< Previouscagesofstock".Nextdaydeliveryon2,500productsBrowseonlineatkitepackaging.co.ukFREEEssentialPackagingGuideCall02476420065EmployeeOwned"Wepurchasedthisasatrial,IwoulddefinitelyrecommendKitePackagingandthisproductforstretchwrappingpalletsofallshapesandsizes,wrappingplasticcratesandalsosmallandbigMatt-Trustpilot30 Food & Drink Internationalwww.fdiforum.netPACKAGING MATERIALS & DESIGNPackaging has long been thedetermining factor in the success of manybrands and this has changed little inrecent years. Consumers may now bemore conscious of what they desire, butscience still shows that aestheticallypleasing packaging catches the eye. Thetrick now is in ensuring that once thecustomer’s attention is caught, they donot put down the product. Consumer demands and expectationshave led to an increased level ofinteraction, first with labels and caloriecounts, then with ever more specificinformation on RDA’s and information onwhere the product was sourced from. Ontop of that, conscientious consumers aredemanding that packaging have as smallan environmental impact as possible. All ofthis must be done without compromisingthe integral elements of appearance,strength and design. Hence, foodpackaging needs to be engineered forincreased strength, using less material, andalways taking into account the costelement.This has led to major overhauls of thepackaging process in many companies –and some find this a challenge. Investmentcosts for regulation and legislation willalways be a difficult factor, especially withvarying standards across the EU. Theseare necessities that cannot be avoidedhowever, and as labelling is one of thefastest-changing sectors when it comes tochanges in legislation, it is something thatmany are forced to quickly adapt to.Considering the large quantities offinished products that go through amanufacturing facility in any given day,there is also a necessity for a flawless andefficiency system that can work withbatches of well over 10,000 individualproducts. As ever, packaging remains a nuancedand challenging industry.DesignInnovative technology is improving in-store performance as well through betterprint capability. High Quality Post Print hastransformed corrugated packaging fromprotective transit packaging into multi-functional, colourful retail ready packs,without compromising product integrity.Liners and coatings are also beingdeveloped for corrugated material toprovide even greater food freshness and,with the advent of modern corrugatedprocesses, such as new flutings that offerup to 23% storage space saving, it alsooffers more efficient logistics managementthrough better use of pallets, resulting infewer vehicles on the road.Digital technology has certainlyprovided more flexibility for packagingdesign, especially as legal requirementshave required much more information ison packaging that was previously thecase. Many companies have introducedQR codes on their products to allowcustomers to receive promotional materialJudge foodby itspackagingWe’re told not to judge a book by its cover, butthere’s no denying we do, and it’s even worse for thefood and drink industry where brands sink or swimbased on their packaging. 30-33_Layout 1 21/08/2017 12:56 Page 1Food & Drink International 31www.fdiforum.netPACKAGING MATERIALS & DESIGNgoplasticpallets.com+44 (0)1323 7440574XDOLW\9DOXH&KRLFH+\JLHQLFVPRRWKDQGHDV\WRFOHDQ3HUVRQDOVHUYLFHHYHU\WLPHLEAVE THE WOOD. GO PLASTIC:LWKPRUHWKDQGLIIHUHQWVW\OHVDYDLODEOHLQVWRFNZHKROGWKHZLGHVWUDQJHRI3ODVWLF3DOOHWV3DOOHW%R[HVDQG6PDOO&RQWDLQHUVLQWKH8.$3%3RRO3HUIRUDWHG%OXH57KHULJKWFKRLFHIRU\RXUDSSOLFDWLRQ7KHEHVWVHOHFWLRQGHOLYHUHGWR\RXand much else, while it also has valuewhen it comes to traceability.Combined with this, though, thechallenge for products more than everbefore is to stand out on the shelves – sothe importance of a distinctive, highquality package is emphasised. Howeverthis distinctive nature has to go hand inhand with convenience in distribution anddisplay. While creativity is all-important,products that require distributors toobtain new pallets, retailers to invest innew display units and consumers torearrange their kitchen shelves are unlikelyto prove particularly popular at any