< Previous20 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net PACKAGING SPOTLIGHT What are bioplastics? When looking into bioplastics as a green packaging alternative, be aware that they aren’t all cut from the same cloth in terms of eco-friendliness. The term can refer to naturally sourced biodegradable or compostable plastics but may also be applied to petroleum- based plastics which can biodegrade far more quickly than the typical kind, and all manner of permutations in between. For instance, one branch known as ‘drop-ins’ contain bio-based, but non- biodegradable plastics. In short, bioplastic is no one thing but a family of materials, each with different qualities and applications. And even opting for a biodegradable packaging material doesn’t guarantee zero-waste. Biodegradation requires the correct environment, considering aspects such as temperatures and levels of aeration, in order for microorganisms to break down the plastic’s natural materials into water, carbon dioxide, or other such substances. This often means bioplastic containers must be thrown out with household waste at the consumer end, unless they are made of easily compostable materials. They also remain pollutants if they end up in oceans, left without the correct conditions for biodegradation. Types of bioplastics Opting for bioplastics which are both biodegradable and bio-based (which means made from plant-derived biomass) is the greenest option when plastic packaging is necessary. These can be made from a wealth of natural resources, including cellulose, chitin or even bacteria. Polylactic acid (PLA) is made from starchy crops such as potatoes, wheat or corn, their starches separated by milling, then heated with enzymes or acid to transform the starch into dextrose. The dextrose is then fermented until it becomes lactic acid, the molecules of which are then polymerised to create PLA. The resulting material has similar qualities to PET, that widely used petrochemical plastic, and doesn’t require specialised © stock.adobe.com/yalcinsonat 22 Á 18-23.qxp_Layout 1 24/10/2022 11:01 Page 3Food & Drink International 21 www.fdiforum.net စထထ ႅဈဈ#င%စဉထဓဇဒဇထဒဒ *+ info@macpac.co.uk Tel: 0161 442 1642 www.macpac.co.uk THERMOFORMED PACKAGING SPECIALISTS We design, produce tooling and manufacture packaging all under one roof, at our AA grade BRC accredited factory. We use responsible manufacturing processes and raw materials with up to 100% recycled content as well as being 100% recyclable. UP TO 100% RECYCLED 100% RECYCLABLE Innovative, Economical & Responsible. UK MANUFACTURER 18-23.qxp_Layout 1 24/10/2022 11:01 Page 422 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net PACKAGING SPOTLIGHT equipment for processing. Other bio-based and biodegradable plastics include polyhydroxalkanoate (PHA) which can be produced by exposing bacteria to a limited supply of nutrients like oxygen, encouraging it to grow PHA granules inside its cells as food. Certain strains of bacteria have also been discovered which don’t need this method of nutrient limitation, producing PHA through their own cellular growth spurts. Waste materials such as plant oils, fatty acids and simple carbohydrates can also be provided to PHA- producing bacteria, reducing the need for waste disposal and instead making them a resource, recycling them into greener plastic production. Scientists have even taken to placing the genes from this bacteria into corn plants, to create a genetically modified plastic- growing crop. However PHA plastic comes to be, like PLA it is safe and versatile enough to use in food packaging. Replacing and reducing plastic Even when sourcing bioplastics to replace the fossil-fuel derived variety, it must be kept in mind that not all providers are equally eco-friendly. Trustworthy companies will make their © stock.adobe.com/SValeriia Food packaging solutions Looking for a UK based manufacturer and stockist of recyclable food packaging, then look no further as Measom Freer & Co Ltd have been doing just that for over 85 years. Based in Leicester they manufacture a huge variety of food grade recyclable plastic packaging, including bottles in all shapes and sizes ideal for sauces, marinades, oils, food colouring, and dressings. Jars from 10 – 150ml and small clear boxes are ideal for sweets, cake decorations, confectionery, nuts, honey, dried snacks, spices and condiments. Measuring scoops from 0.5 – 150ml and hand scoops in small to large sizes are suitable for grains, coffee, herbs, dried goods and powders. They also stock rigid tubes in 5-25ml suitable for seeds, cake decorations, confetti and spices. Measom Freer & Co Ltd Tel +44 (0)116 2881588, sales@measomfreer.co.uk or Buy Online at www.measomfreer.co.uk 