New labelling guidelines were issued this week by the UK Food
Standards Agency (FSA) to help manufacturers in present vital
product information in a clearer way.
Tough questions on the central issue of biodegradability will be answered at a plastics packaging conference in Prague next month, claims the event organiser.
A new anti-theft tag can be inserted into the packaging of moist, fresh products such as cheese and meat to reduce the percentage of stolen produce in retail outlets, according to developers Sealed Air Cryovac and Checkpoint Systems.
Paragon Print and Packaging, which manufactures and supplies optimised permeable films for fresh and chilled food sectors, has been accredited with three responsible packaging certifications.
Two UK food processing and packaging equipment manufacturers, Wright Machinery and Double D Food Engineering, are to join forces with US companies to extend their global reach.
BioTAK S100 adhesive, developed by UK company Berkshire Labels for its BioTAK label range, has been accredited with the biodegradable and compostable packaging standard EN13432, following a two-year testing period.
China has introduced new guidelines for nutrition labelling on
packaged foods which, although not mandatory, will standardise
presentation of information on products that already state nutrient
levels.
Fritsch launched its new filling machine for baked goods at
Interpack this week, with design innovations including an
integrated control cabinet and improvements on accuracy and
hygiene.
Zip-Pak is expecting that the first use of its re-sealable zipper
on deli meat packaging in Europe will lead to a new trend that will
have sustainability and marketing benefits for food manufacturers.
Logos to identify green products and packaging will become
increasingly common, but could lead to tension as competitors fight
to keep their brands looking unique, says industry expert.
Companies with good green intentions face tough challenges in
substantiating their advertising claims, leading to accusations of
'green washing', says an industry expert.
The manufacturer of vacuum skin packaging technology for food and
dairy products has developed a new machine designed specifically
for lower output cost effective processing.
Americhem, a manufacturer of encapsulated additives for the
packaging industry, has opened a new research centre it claims will
allow food and beverage processors to adapt technologies from other
industries into their own products.
The US Food and Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a
guidance for professionals in the food industry on how to request a
waiver of food safety and regulatory requirements to allow for
testing of new technology.
A recent development in compound dryers for metallic beverage
packaging can allow processors to reduce floor space and improve
energy efficiency in their production lines, according to its
manufacturer.
US-based Transfresh is planning to launch its berry preservation
systems on the Turkish market next month, a move the company hopes
will lead to the technology being used in high-end European
markets.
The acquisitions planned by a major US beef packager - JBS Swift - will have far-reaching effects on the nation's meat packaging industry, according to industry members that have voiced opposition to the deals.
The UK's Carbon Trust is calling for companies to involve employees
in helping reduce carbon emissions, claiming that inclusive cost
effective schemes can save up to 20 per cent on energy bills.
Claiming 'free from' is not a light statement to make. Lives depend
on it. As scientific progress questions the validity of such
claims, it is time to establish exact guidelines and communicate
these to people for whom ingredients...
A leading food-packaging group says it is moving to develop its
products to meet more specific industry requirements like
multi-sized goods with longer shelf life.
Krones is launching a new Enviro label for its packaging machines
that meet certain environmental criteria, and an Energy Passport
detailing products' energy consumption figures.
A new cableless video system allows bakery manufacturers to inspect
the inside of their oven using only the oven's own conveyor belt
and a camera, the manufacturer claims.
Habasit Rossi Ltd is to introduce a new upward moving spiral
conveyor belt in its KVP range, which it claims will allow food
manufacturers to save space and money.
ConAgra Foods' acquisition of privately-held vegetable processor
Watts Brothers will strengthening its existing potato activities
under the Lamb Weston potato brand in North America, says the
company.
Packaging firm Bosch has designed a new range of packaging and
processing solutions designed specifically for handling delicate
products such as tray baked goods, biscuits and chocolate
confectionery.
Snack manufacturers Boots and Walkers are now focusing on locally
sourced ingredients for certain product ranges, as scrutiny
intensifies over food miles and their effect on the environment.
A new study by the Freedonia Group has calculated that US demand
for frozen food packaging is estimated to increase through 2011,
driven largely by greater demand for convenience foods.
A new acrylamide detection method, that could help manufacturers
identify the potentially harmful chemical in food products, has
been launched by a UK research body.
Packaging manufacturer TNA will launch six new technologies, aimed
at improving confectionery and snack packing, at the Interpack
trade show in Germany in April.
By Harald Kaeb and Erwin Vink of European Bioplastics
Bioplastics and biopackaging offer multiple waste management
options, but these will only be developed in full when there is
more material on the market, according to the industry.
Cott, a leading manufacturer of private label and branded soft
drinks, has agreed a deal with packager Sidel over the lease of
blow-moulding equipment for expansion into sustainable bottled
water production.
UK-based food equipment firm Riggs Autopack is introducing a spot
depositor for ready meal, bakery and dessert products that require
accurate hand finishing.
US packaging firm Ball will spend more than $300 million on
expanding its beverage can capacity in Europe and Asia this year,
as it closes loss-making operations in the Americas.
CHR Hansen says that investment in production equipment efficiency,
and changing employee attitudes to natural resource use, remain the
key drivers in its company-wide sustainability drive.
Baker Perkins has updated its hydraulics system for converting
grains into cereals, claiming that the new technology improves
product quality by processing more even and consistent flakes.
Extracts from pomegranate peel can stabilise sunflower oil and
protect it form deterioration associated with heating, suggests a
new study from Pakistan.
A recent development in compostable packaging trays for fresh meat
products can offer a sustainable alternative to existing tray
materials, according to its distributor.
FMC BioPolymer has adapted its range of Gelstar products for
Europe's frozen desserts market, to cut costs and fat content
without compromising on the body and creaminess.
Leading UK supermarket Tesco is to phase out the sale of imported
veal in favour of domestically reared calf meat, responding to
growing concerns over the welfare of calves.
US industrial machinery group Illinois Tool Works is to buy
Peerless Machinery, a producer of mixers and other equipment for
the bakery sector, adding to its stable of food processing
machinery brands.
Iceland's Marel Food Systems is nearing completion of its
acquisition of Stork's food processing systems unit, clearing the
way for a firm with much bigger presence in food manufacturing.
UK retailers have reiterated their efforts to remove battery-farmed
eggs from their shelves and own-brand products on the back of new
televised animal welfare campaigns from leading chefs like Jamie
Oliver.
Re-usable plastic boxes could replace polystyrene boxes for
transporting fish and other foods, offering suppliers significant
environmental and product quality advantages.