< PreviousPACKAGINGOver the last few decades there hasbeen an increasing emphasis placed onartificial colours, genetically modifiedingredients and, especially of late, sugarlevels in food and beverage products.But the aspect causing the mostconsternation in the supply chain isplastic packaging. This pervasivepackaging material is part and parcel ofmodern life, permeating almosteverything we interact with in onecapacity or other. Though the food industry is far fromthe only offender, it is among one of thebiggest producers of single-use plastic– defined, simply, as plastic packagesthat are used once to fulfil a singlefunction and then discarded. Think ofthe humble drinking straw which hasattracted no small amount of hostilityover the last few months, with© Shutterstock/branislavpudarThe problem withPLASTICTrade associations are joining together with government and industry to tacklethe source of plastic packaging through a canny mix of increasing recyclability,innovation and the search for greener solutions.30-35.qxp_Layout 1 30/07/2018 10:29 Page 1Food & Drink International 31www.fdiforum.net•Plain / Printed Labels•Thermal Transfer Ribbons•Lasersheets•Fanfolded Labels•Barcode LabelsSelf adhesive labels and labellingTel: 01482 506560 • Email: sales@datamarkuk.com • Website: www.datamarkuk.comconsumers boycottingthem, restaurant chainsdoing away with them andcountries outright banning them. Regulation and legislation are oneprecursor of change, using laws tokowtow change in the supply chain, butone could argue that a bigger motivatorare consumers themselves. It’s claimedthat the consumer is always right andwhile this rhetoric speaks more aboutnot irking your consumer base thanbelieving they’re a font of all knowledge,it does highlight a critical part of theongoing issue with plastics. Consumers are interacting with thefood industry like never before. Now,more than ever, they wield power overthe supply chain in their hands andwe’re not just talking about their pursesand wallets, but rather their smartphones. At the tap of a touchscreen, anindividual can discover a veritablegoldmine of information about anygiven company, product or process. Themobility of these devices means thatresearch can be done in store, whendeciding whether to plump for oneproduct over another. So, to cut a longstory short, there’s simply no hidingthings from consumers, especially whenit comes to plastic packaging.By this point, most of us will havewitnessed scenes of the massiveamount of plastics in our oceans ontelevision or seen first-hand the amountof packaging clogging up our streets,roads and walkways. For that reason,2018 is a tipping point, whereconsumers joined government andindustry to say, “enough is enough”. Sofar this year there has been severalground-breaking and potentiallytransformative initiatives taking place inthe food and drink sector to tackle thescourge of plastic waste. Here weoutline some of the most important. Banishing black plastic Black plastic packaging iscommonplace to pack foods includingfresh meat and ready meals, withsupermarket shelves stocked full of it.However, this type of packaging isn’trecycled in the UK due to the carbonblack pigment within the plastic. Sortingmachines used in the recycling industrycannot detect the trays because of thispigment, so they’re typically sent tolandfill instead. Unsurprisingly, blackplastic packaging has become a patsy,with supermarkets, such as Waitrose,banning it from its stores andmanufacturers phasing it out. One suchexample saw meat-free brand QuornFoods remove 297 tonnes of blackplastic from its supply chain. Others have taken a more proactiveapproach, tackling the issue head on© Shutterstock/Africa Studio33 Á30-35.qxp_Layout 1 30/07/2018 10:29 Page 232 Food & Drink Internationalwww.fdiforum.net12 & 13 September 2018 . Olympia, LondonIn partnership withRegister for FREE today JColocated with2O18LONDONwww.easyfairs.com/PI-Londonwww.easyfairs.com/LuxuryPackagingREGISTER FOR FREE TODAY www.dynascan.co.uk | sales@dynascan.co.uk | 01480 462142Would you like a free test report of your packaging? Dynascan knows that integrity testing can be troublesome...Which is why we are offering you a free seal integrity test report on your food and pharmaceutical packaged products. Dynascan is a specialist in destructive and non-destructive testing and