Breaking News on Food Processing & Packaging

Rigid food packaging set to soar after a tough year

The growing popularity of single-serving packaging will help to drive 22 per cent growth in global demand for rigid plastic packaging from $129.2bn this year to $158.3bn in 2014, predicts a new study by Pira International.

New high-speed meat handling robot to be launched at Pack Expo

Robot specialist, Adept Technology is launching a new high-speed device for the hygienic handling of meat and poultry products at next week’s Pack Expo show in Las Vegas.

Developing countries to drive growth for flexible food packaging

Global demand for converted flexible packaging is forecast to grow by 3.5 per cent/year to more than 19m tonnes in 2013, according to a new study from Freedonia.

Bisphenol A review prioritised as US announces chemical scrutiny overhaul

Bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates are two of six controversial chemicals to be reviewed as part of a move to overhaul the way potentially dangerous substances are scrutinised in the United States.

Growth hormone rbST safe and green, claims study

Milk from cows given the growth hormone recombinant bovine somatropin (rbST) poses no human health threat and is identical to other milk, a review sponsored by hormone producer Elanco has said.

News in brief

Rexam announces third plant closure

Rexam has confirmed that it is to close a plastic packaging manufacturing plant in the US – the third closure announced by the company since June.

Inside-out approach to frozen food quality

Advanced Food Systems is to help food manufacturers overcome some of the quality problems of frozen foods, with custom-made systems to prevent freezer burn, protein damage and loss of color and flavor.

Bericap launches new light-weight beverage closure

German beverage closure manufacturer Bericap has added the LinerSeal SuperShorty model to its PCO 1881 light weight neck finish range.

Dairy firm faces hefty fine over alleged processing breaches

US dairy food processor Hiland Dairy Foods Co is facing a fine of almost $125,000 over a string of alleged processing violations that could lead to the “catastrophic release” of dangerous chemicals.

Tray-Pak acquisition points the way to growth

Tray-Pak, the US-based custom thermoformed plastic packaging manufacturer has been acquired by TPC Partners.

New $30m investment in US metal packaging plant

Global metal packaging company Impress is making an initial investment of $30m in a state-of-the-art metal packaging plant in Conklin, New York state.

Microwaving frankfurters cuts Listeria risk – Study

Microwaving frankfurter sausages or hotdogs for 75 seconds at high power can boost protection from pathogens like Listeria that cause food-borne illnesses, a new study has found.

News in brief

Floods disrupt Kellogg efforts to restart plant after Listeria probe

The Kellogg waffle plant in the United States at the centre of the Listeria probe remains closed after efforts to bring it back on line were halted by severe flooding in the region.

Weekly comment

The benefits of a probiotic witch hunt

Get your pitchforks ready! There are evil-doers out there! We’ve been conned: Probiotics don’t work. Dannon’s settling out of court, EFSA’s rejecting health claims, and the media is starting a witch hunt.

New Indian can-end plant signals soaring canned food sales

A new metal easy open can-end manufacturing plant is planned for Mysore, Karnataka state, southern India.

News in brief

Ireland could double tax on plastic bags

The Irish tax on plastic bags could double under proposals tabled in a new bill due to be published next month.

New servo boosts packaging reliability with recycled corrugated materials

Improved reliability and speed, particularly when working with recycled corrugated materials, are claimed for the new motion-enhanced Pin and Dome system from Wexxar Packaging.

Better, cheaper, quicker food allergen tests on the way

Food processors could soon be able to detect minute traces of food allergens in their products on site and within minutes, thanks to a new test system under development in Germany.

Sonoco’s packaging business gets a new sustainability brand

Packaging giant Sonoco is to launch a new umbrella brand for its packaging solutions and recycling services to showcase their sustainability credentials.

BOPP industry powerbase shifting from West to East - Report

Significant adjustments in the BOPP industry are currently taking place as the balance of power shifts from North America and Europe to the Middle East and Asia, according to new research.

Edible apple film wraps could boost meat safety

Apple-based edible films containing plant antimicrobials could protect red meat and poultry against harmful bacteria including E. coli and Listeria, according to a study published in the Journal of Food Science.

Explosion at Imperial Sugar refinery “entirely preventable”

Last year’s deadly explosion at the Imperial Sugar Port Wentworth refinery fuelled by a build up of sugar dust in the packing plant was “entirely preventable” said the US Chemical Safety Board.

