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Headlines > October 2011

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31-Oct-2011

‘Terrible’ weather hits Ball’s beverage can sales

Cool, wet summer weather in Northern Europe hit Ball Packaging’s beverage can sales in the region hard during the third quarter (Q3), but the firm still grew sales in the...

News in brief

Finnish consumer dies after eating botulinum-tainted olives

A Finnish consumer has died after consuming Italian olives contaminated with botulinum.

Breathable and biodegradable film has packaging potential, study

A synthetic, biopolymer-based biodegradable and breathable food packaging film has the potential to solve waste packaging problems, according to new Czech research.

Eastern European flexible packaging set for ‘impressive’ growth, PCI Films

The Eastern European flexible packaging market is set for 'impressive' growth over the next 10 years, with Russian sector growth nearly in double figures.

Mondi plans restructure as falling demand bites

International paper and packaging firm Mondi Group has been hit by declining demand and plans cutbacks following modest third quarter (Q3) results.

28-Oct-2011

‘Madness’ on the markets has not dented Krones orders, chairman

Despite flat earnings in the third quarter (Q3) and ‘madness’ on world stock markets, Krones chairman Volker Kronseder said his firm remains cautiously optimistic for the rest of 2011.

JBT FoodTech colour claims for 'unique' system

Adjustable fan helps processors cope with potato sweet spots

A newly developed adjustable fan speed function on an industrial oven overcomes the challenge of processing different varieties of potatoes for ready meals, said JBT FoodTech.

Smart phone technology adapted for foodborne pathogen detection

A new food safety testing method using liquid crystals – a technology traditionally used in smart phones and televisions – is being developed with the aim of detecting multiple harmful...

Bemis boss disappointed by bottom line as volumes fall and plants close

Bemis declared a dip in sales volumes as the effects of food inflation reverberated up the supply chain and forecast of a slowdown in the economy into 2012.

27-Oct-2011

High-speed bread packaging machine enters Russia and Americas

Canadian-based packaging firm Technopac International has secured distribution rights to North, Central and South America and Russia for a high speed bread packaging machine it say can improve productivity by...

News in brief

Cow enters UK food supply without negative BSE test - FSA

A cow aged over 72 months, not tested for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) has entered the UK food supply, according to the Food Standards Agency (FSA).

Severe gas crisis sees O-I halt NZ production

Owens Illinois (O-I) has been forced to suspend operations in New Zealand, after a crack was found in a major gas pipeline that led to its shutdown and hit thousands...

UK food producer fined after worker loses most of hand

A major European food business has “accepted liability” after being prosecuted and fined over two health and safety related incidents at a production plant in the UK.

QR code take up exploding

Packaging sector notes explosion in interactive QR code take up

The use of quick response codes (QR) on food packaging is exploding both as a marketing and information tool, with the food industry just scratching the surface in exploiting the...

26-Oct-2011

News in brief

Cantaloupe Listeria death toll hits 28 - CDC

The number of US cantaloupe-related Listeria deaths has risen, taking the total number to 28, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

GEA targets dairy-based beverages with new high-shear mixing IP

GEA Process Engineering has acquired intellectual property (IP) rights to a range of high-shear mixing technology from Danish company Limitech and established its own mixing business.

New foodborne pathogen identifying method shows “great promise”

A new method to pinpoint the exact origin of foodborne bacteria has “great promise” and could lead to the development of a new, more accurate industry standard - according to...

Court annuls controversial EC marketing ban on triclosan

Microban has won a case against the European Commission (EC) that means a prospective ban on the use of controversial chemical triclosan in food packaging has now been overturned.

Regulations lead to EU food safety border rejections increase

A rise in the rejection of food and feed consignments at EU borders in 2010 has contributed to the number of food safety notifications reaching 8,582 – an 8% increase...

News in brief

UK withdraws olives on botulism fears

The UK has ordered the withdrawal of a batch of Italian olives after they were linked to two cases of botulism in Finland.

VMV head Jörg Höppner

Industry warns of major fallout from French bisphenol A ban

Shorter product shelf life, the need to use a raft of coatings and changes in the appearance of food and beverage cans are all potential consequences of the French ban...

25-Oct-2011

Scant raw poultry promise for pulsed electric fields, study

Pulsed electric fields (PEF) may not be suitable for controlling Campylobacter levels in raw chicken, but could potentially be used to control levels in scald or chilled processing water.

DNA-based pathogen database can provide food safety assistance – DuPont

A DNA-based pathogen detecting database could provide assistance in the fight against seemingly increasing foodborne contaminations.

