Breaking News on Food Processing & Packaging

Radiation technology growth hindered: report

The growth potential for food irradiation technology has contracted dramatically but the value of the sector is forecast to exceed $2.3bn by 2012, claims a new report into the industry.

Plastic could be ‘whey’ more recyclable

The WHEYLAYER project, set to get underway next week, is focusing on developing a whey protein coated film for use with plastics films in food packaging.

Authority stresses gangmaster worker-welfare recession fears

Although there is no evidence yet linking the current economic downturn to exploitation of temporary workers in European food production, a UK government agency says it is concerned over the possible impact on their welfare.

Sports Beverage Company uncorks new capacity

Californian drinks firm Sports Pouch Beverage Company has confirmed the purchase of its third filling machine for the packs, which is expected to boost production capacity by an extra 20m products over the next year.

Sports Beverage Company uncorks new capacity

Californian drinks firm Sports Pouch Beverage Company has confirmed the purchase of its third filling machine for the packs, which is expected to boost production capacity by an extra 20m products over the next year.

New coating widens cardboard’s applications, says firm

A water and grease resistant coating will enable corrugated cardboard to replace plastics in frozen or greasy food packaging, says Smurfit Kappa.

Red meat may help toxins stick in the body: Study

A molecule present in red meat may increase a human’s susceptibility to food poisoning, suggests a new study in the journal Nature.

Chilling and water dominate Coca-Cola green aims

Water efficiency use, bottle-to-bottle recycling of PET and a commitment to expanding Carbon Dioxide (CO2) refrigerators are some of the key claims coming from Coca-Cola’s latest sustainability report.

Bisphenol risks highlighted by FDA subcommittee

Fresh doubts about the safety of bisphenol A, found in baby bottles and some food packaging, have been raised by the Science Board sub committee of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Active packaging under the spotlight

A project aimed at designing antimicrobial packing material that is risk free and improves the shelf life of fresh fish, chicken and minimally processed vegetables will begin work on November 1.

Bag-in-tray concept designed for safe freezing

An all-in-one tray bag can save consumers time and effort when freezing products and allow food companies to boost sales through the use of multipacks with separable portions, claims Coopbox Italia.

UK carbon scheme targets dairy gas solutions

Amidst calls to tighten monitoring of how dairy affects greenhouse gas emissions, a new UK-based scheme hopes to provide manufacturers with a means of tracking and controlling their carbon footprint.

News in brief

Woolly packaging launch

New wool-based packaging, designed to keep chilled food products below five degrees, has been launched by AMA Consultants.

New wireless temperature monitoring label

Packaging specialist PakSense says it will launch a wireless version of its award winning temperature-monitoring label in December.

New oxygen test for longer shelf life

Easier, safer and quicker food packaging will result from a new oxygen measuring system, claims Swedish manufacturer PBI-Dansensor.

New vaccine could inhibit spread of E. coli 0157

Econiche, a new vaccine for cattle that aims to reduce the risk of food and waterborne contamination from E. coli O157:H7 bacteria, has received approval from the Canadian regulator.

UK milk bottle manufacturer to close loop with recycled HDPE

Nampak, one of Europe’s largest manufacturers of rigid plastic containers to the food and drink industry, has announced that it is set to receive 12,000 tonnes of food grade recycled high density polyethylene (rHDPE) from UK recycling company, AWS Eco Plastics.

Steel packaging recycling rate accelerates on sustainability demand

Green issues pervaded last week's SIAL food exhibition and much in evidence was the food industry's response to burgeoning consumer demand for products that breathe life into sustainability, from ingredients to packaging.

Melamine found in imported Chinese eggs in Hong Kong

Hong Kong officials say they have found dangerous levels of melamine in a brand of eggs imported from China prompting fears that the chemical has found its way into animal feed.

Head, shoulders way to go for lighter bottling, says Relco

A sealing manufacture is looking beyond amending body structure in bottles to the potential of caps and seals in supplying lighter weight solutions for polyethylene terephthalate (PET) beverage packaging.