is staffed by highly skilled technologists with over twenty years experience; our off the shelf and bespoke solutions are available to help you. Contact us today to learn more about the free test report of your packaging.30-35.qxp_Layout 1 30/07/2018 10:29 Page 3Food & Drink International 33www.fdiforum.netPACKAGINGHarkstead Hall Barn, Harkstead, Ipswich, Suffolk IP9 1DBTel: +44 (0)1473 893990 Fax: +44 (0)1473 893995email@penn-packaging.co.uk www.penn-packaging.co.uk• Case/tray Packing machines • Shrink Wrapping systems• Stretch-Film Wrappers • DepalletisersPalletisers • Bag Closing Machines• Pillow pouch systems • Pre-made pouch• Stand-Up / Doypack • Slider/Zipper• Spout • Ultra Clean FillingUniquely customized. Uniquely economical.rather than skirting around it. FaerchPlast UK, for example, has teamed upwith supermarkets Marks & Spencer,Tesco and Sainsbury’s to work withrecycling and waste specialist Viridor toput recycled black plastic into new foodgrade packaging. It’s an importantproject which has been welcomed byEnvironmental Secretary Michael Gove.The Waste and Recourses ActionProgramme (WRAP) has joined withpackaging manufacturers, retailers,brands and trade associations to form aroad map to the sustainable recycling ofall black plastic packaging by the end of2018. An impressive aim, to be sure, butthe current signs we’re seeingthroughout the supply chain indicatethat this industry-wide coalition willachieve its end goal. Free from plasticAs we’ve already discussed,consumers wield tremendous powerover the industry, influencing everythingfrom the way in which products aresourced to how they’re packaged. Butunclear labelling can leave consumersconfused and left wondering whetherthe products they’re purchasing reallyare plastic free or merely appear to be. To put an end to this confusion andhelp consumers continue to make better,more informed purchasing decisions,campaign group A Plastic Planet hasrecently introduced a new ‘trust mark’.The voluntary mark will be prominentlydisplayed on food and beverageproducts, allowing consumers to moreeasily find sustainable alternatives. Theseinclude materials made from paperboardand cardboard etc. The first retailers to adopt the mark isthe UK’s own frozen food specialist,Iceland, and Dutch supermarket chainEkoplaza. The latter made headlinesearlier this year after introducing aplastic-free aisle. While this initiative,validated by major supermarkets, does© A Plastic Planet34 Á30-35.qxp_Layout 1 30/07/2018 10:29 Page 4dŚĞh<ΖƐůĞĂĚŝŶŐƉĂĐŬĂŐŝŶŐƐƵƉƉůŝĞƌƚŽƚŚĞĨŽŽĚĂŶĚĚƌŝŶŬŝŶĚƵƐƚƌLJ͕ŽīĞƌŝŶŐĂǁŝĚĞƌĂŶŐĞŽĨƉĂĐŬĂŐŝŶŐƉƌŽĚƵĐƚƐŝŶĐůƵĚŝŶŐ͗ŝƌ^ŚŽĐŬďŽƩůĞƉĂĐŬƐŽdžĞƐĨŽƌďŽƩůĞƐWĂůůĞƚǁƌĂƉΘƐLJƐƚĞŵƐ>ĂďĞůƐ34 Food & Drink Internationalwww.fdiforum.netPACKAGINGHigh print quality and fast printspeedWith a printspeed of up to11.4 cm/s,Primera’s newLX910e ColorLabel Printer isnot only thecompany’sfastest desktoplabel printer, italso offers verylow ink costsdue to a new,ultra-high capacity ink cartridge. LX910e utilises one tri-colour ink cartridge with an integrated print head.With every cartridge change users get a new print head, simplifyingmaintenance and lowering on-going operating costs. Process black is darkand crisp and uses no more ink than a separate black ink tank would onthe same amount of text or graphics.LX910e can print with dye-based ink for brilliant, eye-popping colour orwith pigment ink for maximum durability against water and UV light. Bothtypes of ink work interchangeably on the same printer.At the upcoming Speciality & Fine Food Fair a live demonstration of thenew LX910e can be seen at Primera’s stand 2340.For more information, visit www.primeralabel.eu.provide best practice for others to follow, it isn’t enough inisolation. Enforcement is the issue here, so for it to reallyhave a lasting impact on the supply chain, it needs to bebacked by Government. Innovating the futureWhenever challenges exist, there will be savvy mindscoming together to find solutions. That’s exactly whatwe’re witnessing in the food and drink supply chain andfurther afield, with researchers, academics and packagingmanufacturers joining forces to find better, moresustainable solutions. Some of the most promising developments involve bio-plastics, derived from sustainable and natural sources.Often these are waste sources, the better to create aclosed loop solution. But others