Packaging
Industry agrees to publish meat test results
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has agreed with the food industry to publish the results of industry testing of meat products, to provide a clearer picture of standards in the food chain. It has also declared that the results will be made publicly available. The decision was taken at a meeting to address how testing […]
New Rexam plant flies flag in Finland
Global beverage can maker Rexam this week opened its new can manufacturing plant in Finland. Located in Mäntsälä in southern Finland, it is Rexam’s first plant in the country, and will employ around 100 local people. On completion of a second line, scheduled for 2014, the plant will have a capacity of approximately 1.35bn 330ml […]
Beneo chews over Isomalt findings
Following intensive trials of Beneo’s Isomalt in chewing gum centres, the Beneo-Technology Centre says it has shown that it can successfully replace the commonly used polyol mannitol, offering confectionery producers ‘an attractive commercial alternative, while maintaining the gum’s shape, chewability and texture’. The technology centre’s trials focused on the replacement of up to five per […]
Discovery Foods cleans up with new installation
Tortillas and wrap breads manufacturer Discovery Foods recently installed a standalone Panamatic 800 washing machine at its UK site in Milton Keynes. “As the wash programme is automatic, workers can be released for other duties while the system runs through its pre-programmed sequence. This is a significant step forward when compared with the time intensive […]
Vitafoods South America hoping to double debut size
Organisers of Vitafoods South America say they’re hoping that this year’s event will be double the size of last year’s debut show. The exhibition will feature around 200 leading global nutraceutical ingredients companies, including Copalis, Croda and Fortitech, as well as a raft of first-time exhibitors. This year’s show will comprise an exhibition and conference, […]
Four-finger victory for Nestlé
Nestlé has been allowed to stop rivals producing products in the shape of its famous four-finger KitKat after a European-wide ruling from the board of appeal at the Community Trade Mark Office (CTMO). “Having lost out to Cadbury before Christmas over the right to use the colour purple on its packaging, Nestlé will be delighted […]
Dairy upgrade puts brake on emissions
A UK dairy company has just completed a £1.1 million (€1.3m) upgrade ‘to encourage greener ways of working’. The work was carried out by Clegg Food Projects at Dairy Crest’s site in Derbyshire. A new link building between the milk bottling site and the adjacent factory that makes plastic bottles means there is a reduced […]
Campden BRI predicts ‘weighty’ industry issues
This year will be a landmark one for the food and drink industry as it faces some ‘weighty issues’ that need to be addressed, predicts Campden BRI. The food and drink research organisation predicts that products aimed at consumer health – particularly in relation to weight management and calorie control – will be one of […]
Plastics recycling targets ‘overstretched’
BPI Films has warned that increased plastics recycling targets will increase costs and damage existing recovery infrastructure . The claim was made by BPI managing director Andrew Green at the launch of its new £2 million (€2.4m) co-extrusion line. “We have absolutely no issue with stretching recycling targets. Indeed, as the largest recycler of polythene film […]
July/August 2013
Confectionery Labelling Cartoning & sleeving Show Preview: Drinktec
Hovis to cut 900 jobs
Hovis bread maker Premier Foods has announced that it is to close two UK bakeries and cut 900 jobs as part of plans to overhaul the struggling business. The company has seen its Hovis division hit by intense competition in the bread market and a surge in wheat prices caused by poor weather. The worst-hit […]
Top of the crops
The protection of plants from pests and diseases is vital. So too is the future sustainability of pesticides. Dr Richard Stanley, principal agronomist at Campden BRI, explains
Food safety, Ingredients, Packaging, Regulatory, Sustainability
Prestigious green award for Continuum Recycling
Continuum Recycling – ECO Plastics’ joint venture with Coca-Cola Enterprises (CCE) – has been recognised at the Green Business Awards 2012. Sam Richardson, representing ECO Plastics, and CCE’s Patrick McGuirk accepted the Partnership Award given in recognition of Continuum’s impact on the domestic recycling sector, as well as for the partnership’s ongoing engagement with supply […]
FIR consultation launched
Defra is asking UK businesses and consumers for their views on plans for new legislation to improve the information provided to shoppers, allowing them to make informed choices about the food they buy. The updated legislation will implement the European Union food labelling legislation (Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011) and will also reflect current industry practice […]