18-23.qxp_Layout 1 24/10/2022 11:01 Page 5Food & Drink International 23 www.fdiforum.net PACKAGING SPOTLIGHT products from recycled content wherever possible, ensuring they will decompose effectively in a short amount of time under the proper conditions. It’s also well worth remembering that plastics, bio or not, aren’t always the best choice in terms of suitability, sustainability or cost. For most shipping purposes, paper is significantly cheaper than plastic, while cardboard is durable enough to protect the majority of products in transport, unless they are fragile. These materials are also much easier to break down into pulp and then recycle. Bioplastics made from recycled materials are yet to become commercially available, whereas ninety to 100 per cent recycled paper products are widely available on the consumer market. © stock.adobe.com/DedMityay 18-23.qxp_Layout 1 24/10/2022 11:01 Page 624 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net KITE PACKAGING Q&A In what way is Kite’s food packaging range beneficial to food and drink vendors? We offer an extensive range of sustainable products for food vendors looking to operate sustainably. Practical, cost-effective and eco-friendly, our range offers market-leading, best-in- practise solutions to restaurants, caterers, cafes and takeaways. Our team of product specialists work diligently to secure the most competitive prices for our packaging so we can offer the best deals to customers. We always aim to establish longstanding, collaborative relationships with our providers to guarantee the best products and stock availability. Doing the legwork for our clientele, we handpick the best products, streamlining the otherwise lengthy process of online browsing so that you can focus on thriving and order fulfilment. With Kite you get everything in one place, making the transaction as simple as possible. How are consumer trends impacting the food packaging industry? In an era of conscious consumerism, people are embracing eco-friendly practices and opting for companies committed to reducing their negative impact on the environment. This is certainly evident in a recent UK study which shows 74% of people are willing to pay more for sustainable packaging. The bottom line is, the planet’s state of environmental turmoil is going nowhere fast which means sustainability trends are also here to stay. Food vendors must ensure they meet customer demands by packaging their goods in environmentally friendly alternatives to keep up with current trends, succeed, and protect the planet. Minimalist packaging is a big trend which has emerged from conversations about the planet. It uses less material and therefore has a reduced impact on the planet – an appealing touch for consumers. How does paper hold up against polystyrene or plastic when it comes to protecting and transporting goods? For years, polystyrene packaging has been the industry standard for takeaways despite corrugated paper’s ability to provide equally effective protection. Our pizza and premium burger boxes employ robust fluted corrugation for high quality shock absorption, offering resilience and defence against the forces at play during handling and transit. This design feature prevents grease from seeping through, maintaining the integrity of the package in its entirety. The corrugation acts as an insulator, keeping food fresher for longer and guaranteeing happy returning customers. The strong and sustainable kraft paper construction of our takeaway boxes and bowls offers durability, while the inner PE lining prevents any moisture or grease from seeping through. Not to mention, paper products are the more hygienic option as the materials experience temperatures of over 100˚C during their manufacture, so even recycled content is sanitized, providing a safe and sterile carrier for food. The fundamental difference, however, is the opposing environmental impact of both materials. Polystyrene can be very harmful for the environment as it is difficult to dispose of responsibly. Our paper products, on the other hand, are all recyclable, while some are also biodegradable and commercially compostable. Food and packaging waste can be disposed of together, eliminating the issue of food contamination which prohibits recycling. Businesses can benefit from the instantly recognizable green credentials of kraft paper as customers will associate your brand with eco- conscious values. Q&A Kite Packaging We speak with Kite Packaging to find out what is happening in the packaging industry, and how they are helping their clients address key issues. 