are having success byusing packaging to address other challenges – such asfood waste. Studies have shown that a significant amount of the foodthrown out by consumers is down to it going mouldy orrotten before they get a chance to use it. To that end,researchers are developing packaging solutions that inhibitmould growth, ensuring that food lasts longer. Others havefound that simple inserts in meat packaging can help keepmicrobial growth down to a minimum, again helping tokeep wastage down. Coupled with recycling efforts and anembrace of more sustainable packaging options, and theindustry is on track to create a better, more eco-friendlysupply chain, without compromising the protection of theproducts they serve. 30-35.qxp_Layout 1 30/07/2018 10:29 Page 5Food & Drink International 35www.fdiforum.netPACKAGINGSICK’s Inline Code Matcher verifies ‘rightproduct – right packaging’SICK has developed theInline Code Matcher, anintegrated high-speedquality control system thatensures the rightpackaging is always usedfor the right product,avoiding the risk ofwasteful rejects, safetyissues or costly customerreturns. The stand-alonesystem is easy to retrofitto existing packaging lines.It works by matching 1Dor 2D code data onproducts and packs, andautomatically comparing them to the pre-assigned product packing list at high-production speeds. The modular system, based on SICK’s Lector 620 image-based codereaders, can be easily configured for code validation across multi-lane food, beverage orconfectionery production lines.The system offers production teams an easy-set-up solution to confirm the correctproducts are included in secondary packaging, for example, or that the right packelements are present, such the tub and lid of an ice cream container.For more information, visit www.sick.com.1. National Flexible are able to supply world class flexo printed flexible packaging which is both solvent and emission free, through a hydro-electric powered process.2. Combined with the fact all inks used are water based and solvent free – a sustainable world first is available in the UK right now!3. One site in our supply chain is entirely powered by an on-site water mill, this self-sustaining energy source saves on average 880,000kgs of CO2 emissions in a year. 4. Not only does this packaging boast sustainability; this solution could mean the holy grail of sustainable packaging which is cost effective too.5. Our Enigma water-based printing solution generates a 47% reduction in ink usage when compared with gravure printing. As the ink represents approximately 40% of the total cost of printing there is no significant cost differential versus standard print processes.A WORLD FIRST in Sustainable PackagingCows and their combined emissions. 382Journeys around the circumference of the Earth in a Ford Fiesta.233Full cargo articulated truck driving to the moon and back.1Sustainable Packaging Saving 880,000kg of CO2 emissions every year... that’s the equivalent of; www.nationalflexible.co.uk01274 685 566© Shutterstock/Paul_Brighton30-35.qxp_Layout 1 30/07/2018 10:29 Page 636 Food & Drink Internationalwww.fdiforum.netSANDWICHES AND SNACKSAs a consequence of our increasinglybusy lifestyles, food-on-the-go hasbecome a common part of our lives.This has presented opportunities tomanufacturers of sandwiches andsnacks, but there are challenges, too.Market analysis suggests that today’sconsumers, particularly young people,are demanding experimental frozenfoods that go beyond the bog-standardpies, chips and peas orthodoxy ofyesteryear. As people travel more theyare being exposed to new flavours andthis is one factor that is driving productdiversification within the industry.Look back ten years and thesandwiches and snacks industry wasvery different. The focus was onconvenience and cost, with sandwichesbeing the meal for those who just didn’thave the time. Packaging was functional,there were only a few different flavourson the shelves, and ultimately cost wasking. This could not be further from thetruth now. High society snacking is now thename of the game, with premiumsandwiches on shelves alongside smallsushi boxes or pasta pots. Never hasthere been such a wide selection ofcuisine on offer, and with the lives ofcustomers becoming more busy andfrantic, the convenience foods industryhas seen a huge resurgence. Focus is