India green lights 15 more mega food processing parks

The Indian Government has approved the setting up of 15 new food processing mega-parks in a bid to boost output and efficiency and slash the huge amount of waste endemic...

News in brief

No safety concerns on GM pollen – EFSA

There are no current safety concerns related to pollen from the strain of genetically modified corn MON810 when used in food, said Europe’s food watchdog.

New label will bring clarity and consistency - and help to combat greenwashing, says the SPC

New packaging recovery label bids to bring clarity and consistency

A new packaging recovery label to be rolled out next year in the US will help industry comply with federal guidelines, boost recycling rates and ease consumer confusion over how...

Potato blanching machine that caused the worker's injuries

Leading processor fined after decade-long safety breach leads to serious worker injury

A leading food processor has been ordered to pay more than £12,000 (€13,700) by UK authorities after a worker was seriously injured because of a decade-long health and safety fault...

24-Oct-2011

ACC savages BPA study linking chemical to poor child behaviour

The American Chemistry Council (ACC) has launched a withering attack on the design of a new study suggesting that gestational exposure to food packaging compound bisphenol-A (BPA) before birth could...

New DEHP water limit will not cost consumers: FDA

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) insists its new maximum allowable levels for the chemical di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) in bottled water will not raise costs for consumers.

EC unveils tougher rules to thwart dioxin contamination

Europe is to roll out a string of new food safety measures in a bid to avoid a repeat of the contamination of food and feed in the aftermath of...

Oxygen measuring laser will set new food quality standard - GasPorOx

A laser designed to measure gas content in sealed food packaging has the potential to set a new food industry standard for food quality and safety, according to the developer.

e&e coffee freeze-drying equipment

SPX processing expansion plans continue with German acquisition

SPX Corp said it has reached an agreement to acquire a German processing company that specialises in extraction, evaporation, vacuum and freeze-drying technologies for the food and beverage sectors.

21-Oct-2011

Packaging plant contamination led to Listeria outbreak - FDA

Packaging equipment and cold storage facilities have been identified as the source of the deadly US cantaloupe Listeria outbreak that has killed dozens.

Organic packaging solution has shelf-life extension potential

A botanically-infused packaging paper holds the potential to significantly extend the shelf-life of fresh produce, according to the company that developed it.

Profits shrink despite ‘healthy’ flexible packaging sales for Huhtamäki

Finnish packaging giant Huhtamäki’s profits for the first three quarters of 2011 fell despite ‘robust’ consumer packaging demand within developing markets, while Sonoco also saw a slight profit dip.

Super synergies to insulate Amcor from economic downturn - CEO

Amcor has predicted it will see strong growth in 2013 thanks in part to an extra A$200m (€148m) in its coffers as result of synergies flowing from the recent acquisitions...

20-Oct-2011

Active packaging – how to design a system that works

Active packaging – how to design a system that works

Active Packaging is an exciting area of development for the extension of shelf life and involves the use of materials which can actively reduce the levels of oxygen or even...

Spoilage models - taking the bug out of the supply chain

Spoilage models - taking the bug out of the supply chain

The food industry has become increasingly focused on developing different 'what if' scenarios when reformulating or developing new food and drink products to predict the levels of microbial growth using...

HPP – how to overcome the cost challenge and double shelf-life

HPP – how to overcome the cost challenge and double shelf-life

High pressure processing (HPP) is one of the most exciting new technologies, opening up considerable opportunities at a time when the food industry is focused on meeting growing consumer demand...

MEPs seek clear timetable on novel foods plan

MEPs question absence of new novel food and cloning proposals

MEPs are pressing the Commission for action on new novel food and cloning proposals, which the EU regulator had undertaken to deliver by December 2011.

Controlling Shelf Life Conference taking place today

Don’t miss out on FoodProductionDaily.com’s Controlling Shelf Life virtual conference which is taking place today.

Crown Holdings chairman and CEO John Conway

Crown braves bad weather and tough macroeconomic conditions

Multinational food and beverage metal packaging firm Crown Holdings has braved bad weather and tough economic conditions in Europe and the US to grow third quarter (Q3) net sales by...

EFSA begins BPA report review

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has announced it is to launch a review on two reports which led to the banning of bisphenol-A (BPA) in France.

Berlin Packaging gets behind groundbreaking eco bottle

A novel environmentally-friendly bottle that cuts plastic use by more than two thirds and has a 100% recyclable and compostable mould-fibre shell is set to shake up the beverage and...

USB temperature monitor gives food safety boost

A new USB cost-effective and easy to use temperature monitoring label could help determine the quality and safety of food during and after transit, said the company behind the development.