EFSA rejects report on BSE risks from sausage casings

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has rejected the conclusions of a Swiss report saying that sausage casings sourced from cattle intestines pose negligible BSE related risks.

French plant boosts customised capacity for microbiological control

French company BioMerieux has boosted the capacity of its customized manufacturing of culture media, used in microbiological control, with the opening of a new facility at its Crapone plant.

News in brief

Fraudsters hit UK food businesses

UK food businesses are being targeted by fraudsters, claiming to represent the Food Standards Agency (FSA), who impose illegal penalty fees for bogus hygiene infringements, warns the agency.

Neogen sees strong growth, acquisitions and speaks out on China

Neogen Corporation said its food safety investments in China have yet to yield a strong return but that a new test for food contaminants was soon to go into operation that may change the situation.

New wash-down version of thermal transfer printer

Designed for hygienic food packaging applications, the Zodiac thermal transfer overprinter is now available in an Ingress Protection (IP) rated wash-down version offering protection against dust and water ingress, claims its manufacturer Interactive Coding Equipment (ICE).

Food processors given CO2 emissions break

The European food processing industry has been partially excused from stringent new rules to cut greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) on fears the measure could force businesses out of the region.

“Revolutionary” low energy separator for brewers launched at Drinktec

Up to 30 per cent less energy consumption is claimed for the new separator platform for beverages launched by Swedish engineering company Alfa Laval at last week’s Drinktec trade fair in Munich, Germany.

Nestle unveils lightweighting plan for PET bottle

Nestle said plans to lightweight one of it PET bottles by almost a quarter will realise huge cost and environmental savings as it reconfirmed its belief in the long-term profitability of bottled water.

New disinfectant system aims to cut preservative use

Indag, a subsidiary of natural ingredients supplier Wild, has developed a new disinfectant system to clean bottle mouths and closures continuously, even during production.

NZ’s ‘outdated’ Food Act to be replaced to lift safety standards

The New Zealand government has pledged to update what it describes as its “outdated” 28-year-old Food Act to make it more relevant to businesses and consumers while improving safety standards.

Rexam plans to close 1.1bn capacity beverage can factory

Consumer packaging giant Rexam wants to close its 1.1bn steel can plant at Dunkirk, France and has started negotiations with employee representatives.

Nationwide food recall system unveiled in US

Industry bodies in the US have welcomed the launch of a “unique” on-line food recall portal that will provide a “critical” information link between food processors and retailers.

PepsiCo imports fail Chinese quality control

Global drinks giant PepsiCo is one of a number of western companies whose imported food and beverage products have failed Chinese quality inspection tests, reports Shanghai Daily, one of the country’s two leading English language newspapers.

Hartness and RKW join up to launch new multipack concept

Hartness International has teamed up with film producer RKW to launch Grab Pack – a new way of keeping bottles together that Hartness says makes life easier for both consumers and bottlers.

Glass is greener on the other side, says trade body

The green credentials of glass are equal to or even better than those of PET bottles, a leading glass industry body has said.

News in brief

Canada listeria death stumps officials

One person has died and five more been sickened by a Listeria outbreak - that Canadian authorities admit has them baffled.

Versatile beverage multi-packer deals with all product types, formats

The ability to package products of almost any type, dimension and format at high speeds are stand-out features claimed for a multi-packing beverage system by manufacturers R.A Jones.

Top performance claimed for new accumulation table

The new AQ-HC accumulation table delivers “unsurpassed performance,” of up to 80,000 bottles/hour, claims its maker, beverage packaging specialist Sidel.

US meat body demands E-beam irradiation decision

US authorities should stop dragging their feet and speed up the rule-making process to allow electron beam irradiation to be used in beef processing, said the American Meat Institute (AMI).

Eco-friendly packaging cuts paper and energy use

Cap-it packages are an environmentally-friendly and recyclable paperboard alternative to traditional Hi-cone and shrink wrap packaging, claims its maker Graphic Packaging International.

News in brief

Food processors benefit from new Canadian tariff law

Canadian food processors and manufacturers could benefit from government plans to remove all remaining tariffs on imports of machinery and equipment.

New Agr blowmolder software promises one year payback

Agr International presented new software for PET blowmolding at Drinktec last week that promises to improve quality consistently, replace an operator and deliver a quick return on investment.

PET bottles greener than glass or aluminium - Study

PET bottles are a greener alternative to glass or aluminium cans, according to a new study into the environmental impact of single use packaging.

