/pi-precision-weighing. 6 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net news Biggest US vertical farming company secures funding from Natalie Portman & Justin Timberlake Bowery Farming, the largest vertical farming company in the US, has secured $200 million in additional funding in a round that included investment from Natalie Portman, Lewis Hamilton and Justin Timberlake. Bowery will use the funds to continue expansion of its network of smart indoor farms across the US, to further accelerate its technological leadership, support ongoing research and product innovation efforts to bring crops beyond leafy greens to market, and recruit top talent to meet the explosive consumer and retail demand for its reliable supply of pesticide-free Protected Produce. The company has secured more than $472 million in funding to date, underscoring its commercial and category leadership, and bringing its valuation to $2.3 billion. Sensory optimised and highly pure olive oils As a result of EU Regulation 2020/1322, new maximum levels for 3-MCPD (1250 μg per kg) and glycidol (1250 μg per kg) in edible olive oil and other vegetable oils have been in force since January 2021. Nutriswiss technology enables the gentle refinement of oils and compliance with current pollution limits. The refinery minimises these process contaminants with a gentle, low-temperatures process that combines modern distillation technology, physical neutralisation and mild deodorisation. Not only are valuable ingredients protected, even heavily contaminated oils or those with a high acid value can be treated, such as olive pomace or lampante oils, so that an organoleptically acceptable, edible and safe food is produced. After refining, the oils show values close to the detection limits and far below legal requirements. The Nutriswiss approach not only applies to olive oil, but also to a wide range of vegetable and animal oils. © Chelsea Kyle for Bowery Farming GoodMills collaborates with Equinom to perfect the pea Following its aim to actively drive and shape the plant-based market with innovative ingredients, GoodMills has announced a new collaboration with Equinom. The Israel-based, plant tech company creates new seed varieties using patented AI- driven breeding technology and, by harnessing the natural diversity in crops, no gene editing or modification is required. For GoodMills, Equinom will research how best to crossbreed Yellow Pea seeds to achieve a tailored raw material with outstanding sensory properties. Michael Gusko, Global Innovation Director at GoodMillsX – GoodMills Group’s innovation task force, says: “In Equinom, we’ve found a partner with whom we can get to the heart of this challenge – by creating our own perfect raw material. As the two leading innovators in our fields, we’re always looking for inventive yet natural solutions, and we share the same passion: creating a sustainable, plant-based future.” Cargill to build new palm oil refinery in Indonesia Cargill is building a new $200 million palm oil refinery in Lampung, Indonesia, which will accelerate its efforts to develop a sustainable palm supply chain and provide verified deforestation free products to customers. The new refinery will play a key role in connecting sustainable crude palm oil production in Indonesia to demands in North America and Europe through a fully integrated supply chain from plantation to customer. With the new refinery, Cargill will be able to meet customers’ evolving expectations around sustainability and transparency by guaranteeing traceability to plantation and improved product quality standards. Construction for the new state-of-the-art facility has commenced and operations are expected to be completed in late 2022. Palm oil from the Lampung refinery will be produced according to the principles set out in Cargill’s Policy on Sustainable Palm Oil and will help provide greater transparency through increased traceability-to-plantation. 04-11.qxp_Layout 1 24/06/2021 08:11 Page 304-11.qxp_Layout 1 24/06/2021 08:11 Page 4Pick and mix filter solutions drive costs down Axium Process is offering manufacturers a unique ‘pick and mix’ liquid filtration solution ensuring consistent product quality and minimal downtime. The company has developed a universal stainless steel filter housing which can be used with three distinct filter screens. Each screen has specialist capabilities making them suitable for multiple applications across industries including pharmaceutical, food, beverage, dairy, confectionery and chemical. The universal housing is fixed in-place, but the element can be rapidly switched to change filtration levels or to install another type of screen. The three screen options include Axium’s wedge-wire filter screen, a sintered mesh screen, and a basic perforated filter screen. The comprehensive range covers the separation of particulates, fibres, flakes and glass shard protection, as well as offering a wide choice of filtration levels between 5 μm and 6,000μm. 8 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net news Unilever partners with food-tech to launch plant-based meat products to market Unilever is partnering with food-tech company ENOUGH (formerly 3F BIO) to bring new plant- based meat products to market. ENOUGH’s technology uses a unique zero-waste fermentation process to grow a high-quality protein. Natural fungi are fed with renewable feedstock, such as wheat and corn. This produces ABUNDA mycoprotein, a complete food ingredient containing all essential amino acids as well as being high in dietary fibre. Unilever said that the “the game-changing protein” is a natural fit for its fast- growing meat-alternative brand, The Vegetarian Butcher, which grew over 70% in 2020. “Plant-based foods is one of Unilever’s fastest growing segments and we’re delighted to partner with ENOUGH to develop more sustainable protein products that are delicious, nutritious, and a force for good,” said Carla Hilhorst, EVP of R&D for Foods & Refreshment at Unilever. Israeli start-up Imagindairy creates true milk proteins without the cow Israeli start-up Imagindairy is milking new technology to leave the cow out of the dairy equation. The company is creating true milk proteins that are indistinguishable from the real thing via a natural process of precision fermentation. Imagindairy’s proprietary technology recreates nature- identical, animal-free versions of whey and casein proteins that can be used to produce dairy analogues. They have the flavour and texture – and, importantly, the functionality and nutritional value – of their animal-based counterparts. This opens new opportunities to develop a full range of non-dairy products that perfectly mimic dairy versions yet contain no cholesterol, or GMO’s. They also are lactose-free, serving consumers with lactose intolerance or sensitivity. At the same time, the proprietary technology radically lowers the burden of dairy livestock on the environment. Imagindairy’s animal-free dairy products boast the same complement of nutrients, from protein content to mineral composition, including calcium. R-Biopharma – a new approach to in vitamin analysis Infant formula is fortified with vitamins however these can be lost during manufacture. It is necessary to determine accurate levels of vitamins to establish the amounts required to be added for fortification and declaring on the product. Numerous methods have been developed for the determination which include microbiological assays, liquid chromatographic methods, and spectrometric methods. Whilst each offer advantages, they also have shortcomings such as being time- consuming, having poor sensitivity or lack specificity. One of the major advances in vitamin analysis has been the development of immunoaffinity columns. Validation has been conducted for methods employing immunoaffinity columns for the analysis of infant formula and have been accepted as an AOAC Official First Action methods 2014.02 and 2016.02. Both sensitive methods fulfil infant formula industry requirements. There is no doubt as to the benefits of these methods. For too long rather dated methods have been employed for analysis and the use of immunoaffinity columns is undoubtedly the way forward. © ENOUGH 04-11.qxp_Layout 1 25/06/2021 08:31 Page 5SCAN TO REGISTER ppmashow.co.uk See the latest processing equipment, packaging machinery, robotics and machine vision in action Gain a competitive advantage through the latest innovations and seminars NEC, BIRMINGHAM WHERE MATTERS 04-11.qxp_Layout 1 24/06/2021 08:11 Page 6Next >