ADM and ABF strike vegetable oil deal

Archer Daniels Midland has joined with Associated British Foods in a new venture to manufacture, market and distribute packaged vegetable oil products in the US and Canada.

Milk price alternative sought in EU tractor protest

A barrage of tractors have descended upon the latest meeting of EU agriculture ministers to drive home dairy farmers’ calls for what they claim are the basic conditions required to ensure a ‘fair’ price for their products.

Study does not prove BPA link to disease: EFSA

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) claims a recent study did not provide sufficient proof of a causal link between Bisphenol A (BPA) and heart disease, type 2 diabetes and liver enzyme abnormalities, and, as a result, the established Tolerable Daily Intake (TDI) is sufficient.

Thermal label is HACCP aid, claims its manufacturer

A new thermal label can indicate when an optimum temperature has been reached in ovens, dryers, retorts and curing operations, claims a supplier of cold chain and food safety equipment.

New guide aims to inform processors about bubble control

Understanding how to create and control bubbles in food products can be a key factor in product manufacturer, claims a new publication.

Fewer rejects with new freezer-to-microwave packaging

A big reduction in packaging rejects, lower energy costs and improved quality are the benefits claimed for two new food packages, designed for freezer and microwave use, launched by packaging company Ampac Flexibles.

Can the carton contribute to a low carbon economy?

Increasing regulatory and consumer pressure is forcing food and drink processors to reduce the amount of packaging on their products and work towards creating a low carbon economy - can cartons form part of this solution? Jane Byrne reports.

News in brief

Noodles and meat recalled in Japanese food scares

Food scares have been making headlines in Japan with both meat products and instant noodles being recalled in recent days.

More responsive e-packaging on the horizon

Printed electronics will provide added value packaging to enable food and drink companies enhance their existing brands with multiple promotion, safety, security and entertainment features, claims a RFID and smart packaging consultant firm.

Eastman records strong growth in volatile period

Eastman Chemical, a supplier of packaging materials for the food and beverage sector, has reported a jump in third quarter profits on the back of higher selling prices and consistent performance from its coatings and polymers.

New course for packaging sustainability

Strengthening sustainability within the food processing and packaging industries is the aim of new courses at Writtle College, Essex, United Kingdom.

News in brief

Smithfield completes sale of beef operation to JBS

Smithfield Foods has announced the sale of its beef business to Brazilian beef company JBS SA.

Energy conservation to govern US plant spend in 2009: report

Productivity improvements and energy efficiency schemes will constitute the majority of new projects next year in the US food and beverage manufacturing sector, claims a report from a US market analysis firm.

Pactiv earnings hit by raw material costs

Paper and plastic packaging supplier, Pactive Corporation, said that its third quarter (Q3) income from overall operations was $53m (€41m) - down $6m (€4.6m) on last year - reflecting higher raw material, energy, logistic and operating costs.

UN urges overhaul of China's food safety system

China must revamp its food safety system so that it is less disjointed and consumer confidence is restored, claims United Nations officials.

Sanitation kit could combat norovirus in food plants

A kit for sanitizing food handling environments when bodily fluid spillages occur can restrict the spread of potential contaminants such as norovirus, claims its manufacturer.

Research centre gives sterilization method thumbs up

A recent report claims a process of rapidly shaking packaged food products during sterilization reduces the processing time significantly and improves the colour, flavour, texture and ‘mouth feel’ of the food.

US consumers concerned about safety of food imports: poll

American consumers believe that most food safety concerns in the country are related to imported food, according to a new survey.

News in brief

Chinese dairy company imports $15m of melamine testing tools

Chinese dairy company Yili said it has spent about $15m (€11.6m) on importing melamine testing equipment from the US and Japan to restore confidence after the melamine scandal, according to the state news agency Xinhua.

Lawsuit filed to block US beef packer acquisition

The US Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed a lawsuit to stop the country's third and fourth largest beef packers from merging.

Sustainability tops agenda at fish processors' event

A framework to ensure sustainability and quality of fish supplies was top of the agenda at the recent assembly of European fish processing industry association members (AIPCE).