now less on convenience andcost, and has moved towards quality,health and flavour. Even in the mostmainstream of supermarkets there isnow Japanese, Chinese and Italianofferings alongside sandwiches andpackets of crisps. What’s moresandwiches are branching out into newand exciting flavour options, and areable to market themselves as premiumor artisan goods, increasing theirperceived value through qualityingredients or local suppliers. Consumers have also continued tobecome more demanding for healthyoptions as well. Low calorie or dietsnacks have become more popular, toHighsocietysnackingSandwiches and snackfoods have moved awayfrom being a mereconvenience, and are noweven touted as a luxury. Highsocietysnacking36-38.qxp_Layout 1 30/07/2018 10:31 Page 1Food & Drink International 37www.fdiforum.netSANDWICHES AND SNACKSthe point where many existing brandnames are taking steps to create theirown light or diet versions. Beyond that,there is also an increasing demand forgluten-free snacks on shelves, withmany major retailers capitulating to thedemand. Sandwich manufacturers haveused this to their advantage in order toincrease their flavour portfolio, byoffering healthy choices in fillings. Somefirms are even looking towards healthierrecipes for bread, which has faced a lotof stigma in the health and diet world. Packaging has also worked hand-in-hand towards the goal of increasing the38 Á© Shutterstock/primopiano© Shutterstock/bogdanhoda36-38.qxp_Layout 1 30/07/2018 10:31 Page 238 Food & Drink Internationalwww.fdiforum.netSANDWICHES AND SNACKSperceived value of sandwiches andsnacks, with exciting new designsappearing on shelves. Somemanufacturers have gone for a moreminimalist approach, using clear PETcontainers or ports, so that they canshow off the quality of the foodcontained. While sandwiches havefound success with more vintage-looking packaging, from corrugated-effect card, to packaging designed tolook like wood. This diversity inconsumer tastes has created a knock-oneffect for the packaging and designindustry, who have benefitted greatlyfrom the snack industry’s suddendemand for more exciting on-displaypackaging. All of these factors are working tocreate grand opportunities within theindustry, both for manufacturers ofsandwiches and snack foods, and thosefurther down the supply chain. Foodmanufacturers are seeking to takeadvantage of the growing market byexpanding their processes, and movingtowards full automation where possible.Removing the human element whereverpossible works not only to increaseefficiency and productivity, but can alsoreduce the risk of hygiene incidents andproduct recalls. Maintaining hygienic conditions in thesandwich industry can be a moredifficult task than some other markets,primarily due to the variety of fillingsand recipes that a given manufacturermight have. Although somemanufacturers might be able to limittheir fillings to individual factories, forinstance producing cheese and onion ina single factory, many manufacturersdon’t have that freedom. When dealingwith different recipes that containdifferent meats, there can be a real riskof cross-contamination, particularlywhen changing what is being producedon an automated line. It’s important thatstaff are aware of the risks of this, andperhaps even more important thatmanufacturers have some level oftraceability in place, to identify wherethings went wrong if there is a problemor a product recall. In the unfavourable situation that aproblem is found, supermarkets areforced to make an instant response, andusually will only give a supplier a fewhours to identify what caused the issueso that the retailer can make anaccurate statement to the media. Beingunable to meet these deadlines canoften mean an immediate termination ofany long-term contract with the retailer.With the timeframe for completionbecoming narrower, the larger theretailer is. As such, traceability andquality assurance must go hand-in-handin order to minimise the risk whereverpossible. The market has become a morecomplicated one in the last few years,but the sandwich and snack industryhas only become more lucrative, even ifthe rules have changed a little. © Shutterstock/1000 Words36-38.qxp_Layout 1 30/07/2018 10:31 Page 3Food & Drink International 39www.fdiforum.netMore than 700 passionate producers,brewers and distillers serving both theretail