stagein the supply chain.Design should also be in the spotlightlately due to evidence from the BritishBrands Group, who cited a report byWhich? in 2013, that identified some 150food products which marketed themselvesby imitating the packaging of betterknown brands. Out of the 2,244 peoplesurveyed, 20% admitted to buying a copyby mistake instead of the brand they© shutterstock / TY Lim32 Á30-33_Layout 1 21/08/2017 12:56 Page 2Intelligent packaging of CONVENIENCE FOOD.ATS-Tanner Banding Systems (UK) Ltd | Elstree, Herts, WD6 3SY | Phone +44 20 8736 4085 | ats-tanner.ukFOODGRAPHICSLOGISTICSMERCHANDISINGPHARMAMANUFACTURINGVisit us!Packaging Innovations ’1713. – 14.09.2017LondonHall 1 | Booth F2832 Food & Drink Internationalwww.fdiforum.netintended to purchase – highlighting thedangers inherent in a whimsicalapproach to packaging design.In the study, the key factor which ledto the customer’s mistake was seen tobe colour, so brands that rely on adistinctive colour scheme could be mostat risk. Naturally, older customers alsohad a higher risk of buying a copy bymistake. While this approach to businessmay be seen as shameless to some, it isan evolutionary approach used byanimals in the wild to avoid predators,often by mimicking the distinctivecolours and markings of more dangerous(or poisonous) creatures. Here, the intentis different, but the methodology thesame. To know that some of the largestbrands in the food and drink industrywrite off 20% of their market share insuch a way is jarring, but there is muchthat could be done to protect from this,and all of it related to the design ofpackaging.Although many brands will have a well-known and core identity, it’s never toolate to change packaging or update it.The more complicated the design, theharder it is to imitate, and it is importantto keep in mind that copycat brands willusually have less funds available than theoriginal. Distinctive shapes are an optionfor drinks and some packaged goods,especially if it’s a dramatic change thatcould either be copyrighted, or one thatwould be too expensive to mimic. Forbottle goods, an unusual shape can beone such defence against mimicry.SustainabilityThere is a misconception for many thatsustainable packaging is an expensiveprocess, often using unusual and newmaterials such as plant-based fibre, whichrequires a complete overhaul of amanufacturer’s processing line. Investing insustainable packaging must therefore bean investment, often with a large price tagand no tangible benefit other than thepotential for increased branding withenvironmentally-conscious customers, andthe chance to reduce their carbonfootprint, which admittedly can save costs.All of this is not necessarily the case.While it can be, and those who wish toembrace it more fully than others certainlycan look into unique packaging materials,it’s worth pointing out that there is© shutterstock / monticello30-33_Layout 1 21/08/2017 12:57 Page 3Food & Drink International 33www.fdiforum.netPACKAGING MATERIALS & DESIGNSkin FlexOur New Skin Film Is Different!Available immediately from stock, held in our AA BRC approved warehouseTel: 01274 68 55 66www.nationalflexible.co.ukMeasom Freer offer variety of foodpackaging solutions Looking for a UK basedmanufacturer and stockistof food packaging? Thenlook no further as MeasomFreer & Co has been doingjust that for over 80 years. Based in Leicester,Measom Freer manufacturea huge variety of food gradeplastic packaging –including bottles in allshapes and sizes ideal forsauces, marinades, oils, foodcolouring, and dressings. Their bottles range in sizefrom 2.5ml to 1 litre with a huge range of closures to fit including screw, tall, ball, flip,nozzle caps and spray pumps. Jars from 10 – 150ml and small clear boxes are ideal forsweets, cake decorations, confectionery, nuts, honey, dried snacks, spices andcondiments. Measuring scoops from 0.5 – 150ml and hand scoops in small to large sizesare suitable for grains, coffee, herbs, dried goods and powders. They also stock rigid tubes in 5-25ml suitable for seeds, cake decorations, confetti andspices. For more information, visit www.measomfreer.co.uk.another modifier which can influence thesustainability