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Headlines > November 2004

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30-Nov-2004

Lock launches washdown-resistant metal detector

Lock Inspection Systems has developed the X-treme metal detector liner, designed to withstand intensive washdown environments found in meat and poultry processing.

Shell launches equipment-protecting hydraulic oil

Shell has launched a new generation of hydraulic oils, Shell Tellus and Shell Tellus Premium, designed to achieve better equipment wear protection.

Campbell invests in software to achieve savings

Food manufacturer Campbell Soup has installed global product lifecycle management (PLM) software to achieve cost savings in an operation that generates annual revenues of $5 billion.

Report reveals fragility of Canadian beef industry

The Canadian beef industry has lost an estimated $5 billion (€3.8 bn) since the discovery of a single BSE-infected cow in Canada last year, according to a new report from...

RPC launches biodegradable PLA packaging range

RPC Bebo Nederland has launched a range of biodegradable containers manufactured in the pioneering Polylactide (PLA) material.

29-Nov-2004

Alcan launches opaque yoghurt packaging

Alcan Packaging is supplying yoghurt manufacturer Müller with packs for the launch of the latest product in its Yogz brand portfolio.

Sealed Air supplies secure whisky case sealers

UK contract packaging firm Drampac has purchased its fourteenth CRC case sealer from packaging equipment supplier Selaed Air.

Flint announces packaging ink price increase

Flint Ink North America has announced a price increase for packaging ink products ranging from 5 to 7 per cent depending on ink type. The increase, effective 1 December 2004,...

Amcor awarded for new flow pack opening system

Amcor Flexibles has been awarded a Swiss Star by judges from Switzerland's Packaging Institute for an innovative new flow pack opening system.

Revamped chocolate liqueur line to bolster Christmas sales

Elizabeth Shaw, the UK confectioner, is set to exploit the burgeoning trend for luxury chocolates, launching a revamped packaging line in time to penetrate the lucrative Christmas market, Tom Armitage...

26-Nov-2004

EU discusses state-of-the-art CAP monitoring

The first ever EU conference on control with remote sensing (CwRS) of area-based subsidies held in a new member state takes place in Budapest, Hungary today.

TMI doubles bacon capacity to fill sandwich market

TMI Foods has doubled bacon production capacity to take advantage of the ongoing explosion in the domestic ready-made sandwich market.

Emballage 2004 reveals innovative packaging trends

New innovations at Emballage 2004 reveal how the packaging sector is responding to both changing consumer trends and tighter legislation.

KHS launches high-output crate inspection system

KHS Metec has developed a crate inspection system, equipped with cutting edge detection modules, that boasts an output capacity up to 5,000 crates per hour.

Artificial throat to cut development costs for food makers

Scientists have unveiled the first artificial throat for the food industry that could lead to reduced development costs and faster flavour development for food makers, writes Lindsey Partos.

25-Nov-2004

Packaging breakthrough promises to replace foil

A new, technologically advanced heat-sealable metallised OPP film, designed to replace the foil and sealant in traditional paper-polyethylene-foil-polyethylene (PPFP) structures, has been developed.

S+S launches value-added metal detector

German firm S+S Metallsuchgeräte und Recyclingtechnik has enhanced its metal detection range with the introduction of the Genius Quattro control technology.

New innovations at IPA reveal current trends

The IPA food processing exhibition in Paris is now into its second last day, and the general impression is that the show has been a success.

Half of US food goes to waste

As the US celebrates Thanksgiving, a new study reveals that almost half the food in the country goes to waste - a statistic that should alarm an industry that is...

24-Nov-2004

Atiashevsky sees growth from MAP investment

Investment in a new modified atmosphere packaging line will help Russian meat processor Atiashevsky to offer products of a higher quality and a longer shelf life to its major customers...

IPA 2004: GEA pushes new filtration technology

A number of innovations in membrane filtration and separation that promise processors increased efficiency are on display at GEA's processing and separation stand at IPA 2004.

