< PreviousIT specialist CSB-System is set to displayfood and beverage software solutions At Anuga food fair, CSB-System willunderline its position as a Global SoftwareExpert in food and beverage with avariety of new solutions for corporatemanagement, process control andindustrial automation. These includesolutions for traceability andnutrition labelling, and modules tohelp create a Smart Food Factory.Food businesses use the CSB-System to control and automate theflow of information and materialsthroughout the entire value chain, fromreceiving through production and internallogistics to despatch and delivery. The modular andscalable industry-specific solution is suitable for any type of operation. The system calculates the input of goods and resources, optimisesrecipes as well as processing and refinement procedures, and maximisesdelivery capability. At the same time, the industry-specific solutionguarantees high product quality and food safety. Furthermore, experts from CSB Automation AG will present state-of-the-artautomation concepts and sorting systems that make it possible toimplement high-performance automatic picking. The Welsh Rugby Union has renewed itsofficial supplier agreement with PAS Pro IsoPro Iso has been the Official Isotonic Supplier forthe WRU since 2014, and the renewal will see thenational squad continue to consume the leadingisotonic drink throughout training and matches.Radnor Hills was approached by Wales NationalSquad’s Nutritionist Jon Williams to helpmanufacture and bring Pro Iso to the market placeback in 2013. “We couldn’t be more delighted tomanufacture this unique product, and are delightedthat it has endorsement from the WRU. Jon’sknowledge and experience in this sector is secondto none, but our role is to increase its distributionso everyone can enjoy the benefits of Pro Iso,” saidWilliam Watkins, Radnor Hills Managing Director. Mr Williams commented: “We are extremely pleased to be able to say Pro Iso continues to be the chosen drink of the Wales National Squad.” To mark the announcement, members of the Welsh squad made public appearances at Asda stores across the region. 10 Food & Drink Internationalwww.fdiforum.netPakTech Now Distributing Can Carriers in EuropeIn the past 4 years, PakTech has becomethe can carrier and automated applicationsupplier to over 500 US breweries andcider makers. With the canned beveragemarket expanding in Europe, PakTech isnow bringing rapid order fulfillment of 6Pakand QuadPak can carriers to the UK.In addition to their proprietary, injectionmolded, recycled HPDE can handles,PakTech provides automated applicationequipment. Over one hundred CCA120machines (up to 120 cans per minute) arein place at breweries in the US, as well asmultiple CCA600 (600 can/minute), and the new CCA280 (280 cans/minute) applicators. Allapplicators are built and shipped to order from the PakTech factory.PakTech provided 180 million can carrier handles to the craft brew market in 2014. Withincreased exposure, European craft brewers and cider makers began calling on PakTech. Havingthe capacity to increase production at their Eugene, OR manufacturing facility, PakTech establisheda distribution channel in the UK. Fourth Generation AustralianWinemaker uses Hanovia UVfor Water DisinfectionTo disinfect water in the winemaking process,Brown Brothers winery in Victoria, Australia hasinstalled a Hanovia ultraviolet (UV) disinfectionsystem. One of Australia’s leading family-owned winecompanies, Brown Brothers has been making wine inVictoria for over 120 years. In 2009 Brown Brothers updated its existing UVwater disinfection system to the latest Hanovia AF3UV system. “Our Hanovia UV system has workedperfectly since we installed it in 2009. We routinelyget a zero (bacterial) count after the UV. It wasn’talways that way - our old UV system would oftenreturn counts for bacteria of 40, 80 or sometimeseven 100 CFU (Colony Forming Units),” says SteveDows from Brown Brothers.The Hanovia UV disinfection system safeguardsBrown Brothers’ water from the risk of water-bornemicro-organisms such as bacteria, viruses, yeastsand moulds, as well as harmful protozoa such asCryptosporidium and Giardia, which are chlorine-resistant.Clondalkin Bury Announces RegisteredTrademark for Unique Coding Technology Clondalkin Flexible Packaging Bury, aninternational producer of high value-added packaging products and solutions,is pleased to announce that thetrademark for the company’s uniquecoding printing