of the packaging process –efficiency. If a company’s packaging needscan be handled in a manner which reducesmanpower, wastage or material used, thenthere is an environmental and sustainablebenefit to that change. What’s more, thereis a financial and manpower saving as well. In this regard, sustainability and thedesire to create a leaner packagingprocess go hand in hand. Many packaging specialists haveboosted their research and developmentdepartments to emphasise this newapproach, and focus is now on packagingthat minimises material or waste, asopposed to redesigning or retro-fittinglines to accommodate a unique newpackaging solution. This allows companiesto reap the rewards of such initiatives, butalso implement changes to their systemson a one by one basis – investing inindividual pieces of machinery, and thushigher quality ones, rather than budgetingfor a complete overhaul, which mightrequire less-effective choices that cost lessto be used.Automation is one, perhaps obvious,way to improve efficiency and reducewaste. As opposed to using lighter ormore environmentally friendly material, itcan improve sustainability by reducinghuman error that would reduce inproducts being unsuitable for sale. Thisaccuracy is absolutely vital in the sector,where increasingly stringent regulationson labelling – not to mention the hugeexpense that can be engendered byexcessive product giveaway. This has inturn led to an increase in the levels oftraceability present within themanufacturing and supply chain – withcompanies able to find out exactly whothe suppliers were of any ingredients usedin a given batch of completed products –within a few hours. Of course, there are other ways toimprove the sustainability of foodpackaging, and although it is expensive,it’s hard to deny the benefits of the moreesoteric methods. In development we cansee milk-based packaging, packagingcreated from plant extract and evenpackaging which degrades itself. Edibleand environmentally-friendly packagingoptions are another step in the rightdirection, but the next logical step is increating fully biodegradable packaging forwhich to house and transport products.Using this method would help to create aclosed-loop approach to packaging, wherewasted and surplus food is used to createbio-packaging, which can then be turnedinto compost, potentially fertilising newfruit and vegetable products. Many suchdevelopments are likely to be highlightedat the PPMA Show this September.Though undeniably expensive,companies who can keep themselves atthe forefront of this innovation oftenexperience unprecedented success. Tomany manufacturers, this is the realm ofthe giants – companies that can afford therisk. To them, however, it is not somethingdone for frivolous purposes, but becausethey have identified an opportunity to pullfurther ahead and stake their claim in themarket. As ever, those who are successfuldo not take risks because they can affordto, rather they are successful because theytake such risks.All of this rapid adaptation is the reasonfor the vast number of packaging showsand events that take place around theglobe, a number which seems to eclipsethat of many other industries, fromingredients to processing and even retail.To many, packaging is first and foremost inthe food and drink industry – and as timegoes on, there may be even morechallenges for the sector.30-33_Layout 1 21/08/2017 12:57 Page 434 Food & Drink Internationalwww.fdiforum.netMACHINERY & EQUIPMENT SPOTLIGHTMachinery and equipment havetransformed not just the food and drinkindustry, but all manufacturing sectors.Just as efficiency helped revitalise theUK car industry, automated lines haveallowed food manufacturers to increasetheir yields dramatically. Despite this,the UK still faces heavy competitionfrom abroad, and Brexit hasn’t helpedmuch in that regard. One reason as towhy this is, is because our foreigncompetitors often have a betterattitude towards machinery andequipment than the UK.The UK food and drink industry isfalling far behind other countries whenit comes to automation and theadoption of robotics into the foodindustry. These were the findings of arecent study into robotics within thefood and drink