Breaking News on Food Processing & Packaging

Diageo to close bottling plant in Quebec

27-Oct-2009 - Diageo plans to close its Dorval bottling plant in Quebec in February 2010 as workers in the UK ballot on strike action.

New packaging 'triples' food shelf life

27-Oct-2009 - New food packaging can double or, in some cases, even triple the shelf life of certain foods for up to 24 months compared with conventional packaging, claims its manufacturer Superfos.

Water coated bio tray could keep buns fresher

27-Oct-2009 - A tray combining biodegradability and moisture resistance attributes can extend the shelf life of baked goods and other food products, while reducing the eco footprint of the pack, claims a Hong Kong based packaging developer.

Metabolix’ field trials investigate bioplastic-producing crops

26-Oct-2009 - Field research on tobacco takes Metabolix one step further in its quest to design non-food crops that produce plastic resins for use in cosmetic and food packaging.

Investment in US rPET industry critical to avert ‘demise’

23-Oct-2009 - The US recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) industry could go into decline unless vital investment is made in collection and reclamation capacity, leading trade bodies have warned.

Tetra Pak's 1.5 billion eco-cartons in UK & Ireland

23-Oct-2009 - Tetra Pak has given a boost to its green credentials after announcing that more than 1.5 billion of its cartons on sale in the UK and Ireland in the next year will carry the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) label.

Amcor's global vision after Alcan merger

23-Oct-2009 - Plant closures, overhead reductions and improved procurement will be the major platforms for up to A$250m (€154.2m) of savings Amcor forecasts it will realise in the three years following its takeover of Alcan.

Sidel to pursue green initiatives with NAPCOR

22-Oct-2009 - Sidel says its decision to join the National Association for PET Container Resources (NAPCOR) is motivated by the need to advance and promote the environmental credentials of PET.

'World-first' high-tech printer set to make its mark

22-Oct-2009 - An innovative way to promote products and to differentiate primary packaging are the claims made for the new Laserprint technology from Van Der Windt UK.

Linpac restructures debt and product names

22-Oct-2009 - Day-to-day operations of UK-based packaging giant Linpac will not be affected by the decision of a private equity firm to sell its stake in a debt-restructuring deal, FoodProductionDaily.com understands.

Clip could offer snack makers sustainability boost

22-Oct-2009 - A new slider system for resealable snack and dry goods pouches can boost a manufacturer’s eco profile due to its lighter weight, claims Zip Pak.

EFSA approval for food contact materials

21-Oct-2009 - The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has given food contact approval for two new substances, both from Japanese companies, to be used in plastic packaging.

News in brief

Pack Expo success hints at econ recovery

21-Oct-2009 - Near-record attendance at the recent Pack Expo trade show heralds the consumer goods sector’s growing confidence in the economic recovery, said organisers PMMI.

New polyethylene resin sets flexible packing benchmarks

21-Oct-2009 - LyondellBasell has today announced the global launch of a new polyethylene (PE) resin for use in flexible packaging that it said is tougher, lighter and easier to process.

China packaging firm reaps rewards from food safety law

20-Oct-2009 - A specialist packaging company in China has said the newly implemented food safety law has boosted business as it announced it had secured a lucrative contract with the leading domestic meat processor.

Coca-Cola shrinks cans to fight obesity

20-Oct-2009 - Coca-Cola has introduced a 90-calorie mini can - billed as a better way to help consumers manage their calories.

SIG's FSC certified drink cartons go on sale

20-Oct-2009 - SIG Combibloc claims to have launched the first Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified range of drink cartons for fruit juice drinks and ice teas in Europe.

News in brief

SIG owner plans to buy Reynolds Group

20-Oct-2009 - Beverage Packaging Holdings, owner of SIG Combibloc, has announced plans to buy the Reynolds Group in a deal worth $3bn.

Berry Plastics bids to take over Pliant Corp

19-Oct-2009 - Berry Plastics Corp has said its proposed takeover of flexible packaging firm Pliant Corporation would bring it wider market appeal and access to greater innovation.

Coca-Cola opens new $88m bottling plant in China

16-Oct-2009 - Coca-Cola has announced its single largest drinks investment in China with the opening of a RMB 600m ($88m) bottling plant.

Rexam facing price fixing charges in Russia

16-Oct-2009 - Rexam PLC has been accused of illegally fixing the price of aluminium cans and lid ends in the Russian Federation by the country’s competition authorities.

UK considers landfill ban on packaging and food waste

15-Oct-2009 - A ban on dumping packaging and food waste in landfill will form the heart of a consultation exercise by the UK Government in 2010 as part of plans to slash waste.

New protein for clear drinks in clear bottles

14-Oct-2009 - Creating a clear functional drink suitable for transparent bottles is the key advantage of a new hydrolyzed whey protein from Milk Specialties.

Danisco programme to make food for lowest earners

14-Oct-2009 - Danisco has launched a new programme to help manufacturers develop processed foods that are affordable by people on very low incomes, in some of the world’s poorest countries.