technology has beenconfirmed.UniXcode® was developed atClondalkin Flexible Packaging Bury -formerly Chadwicks of Bury - a leadingsupplier of innovative pre-cut lids andshrink sleeves. It offers an innovative andcost-effective printing technology that canbe used for various applications includingcompetitions, traceability andcounterfeiting. A unique code is printed on the lid or shrink sleeve and can only berevealed when the lid or sleeve is peeled back. Neither the quality of thedesign or functionality of the lid or shrink sleeve is compromised, andbecause the ink is not printed in direct contact with the product there is norisk of product contamination.John Chadwick, Managing Director, said of the registered trademark: “Itwill provide customers with added value for very little extra cost.” 10_Layout 1 22/09/2015 14:35 Page 1High-performance coder extends CIJcapabilitiesLinx Printing Technologies has launched the Linx 8900, a next generation CIJ (continuous inkjet) printer that provides the highest levels of ease of use and helps to maximise efficiencies duringproduction, delivering valuable cost and time savings.Capable of printing both human and machine-readable codes, the Linx 8900 incorporates awealth of new features that speed up day-to-day operation and maintenance, combined with therenowned Linx reliability that ensures continual performance and minimal downtime. In addition,the printer offers even greater versatility thanks to the introduction of a range of special reportingfunctions, which enable companies to identify ways to improve productivity.The new printer’s large high resolution touch screen ensures simple and error-free operation. Itcan store multiple line settings for fast and easy setup in different coding locations and the top screen is customisable to provide quick access to regularlyused functions. Food & Drink International 11www.fdiforum.netInnovation in leakdetection minimisesfood wasteDesigned to be easily integrated into existingproduction lines, the revolutionary IshidaAirScan uses advanced laser technology toidentify leaks of CO2 from holes as small as0.5mm in sealed modified atmospherepackaging (MAP) packs at speeds of up to 180packs per minute. The new Ishida AirScan offers fast, 100 percent reliable and completely non-destructiveidentification of leaks of C02 and has beendesigned to be highly effective in fast movingproduction environments so that maximumquality can be achieved without compromisingon high throughput speeds and minimumpacking time. By maintaining the optimum gas fill for eachpack, the leak detector provides consistentproduct quality, and allows productionproblems to be identified and rectified quickly.It also reduces the amount of packaging thathas to be scrapped, while the non-destructivetesting process ensures that product can be re-packed.To advertise yourservices on the newspages contact us on01472 310302mckayAsset Valuers & Auctioneerswwwwww..mmcckkaayy..iieeOn The Instructions of the Liquidator,Mr Myles Kirby, Ferris & AssociatesSLIABH BHREANDAIN TEOT/A KERRY SPRING(In Liquidation) Ballyferriter, Dingle, Co. Kerry, Ireland MINERAL WATER BOTTLING PLANTFor Sale (Unless Previously Sold) • PosimatsPOSI Switch 30 Unscrambler • Officine AVEVE58/96 Filler, Rinser, Capper• ELF7 Head 5 Litre Filling Line • ETA Andre ZalkinCAB/320NG Sports Capper• KronesContiroll 14 Head CNC Labeller (2011)• Officine AVEPremix Plant• Alfa LavalPasteurising Plant • Aqua FineRBE-8R UV Disinfection Unit• CIP System • SMI & PolypackShrink Wrappers• Stainless Steel Tanks & Service Plant• IP & Brand Name EtcViewing:by prior appointmentAll enquiries to: McKay, Dublin, t.00353 1 490 3130 e.info@mckay.ie View Photos & Download a Full Catalogue &Information Pack from Our Website 11_Layout 1 18/09/2015 11:00 Page 112 Food & Drink Internationalwww.fdiforum.netBottle is dressed to impressIn conjunction with leading sauce manufacturerZum Dorfkrug, RPC Promens Consumer Kutenholzhas developed a classic 1000ml round bottle forSylter Salatfrische, Germany’s most popular saladdressing. As well as this classic, the new bottles willalso be used for Honey & Mustard, Yogurt, FrenchDressing, Vinaigrette and American Salad Dressingvariants. The stylish bottle, blow moulded in polypropylene,echoes the look of the typical milk-bottle style packcurrently available in 250 and 500ml sizes. Despite itslarger size, the user-friendly bottle is easy to handle,and is squeezable for accurate control and dispenseof the