Increasing demand from the emerging middle class and the growing food and beverage sectors will drive growth for plastic packaging in southern Africa, according to a report from Frost & Sullivan.
JBT FoodTech said the development of its latex based ceramic insulation system – an IPA innovation award winner this week - was informed by insights gained from space shuttle engineering.
FoodProductionDaily.com caught up with Patrick Dowling of SPX Flow Technology at IPA 2010 to talk about the company’s strategies for acquisition and sector growth.
A new quality control method for honey facilitates faster trace element analysis while reducing operational costs, claims its developer Thermo Fisher Scientific.
Frozen vegetable or fruit manufacturers are the target of a new free-fall camera sorter that detects foreign materials using colour, shape and structure recognition technology, claims Best.
Heinz has taken a 13 per cent slice out of its energy budget at its massive Kitt Green food processing plant in the UK thanks to work on energy recycling.
Sainsbury’s will no longer face legal action over allegations of excess packaging after the UK authority behind the prosecution said bringing the case was “no longer in the public interest”.
PepsiCo UK is researching the feasibility of converting potato peel waste into crisp packaging and estimates a two year timeframe before market introduction.
An innovative reformulation of an established bio-based plastic has seen the development of Europe’s first extrusion-moulded bottle using eco-packaging material, said Polenghi.
The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has proposed changes to its guidelines for ‘green’ label claims to help marketers avoid making statements that could mislead consumers.
A scientist at the Fraunhofer Instituteas developed new antimicrobial active packaging film that targets microorganisms on the surface of meat, fish and cheese to extend product shelf life.
Cooper Crouse-Hinds have launched a new range of NVMV Ex pendant light fittings for HID lamps for use in hazardous gas and hazardous dust environments in food processing plants.
Snack maker Frito Lay has reverted to the original non-biodegradable material for five of its six SunChips brand bags after consumer feedback indicated its new 100 per cent plant-based polylactic acid (PLA) packaging was too noisy.
Greater hygiene, improved consistency of operation and greater productivity are all key advantages to be realised from using robotics in meat processing and packaging, said the German Institute of Food Technologies (DIL).
In the third part of our special edition on robotics in the food industry we explore how robots are becoming a more common sight in the dairy and beverage sectors.
Robot-based product packaging and palletizing remain the areas for quick wins in the confectionery sector but robots, albeit in the leading EU based confectioners, are gradually taking on more tasks a step earlier at the processing stage.
High production volumes, a reduction in the total cost of ownership, flexibility and a speedy delivery time are benefits claimed by Bosch for its new range of infeed systems launched this week at FachPack in Germany.
Improved accuracy, increased throughput speeds and the ability to operate over a wider weighing range are benefits claimed by Mettler Toledo Garvens for two new electro magnetic force restoration (EMFR) weighcells.
Take up of robotic technology in the food sector is set to steadily increase as processors are forced to seek further efficiency gains and demand could challenge that of the automotive industry within a decade, said the head of a leading trade body.
A WRAP investigation suggests that there are viable removable colour decoration techniques available that could encourage recycling of rigid plastic packaging.
A line of cookie, cracker and biscuit forming equipment has been upgraded to allow for different levels of hygiene requirements to suit various cleaning approaches and to eliminate the risk of allergen or pathogen cross-contamination, claims Baker Perkins.
Food and beverage products marketed as ‘ethical’ have soared across Europe over the past five years, with a key focus in the ‘ethical trend’ being environmentally friendly packaging, according to Mintel.
Alfa Laval’s bid to complete the half a billion Euro takeover of Munters has taken a significant step forward after chiefs at the dehumidifier company appeared to endorse the deal.
Extended shelf life, multi-functionality and sustainability are benefits claimed by Stora Enso for the upgraded version of its DeLight microwavable and ovenproof MAP tray.
VMI has designed a cost effective alternative to stainless steel spiral mixers in its new high density polyethylene based Expert line, according to the UK and Ireland distributor European Process Plant (EPP).
A ₤12m anaerobic digestion plant that will convert food waste into energy is due to be completed in autumn 2011, said the UK company behind the scheme.
A new guide on how to boost recycled content in plastic packaging highlights practical solutions for overcoming common technical challenges, said the Sustainable Packaging Coalition.
Impress announced yesterday that it had invested in a new Drawn Wall Ironed (DWI) production line that will supply food cans to the French processed food market.
An innovative sealing technology for flexible packaging could save food processors thousands of tonnes of film annually, provide greater seal integrity, increase product shelf life and cut operating costs, said International Food Partners (IFP).
A modification to a Baker Perkins line could appeal to snack makers looking to produce croutons, in a range of sizes and shapes and flavours, on a conventional extrusion line.
Investments in European food processing machinery R&D are up on 2008 levels, with considerable innovation noted among exhibiting companies, reports the organisers of a trade event in Paris next month.
There was a serious fire yesterday at Amcor Flexibles Europe & America’s (AFEA) plant in Livingston, Scotland causing significant damage to the main facility as well as the secondary buildings.
Pactiv Corp has announced the final phase of a multi-million dollar equipment upgrade to it polystyrene tray line to meet increased demand from US food processors.
There has been a “remarkable” jump in demand for German plastic manufacturing equipment this year, with the pace of recovery outstripping expectations from the sector, said a leading trade association.
An upgrade to the instrumentation attached to a baked goods texture analysis system enables bespoke testing of baked products in a wide range of shapes and sizes, claims its developer, Stable Micro Systems (SMS).
Crown has agreed to acquire the remaining interest in its can manufacturing joint ventures in China and Vietnam from affiliates of Swire Pacific Limited.
Italian supplier Lati said it has developed an injection mouldable compound on the back of a request from a leading pasta manufacturer for a food contact compliant and lightweight plastic alternative to costly stainless steel food ingredient handling...
DS Smith said it has completed its take over of French company Otor earlier than expected as it announced “good volume growth” across its business in its latest interim management statement.
A new intelligent technology that gives a running countdown of a product’s shelf life by analysing time and temperature data could replace traditional ‘use by’ dates on food labels, said the Norwegian company spearheading the development.
Belgian Electronic Sorting Company (BEST) is defying the current economic downturn with plans to expand into the energy growth markets of the Middle East and China.