24-25.qxp_Layout 1 24/10/2022 11:04 Page 1Food & Drink International 25 www.fdiforum.net KITE PACKAGING Q&A The food and drink industry has historically been rife with single use plastics. How does Kite’s food packaging address sustainability issues? We take our responsibility towards the planet very seriously and that is why we have carefully curated an extensive range of sustainable food packaging products. All of these are recyclable, biodegradable or commercially compostable which means your business can shake the harmful notion of takeaway food and packaging as being detrimental to our planet’s health. Our coffee cups, despite their name, can be used for hot and cold beverages, offering functionality intertwined with recyclability. Commercially compostable, our wooden cutlery is only as durable as is needed for single use, conserving energy during manufacture and accelerating the composting process once disposed. Where plastic packaging is a necessity, like our plastic pots and cups, we have ensured they are recyclable and/or contain recycled content, feeding smoothly into a circular economy which recycles existing plastics into new products. What’s next for your food packaging? In an age of food delivery apps like Uber Eats and Deliveroo where orders fly out of kitchens, a reliable supply of food packaging is crucial for our customers so they can focus on order fulfilment. Our resources and capabilities are focussed on certified stock availability, working closely with our providers to ensure smooth supply chains for our customers. We will continue exploring new products to improve our offering for those seeking sustainable alternatives. Hopefully we can inspire more businesses to make the switch. Another avenue we are looking to explore is attending food exhibitions. This will allow us to deepen our existing understanding of the market and establish a wider presence as food packaging suppliers. For more information or to get in touch with Kite Packaging, visit www.kitepackaging.co.uk , email enquiries@kitepackaging.co.uk or call +44 (0) 24 7642 0065 24-25.qxp_Layout 1 24/10/2022 11:04 Page 226 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net COLD STORAGE Soaring energy costs have made efficiently keeping food products chilled more challenging and shown us just how important it is to get things right. 26-29.qxp_Layout 1 24/10/2022 11:05 Page 1Food & Drink International 27 www.fdiforum.net COLD STORAGE Gressenhall | Dereham | Norfolk | NR20 4DT | +44 (0)1362 861066 | www.premierpalletinverter.co.uk W ith chilled and frozen foods regularly topping the list of top selling food items, businesses must consider the best methods of cold storage within the supply chain. For rural businesses, the availability and cost of cold storage can be a considerable issue. This is an even larger concern for manufacturers of frozen fruit and vegetables, as these items are prone to bacterial growth if stored incorrectly. With this in mind, businesses must consider the suitability of cold storage facilities for these items, and food hygiene and safety documentation. What type of cold storage you choose to invest in will largely be determined by the scale of the business operations, and how quickly items need to be picked and sent for delivery. Fast moving stock is likely to be better suited to cold storage warehouses, as these can hold a greater amount of stock in a fixed location, which makes © stock.adobe.com/ Grispb 28 Á 26-29.qxp_Layout 1 24/10/2022 11:05 Page 228 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net COLD STORAGE Rotronic AwTherm Rotronic Instruments (UK) Ltd Crompton Fields, Crompton Way, Crawley, West Sussex RH10 9EE. Tel: +44 (0)1293 571000 Email: instruments@rotronic.co.uk Web: www.rotronic.co.uk Company profile: Rotronic is a global company manufacturing instruments for the precise measurement of water activity, humidity, moisture, temperature, CO2 and differential pressure. Rotronic devices are specified throughout the food and other industries. Experienced engineers can provide measurement solutions for any application. Rotronic has UKAS / ISO 17025 accreditation for Temperature, Humidity and Dew Point laboratory calibration. Product profile: Rotronic manufactures water activity analysers to determine the free moisture within food products - a good indicator of product stability and shelf life. Controlling the moisture present improves product quality. Analysers provide measurements in typically less than five minutes. The wide product range includes the AwTherm analyser with full temperature sample control; the HygroLab laboratory analyser for up to four probes, handhelds for making spot-checks and a PC-based solution which is ideal when visiting suppliers’ sites. The sensors can be calibrated to confirm performance. Full technical product information is available on the website. large scale