dressings.The new bottle also meets the safety requirementsof the foodservice sector, enabling it to be used in canteens and restaurants as well as in thehome. Thanks to their light weight, high strength and resistance to breakage, plastics containers are the ideal choice for salad counters and the cateringtrade.Nestlé Mexico adds new flavours and volumesto popular “Coffee Mate” range in combifitMidiNestlé Mexico has once again expanded itsbest-selling range of popular “Coffee Mate”coffee creamers in aseptic carton packs fromSIG Combiloc. What started in summer 2013with three varieties in combifitMidi 500ml nowincludes 10 different flavours, which areoffered in 500 and 750ml volumes. Allvarieties are free from lactose and cholesterol,and are therefore very well-tolerated. The benefits of a carton pack are plain tosee for consumers: they are easy to transportand simple to use. The screw cap means thepack can be easily reclosed. They can alsobe stored without refrigeration for a prolonged period before its first use. Coffee Mate was originally offered as a powder, but in summer 2013, Nestlé Mexico decided toadd combifitMidi to the packaging range, and launched the liquid variant in the aseptic cartonpack for the first time. More flavours are in the pipeline. Clondalkin Bury lids newLowLow Snack Bitesrange from Kerry Foods Leading packaging manufacturer, ClondalkinFlexible Packaging Bury (previously Chadwicks Lids),has produced the lids for the rebrand of the LowLowSnack Bites range.The Snack Bites contain slices of mouth-wateringmature cheese, together with pieces of multigraintoast and four different topping variants: roasted redpepper chutney, sweet chilli jam, caramelised onionchutney and cranberry relish.Clondalkin has produced four different 138.5mm x110.5mm lid designs, printed on white omnipet, with amatt over lacquer for extra impact on shelf. Ken Dunlop, Sales Manager at Clondalkin FlexiblePackaging Bury, comments: “The lids are bright, boldand eye-catching, designed to appeal to busy, yethealth conscious consumers looking for a quicksnack, that’s perfect anytime.’Amanda Ryan, Senior Brand Manager from KerryFoods, adds: “We are delighted with both the designand quality of the finished product. So much so thatSnack Bites will feature in our TV advertising for theLowLow re-launch. Fentimans launchnew flavour Hexham-based botanically brewed softdrinks company, Fentimans, has launched anew flavour to add to their range of softdrinks. The new ‘Cherry Cola’ is now availableand continues the Fentimans tradition of usingbotanicals to create nostalgic flavours.Eldon Robson. MD and great grandson oforiginal brewer, Thomas Fentiman, said: “Thesource of inspiration for Cherry Cola camefrom researching the herbs and botanicalsused by apothecaries in London around theturn of the century to make medicinal potions.“We always try to give people a nostalgicexperience with our drinks taking them backto a childhood memory or a place from theirpast, we have achieved this very well withDandelion & Burdock and Curiosity Cola and Ibelieve we have done it again with CherryCola.”Cherry Cola recently partnered with popularsurf brand ‘O’Neil’ for their summer tour takingthe new flavour to popular surf spots in the UK.Pork Farm’s Unveils New SavouryPastriesLeading food group, Pork Farms, is drivinginnovation in the UK chilled savoury pastrysector by launching a range of LimitedEdition slices. The new products have been released aspart of the Wall’s range to reflect emergingfood trends and include BBQ Chicken andCheese, Steak and Cheese, and PepperoniPizza Slices.Customer rewards are also high on PorkFarm’s agenda, with new 25% Extra Freeoffers on favourites such as Chicken andMushroom, Chicken & Bacon, Chicken Tikka,Peppered Steak and Ham & Cheese Slices,launching into convenience stores thissummer. As a premium producer of chilled savourypastry products in the UK, Pork Farms has made NPD a key focus for allareas of the business over the next year.Kim Burgess Head of Markets at Pork Farms said: “The team of chefs atPork Farms combine culinary excellence and knowledge of emerging foodtrends with detailed category and consumer insight.12_Layout 1 18/09/2015 14:04 Page 1Food & Drink International 13www.fdiforum.netIMPORT AND EXPORTAmidst Russia banning EUimports following the Ukrainecrisis, and health and safetyissues halting exports in otherterritories, one country isenjoying an export emergence. Like the sea itself, the import