Food waste processing plant wins government grant

“Absolutely essential,” is how Shaun Flynn, business development manager for the Selby Renewable Energy Park, describes government funding of £1.7m to the project.

Flexible packing boost following mLLDPE resin launch

The North American launch of a new range of mLLDPE resins will result in greater lightweighting, cost savings and sustainability for flexible packaging in the region, said manufacturers LyondellBasell.

Dairy launches first PET bottle for UHT milk

French dairy company LSDH is claiming a world first for the launch of the PET bottle for UHT milk using dry decontamination technology.

News in brief

Bemis divestment speculation as US demands more info on Alcan deal

Bemis could be forced to sell off some assets to win approval for its takeover of Alcan, said one analyst after US authorities asked for more data on the proposed buyout.

Weekly comment

Are health claims curbing freedom of speech?

The US FDA is being sued over its health claims regime – actions that are unlikely to succeed according to most pundits – but they raise serious questions about healthy food messaging and free speech that are being felt globally.

Versatile flow meter launched at Drinktec

A new flow meter that delivers faster operating times and improved versatility for use with Rockwell Automation’s Logix platform was launched at last week’s Drinktec trade fair, Munich, Germany.

‘World-first’ bottling kit boosts quality and rPET content

Improved bottle quality and the ability to include higher amounts of food-grade recycled PET are claims made for a new preform beverage packaging system by manufacturers Husky Injection Moulding Systems.

Milk finger-printing detects contaminants to lift safety standards

Improved safety standards plus easy and cost-effective up-take are the benefits claimed for the new “finger printing” software that allows MilkoScan analysers to detect the presence of contaminants in raw milk.

Revolutionary food dehydration kit expands product range

Manufacturers of a ‘revolutionary’ food dehydration system are bidding to expand the technology to a host of new foodstuffs after working with 15 companies to determine the benefits of the equipment.

New rule to increase trade for small meat processors

Small US meat processors look set to receive an economic boost thanks to new plans that would let state-inspected operators ship products across state lines.

Dispatches from Drinktec

Sustainability shines at Beverage Innovation Awards

FoodProductionDaily.com caught up with the hosts of the 2009 Beverage Innovation Awards at Drinktec this week to pick out the highlights and uncover the trends behind the winning entries.

News in brief

Imperial Sugar fits packing equipment at rebuilt plant

Imperial Sugar has confirmed that all its packaging equipment is now on site at its Port Wentworth site in Georgia as rebuilding nears completion.

“Revolutionary” new bottle sterilization kit launched at Drinktec

US company Advanced Electron Beams (AEB) has launched sterilization equipment at trade Fair Drinktec, Munich, Germany which it claims will revolutionise aseptic bottle filling.

Chemical industry rejects ‘lies’ allegation over BPA bill defeat

Chemical industry representatives have vigorously denied allegations that it used dirty tricks to convince Californian lawmakers not to pass a bill to ban bisphenol A (BPA).

Beverage multiple packaging kit launched at Drinktec

Among the host of new technology on show at Drinktec, Munich, Germany, is the OneTech2 Combo beverage multiple packaging equipment from US manufacturer MeadWestvaco (MWV).

Pilgrim’s Pride agrees to JBS takeover

US chicken processor Pilgrim’s Pride has agreed to sell a majority stake of the company to Brazilian meat giant JBS in a deal worth $800m.

News in brief

US packaged snacks tipped for tasty 20 per cent growth by 2013

Retail sales of packaged snacks in the United States will reach nearly $82bn within four years; a 20 per cent increase on last year’s level, according to a new report from the latest Packaged Facts report from Marigny Research Group.

Aluminium bottle manufacturer starts commercial roll out

Rexam aims to produce 60 million units of its Fusion aluminium bottle in the first year of full production at its Czech Republic plant, in response to increasing industry and consumer interest in the product.

Xerox launches “unique” printer for customized packaging

The new Automated Packaging Solution from Xerox prints a wide range of personalized packages from chewing gum wrappers to folding cartons used by retailers in multiple languages, claims the company.

US packaging company poised for China growth

A new state-of-the-art packaging facility in Hainan island, off the coast of southern China, will lead the expansion of US company Shiner International in the country, according to its presentation at a business conference in New York.

Canadian food processing $50m boost to weather credit crunch

Canada’s food processing industry is set to benefit from C$50m worth of loans in a bid to boost investment and off-set the effects of the credit crunch.