19-Oct-2011

Going beyond the pack for information on food

EU project looks to enhance on-pack food labelling using smart phones

Consumer driven information on food labelling is the aim of a new Brussels-based project that is combining smart-phone technology with impartial data explaining the functionality of various ingredients, traceability, quality...

EU hails ground-breaking nano definition

The European Commission said its newly unveiled common nanomaterial definition will provide a basis for clear regulation that will boost industry’s ability to develop products while safeguarding consumers.

Further E.coli fallout sees EC extend Egyptian seed ban

The European Commission (EC) has endorsed the extension of a ban on selected Egyptian seeds and beans until next March as the fallout continues from this spring’s deadly E.coli crisis....

Asian expansion will meet non-GM bioplastics demand – NatureWorks

Bioplastics producer NatureWorks intends to meet growing food packaging demand for non-GM sourced bioplastic through an externally financed expansion into Asia.

EFSA clears food contact monomer

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has approved a new monomer for use in food contact materials.

18-Oct-2011

Tetra Pak CEO discusses demand for functional packaging that doesn't cost the earth

FoodProductionDaily.com gained an exclusive interview with Tetra Pak president and CEO Dennis Jönsson to discuss the demand for less packaging but improved product functionality, as he prepared to address delegates...

Middle East and African flexible packaging market has Indian growth 'potential'

The Middle East and African flexible packaging industry, which accounts for around 5% of the world market, has the potential to experience the same significant growth as India, according to...

US recycles more PET but trade group questions if ‘voluntary’ system can generate sufficient volumes

The amount of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) bottles recycled in the US rose slightly to 29% in 2010 – but the industry body NAPCOR cautioned that the rate would need to...

German acquisition sees Sun European expand packaging portfolio again

Sun European Partners has added to its burgeoning packaging portfolio with the acquisition of Pregis subsidiary Kobusch-Sengewald for €160m.

17-Oct-2011

News in brief

Cantaloupe listeria outbreak worst in a decade

The total number of reported cantaloupe related listeria deaths has risen, making the foodborne outbreak the worst in the US in the last decade.

Study suggests FDA underestimated Gulf seafood risk

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) may have underestimated the risk to pregnant women and children posed by consumption of seafood from the Gulf of Mexico, according to a new...

Exclusive interview

We didn’t raise UK recycling awareness early enough: Tetra Pak CEO

Tetra Pak president and CEO Dennis Jönsson has admitted that his company didn’t do enough to raise awareness of the recycling potential of cartons during their crucial formative years in...

Robotics session aims to boost UK take up

Industry bodies are to stage a workshop in a bid to encourage greater take up of robotics in the UK food and drink processing sectors.

Bosch's WRQ 0400 with ultrasonic guillotine

Ultrasonic knife minimises product stress, cuts waste and cleaning time - company

Bosch has said its new guillotine cutter is equipped with ultrasonic technology that minimizes stress to preserve product quality, as well as reducing waste and cleaning times.

Christoph Wenisch wants to make "meaningful inroads", on the 3bn short-life dairy products imported in the UK each year

Nom Dairy’s £110M investment to create 350 new jobs

The Shropshire-based firm Nom Dairy UK is to invest £110M in new production lines that will create 350 new jobs at its Donnington Wood facility in Telford.

Listeria monocytogenes

Listeria and E.coli killing food packaging developed

Canadian researchers are using phages to target and kill foodborne pathogens such as listeria and E.coli present on the surface of ready-to-eat (RTE) and raw meats.

14-Oct-2011

Toxic by-product in heat-treated baby formulas increases infant diabetes risk – study

Heat treatment of infant formula milk during processing produces elevated levels of a toxin that could contribute to a significantly increased risk of children developing health problems including diabetes, according...

Flexible food packaging to grow despite sustainability concerns - report

The US flexible food packaging market is expected to hit $12.9bn in 2015 despite renewed sustainability commitments in the sector, according to a report into converted flexible packaging growth.

Tetra Pak claims ‘industry first’ carton will extend low-cost closure reach

Tetra Pak claims that an ‘industry first’ combination of closure technologies will allow it to extend low-cost large openings into new ambient beverage categories with its new Tetra Brik Aseptic...

Plastics additive ‘unlikely’ to cause safety concerns, EFSA

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has concluded that a commonly used additive in food packaging plastics is unlikely to be a safety concern for consumers.

13-Oct-2011

Our new PET jar will smash glass grip on 24oz sector: Amcor

Amcor Rigid Plastics claims that its new 24oz (680g) polyethylene terephthalate (PET) hot fill container will ‘unseat glass’ as the dominant material for food receptacles of this size.