andexport sector is rarely, if ever, still. Withmanufacturing, legislative changes andinnovation affecting everything from howproducts are stored to where they can beexported to coming under regularscrutiny, it’s an industry that is inconstant flux. Russia has recently proposed plans toexclude the US and European Union fromcountries supplying its meat. Thisannouncement followed a draft decreepublished on the website of the county’sMinistry of Economic Development. As ofthe first of September 2015, the countyhas banned all agricultural produce fromBulgaria over forged certificates. It’s littlewonder that the issue itself originallystems from the Ukraine crisis, whereRussia introduced a food embargo inretaliation to Western sanctions last year. Last August saw Russia imposing a banon imported food from European Unioncountries, Australia, Norway, Canada andthe United States. Other counties havesince been added to the growing listincluding Albania, Montenegro,Liechtenstein and, perhaps unsurprisingly,Ukraine. Elsewhere, however, things lookbrighter. Iran, for example, has agreed tolift the ban on rice import from Pakistan.This decision is part of the gradualremoval of international sanctions, andrice export is due to commence once morefrom October of this year. Banning imports might be one move inan on-going game of political chess, butoftentimes it’s due to issues of health andsafety. The EU’s Rapid Alert System forfood has detected dangerous levels ofchemical contaminants in food exportscoming out of Nigeria. Some of theaffected foods and drinks include, butaren’t limited to: sweet potatoes, nutmeg,sesame seeds and soft drinks. Thesolution has been to ban the import ofthese foods until such time that thepesticide levels return to a safe limit –being 01. Mp per kilogram – and will stayin effect until at least June of next year. But seemingly against all odds, onecountry has cemented itself as anexporting powerhouse. Despite a tenuousimport/export relationship with the EU,Israel has become something of a culinarystronghold in recent years, with many ofthe nation’s food companies exportingabroad. This success is helped by many ofthese exports largely being kosher. As wellas catering for the religious needs ofMuslims, Jews and Hindus, kosherproducts are also popular among thehealth conscious and consumers sufferingwith food allergies. Interestingly, thenumber of Israeli Arabs leading veganlifestyles in of the rise. The proof, as ever, is in the numbersand food and drink exports from Israel14 ÁPHOTO: STOCKSTUDIO / SHUTTERSTOCK.COMBig in Israel Big in Israel 13-15_Layout 1 18/09/2015 11:01 Page 114 Food & Drink Internationalwww.fdiforum.netIMPORT AND EXPORTtotalled around £297 million in the firsthalf of 2015. While this marked an 8 percent drop compared to the same periodthe year before, the export of food anddrink from the county has doubled since2000. In the first half 2011, for example,the nation’s food exports totalled over£750 million. Strauss Group, Israel’slargest food and drinks company posted1.8 per cent organic sales growing –excluding foreign currency effects – and2.4 per cent net profit growth for the firstquarter of 2015. This impressive surge isaided by a variety of contributing factors,not least the aforementioned kosherproducts, but one of the overarchingreasons in recent months is significantattention from Asian markets. The last year alone has seen buyersfrom Taiwan, China and Japan turning toIsrael for substitutes for rice. One suchalternative is ptitim, which is a bakedpasta that closely resembles rice in shapeand known as Israeli or Jerusalem couscous. That isn’t to be confused with goodole fashioned cous cous though, whichalready enjoys strong sales here in theUK. This growth in the East will be aidedby the upcoming Israel Week, which takesplace in Taiwan in November. Here avariety of native Israeli dishes will beshowcased. This important event willdetermine what products will be stockedand sold, and will likely affect thecountry’s future export figures. Coming back to politics – much of theEastern attention on Israel is politicallyunbiased and unprompted. CarolineNaveh, Food and Beverage Manager inthe Israel Export and InternationalCooperation Institute (IEICI) noted:“The political issue doesn’t exist in theEast. They highly regard the Jewish andIsraeli mind-set and are looking to dobusiness with us.” This demonstrably shows thatterritories such as Japan and China areactively looking to