and hospitality channels, bringtogether emerging trends, NPD anddiverse ingredients to offer anunrivalled opportunity for top-end,independent retailers and buyers,caterers, importers, distributors andwholesalers to tap into some of thebest speciality food and drink from theUK and overseas.Products range from fine chocolates,dairy, cured meats, condiments,beverages and premium alcoholicdrinks, to name but a few. But that’s notall: the Fair is also the place for bothproducers and buyers to tap into thewealth of trends information – from theinside track on the most fashionableflavours and ingredients, through toadvice and insights into the hot topicsof the day, such as sustainability,seasonal trends and the food-to-gosector.All these premium ingredients makeSpeciality & Fine Food Fair the perfectplatform to condense a year’s worth ofproduct sourcing into an inspiringjourney of discovery.A major highlight of the Fair this yearis the Discovery Zone. This curatedshowcase of the best in new, specialitybrands makes it an essential for visitorsto find trend and ingredient-ledinspiration for their businesses.Now in its second year, the DiscoveryZone will feature some 200 start-upfood and drink producers, spanningproduct categories ranging from cold-brew coffee to nut butters andflavoured spirits. All Discovery Zoneproducers must have traded in the UKfor fewer than three years to qualify totake part.New for 2018 is The Drinks Cabinet, ashowcase dedicated to luxury drinksand mixers – from artisan wines, spiritsand craft beers and ciders to specialitysoft drinks. Aimed at retailers, hoteliers,restaurateurs, wholesalers anddistributors, across the three days ofthe Fair, The Drinks Cabinet offers theopportunity to meet with mixologists,experience unique pairings and sourcenew products, all while learning thelatest industry trends. Sponsored bypremium soft drinks brand Fentimans, italso provides a space for Fair visitors tonetwork and hold business meetings,while sampling an array of productsavailable at the pop-up bar.Other new features this year are TheUltimate Retail Experience, which willunveil a blueprint for “the perfect store”based on a survey of 2,000 consumers,which asked them what their ultimateretailer looked like. Meanwhile, theFresh Discovery Awards recognise andcelebrate excellence and shine a lighton products predicted to take theindustry by storm in 2019.And of course, returning to this year’sFair are: Savour the Flavour, aprogramme of interactive tastingsessions where experienced specialistswill be on hand to pass on their hintsand tips; Food for Thought insightsessions where food and drink expertswill talk about the challenges they’vehad to overcome and how they arefuture-proofing themselves for theever-changing market; Trend Trails – aneffortless way to meet artisanproducers and discover lucrative newproducts within core sectors such aschocolate and plant-based productsand Great Taste Deli, The Guild of FineFood’s Top 50 award winners. For further details or to register for your complimentary industry ticket, visitwww.specialityandfinefoodfairs.co.uk. Speciality & Fine Food Fair 2018 Speciality & Fine Food Fair returns to Olympia London, from 2 – 4 September 2018, for its 19thyear of showcasing some of the best artisan food and drink available on the market today.Berkshire BlendBerkshire Blend is a premium non-alcoholic spirit created after founder,Rex Carter, had a mental healthillness and was left unable to drinkalcohol. Berkshire Blend’s ethos is toredefine what it means to drink. Developed in Berkshire, Rex finallysettled on the perfect profile afterfifty-one iterations. It has a cucumberand citrus base with spice top notes.For the signature serve, just addsparkling tonic and ice. Berkshire Blend provides an experience and taste that rivals an alcoholic drink, ensuringthat the growing section of consumers abstaining from alcoholic drinks, or looking to cutback, have a great tasting alternative that doesn’t compromise on taste or experience.Berkshire Blends contain no alcohol, no sugar and no allergens. Moreover, 5% of theprofits are donated to mental health charity Mind. Produced in 750ml bottles, there are 15servings per bottle.Tel: +44(0) 7818113837 Web: www.berkshireblend.comEmail: hello@berkshireblend.com Stand: 447339.qxp_Layout 1 30/07/2018 10:31 Page 1Next >