LyondellBasell announces LDPE plant closure on demand slump

LyondellBasell is to close a low density polyethylene (LDPE) plant in the UK by the end of the year on continued weak demand and as it seeks to phase out uneconomic facilities from its global operations.

Kellogg plant still closed but no listeria found

The Kellogg’s food plant shutdown earlier this month on listeria fears remains at a standstill, the company has confirmed.

Chicken processors caught in cross-fire of US-China trade row

The US chicken processing industry has been caught in the fallout of a high-level trade dispute between Washington and Beijing that could damage its exports to China, a major industry body has said.

News in brief

UK launches on-line vacuum packing course

A new online training course about vacuum packing and modified atmosphere packing of food has been developed by the UK Food Standards Agency (FSA).

Industry applauds Canada’s C$75m food safety overhaul

The food processing industry in Canada has welcomed a move by the government to boost food safety in the country with a C$75m overhaul of the system.

Swiss pasteurization promises safer UK snacks

Higher food safety standards are claimed for Imperial Snack Foods (ISF) processed nuts, seeds, and dry fruit after it’s investment in a large pasteurization plant to equip its Wolverhampton, UK, processing site.

New durable oxygen test gives quicker results

The new OpTech-02 Platinum is a standard-setting oxygen analyser which delivers results within 0.5 seconds and can be used for both package development and quality assurance during production, claims its manufacturer Mocon.

EC tables new chemical test for marine biotoxin detection

The standard test method for detecting marine biotoxins in shellfish looks set to be changed after a top level meeting at the European Commission.

News in brief

Ecological Food Manufacturers Association seeks members

Helping food companies meet growing demands for foods and beverages that are safe, nutritious and ecological is the aim of the new Ecological Food Manufacturers Association (EFMA).

Over 60s need better advice to combat more virulent listeria

A new report suggests that more virulent strains of listeria monocytogenes and a lack of advice to elderly consumers could be behind a reported rise in the incidence of listeriosis in the UK.

Revealed: The secrets of successful food packaging

Successful food packaging should be attractive, transparent, safe, functional and environmentally friendly, according to German engineering company Kautex Maschinenbau.

“Unique” water-based heatseal for recycled PET

The new water-based heatseal for recycled PET, with approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for indirect food contact, is unique in that it suits all recycled PET (rPET), according to its makers Henkel.

Smithfield overhauls processing focus to packaged meats

Smithfields has declared it is transforming itself into a packaged meat company in a bid to benefit from the sector’s higher profit margins and more stable nature.

Weekly comment

Bisphenol A: Hearts versus minds

Forget GMO and nanotechnology - the biggest food safety issue of our times is bisphenol A (BPA).

California rejects bill to ban bisphenol A

The bid to pass a law banning bisphenol A (BPA) in California failed on Friday triggering a bitter backlash from it supporters who accused the chemical industry of dirty tricks in order to defeat the measure.

New cash and regulations for Indian food processing sector

The dramatic push to develop India’s food processing sector continued this week after it was revealed the Government was in talks with banks to set up a venture capital fund for the sector.

Packaging firms threatened by Kraft cutbacks

Packaging firms across Europe would be “dramatically affected” by Kraft Foods’ decision to slash supplier numbers, with the move causing potential casualties in the sector, according to Leatherhead Food International.

"Make or break" time for California BPA ban

The bid to ban bisphenol A (BPA) in California looks set to go the wire after a vote on the law in the State Assembly was delayed for the second time amid fierce political wrangling.

New research promises breakthrough for recycled glass

Retailer demand for recycled glass could rocket after new UK research commissioned by the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP).

Food processing software lifts through-put and cuts costs

Improved productivity and lower operating costs are claimed for new software for food processors from US-based packaging specialists Sealed Air.

News in brief

DuPont test system receives approval for E.coli and Salmonella

DuPont Qualicon has said the approval of a system to detect both E.coli and Salmonella will save food companies time, as well as cutting inventory and storage costs.

Mettler-Toledo's gravity flow metal detector slashes downtime

Mettler-Toledo Safeline has forged a metal detector with a gravity flow function, which also reduces downtime for processors such as bakers or confectionery manufacturers handling dry materials including powders and granular products.

New pathogen detection system fastest and most comprehensive, says company

A new food pathogen detection system that its manufacturers claim is the fastest and most comprehensive available has been awarded its US patent.

Bakery mixer upgrades boost performance and ease of use

Improved product quality and operational efficiency are benefits claimed by manufacturers Baker Perkins as a result of upgrades to a mixing and forming system for high output bakery plants.