expand on their richnational cuisines and incorporate theflavours and foods of other countries.This translates as exciting and ampleopportunities for exporting goods to theEast, and nurturing a potentially hugemarket. Of course, Israeli products are shippedworldwide, and perhaps the county’s mostubiquitous export is houmous, which isshipped right across the East, US andEurope, rivalled perhaps only but exportsfrom its vibrant wine industry. Such is theglobal love for the product, that anestimated 3,000 tonnes are exported toeach aforementioned territory every year.The popularity of houmous is a clearindication of the sway of healthy foods –or those that appear to be healthy – holdover the market place and the increase ofindividuals leading a vegan or vegetarianlifestyle. Indeed, the continual fascinationwith super foods is paying dividends forimporters and exporters the world over.Work is already underway to try andintroduce houmous to the Chinesemarket, which has the potential to boosthelp boost Israel’s impressive export figurefor 2014. The export figures coincide with therise of Israel as a foodie nation. Althoughno Israeli restaurant has yet earned acoveted Michelin Star, many of thenation’s chefs are closing in on the goal,so much so, many have earned globalreputations for themselves. This, in turn,Poland keen to strengthen agriculturalties with IndiaAmidst an environment of import and export bans, particularly in the EU, Poland is activelylooking to expand its standing as an importer. One of the nation’s Poland is particularly keen to strengthen its ties with is India, as part ofa bid to import more of the countries abundant goods, including tea, basmati rice, mangoesand spices. Zofia Szalczyk, Poland’s Deputy Minister for Agriculture and Urban Development, stated:“We have a news strategy to promote our agriculture produce in the global market and Indiais one of them.”Ms Szalczyk has taken part in a four day visit to the country, as part of a 12 memberdelegation with the aim of promoting the Polish agricultural sector and its food companies.But it was far from a one way relationship, as she emphasis the fact that Poland has plentyto offer India, including confectionary, fruits and vegetables. She added: “Our environmental and natural resources help in producing the best quality produce. We export to other European Union counties withhigh quality standards like France, Germany, Italy and the UK. Now we want to focus to strengthen our global market.”PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/NIGHTMAN1965PHOTO: STOCKSTUDIO / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM13-15_Layout 1 18/09/2015 11:01 Page 2on the area. Even as an importer, thecountry is growing, albeitmotivated by necessity.Israel’s Minister ofAgriculture Uri Ariel hasannounced that restrictionson fruit and vegetableimports will be eased. Themove was motivated by theneed to curb price hikesahead of the holidays.Minister Ariel said: “This isan attempt to overcome theshortage and bring the pricesback down, all whileavoiding harm to Israelifarmers and produce.”Food products have beenwhipped up into the growingtensions in the Middle East,with online campaigns andboycotts of certain Israeliproducts which supposedlysupport apartheid encouragingshoppers to join in by droppingcertain foodstuffs off theirshopping lists. But away fromthe occupation of Palestine, Israelis developing, growing and, what’smore, excelling as a global exporterand shipping its flavours andproducts across the world. Despite itsrocky standing with the EU andsometimes less than favourablereputation in the media, Israel isploughing headstrong into brave newmarkets and enjoying success as a risingexporter. Food & Drink International 15www.fdiforum.netIMPORT AND EXPORThas encouraged renowned chefs to travelto the county themselves. Organic foods make up around 10 percent of Israel’s fresh food exports. As thisis currently the fastest growing sector –growing annual by about 25 per cent –and with the increased attention on foodorigin, traceability and health awareness,it’s a figure forecast only to grow. As an exporting stronghold, Israel isideally suited on the Mediterranean Seawith clear and easy routes to Europe,Africa and America. Indeed, itsgeographical positioning makes it, as theIsrael Export & International CooperationInstitute so aptly put it, “a culinarycrossroads.” It’s a central point whereEuropean, Middle Eastern and NorthAfrican cuisines blend