KHS's latest beer stabilisation machine

KHS claims beer stabilisation boon for smaller brewers

KHS claims its new Innopro ECOStab beer stabilisation machine will help brewers of all sizes achieve longer shelf lives for beer, and reduce costs as well as processing times.

French BPA ban will distort EU food packaging market, Plastics Europe

The new French ban on bisphenol A (BPA) could potentially distort the European internal market for food packaging, according to plastics industry trade association Plastics Europe.

Snacks manufacturer fined after worker’s fingers crushed

A UK crisp and popcorn manufacturer has been fined after a worker had her fingers crushed in a cutting machine.

12-Oct-2011

News in brief

E.coli controls eased as fresh Egyptian produce cleared for EU import

The European Commission (EC) has removed certain fresh produce - including chilled peas and beans - from the list of Egyptian products that it has been illegal to import since...

German firm claims ‘radical’ innovation with low-migration film laminating adhesive

German firm Weilburger Graphics claims to have developed a ‘radical innovation’ in the film laminating adhesive field, after launching a product especially designed for food packaging and odour sensitive products.

News in brief

FDA enters inter-agency food safety agreement

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has entered into a cooperative “interagency” agreement with the aim of improving the national food safety system.

Temperature sensitive packaging has ‘huge’ EU growth potential, Sonoco

Temperature sensitive food packaging has massive growth potential the European market, according to leading packaging firm Sonoco.

Revolutionary film coating on ‘whey’ to replace polymers

A revolutionary new whey protein based film coating could mark the end of ‘expensive’ synthetic polymer barrier coatings in food packaging.

Kemira teams up with Lohmann to enhance safety of sliced meats

Two European salt producers have formed an alliance to tackle meat safety through the use of both organic salts and eventually potassium based products.

11-Oct-2011

Blowfill investment sees CCA slash Australian PET use

Coca-Cola Amatil (CCA) has opened two new blowfill lines costing AUS $35m at its Australian bottling facility in Adelaide, in a move that it said would significantly reduce its use...

‘Muscle’ foods packaging has strong flexible future: GIA

Flexible packaging is set to supersede rigid containers used for poultry, seafood and meat, in a world industry worth $31.4bn by 2017, according to a report from Global Industry Analysts (GIA).

Walmart closures over wrongful labelling, China

Walmart has been ordered to temporarily close ten of its stores by Chinese authorities due to allegedly mislabelling regular pork as organic pork.

Bisphenol A (BPA) molecule

US chemical industry urges feds to ban bisphenol A in baby bottles

The leading US chemical industry body is urging federal authorities to change the law to ban the use of bisphenol A (BPA) is baby bottles and children’s sippy cups.

EU bio-packaging will remain niche despite massive growth

Green food packaging is likely to remain a niche product area despite massive growth in the European bioplastics industry, according to a world packaging authority.

10-Oct-2011

‘Breakthrough’ lightweight glass helps Famous Grouse fly

Major whisky distiller The Edrington Group claims to have developed 'breakthrough' lightweight glass packaging that is 14 per cent lighter than its conventional bottles.

Eurofins forecast revenue milestone on food safety fears

Regulatory obligations and consumer concerns will see food testing group Eurofins break through the €1bn revenue barrier by 2013.

French Health Minister backs total packaging ban on bisphenol A by 2014

The French Health Minister has given his backing to a law that would outlaw the use of bisphenol A (BPA) in all food packaging from 2014 – as well as...

Mu product development. Adams Foods has signed a deal with Tesco to distribute its new cheese range
News in brief

Cheese blaze firm gets back to business with Tesco deal

Adams Foods is launching a new cheese brand called Mu in partnership with retail giant Tesco less than a month after a devastating blaze wrecked its cheese warehouse at Wincanton...

Developing world 'grid reliability' issues speed effluent energy uptake, General Electric

Worldwide beverage industry uptake of effluent energy generation solutions depends on the cost of local power, while grid reliability problems are also encouraging uptake in the developing world.

Economic woes curbing nano-advances as industry rejects secrecy criticism

A leading food industry expert has dismissed criticisms that manufacturing and packaging companied are too secretive about nanotechnology developments as a failure to understand the necessity to safeguard commercial confidentiality.

07-Oct-2011

Wire bristles went undetected, Kraft admits after product recall

Kraft Foods has moved to reassure customers, despite admitting that its food safety systems did not detect the potential contamination of cheese-containing products with wire bristles in 2 US factories.

Best targets Asian tiger with new sorting solution centre

Food sorting machinery specialist Belgian Electronic Sorting Company (Best) says it plans to target the Asian market following the opening of its fourth ‘sorting solution centre’.