Mondi stretches potential of packaging flexibility

Austrian packaging giant Mondi is promoting a new range of flexible packaging that it believes reflects current consumer trends in Northern Europe.

Ladco consolidates chocolate equipment capabilities

Ladco Advanced Engineering, the parent company of Scotland-based MacIntyre Chocolate Systems, has acquired Petzholdt-Heidenauer International, in a bid to extend both companies' global reach in the competitive chocolate processing machinery...

Klöckner launches new freezer grade films

A new line of Pentafood vinyl films offering what is claimed to be exceptional cold crack properties for food packaging applications has been launched by Klöckner Pentaplast.

Ice crystals in ice cream are no more

Danisco believes it has made ice crystals in ice cream a thing of the past by creating a technology that will help manufacturers control heat shock, reports Philippa Nuttall.

Tetra Pak aims to exceed regulatory demands

At IPA 2004, in Paris, Tetra Pak is displaying a range of products it believes will help processors exceed regulatory obligations and offer cutting edge production techniques. Anthony Fletcher reports.

23-Nov-2004

Linde showcases cryogenic freezing range

Linde Gas is showcasing a new range of crygenic freezing applications at IPA 2004 in Paris. FoodProductionDaily.com took a look.

Barriquand launches world's largest rotary steriliser

French sterilisation firm Barriquand has unveiled the world's largest rotary machine, capable of sterilising up to five cubic metres of product.

Crown Zeller makes beverage dispensing acquisition

Crown Zeller USA has purchased a 49 per cent stake in Torres & Towers, a privately held enterprise manufacturing beverage closures. The move will help add economies of scales to...

Scholle boosts presence in European boxed wine

US-based Scholle has acquired all of the shares of Flextainer, aFrench packaging company. The move is expected to increase Scholle's presence in the European boxed-wine packaging category.

Multivac launches cutting edge traysealer

Multivac has unveiled a comprehensive new range of packaging machines at Emballage 2004 in Paris, France. The star of the show, according to Multivac spokeswoman Sandrine Lettelier, is the T350,...

22-Nov-2004

Plastic bag bill promises to clean up Scotland

Liberal Democrat MSP Mike Pringle tells FoodProductionDaily.com how his private bill to place a levy on plastic bags in Scotland will benefit retailers, consumers and the environment. Anthony Fletcher reports....

Job cuts at Symrise to up competitiveness

Job cuts and production consolidation for the number four flavours group Symrise as the equity fund-owned firm says nearly 600 jobs will go by the end of 2006.

Herma joins RFID alliance

German self-adhesive label specialist Herma has joined the internationally active RFID working group Licon Logistics asa new member. The move taps into the growing alliance between packaging providers created by...

19-Nov-2004

Recyclable moisture barrier packaging developed

Appleton has introduced a linerboard for food packaging that features a moisture barrier coating.

Multi-purpose packaging quality tester launched

A new system that offers both pressure loss measurement and packaging seal strength has been launched.

Appleton aims to cut RFID trial costs for suppliers

A partnership initiative that promises to underwrite a portion of supplier costs associated with RFID trials has been launched.

Spectrolab launches automated x-ray inspection

A new ultra high speed automated X-ray inspection system capable of detecting on-line practically any undesirable contaminant in practically any type of product has been launched.

Are biodegradable plastic bags the answer to cutting waste?

Biodegradable plastic bags have been developed in Canada, but evidence from Ireland suggests that the most effective means of cutting down on plastic bag pollution is to introduce a tax....

Inconclusive BSE test: no cause for alarm, says USDA

An inconclusive BSE test has been recorded in the US, but the government is insisting that there is no cause for alarm.

Food irradiation, ongoing support from IFT

Leading food science body the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) defends the oft-criticised use of food irradiation in food production, brushing away criticisms that this technology could harm human health.

18-Nov-2004

Elopak develops carton for South African market

Elopak, the Norwegian-based packaging group, has designed a carton which it hopes will allow it to exploit the growing opportunity for dairy-based beverages in the South African market, Tom Armitage...