and mergetogether, ending up with a wealth ofnative foods drawing influence fromMediterranean and ethnic foods. As anexporter, this appropriation and fusion offlavours has made it a popular choice formany of the world’s top restaurants andhigh end food shops. Last year saw ample opportunity forIsrael to forge an unlikely partnershipwith Russia. The EU sanctions againstIsrael and the US measures againstRussia inexplicably pushed the twonations together, where Russia neededfresh produce and Israel needed newexport markets. September 2014 sawEurope edge away from Israeli agriculturalexport, with the EU outright banning theentry of all dairy, meat, poultry and eggproducts, adding West Bank, the GolanHeights and Jerusalem to an existing banScotland’s number oneexport enjoys record year ofproductionScotland is undergoing something of a food renaissanceof late, and recent figures published by the Scottish FishFarm Production Survey 2014 report reveal that production ofthe county’s farmed salmon has leapt to its highest everlevel.According to the report, 179,022 tonnes of farmed Atlanticsalmon was produced in 2014. That accounted for thehighest level of production ever recorded in Scotland, andan increase of almost 10 per cent on the previous year.Rainbow trout, halibut and brown/sea trout productionalso increased. The report also reveals an increase in the number ofpeople working across all Scottish fin fish production,from 1,625 in 2013, to 1,796 the following year,making for an increase of 10 per cent. The estimatedfarmgate value of all fin fish was £733.4 million lastyear, an increase of 6.2 per cent compared to theprevious 12 months. Environment Minister Aileen McLeod,commented: “These figures reflect thegreat and growing demand at home andabroad for delicious and healthy fishand shellfish produced in Scotland’sclear and pristine waters.”PHOTO: STOCKSTUDIO / SHUTTERSTOCK.COM13-15_Layout 1 18/09/2015 11:01 Page 316 Food & Drink Internationalwww.fdiforum.netCONTAINERS AND PALLETSCampden BRI prove superchilling can safelyextend shelf life by 120 per centResearch carried out by Campden BRI has shown that superchilling can safely extend the shelflife of chilled foods without any loss of sensory quality. The process works by reducing thetemperature of food products to around -2°C so they become partially frozen. The greatest extension in shelf life was achieved with prawns. The lab research showed thatsuperchilling could increase the shelf life of cook-chill prawns to 22 days. This offers a potential120 per cent increase on the 10 day chilled shelf life subject to the protocol being implementedcommercially. Campden BRI also explored the effects of superchilling on poultry and gammon. In addition to extending shelf life, Campden BRI has demonstrated that superchilling can alsoreduce energy use and waste. Campden BRI calculated the energy required to produce anddistribute both superchilled and chilled farmed salmon. Although superchilling fish requires moreenergy during manufacture, more fish can be packed into each vehicle - because superchillingnegates the need for ice during transportation - so fewer journeys are required. Health, safety and hygiene areparamount concerns within the foodmanufacturing process, both to complywith legislation, and to protect the brandimage. But all of this can be squandered ifthe same attention is not placed on thesupply chain. It’s an area that developsalongside food, often in response tochanges to the products themselves. Andinnovation in the containers and palletssector is abounding. A new container from Solidus Solutionsis the point where innovation andsustainability collide. The company, whichpreviously operated under the monikerSmurfit Kappa Solid Board Packaging, haspioneered a 5 kilogram box designed tocontain tomatoes, which itself is madefrom tomato plant fibre, representing acircular approach to process andproduction. The solid board has beenpreviously used in a packaging capacity forsilky pink cocktail tomatoes forsustainable tomato producer DuijvestijnTomaten. The silky pink variety isespecially popular in Asian cuisine,therefore the bio-based packaging is beingdistributed overseas. As well as using plant fibre as asustainable resource in the composition ofthe containers, waste paper is also a vitalpart of the production. Furthermore, thewood fibres in the waste paper can bereused, representing another layer ofsustainability. It might be small scale, butthe applications