News in brief

€250m funding for EHEC affected farmers

The EU Budgets Committee has agreed to give an additional €250m in funding to European fruit and vegetable producers to help prevent future food contamination crises.

Styrenics joint venture begins operations

A joint styrenics venture between two of the world’s biggest chemical companies has announced its official start of operations.

Boise reaches agreement to buy Hexacomb

Boise Inc said it has reached an agreement to take over the Hexacomb protective packaging business from Pregis Corporation for US$125m.

06-Oct-2011

EFSA highlights EU meat inspection inadequacies

A European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) report into the modernisation of meat inspection has found that current swine evaluations do not adequately deal with certain foodborne hazards.

News in brief

US cantaloupe listeria death toll rises to 18

The number of deaths being attributed to the US cantaloupe listeria outbreak has risen to 18, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Glass won't disappear, but novel jam 'cup' will win market share: EDV

Spanish firm EDV Packaging claims its new 'high barrier' plastic cup for fruit spreads provides an alternative to glass for food firms, although it can't compete on price quite yet.

Food processors set to benefit from revised carbon footprint standard - BSI

Food processors will be able to better calculate the carbon footprint of their manufacturing and supply chain thanks to revamped eco-guidelines, said the British Standards Institute (BSI).

Bosch trumpets performance and cost gains of new inverted horizontal flow wrapper

A reduction in film waste, fewer jams and superior product appearance are benefits claimed by Bosch Packaging Technology for its new inverted horizontal flow wrapper unveiled at last week’s Pack...

05-Oct-2011

ECMA expects its new GMP guide to become a core reference for EU carton makers

Safe packaging guide will be ‘core EU reference’, ECMA

The European Carton Makers Association (ECMA) has released a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guide aimed at ensuring the production of ‘food safe’ carton-board based packaging.

Prerequisite programmes – what plant managers need to know

Prerequisite safety programmes for packaging operations have developed hugely over the past five years but still rely on the commitment of plant managers to make them work, Graham Packaging’s Suzanne...

Walki eyes European expansion with Meuwissen acquisition

Walki Group said its takeover of Meuwissen Industrie BV will see it boost its position in key sectors and geographical markets.

Bioplastics can challenge conventional packaging - bioplastics expert

Bioplastic food packaging is getting “closer and closer” to its conventional plastic counterparts, and could soon challenge in the market, according to a bioplastics industry expert.

04-Oct-2011

Untapped juice potential in India

Sri Lanka could be a new South Asia hub for food manufacturers

The island nation of Sri Lanka could potentially be a new, inexpensive hub for food manufacturing companies wanting to tap the booming Indian food market, especially its southern parts.

News in brief

Food production waste has biofuel potential

The UK Institute of Food Research (IFR) is working with several other partners including Lotus cars to explore the potential uses of residual food production and agriculture material – including...

New 'tinted' milk caps will boost plastic recycling yields, Robert Wiseman

UK dairy processing giant Robert Wiseman Dairies is set to introduce a new 'tinted' milk cap that it claims will significantly increase the quantity of recycled plastic available for use...

News in brief

Sealed Air completes Diversey takeover

Sealed Air has announced the completion of its multi-billion dollar acquisition of Diversey.

INCPEN slams UK’s mixed messages on packaging

The UK Government must adopt a more consistent and coherent strategy to explain the vital role packaging plays in cutting food waste, said the head of packaging research body INCPEN.

Eurofins expands portfolio to meet food testing demands

Global food testing group Eurofins is expanding its portfolio to meet the increased demand for food safety testing.

GEA sells 'non-core' food packaging materials division

GEA Group has sold its food packaging materials division CFS Kempten to fellow German firm Conflex Packaging.

03-Oct-2011

Zero-landfill possible for polyolefins – PlasticsEurope

The entire 4.7m tonnes of rigid polyolefin (PO) waste produced in Europe annually could be diverted from landfill if the political will existed among governments across the region, according to...

Cracking down on environmental stress cracks in PET bottles

FoodProductionDaily.com caught up with Coca-Cola's Sally Potter at last week’s Pack Expo in Las Vegas to talk about the problem of environmental stress cracks (ESC) in PET bottles.

Amcor claims ‘breakthrough’ sustainable coffee packaging

Amcor Flexibles Europe & Americas has launched what it claims is an ‘innovative breakthrough in packaging’ for the coffee market.

Health authorities slammed after unpublicised E.coli outbreak

UK health safety authorities have been criticised for their handling of an unpublicised eight month E.coli outbreak which infected 250 and killed one.

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