Don't worry about RFID deadline, says expert

An RFID expert argues that suppliers shouldn't worry about the 1 January deadline, but instead concentrate on just getting on with installing the technology.

Oil-free compressed air for food processors launched

Engineered Air provider FS-Elliott has launched a compressor for food and beverage processors that it claims offers 100 per cent oil-free, particulate filtered air.

Starbucks joins recycled packaging revolution

Starbucks has promised to use beverage packaging containing 10 per cent recycled material from 2005, though environmentalists have criticised the corporation's commitment.

EC rules against German spirits subsidy

The European Commission has decided that a German subsidy scheme for the producers of Kornbranntwein, a brandy made out of corn, is in breach of European Union State aid rules...

17-Nov-2004

Russian juice maker upgrades production as volumes surge

Troy-Ultra, the St. Petersburg-based juice maker, is to invest €3 million in upgrading and expanding production capacity in order to meet growing demand for its products, writes Angela Drujinina. The...

Inventory software cuts supply chain costs

Four European food firms have managed to reduce administrative and supply chain costs after installing inventory optimisation software.

Tetra Prisma - the future of wine packaging?

A US wine maker is packaging its Vendange product in 500ml Tetra Prisma containers, in a bid to break out of the confines of traditional wine packaging.

Brand protected through packaging coding system

UK snack manufacturer Ginsters has installed a package coding management system (PCMS) in order to increase packaging and coding accuracy and protect its lucrative brand name.

Brand awareness driven by natural packaging

Two beverage companies in the US have adopted natural biodegradable packaging to help them differentiate their new products in what is a highly competitive marketplace. Anthony Fletcher reports.

Fish processors discover benefits of recycling

An innovative Australian scheme to recycle thousands of tonnes of fish processing waste could dramatically cut down the need for landfill space, save food processors money and, in the end,...

16-Nov-2004

Russian baker confirms GM-free status

Russian consumers are just as concerned about whether they are unwittingly eating genetically-modified (GM) foods as their counterparts in most of the rest of Europe, and companies such as baker...

Delhaize US subsidiary improves supply chain

US retailer Food Lion has joined the ONE Retail network, a system that connects retailers, suppliers and transportation partners on a distributed transaction layer with network-wide visibility.

Will steel prices normalise in 2005?

World steel consumption is still being driven by strong Chinese demand, and steel giant Arcelor's third quarter results underline this trend, writes Anthony Fletcher. But is the end of high...

Cost-effective RFID installation launched

Two IT solutions providers have formed an alliance in order to offer customers with a flexible and cost-effective method of linking bar coding and Radio Frequency Identification.

Flexible packaging guide outlines good practice

A new study designed to help packaging firms appreciate the key factors influencing the integrity of heat processed rigid and flexible containers has been published.

Northern's poor results reflect processing difficulties

Northern Foods' poor interim results for the 26 weeks to 2 October 2004 reveal how the pressures on food manufacturers are impacting profits.

15-Nov-2004

Huhtamaki launches single-use biodegrable packaging

Finnish packaging giant Huhtamaki has launched a complete range of single-use cold drink cups, plates, containers and cutlery based on renewable raw materials.

Finger print technology for brand protection

Sherwood Technology has developed a new generation colour change technique to fight counterfeiting in the food industry.

New waxed cheese labelling method launched

Direct labelling on to whole waxed cheeses has always presented a particularly challenging set of requirements for the labeling sector.

Unilever closes facility as part of regional outsourcing plan

Unilever Philippines has said that it will shut down its Las Piñas food production plant as part of moves to increase regional efficiencies through outsourcing.

Food firm reaps benefits of enterprise software

Private-label food manufacturer Berner Foods has increased efficiency, visibility and productivity as a result of installing enterprise software.

11-Nov-2004

EU re-ignites Atlantic beef dispute over hormones

The EU has initiated a dispute against Canada and the United States in the World Trade Organisation (WTO) over the continued imposition of sanctions against EU exports because of the...