for the containers are vast,as it stands or as a springboard toincorporate other plant and vegetable fibresinto sustainable packaging and containers.The company is currently working onscaling up the process to produce largerquantities and in varying sizes. Solidus isn’t alone in exploringsustainable, bio degradable packaging.One of the key aspects of sustainabilityand the recycling ethos is, as everyoneknows, to reuse. Reusing materials wherepossible is a vital part of ensuring asustainable future, while lessoning carbonemissions and wastage in the present. Moving away from plastics producedusing fossil fuels over the past few yearshas facilitated a wealth of innovations inbioplastics, including the process ofextracting the biosuccinic acid - a chemicalbuilding block used in producingbioplastics – from corn and wheat grain.Researchers from Imperial College Londonare joining with a European consortiumwith a prime directive of assessing howwaste agricultural products can be used tomake biodegradable packaging. The ADMIT BioSucclnnovateBetween hygieneand sustainability PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/MILA ATKOVSKASustainability and hygiene concernshave led to a surge in the design ofcontainers and pallets which save onspace, money and raw materials. Between hygieneand sustainability Sustainability and hygiene concernshave led to a surge in the design ofcontainers and pallets which save onspace, money and raw materials. 16-18_Layout 1 18/09/2015 11:03 Page 1Consortium will investigate the usage ofagricultural wastage and residue, suchas wheat and maize straw, as the baseraw materials in the production ofbiosuccinic acid. The end result is toproduce biodegradable packaging forconsumer markets, in association withthe UK retailer Waitrose and food traymanufacturer Sharpak. To correspondwith this mission, it will also create atoolkit, titled the IntegratedSustainability Assessment Tool (ISAT),to help industries get to grips with thetechno-economic issues associated withproducts made from the agriculturalwaste streams. It will also offer insightinto the environmental impacts of thepackaging across the whole of aproduct’s life cycle. Commenting on the consortium, DrJeremy Woods, from the Centre forEnvironmental Police at Imperial, whois leading the work that will underpinthe toolkit, said: “To move forwardwith bioplastics, we need to investigatecheap, readily available and sustainablealternatives that are also economicallyviable and socially acceptable. OurISAT toolkit will support thecontinuous development of sustainableproduction practices for biosucciniumproduction within the EU memberstates, and ultimately increase theviability of farming whilst reducing theamount of plastic produced from fossilfuels.”Sustainability is amorphous, andreusing wastage and materials is onlyone part of a multi-pronged solution.Utilising space saving design allows formore cargo to be packed into anyshipping container or lorry, therebylessoning the amount of trips needed,and lowering carbon emissions whilststreamlining efficiency and keepingcosts down. Polymer Logistics haveachieved a space saving pallet designthat is specially designed to fortifyhygiene levels. As food manufacturers increasinglyturn to plastics pallets in the face ofintensifying hygiene concerns, PolymerLogistics has produced CleanPal, a lowcost per unit pallet which challenges itswooden rivals and counterparts byproviding increased durability, flexibilityand overall cost savings in the supplychain. As well as delivering maximisedhygiene, CleanPal also offers a moreeconomical and secure method oftransportation and storage of freshproduce due to its space saving design.The nestable design gives thepallets improvedstacking functionality, asthey fit inside each otherrather than sitting on topof one another like itswooden variants. Thisenables the mosteconomic and innovativeutilisation of backroomspace-limitedenvironments and makesfor optimal loadingcapacities during theFood & Drink International 17www.fdiforum.netCONTAINERS AND PALLETSYou can call us for further information on 01844 215501or email marketing-uk@unicarrierseurope.comwww.unicarrierseurope.comThe new GoBox 1210BBC Blue container onthree runnersYoung’s Seafoodstrengthens itsrelationship with ReedBoardallYoung’s Seafood Limited has appointed ReedBoardall to be its partner in the collection, storageand delivery of its foodservice businessThis piece of frozen work has come off the backof a