Scheme could improve food chain efficiency

A new project aims to connect farmers with food manufacturers by building strong working partnerships based on mutual understanding, said the group behind the initiative.

Canada bans the use of BPA in baby bottles

Canada has become the first country in the world to take regulatory action to limit the use of bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical found in baby bottles and some food packaging.

Metallic compostable pack may herald green drink development

Recent developments in ‘metallised’ compostable packaging, developed in cooperation with a US drinks group, may lead to further advances for global use in beverage products like coffees and tea, claims the material supplier.

Eco factors top of the list for French and Spanish consumers: survey

Environmental concerns have a huge influence on the food shopping habits of Spanish and French consumers, a new survey has found.

News in brief

Rapid melamine detection method developed, claims US firm

A rapid method for the detection of melamine in infant formula and liquid milk meets the requirements of China’s Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST), claims its developer.

Site upgrade will improve test facilities for processors, says Tetra Pak

A larger test and assembly facility that can respond quickly to customer demands is the aim of a €15m upgrade to Tetra Pak’s research and development facility in Modena in Italy, the company claims.

Chilled food production: new guide looks at risks and controls

A third edition of a guide to chilled foods stresses the increased risks involved with global sourcing of ingredients for the sector, and claims the need for appropriate controls has never been greater.

Hike in leading packaging firm’s paperboard prices

Graphic Packaging International today announced that it will increase prices for coated unbleached kraft paperboard, effective with shipments on or after November 1, 2008.

Lubricant care may cut food and drink processors' costs

A fluid management service can drive up productivity by reducing downtime, and ensure value engineering by optimizing a food or beverage plant’s assets, claims Boccard UK.

BSE testing change could benefit meat sector

A move to raise the age limit from 30 to 48 months at which UK cattle are tested for Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), would, if implemented, help reduce processors' costs and free up supplies.

News in brief

FDA kit aims to improve food safety

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in conjunction with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have developed a food safety training kit, FIRST, for employees in the food industry.

Supply chain event to emphasis technology and collaboration: IGD

A supply chain conference next month will focus on managing risk in a volatile trading environment as well as how to use technology to optimise efficiency, claims a UK food and drink industry think tank.

Maple Leaf to tackle Listeria with newly approved preservative

Canadian meat processor, Maple Leaf Foods, said it plans to use a recently approved preservative that stops the growth of listeria for its meat products, following a listeria-related outbreak attributed to one of its plants and linked to 20 deaths, according to a report on news site, AHN.

News in brief

Eastman upbeat about Q3 results

Eastman Chemical Company claims that its third-quarter 2008 earnings per share are expected to beat analysts' estimates.

News in brief

Free energy usage assessment service for SMEs

Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) is driving awareness of its free energy assessment service with a range of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) including food and beverage manufacturers.

Russian flour mill increases production with new machinery

Russian grain processor PAVA aims to increase the quality and volume of its wheat flour production with the installation of a new grain dampening unit at its Rebrikha mill.

News in brief

Supermarkets, manufacturers told to pay on time

UK environment secretary Hilary Benn has warned that just one late payment can make the difference between survival and going out of business for a small supplier, according to The Guardian.

Next generation caps will be lighter with pour appeal, says Tetra Pak

Tetra Pak says it has redeveloped two of its closure types in order to reduce the amount of plastic required in their manufacture, and to enhance their opening and pouring attributes.

Manufacturers seek better performance from their packs

Lifting performance in the manufacture of consumer packaged goods is the aim of a new initiative launched by the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) based in Washington DC, United States.

New fish packaging captures convenience

Convenient access and greater shelf impact are the benefits claimed for new metal packaging for anchovies launched by Crown Food Europe last week.

Weekly comment

Waking up to smell the caffeine

Before reading this you’re probably going to need a coffee, in fact why not have a few? After all who’s to say when enough is enough in our hunt for a caffeine kick.

Costs for plastic use by food makers to ease as oil prices plummet

Costs are set to ease for food makers reliant on plastics packaging as crude oil futures in New York plummet on Friday to the lowest level since October 2007.