New rice carton targets premium-end market

Designer packaging for staple foods such as rice may still be a novel idea, but could catch on following the success of Riseria Taverne.

Traceability revolution a golden opportunity, says industry expert

The drive towards complete supply chain traceability is putting incredible pressure on food manufacturers, especially private-label processors. But one industry expert believes that the industry must view this revolution as...

10-Nov-2004

Russia facing meat supply crisis

Russia's meat processing sector could be on the verge of collapse, with declining cattle numbers reducing domestic production and government moves to reduce low cost imports combing to create a...

Orkla launches bid for snacks firm

Norwegian firm Orkla has closed in on a takeover deal for Finnish snack firm Chips with a view to dominating established snack industries in Scandinavia and rising markets in Russia,...

Legislative changes drive new food standard

A new version of the globally recognised British Retail Consortium (BRC) Food Standard is about to be published next month, with a view to coming into force on 1 June 2005.

Oxygen scavenging packaging cuts spoilage

A new range of oxygen absorbents promises to help dairy processors and cheese manufacturers better protect their products from spoilage.

New feed body promises to ensure supply chain safety

The opening of the Community Reference Laboratory (CRL) for the authorisation of feed additives follows recent concern over additive and antibiotic residues entering the food chain.

RFID-enabled cold chain monitoring to cut costs

An innovative RFID-enabled cold chain consignment monitoring service allows fresh food producers to trace their products across the globe and achieve potential cost efficiency savings. Anthony Fletcher reports.

Rexam buys out China can manufacturer

Rexam, the UK-based global packaging company, has reached an agreement to acquire the 40 per cent shareholding it does not own in the Chinese beverage can business, Rexam Beverage Can...

09-Nov-2004

Russia: Niche packaging markets showing growth

A number of lucrative niche markets are opening up in the Russian food packaging industry, nestling alongside broader trends towards convenient, lighter packaging, as Chris Mercer finds out.

Russia: Flexible packaging set to dominate

Consumers and producers are united in their desire for lighter, functional packaging on the Russian food market, driving the development of plastics and paper in the dairy, bakery and confectionery...

Industry has no choice but to accept steel increases

EU steel producers are likely to push through price increases in the new year, and packaging firms and machinery makers will have no choice but to accept them, writes Anthony...

Advanced terpolymers developed for better packaging

Borealis has developed new advanced Borseal terpolymers to improve biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP), a raw material used in clear film packaging.

New product hits growing protective packaging sector

Automated Packaging Systems has launched a third-generation protective packaging system to take advantage of a sector that is predicted to grow by 5.2 per cent annually through to 2008.

Factory of the Year shows future of food production

A food plant that saved £10.4 million over four years by revolutionising its business philosophy has been named as the UK's Factory of the Year. Anthony Fletcher finds out how...

Deloitte paints accurate picture of RFID adoption

An interesting new report looks behind the headlines about Wal-Mart and Metro roll-out programmes and asks to what extend RFID technology has been embraced by both large and small companies....

08-Nov-2004

Zebra launches fully upgradable RFID encoders

Zebra has launched two new RFID printer/encoders that can be easily upgraded in the likely event that RFID protocols and standards will change in the future.

Ice cream packaging concept to lure impulsive UK consumers

A UK firm has come up with an innovative packaging and processing solution that will allow smaller retailers to create their own branded ice-cream products at the point of sale...

German dairy modernises curd cheese operations

A German dairy processor has attempted to shake up the complacency of the sector by investing in more innovative packaging and aggressively seeking to modernise its production operations.

Freight and fuel prices drive need for operational efficiency

Tightening freight capacity and rising fuel prices have forced food companies to rethink how they deliver value to the enterprise, how they plan transportation loads, and how they measure and...

Dutch potato contamination highlights traceability issue

Contamination of potato by-products at a Dutch potato processing company was discovered last week, raising immediate health and safety concerns.

05-Nov-2004

Northern Foods sells business to relieve profit squeeze

UK-based manufacturer Northern Foods has agreed the £12.6 million sale of Cavaghan & Gray Seafood (C&GS) chilled and frozen fish business to IFP Holdings, a subsidiary of Icelandic Group (IFP)....