very successful chilled operation which hasbeen running for several years, and the assistanceprovided to another Young’s site -Pinneys ofScotland - which had a short notice requirement forthird party storage during the summer for whichReed Boardall provided a very effective service.Reed Boardall is one of the largest temperaturecontrolled food distribution businesses in the UK,storing and delivering frozen food frommanufacturers across Britain, Europe and furtherafield to all the UK’s best-known supermarkets.Operating 24/7, its 180-strong fleet of vehiclesdelivers an average of 12,000 pallets a day and itstores around £100 million worth of products onbehalf of its customers. It is based at a single site inBoroughbridge, Yorkshire, which is the largest of itskind in Europe. PHOTO: CLEANPAL18 Á16-18_Layout 1 18/09/2015 11:03 Page 2GO DIRECT……to the UK’s No.1 supplier of plastic pallets and boxesThe UK’s largest range Available from stock Free expert adviceInstant, competitive quotes Immediate nationwide delivery01323 744057 sales@goplasticpallets.comwww.goplasticpallets.com18 Food & Drink Internationalwww.fdiforum.netCONTAINERS AND PALLETStransportation and return of empty pallets,with up to three times more pallets beingaccommodated on one lorry load. As the roll call of supermarket chainsrecalling food products wages on, hygieneis a topmost priority. The CleanPal ismanufactured from high-densitypolyethylene (HDPE) and is thereforewater resistant and allows for high-pressure cleaning between uses. Thisradically reduces the risk posed byinfestation, fungi, odour, mould orharmful foodborne pathogens, all of whichare a considerable threat to both theproduce and food chain. But hygiene at a pallet level alone won’tyield ground-breaking results, instead itcan be used in conjuncture with hygienicdevelopments in containers themselves.Goplasticpallets.com has introduced animproved version of its GoBox 1210 BBCbulk storage container to its range. Thecontainer has been hygienically enhancedto help food processing companies meeteven the most stringent hygienestandards. The design has undergonemultiple alternations which have resultedin a bulk container that is easier andfaster to clean. This was achieved bygetting rid of any acute angles, largerradiuses in the structure and feweropening sections on the sides, and closedsupporting columns. It also balancesfunctionality with aesthetics, JimHardisty, Managing Director ofGoplasticpallets.com, who are the firstand only plastic pallet supplier to join theFood Storage & Distribution Federation,explains: “This really is the nextgeneration of bulk storage container andwe’re delighted to be the only supplier inthe UK to stock it in this bright bluecolour, which is ideal for the food industryas it stands out in processing areas!”Far from hindering the growth ofcontainer and pallet manufacture, theneed to comply with sustainable andhygienic business practices has given wayto a wave of innovative solutions that helpto save on money and space, and helpkeep carbon emissions down. This isevidence in motion of sustainability havinga positive impact right across the food anddrink supply chain. Goplasticpallets.com hasbecome the first everplastic pallet supplier tojoin the Food Storage &Distribution Federation16-18_Layout 1 18/09/2015 11:03 Page 3Food & Drink International 19www.fdiforum.netCAPS AND CLOSURESIn recent years, food and drinks manufacturers have developed avariety of innovative cap and closure solutions. The sports-drinkindustry has been leading the way with a range of sophisticated bottle-tops and zip-seals that ensure added freshness and allowconsumers to drink on the move. As consumers continue todemand fresher and more convenient products, companiesacross the sector can benefit by incorporating thesesolutions into their existing product range. This feature looks at the latest innovations inthe field and examines how manufacturers canadd value to their products by investing inthem.Consumer demand has been the maindriver of innovation in caps and closures.Convenience is king, and this has led toa major shift from the use of metalclosures to the widespread adoptionof plastic solutions. Indeed, plasticclosures are set to account for20 ÁPHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK.COM/MONTICELLOSealing the deal Convenience is king when it comes to caps and closures, and this ethos has led to strongshifts in the market. 19-21_Layout 1 18/09/2015 11:04 Page 1Next >