New flow meter for high-viscosity fluids

Designed to measure high-viscosity fluids in food applications, the new flow meter from Flow Technology, Inc delivers a high level of batch repeatability, claims the company.

Demand for processed food drives China’s chilled produce sector

Rising demand for processed and packaged foods in China is fueling growth in the country’s chilled food produce sector, according to the latest report from Reportlinker.

News in brief

New York musician to serenade packaging waste

Guitarist Randy Ludacer is promoting a CD of seven packaging-related songs in a solo performance at Fresh Kills Park, New York.

BPA admission threatens crisis for Sigg

Sigg chief Steve Wasik has made a second apology over revelations that linings of company’s older water bottles contain bisphenol A - in a bid to stem mounting fury that threatens to plunge the firm into crisis.

Speed and flexibility claimed for new top load case packer

The new, fully automatic top load case packer from end-of-line packaging specialist Brenton significantly improves packing speeds compared with manual operations while boosting flexibility, claims the company.

Smithfield slumps to Q1 loss despite record processing profits

Surging profits in Smithfield Foods packaged meats business were insufficient to stop the company posting a first quarter loss topping $100m.

Premier Foods forges cutting edge traceability deal

Premier Foods has devised a bespoke traceability system for its Hovis bread range in partnership with global supply chain firm Zetes.

News in brief

California BPA vote delayed until today

The California State Assembly will vote on the landmark bill to ban bisphenol A (BPA) today.

New recycled APET tubs allow stacking and boost presentation

Claimed to be “a design breakthrough,” the new range of packaging for bakery and confectionery products is said to be easier to stack, improve presentation while being more environmentally friendly than other offerings, according to manufacturers Sharp Interpack.

News in brief

Food safety courts tabled for Indian food processors

Indian authorities have tables a proposal to set up food safety courts with powers to prosecute processing companies.

Plastic and packing sectors not to blame for Pacific Garbage Patch

The plastics and packaging industries are not responsible for the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, with one trade body instead blaming illegal dumping, poor waste management and littering.

California poised to decide on BPA ban

The controversy over the use of bisphenol A (BPA) in food packaging looks set to take centre stage again with the California State Assembly due to decide today on whether to ban the chemical.

Paul Lippke Handels launches headspace analyser

Paul Lippke Handels has launched a fast, versatile and easy-to-use packaging headspace analyser aimed at small firms and start-up businesses on tight budgets.

Smart RFID sensors promise cheaper food and less waste

Lower food prices and less waste thanks to low-cost, smart sensors using Radio Frequency ID (RFID) technology could result from pioneering work at the University of Manchester, UK.

Weekly comment

Acrylamide: The consumer health scare that isn’t

Consumers love to get their teeth into a good health scare. So how is it that acrylamide has slipped under the radar?

New food label applicator delivers improved versatility at less cost

Versatile all round labeling performance at lower cost are the benefits claimed for the AEW Delford MPL80 label applicator from the UK-based Marel Food Systems.

FDA imposes 24hr deadline on food safety reporting

Legislation has come into force requiring food companies to report potentially dangerous products to the FDA within 24 hours of discovery.

Cloud Packaging meets shorter run trend with Toll takeover

Cloud Packaging Solutions has said the acquisition of Toll Packaging will boost its ability to meet the increased demand for shorter packing runs triggered by the current global economic crisis.

Tetra Pak beverage pasteurizer cuts costs and product losses

A new intelligent beverage pasteurizer will cut product losses by almost a third, slash downtime and reduce energy and water consumption significantly, said manufacturers Tetra Pak.

Polymer demand falls for food packaging

Demand for polymer in food packaging fell in Europe in 2008, according to the latest report from UK-based Applied Market Information (AMI), with trade groups citing pricing as a core issue.

New freezer boosts food processing hygiene

Improved standards of hygiene for food processors and more reliable data on freezer operating performance are claimed for engineering company Linde’s new range of cryogenic freezers.

China to lead global rise in containerboard demand

Global demand for containerboard is forecast to rise over the next 15 years with Chinese consumption, expected to increase by nearly 7 per cent, leading the growth, according to a new report from RISI; the organization dedicated to providing information on the world forest products industry.

News in brief

Scotland bins food, packaging worth £1bn a year

Scottish households throw away more than 570,000 tonnes of food and drink each year worth over £1bn, a new report has said.