distribution easier. However, costs are rising, and rent is no exception. Investing in new spaces is not the only solution. Portable cold storage units are available to rent. These can be used for fresh produce which needs to be kept cool, as well as specialised freezer units, but these are not truly viable for large-scale food manufacturers. The region in which a business operates is a large consideration when deciding on cold storage options. Currently, in the UK, Yorkshire and the Northwest are the dominant areas for fixed cold storage rentals, accounting for 29% (38.5 million square feet) of available space across the UK. Surprisingly, the Midlands region trails behind at only 22% of UK stock, even though it is considered a distribution hub. This is explained by the fact that the Southeast and London accept more imports than the Midlands, due to higher population densities creating demand for restaurants and produce suppliers. However, this means that businesses based in the Midlands are facing a deficit of space. There are currently two units under construction or being fitted out for rent. These units will be ideal for producers, but the units are already under consideration by large retailers. Therefore, with space being seemingly difficult to get hold of, it is important to consider other cold storage options. First and foremost, the speedy delivery and installation of cold storage units is appealing to many businesses. These units can be supplied within a few weeks, which is advantageous if making a swift change or the business is amidst extension plans. Cold storage units could even be used as a layover if the business is expanding and has not secured a fixed unit. Similarly, the flexibility means that you can make additions and removals as product demand changes, allowing the business to adapt efficiently and quickly. The units will also help with financial efficiency, as any maintenance cost is usually covered in the rental price, meaning you know exactly what you are paying for. In fact, regular active check- ups are an important feature of renting portable cold storage, and inspectors will check the units to make sure they meet health and safety criteria. This 26-29.qxp_Layout 1 24/10/2022 11:05 Page 3Food & Drink International 29 www.fdiforum.net thermometer.co.uk THERMADATA ® áXٳIXn JJ0«³ Temperature monitoring solutions for your HACCP plan Manufactured in the UK, we offer a wide range of specialist thermometers for the catering industry from daily hand-held monitoring to Bluetooth ® wireless technology & remote Wi-Fi logging means that breakdown support is on hand at short notice, thus avoiding product spoilage. Finally, the smaller nature of these units allows for separation of product. This means that businesses have many more options for temperature control, size, and other facilities, to ensure that each product gets the correct storage method to avoid degradation. Yet, renting fixed cold storage rooms have their advantages too, if a business is fortunate enough to secure one. They generally have a greater level of temperature control than portable storage, thus allowing them to be used for different functions. Adjusting the temperature can dry out the room, which helps to control the moisture content of the products. The temperature can then be adjusted again, to create a blast freezer. The versatility means that quick adjustments can be made to suit the needs of the products. Most cold storage rooms can be adjusted to as low as negative 30 degrees Celsius, and as high as 30 degrees Celsius, giving basically full control over how the product is stored. These rooms are also self-regulating, so all the user needs to do is set the preferred temperature, and the room will act accordingly. Depending on the products manufactured, portable cold storage may be more advantageous than renting space within a refrigerated warehouse. The flexibility of hiring at short notice, the suitability for a wide range of products, and the greater assurance of quality checks means this is a great solution for small to medium sized businesses, as well as to store products with more specific requirements for larger companies. Given the lack of availability of cold storage units within rural regions, Midlands-based businesses may be better suited to renting portable storage solutions, to lessen the chances of product deterioration. This is likely to be more cost effective, given that contracts are generally more flexible than with fixed storage units. Given the rising costs across the UK, larger companies are likely to find greater benefit from long-term rental contracts with fixed cold storage units. © stock.adobe.com/ Sakuramos 26-29.qxp_Layout 1 24/10/2022 11:05 Page 4Next >