Meat and dairy consumption damaging climate, says Food Ethics Council

A new report from the UK’s Food Ethics Council claims that one of the ways to cut food’s environmental footprint is for consumers to cut down on what the Council says are energy intensive foods like meat and dairy.

Food manufacturing safety on a plate

Significant progress has been made in cutting work place injuries in the food industry, according to a conference on food manufacturing safety staged yesterday in Blackpool, UK.

UK laboratory triples its melamine testing services

Reading Scientific Services Limited (RSSL) said that it is adding a third technique to the armoury of tests it can use to detect melamine.

High-speed automated gripper boosts quality control, says firm

A pneumatic gripper developed to pick and place fresh, cooked or frozen food products reduces costs for processors and ensures sanitary handling of produce, says its US manufacturer.

Borealis says new copolymer has gloss appeal

Borealis claims its latest Borclear grade for transparent polypropylene (PP) film has improved clarity and offers cost-effective processing.

US study claims BPA induces chemotherapy resistance

A new US study shows that the exposure to Bisphenol A (BPA), the chemical compound used in the linings of metal food and beverage cans and baby bottles, may reduce the efficacy of chemotherapy treatments.

UK firm offers revenue streams for used cooking oil

Finding new ways to use cooking oil waste could cut costs and potentially generate revenue for food processors, claims UK based company Bio Driven.

UK food and drink sector backs MEPs targets on emissions

The energy package voted through by the European Parliament’s Environment Committee yesterday has been welcomed by the UK food and drink sector.

Aluminum foil in juice packaging extends shelf life, says study

Spanish researchers evaluated four different containers for the storage of mandarin juice and found that carton containers with an inner layer of aluminium foil best ensure the quality of the product.

WRAP to fund waste reducing packaging and processing projects

The UK government-funded Waste Resources Action Programme (WRAP) is inviting proposals for projects to design, develop and trial innovative processes and approaches to reduce waste in the food supply chain.

Filling line redesign allows constant feeding, claims firm

A design enhancement to an existing filling and sealing line means it can accommodate a wider range of ice cream and frozen yoghurt tub formats and sizes, says its UK manufacturer.

New fast-cure adhesive has hot fill applications, says firm

Chemical manufacturer Rohm and Haas is showcasing the latest addition to its Mor Free range of laminating adhesives for flexible packaging at Pack Expo in Chicago in November.

RFID temperature logger could enhance cold chain quality control

A new programmable temperature logger can identify problems incurred with produce during cold chain storage and transit, thus providing an improved quality control system for food manufacturers, says Caen RFID.

System offers cost effective fat content monitoring, says FOSS

The new XDS Direct Light system provides accurate measurement of the fat content in ground meat on the processing line as well as offering cost savings to processors, claims FOSS.

New toolkit could help green supply chain

Envirowise claims its new supply chain toolkit will help food and drink companies to cut costs while enhancing relationships with suppliers.

Flexible sensor offers rapid pack inspection, says SICK UK

A new 2D vision sensor provides an automated way for a company to check if its packaged products meet quality standards, says SICK UK.

Study shows huge variety of protozoa in meat plants

A first time survey of free-living protozoa in meat-cutting plants showed high diversity rates of various species including those that could harbor food-borne pathogens say researchers from Ghent University, Belgium.

Melamine detection service offered to EU food and drink sector

A new melamine detection and testing service is targeted at companies in the European food and drink sector including food and ingredient manufacturers and food importers, says Leatherhead Food International.

Bill to ban PFOA in food packaging rejected

A bill that would have banned the use of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in food packaging in California has been vetoed by the state governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger.

New system aims to boost ‘Made in China’ brand

A new online traceability system for Chinese ingredients and products will provide quick and accurate information for food companies, consumers and regulators, claims it developers.

News briefs: Investments in renewable plastics

Two companies move into German bioplastics market, Brazilian firm Braskem claims ‘first’ 100 per cent renewable polypropylene and collaboration between PolyOne and ADM looks to create bio-based plasticizers.