industry, which foundthat even within Europe, the UK isranked 15th in terms of robotics usage.To give an idea of what that means, theUK is behind countries such asGermany, Sweden and France – butalso now falls behind Slovakia, Sloveniaand the Czech Republic. The biggerproblem still is that the changes inrobotic investment within the UK aresome of the lowest in the bloc, withmany food manufacturers not seekingto make changes and instead relying onoutdated and expensive labour models.With the National Living Wage in place,this has only become a bigger issue. A big problem is that thisphenomenon of the UK falling behind isactually quite limited to the food anddrink industry. As an example, the UK isstill highly competitive in theFood manufacturingtoday is a far cry fromwhat it was fifty yearsago, and yet despite theconstant efficiencyimprovements made,consumers andcustomers demandmore.Making themost ofmachines34-41_Layout 1 21/08/2017 12:58 Page 1Food & Drink International 35www.fdiforum.netMACHINERY & EQUIPMENT SPOTLIGHTautomotive industry, despite robustcompetition from other countries, andlo and behold, the UK automotiveindustry is a huge investor in roboticsand automation equipment. In yearspast there might have been a fear thatthe initial investment into roboticsystems was too inhibitive (thoughclearly not too inhibitive for ourEuropean neighbours), but even if weconsider that the price in the UK wassomehow ten times what was offeredelsewhere, advancements in technologyhave caused that price to falldramatically. Nowadays a robotic unitsuch as a pallet stacker can cost lessthan the wages of what labour it wouldreplace. There are still many countries, evenwithin the European Union, who havemuch lower labour rates than the UK,the only option for UK food and drinkmanufacturers, therefore, is to continuemaintaining their high quality standards,whilst improving efficiency. This canonly be effectively done with a vision ofthe end result required and acommitment to automation andperformance improvement.The vision is absolutely essential aspiecemeal automation, without the© shutterstock/jordache37 Á34-41_Layout 1 21/08/2017 12:58 Page 236 Food & Drink Internationalwww.fdiforum.netT: +44 (0) 118 946 1900 E: sales@appliedweighing.co.ukwww.appliedweighing.co.ukFOR GENERAL, PROCESS, PHARMACEUTICAL & FOOD WEIGHING APPLICATIONSLoad CellsSilo, Tank & Vessel SystemsWeight Indicators & Control SystemsPlatform ScalesDrum FillingSystemsDynamic CheckWeighersThe UK’s leading load cell & process weighing systemmanufacturer. When you use any product fromApplied Weighing you will have absolute accuracyand total peace of mind. ComprehensiveNational ServiceOrganisationAccurate weighing - whatever your industryMANUFACTURED IN THE UK34-41_Layout 1 21/08/2017 12:58 Page 3Food & Drink International 37www.fdiforum.netMACHINERY & EQUIPMENT SPOTLIGHTAstell releases new product catalogueHot on the heels of its revamped Product Data Sheets, Astell has announced therelease of a new full-range product catalogue. Comprising 32 colour pages, it covers all eight autoclave ranges from circular tosquare section, 33 litre benchtop up to 1,200 litre pass-through, and includingoptions for cooling, vacuum and direct steam. In addition, readers can browse sections dedicated to describing Astell’s uniquetouchscreen controller, service & maintenance offer, and other products thecompany are renowned for. Those new to autoclaves will find several pages explaining advanced steriliseroptions valuable insight, as the brochure details the different cooling, vacuum andsteam source choices. In short the new Astell product catalogue is a must read for those working in scientific research, process manufacturing, and medicalhealthcare. To obtain a copy, either download from the product pages from the website or contact Astell to receive a printed version.For more information, visit www.astell.com.overall vision, tends to improve someareas, but can create ‘bottlenecks’ inothers, so the overall door to doorefficiency is often not improved but,due to the significant cost ofautomation, the unit costs go up ratherthan down – the exact opposite of theintention.One of the most important things forany company embarking upon, or evenwell into automation projects, is tomeasure the effectiveness of theinvestments made. Unfortunately, thisis often not done, or not done wellenough, as the necessary investmentfor the measurement architecture isoften seen as a ‘nice to have’ ratherthan an absolute necessity to measurethe effectiveness of investments alreadymade and to help identify furthernecessary investments along theautomation journey.Many companies who have investedheavily in automation often ask twoquestions. Firstly, ‘How much did yourautomation project cost’ and secondly,‘How effective has it been?’ Theyusually know the answer to the firstquestion but often have little idea aboutthe second. Many times, this leads to amistaken identity around automation,where people see a problem, or thatthere have not been the promisedimprovements in efficiency, andtherefore believe there is a problemwith the industry as a whole, and stopinvesting in new machinery.It could easily be that this is a shortterm problem due to the rest of theproduction plant or even the labour38 Á© shutterstock/Akimov Igor34-41_Layout 1 21/08/2017 12:59 Page 438 Food & Drink Internationalwww.fdiforum.netMACHINERY & EQUIPMENT SPOTLIGHTThese are totally stainless-steel professional items,extremely flexible to be used in the most differentsituations. Thanks to their most updated technicalfeatures, they have become essential to pack a certainnumber of products (Sauces & liquids food, meat, fish,vegetables…) in several fields of activity: fromrestaurant to gastronomy, catering, supermarkets etc.PARKERS FOOD MACHINERY PLUSPackaging & IngredientsUnit 6, Southern Cross Trad Est, Shripney Road, Bognor Regis, West Sussex, PO22 9SET: 0844 9802 428 E: sales@pfmplus.co.uk W: www.pfmplus.co.uk400mm Seal Vacuum Packer Inter-Com Square400 230vforce not having kept pace with theautomated improvement potential.Unfortunately, the temporaryinformation shortfall has a habit ofbecoming permanent and, given thechoice of spending £100,000 on acontrol system to measure theeffectiveness of automationinvestments already made, or spending£100,000 on yet another piece ofautomation, many companies willchoose the latter, and thus repeat theproblem.That is, if they choose to make use ofautomation at all. In Germany, France orItaly robotics companies often cite thatif they are able to prove the efficiencysavings and productivity of a machine,then by the next time they visit thefactory will either have it – or will haveinvested even more to get somethingbetter. The same process in the UK ismore likely to result in reluctance,comments that they will `get round toit` - and when it becomes absolutelynecessary to the running of a factory.They will instead take on the cheapest,least efficient and most unlikely pieceof automation equipment (which insome cases they do not even need) andthen use this as proof of why investingin new machinery might not be the bestanswer. Better instead, to continueblaming staff, Brexit or other factors forthe shortfall. All that is necessary is to have thewill and the vision to see the potentialvalue of automated systems and toappreciate the need to measure,analyse and control the automationinvestment, to ensure optimal efficiencyis achieved and sustained, therebyachieving rapid payback andcompetitiveness.Automation has been adopted byother industry sectors, sometimesdriven by strict regulation. There is noreason why the food industry cannotdo the same, for reasons of efficiency© shutterstock/grafvision40 Á34-41_Layout 1 21/08/2017 12:59 Page 5TSUBAKI TRAYPACKER CHAIN FOR A CLEAN PRODUCTION PROCESSTsubakimoto Europe B.V. For more information, visit: tsubaki.eu/traypackert-VCF'SFF4PMVUJPOt/PDPOUBNJOBUJPOSFEVDFENBJOUFOBODFt*ODSFBTFEQFSGPSNBODFMPOHFSXFBSMJGF5TVCBLJ5SBZQBDLFS$IBJOJTB-BNCEBTPMVUJPOBOJOUFSOBMMZMVCSJDBUFEDIBJOTQFDJmDBMMZEFTJHOFEUPJOUFHSBUFXJUIDBSUPOUSBZQBDLJOHBOECPYGPMEJOHNBDIJOFT5IFPJMJNQSFHOBUFECVTIFTVTF/4')GPPEHSBEFMVCSJDBOUQSPWJEJOHTBGFUZJGUIFJNQSFHOBUFEPJMDPOUBDUTUIFQSPEVDU3FRVJSJOHOPFYUFSOBMMVCSJDBUJPOUIF-BNCEBSBOHFSFNPWFTUIFOFFEGPSDPTUMZBOEUJNFDPOTVNJOHDMFBOJOHPGZPVSQBDLBHJOHFRVJQNFOU34-41_Layout 1 21/08/2017 12:59 Page 6Next >