Sigg apologises over bisphenol A revelations

A furious consumer backlash has prompted Sigg to issue a public apology over revelations that the liner of its metals bottles made before summer 2008 contain bisphenol A (BPA).

Revolutionary RFID tag predicts product shelf-life

A “revolutionary” active RFID tag that supplies information on the remaining shelf-life of fresh produce will lead to significant reductions in food waste, the device’s manufacturers have claimed.

British food packaging company opens new ₤20m site

UK food packaging company Excelsior Technologies has opened a new £20m, 8.5 acre site which, it claims, represents the nation’s biggest single investment in flexible packaging for decades.

Approval likely for JBS-Pilgrim’s Pride deal, say experts

The acquisition of US chicken processor Pilgrim’s Pride by Brazilian meat giant JBS should get antitrust approval, according to specialist attorneys.

On-line guide to food processing regs launched

Small and medium-sized food processors in the United States have been given a helping hand in complying with environmental regulations thanks to a new website launched this week.

News in brief

Advanced packing ops squashes frog-in-can claim - Pepsi

Pepsi has poured cold water on claims that a dead frog was found in one of its cans – because of its super efficient packaging operations.

News in brief

New EU pesticide rules threaten food production

New EU legislation to authorise pesticides, based on hazard-based assessment rather than long-established scientific evaluation, threatens the future of European food production, warns Dominic Dyer, chief executive of the UK Crop Protection Agency.

Packaging innovations to cut food waste - WRAP

Packaging, manufacture and storage innovations are at the heart of new research projects in the UK to cut damage to food and drink products throughout the supply chain and reduce waste.

News in brief

Lantmannen sells processing business

Agricultural and food group Lantmannen has announced it has sold off its potato processing business.

US seafood company facing fines over processing breaches

A US seafood processing company is facing fines of more than $47,000 for flouting health and safety rules.

GS1 launches fruit, vegetable traceability guidelines

Efforts to improve fresh produce traceability have taken a leap forward with a joint initiative between global supply chain standards body GS1 and the International Federation for Produce Standards (IFPS).

New case packager claimed to boost flexibility and cut costs

Greater flexibility, lower costs and a smaller factory footprint are claimed for the new HVCP case packer from Schneider Packaging Equipment Company.

Kellogg plant halts production on listeria discovery

Kellogg has shutdown production at one of its US food plants after the discovery of listeria there by health inspectors.

Supply chain efficiencies in a global food industry

The globalisation of the supply chain means transporting food across the world to be processed and back again to the country of origin to be sold can make environmental and commercial sense.

EU proposal to add acrylamide to hazardous chemical list

The European Union has tabled a proposal to add chemical acrylamide to a list of Substances of Very High Concern.

O-I closes first of two European glass plants

Glass container manufacturer Owens-Illinois (O-I) has confirmed it has closed its plant in Finland with the loss of 100 jobs as part of an on-going review of its global operations.

Loma launches X-ray, metal detection systems

Loma Systems has expanded its x-ray and metal detection offering for food manufacturers with the launch of the Loma X4 SideShoot, Loma X4 FinePitch x-rays and IQ3+ PipeLine metal detector.

GM policy could bring price, supply issues, warns UK

The UK government has warned that the EU’s hardline on GM food could disrupt the supply chain and result in price hikes.

New light-weighting, recyclable tomato trays from Linpac

Food packaging specialist Linpac has launched a new range of tomato trays that are light-weight, present produce more effectively and can incorporate up to 100 per cent recycled PET (rPET), claims the company.

News in brief

EU companies face discrimination in China

European companies are finding it harder to do business in China, according to a new report from the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China.

Climate change could devastate US crop yields: Study

Climate change could result in severe shortages of two of America’s most important grains, according to the authors of a new study published online in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).

US poultry companies face jury trial over pollution allegations

A host of major US poultry producers and processors will have to face a trial by jury over allegations of pollution in a civil lawsuit brought by the state of Oklahoma.

Human health risk from certain GM fish - Study

The commercial breeding cretain species of GM fish should be approached with caution on fears they could pose a health risk to humans and threaten natural breeds, new research has said.

FDA approval for fruit and veg labelling tattoos is “imminent”

Improved traceability and greater consumer convenience are the benefits claimed for new laser etching technology which allows information to be marked indelibly on the surface of fruit and vegetables.

Weekly comment

Sugar and strife – not so nice if the price is not right

Sugar politics means high prices are a bitter pill for US and Indian sweet food and beverage makers; while the European industry is sitting pretty on the back of the recent sugar reforms.