Packaging
Clint’s in charge of crumb control
A hitherto automation-defying process has finally been brought up to date with the development of a Mitsubishi Electric Solution. Clint Johnson, of Control Freaks, has developed a machine for producing biscuit crumbs, breakfast cereal and snack foods – replacing a labour intensive manual process with one that, he says, guarantees consistent results. “The basic process […]
Co-op Denmark switches to LCD shelf labels
ZBD says its electronic shelf labels have helped the Co-op in Denmark reduce costs and increase efficiency. Owned by FDB, a co-operative with more than 1.7 million members, Co-op Denmark operates several retail chains – including Kvickly, SuperBrugsen and Dagli’Brugsen – and says it decided to make the switch from paper to electronic shelf labels […]
Innocent tops environmental packaging poll
Packaging professionals have named ‘Innocent’ their most admired brand for its environmental approach to packaging, according to a new survey. Put together by packaging trade show firm easyFairs, the survey questioned 289 packaging professionals, asking them a number of questions – one of which was to name a brand that they really admired for its […]
CKF and Clevertech join forces
CKF Systems, a specialist provider of robotic and automated solutions, has entered into a strategic alliance with Clevertech as the Italian industrial automation business looks to increase its UK sales. Clevertech’s range of palletising equipment includes high and low level layer palletisers, depalletisers and multi-brand solutions for jars, cans, trays and cases. Talks to forge […]
Seacatch nets a new freezing system
A flexible in-line freezing system from Starfrost has boosted business at a major UK seafood production facility. Seacatch provides various production services to the seafood industry, including product freezing, poaching, grading, glazing, bandsawing, packing and labelling, and handles around 100 metric tonnes of seafood products per week for suppliers and blue chip clients. Seacatch recently […]
Packaging firm rebrand
UK-based firm Food Packaging & Cakeboards has rebranded as Doric FPD. The company was acquired by the Manchester-based Doric Group in October 2009, safeguarding 115 jobs. “The rebrand is part of a wider corporate branding strategy and provides us with a solid platform for future growth,” says Doric Group chairman Peter Ward. “We are investing […]
Otter sustainability rewarded
The UK-based Otter Brewery in Luppitt, near Honiton, has scooped a prestigious industry award for its ‘market leading green ethos and unrivalled environmental commitment to producing quality beer’. The company won the ‘Best Sustainability’ category at the 2011 Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) Business Awards in London, having been praised for a range of green […]
Scotch in a can? That’s the spirit
Beer has traditionally been the outdoor and sporting event adult beverage of choice, partly due to convenient packaging. Now, however, whisky is getting in on the act, with Scottish Spirits Scotch Whisky in a can. New in the US, the can is equipped with a resealable latex lid that enables the product to stay fresh, […]
FDF issues angry response to labelling vote
The European Parliament has blocked changes to labelling that would have allowed new ‘percentage less’ claims on nutrition content, such as sugar, salt and fat – with MPs saying the new labels could have confused or misled consumers. “I am pleased that the European Parliament has defended the interests of health-conscious consumers, who need to […]
Business news, Food safety, Ingredients, Packaging, Regulatory, Sustainability
Fresh food frozen out
Taste tests commissioned by the British Frozen Food Federation (BFFF) have revealed that pub-goers could find ‘no obvious difference’ between fresh and frozen dishes. The research saw diners trying fresh and frozen versions of the same popular pub menu meals, including hunter’s chicken with mash, burger and chips, gammon and jacket potato, and fish and […]
TempTRIP system bears fruit
UK fresh fruit firm Blue Skies is using a time/temperature monitoring system from TempTRIP to help make sure that its products retain their quality as they travel from African fields to UK tables in as little as 48 hours. Blue Skies employs more than 2,000 people in Ghana, Egypt, South Africa and Brazil, and supplies […]
Linpac hopes for split pack hit
Multi-material packaging manufacturer Linpac Packaging has developed a range of split packs for both fresh and cooked meats in a bid, it says, to help consumers reduce the food waste they generate at home. The packs, which allow contents to be divided into separate portion-size compartments in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), mean consumers can store […]
Food safety, Ingredients, Packaging, Regulatory, Sustainability
A nose for nuisance odours
The science of smell is set to enhance strategies to minimise odour pollution associated with food processing, thanks to the development of a pioneering industrial scale ‘electronic nose’. Available in the UK for the first time, the technology can be used to help improve the control of odours associated with food production and on-site waste […]
2012 and beyond: future industry challenges revealed
The key scientific and technical needs facing the food and drink industry through 2012 and beyond have been published in a new report by food and drink research centre Campden BRI. The challenges facing the sector were identified through an extensive triennial consultation of its members, including producers of raw materials and ingredients, manufacturers and […]