SIG relishes aseptic supply chain challenges

31-Jul-2009 - SIG Combibloc has outlined the challenges in attaining full supply chain sustainability of the major raw material for its Europe-made aseptic cartons and hailed the environmental and commercial benefits secured.

Walmart sustainability index to put suppliers under spotlight

17-Jul-2009 - More than 100,000 suppliers to Walmart will be asked to prove their green credentials after the company unveiled plans yesterday to develop a world-wide sustainable product index.

All eyes on sustainable food under Swedish presidency

07-Jul-2009 - The CIAA has invited the Swedish presidency to take part in the recently launched Round Table on Sustainable Production and Consumption (SPC); while Sweden has made food and the climate one of its priorities for agriculture over the next six months.

Supermarkets still using too much packaging, says survey

01-Jul-2009 - UK supermarkets are using too much plastic packaging for food products and both retailers and packing manufacturers could do more, a new survey has concluded.

Water inefficiency costing UK food and drink companies up to ₤160,000 a day - report

25-Jun-2009 - Food and drink producers in the UK may be pouring up to ₤160,000 a day down the drain by failing to maximise the potential for water efficiency, according to Envirowise.

UK drive to recycle non-bottle household plastic packing launched

18-Jun-2009 - A new multi-million pound scheme to kick start the recycling of non-bottle household plastic packaging has been launched in the UK by the Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP).

Bioplastics industry not fearing downturn packaging hit

27-May-2009 - As food and drink manufacturers continue to find new uses for bioplastics in their packaging, processor attitudes to innovation remain just as important as cost efficiency in regards to challenges facing the sector, says one industry group.

Organic food company wins green award for recycling

27-May-2009 - The organic food company, Hain Celestial Group has been named number one in the food and drink sector in The Sunday Times Best Green Companies Award 2009.

New sealable polyester packaging

27-May-2009 - A new range of sealable, polyester food packaging products designed to replace clear, rigid polyvinyl chloride (PVC) packaging has been launched by Spartech Corporation.

Carton packaging is the most eco-friendly claims study

25-May-2009 - Cartons are the most environmentally friendly form of packaging cutting carbon dioxide emissions and fossil fuel consumption by up to 60 per cent compared with other forms of packaging, according to a study conducted by the Institute for Energy and Environmental Research.

Sustainability central to joint trade-show innovations

19-May-2009 - Lighter, functional and biodegradable packs were key innovations in regards to global pack solutions on display during the first combined Bta and Hispack trade event that took place in Barcelona last week, according to its organisers.

Weekly comment

Different shades of green: Looking beyond carbon footprints

18-May-2009 - You can try your best to avoid it, but when it comes to measuring carbon footprint, almost everything we do these days, either as a business or individuals, is likely to have a negative impact on the environment.

Stevia will attract CSR scrutiny, expert

18-May-2009 - Stevia leaders must show corporate social responsibility, as sales of sweeteners derived from the plant take off around the world, says conference speaker.

Recycling boost for Wales

05-May-2009 - More than 1.1m tonnes of waste will be saved from disposal in landfill sites over the next three years thanks to a new initiative from recycling specialists in Wales, Waste and Resources Action Programme, Cymru.

One-stop-shop for sustainable food issues launched

29-Apr-2009 - A new website has been launched that aims to become the first port of call on issues surrounding food waste and inform food processors and other interested parties about the latest sustainability initiatives.

Sedex supplier-led database strengthens opportunities in ethical supply chain

28-Apr-2009 - The opportunity for confectioners to audit the ethical credentials of their existing, and potential, suppliers comes in the shape of Sedex, a database tool designed to serve an ethically-driven supply-chain.

Packaging solutions for climate change

08-Apr-2009 - Minimising food packaging, boosting processing efficiency and avoiding food waste could make powerful contributions to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the US food industry, according to a new report.

Standards urged for green labelling

23-Mar-2009 - The UK government needs to put more resources into promoting better environmental labelling on products and push harder on setting the standards for labelling schemes, claims a all-party group of politicians.

Sustainable design at the touch of a button?

16-Mar-2009 - A new web-based tool can reduce the environmental impact and costs of packaging for food and beverage companies, claims Envirowise.

Dispatches from Anuga FoodTec 2009

Eco packaging informs grocery habits, says survey

10-Mar-2009 - Nearly 60 per cent of consumers pay attention to the environmental friendliness of food and drink packaging material during their grocery shopping, claims a new survey released today at Anuga FoodTec in Cologne.

Better use of process equipment key to savings, says UK group

10-Feb-2009 - Increasing energy bills are having a considerable impact on the food industry, in particular during the current financial climate, but food processors can cut energy consumption of processes by better use of existing equipment, claims a UK consultancy.

Nano method may enhance food packaging

09-Feb-2009 - US researchers have found a way of keeping food fresher for longer while using less packaging material, claims an article in the journal Science.

Key food and drink processing drivers highlighted

09-Feb-2009 - Projects that foster collaboration between industry, funding bodies and science and technology providers will be given impetus by a new publication which outlines the future needs of the food and drink processing industries, claims Campden BRI.

Constar pledges cost savings through faster pack design

05-Feb-2009 - Software customized by Constar can accelerate the packaging development process and help avoid costly pitfalls such as packages that do not meet performance, sustainability or cost requirements, claims the global supplier of food and beverage containers.