Non-PVC stretch wrap to shake up US film market

The distributor of a non-PVC stretch wrap believes that its innovation could shake up the $700 million North American stretch film market and beyond.

Alcan pushes green credentials after solid 3Q results

Alcan's membership of the Global Greenhouse Gas Register, a move that follows solid third quarter results despite historically high raw material costs, underlines the current trend towards greener corporate governance....

DeltaTRAK launches RFID humidity sensor

Testing equipment manufacturer DeltaTRAK has launched the FlashLink Wireless System, a temperature and humidity sensor that expands the use of RFID technology in food production.

04-Nov-2004

Stora Enso moves into Polish packaging

Swedish-Finnish packaging giant, Stora Enso, has bought it way into the increasingly lucrative Polish market by taking a majority stake in one of the country's leading pulp and paper suppliers.

Smithfield consolidates central European base

Poland's largest meat processor has increased its domination of the market after buying up one of its biggest rivals and has also expanded operations in Romania - pre-empting future EU...

Soufflet expands Ukrainian malt business

Ukraine's largest malt house is to receive more than €9 million in outside funding to double its production capacity - helping French company Soufflet to dominate the region and make...

Linde looks to future energy source with no emissions

Technology group Linde is sponsoring a project at the Christian-Albrechts-Universität in Kiel that could produce a renewable energy source with no emissions. Anthony Fletcher reports.

Report predicts boom in premium packaging

Western Europe's frozen food packaging sector is predicted to grow strongly, and there will be greater emphasis on both environmentally-friendly and premium packaging in the future, according to a new...

RPC launches biodegradable packaging range

A range of biodegradable Polylactide (PLA) containers targeted at environmentally-conscious food packagers has been launched.

UK drives to cut down packaging waste

A groundbreaking £8 million initiative to stimulate innovative packaging design and at the same time significantly reduce food and packaging waste has been launched in the UK.

03-Nov-2004

Carr's doubles flour business

A major UK milling company is set to double the size of its flour business by acquiring two new flour mills, giving the company a good footing in new regional...

Electricity-free food production for the developing world

A production system that requires no electricity, generator or running water has been created for food applications in the developing world.

EVAL completes world's largest EVOH resin plant

EVAL Europe's ethylene vinyl-alcohol (EVOH) copolymer resin plant in Antwerp has become the largest EVOH manufacturing plant in the world.

Benefits of poultry antibiotics may outweigh risks

The potential benefits to human health associated with the use of antibiotics in chicken may outweigh the potential risks, according to a risk-benefit analysis carried out by scientists in the...

Avery Dennison develops thermal labelstock

Avery Dennison Roll Materials Europe has launched a direct thermal self-adhesive paper labelstock that it claims offers the same characteristics as more robust thermal transfer labelstocks.

02-Nov-2004

Microwaves driving Polish packaging revolution

Fast-living Poles are continuing to drive a ready meal revolution across their country as the invasion of microwaves into consumer homes grows - bringing plastic trays and cartons to the...

Bunge buys Rostov base to exploit Russian grain growth

Russia's burgeoning grain ouput, which has risen by 9 million tons in the last year alone, has lured a major international food company to set up a new grain export...

Metro's supplier RFID deadline arrives

German retail group Metro has today begun rolling out its radio frequency identification (RFID) programme.

Grimsby: The future brewing capital of the UK?

Grimsby, a UK town known for its food production, believes it has the ideal transport infrastructure, customer base and cold storage capacity to become the country's brewing capital.

Borealis develops clear freezable packaging

Packaging firm Borealis has introduced Borpact SG930MO, a clarified polypropylene (PP) plastic, to satisfy growing consumer demand for transparent packaging that is deep freeze resistant.

Beer bottle filler promises top quality performance

KHS has launched a computer-controlled, short-tube beer bottle filler that it claims offers packagers some of the best results possible.

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