Increased payload and wider reach: Sidel's M version of CoboAccess™_Pal answers growing cobotic palletising needs

The trend to reduce End-of-Line production cost in low-speed lines by replacing manual palletising operations with compact and user-friendly cobotic palletisers continues to rise – especially due to the very fast Return on Investment of these solutions. Nevertheless, the spread of this still rather new automation technology has often been limited by its payload capability and working envelope. But today, Sidel launch an extension to their CoboAccess_Pal cobotic palletising range featuring the highest case payload on the market in its category.   The new M version of Sidel’s cobotic palletiser features a Yaskawa HC20, allowing for a case payload of up to 14 kg with a very significant reach of 1,700 mm – thus addressing the two most sought after factors for palletising. “Sidel are the first in Europe to embed the Yaskawa HC20 for palletising tasks. With the CoboAccess_Pal M version, we can now answer a wider scope of palletising needs within the Food, Home and Personal Care segments,” says Florian Marlot, product manager for the CoboAccess_Pal platform at Sidel.       Reaching any expected pallet height up to 1,900 mm and speeds up to 6 cycles per minute, the equipment still allows for free and safe interactions between the operators and the fenceless cell. Florian Marlot explains: “Cobotics is an increasingly crucial asset in End-of-Line operations. It reduces End-of-Line production cost while improving the operators’ working conditions, freeing them from the very strenuous manual palletising tasks.”   Delivering maximum performance on a reduced overall footprint, CoboAccess_Pal M version maintains the best attributes of Sidel’s established cobotic palletising range. It still includes its proven industrial automation platform based on PC and PLC, guaranteeing high machine reliability and fast machine re-start after stoppages. Moreover, the intuitive HMI offers a user-friendly experience. Also, PalDesigner®, which has been used on the market to this end for many years across various Sidel palletising solutions, allows for an autonomous new format and pallet pattern creation.   “Almost two years after the initial launch of the S version and with more than 50 installed units, this latest expansion of our portfolio is perfectly completing our range of cobotic palletisers to answer any type of need,” concludes Florian Marlot.

Glass Packaging Is The Top Choice For Environmentally Conscious Consumers, New Survey Reveals

Summary   Half of consumers buying more products in glass packaging than in 2016, and 9 in 10 would recommend glass as the  best packaging   Purchasing decisions increasingly driven by recyclability and environmental considerations   Results come as ‘Close the Glass Loop’ value chain stakeholders meet today to discuss how to further improve collection and recycling of glass     Brussels, 22 April 2020 – As industries, businesses and politicians make strong commitments to initiatives like the European Green Deal and theUN Sustainable Development Goals, consumers all over Europe are taking more and more steps to reduce their environmental footprint – and latest figures from the glass industry show that awareness of recycling and environmental impact is increasingly driving everyday purchasing decisions.    An independent consumer research survey carried out among more than 10,000 consumers across 13 European countries, commissioned by Friends of Glass and the European Container Glass Federation (FEVE), reveals that people are buying more glass than ever before: half of consumers are now buying more products in glass packaging than three years ago. At the same time, 9 in 10 people would recommend glass as the best packaging material to friends and family; an 11% increase compared to 2016.   These findings are driven by the high recyclability of glass, along with a growing consumer awareness of its environmental credentials. With an extensive network of local recycling facilities and made from recycled glass and raw materials (sand, soda ash, limestone) found in nature, glass is 100% and infinitely recyclable in a local closed loop system, making recycled glass a vital resource for new production. In fact, 2 in 5 consumers actively choose glass over other packaging materials specifically because they see it as more recyclable than any other packaging.     Sustainability matters for consumers   According to the survey, the environmental impact of packaging is seen as an important decision driver in food and beverage purchases, with the majority of consumers (3 in 4) ‘highly concerned’ about littering of food containers and 1 in 3 respondents citing this as their most important consideration. At the same time, 46% of Europeans state that they have significantly decreased their consumption of plastic to prevent littering in the environment.   Glass consistently scores as the most environmentally-friendly packaging material: overwhelmingly, it comes out on top in addressing contamination and environmental issues, particularly when it comes to avoiding food littering (glass rated ‘best in class’ by 43% of respondents), avoiding packaging waste (by 43% of respondents) and addressing climate change (by 48% of respondents).   The findings also reveal that the vast majority of consumers are recycling their glass packaging: 84% of Europeans state that they collect their glass separately for recycling, with 8 in 10 correctly disposing of caps and lids separately. Taking used glass to a local bottle bank is considered the most convenient disposal method across Europe.     A step in the right direction towards a Circular Economy   All these figures mark a step in the right direction towards a Circular Economy in Europe and achieving important sustainability goals, such as a real glass recycling rate of 70% by 2025, and 75% by 2030 per country. To this end, the glass industry is rolling out ‘Close the Glass Loop’ – an industry platform to increase the quantity and quality of recycled glass by establishing a material stewardship programme that will result in more post-consumer collection and bottle-to-bottle recycling. This includes industry and municipal efforts to establish separate collection networks, coupled with communication tools to engage citizens to separate and sort their glass waste for recycling. The results are released on the same day that ‘Close the Glass Loop’ stakeholders are holding an online conference to discuss how to improve collection and recycling of glass throughout the value chain.   In parallel, the industry is making rapid strides in becoming climate neutral: for the first time ever, a large group of European container glass manufacturers have joined forces to build the ‘Furnace of the Future’ – the world’s first large-scale hybrid electric furnace to run on 80% green electricity, set to replace current fossil-fuel energy sources and cut CO2 emissions by 50%. Due to be operational by 2022, the furnace will be able to melt all kinds of glass together with recycled glass – thereby dramatically reducing CO2 emissions.   Commenting on the survey results, Michael Delle Selve, Senior Communications Manager of FEVE, the European Container Glass Federation said: “As we prepare to mark another Earth Day, it’s heartening to see that not only is glass recycling on the rise across Europe, with a collection rate of 76%, but that the benefits of glass packaging and recycling are strongly resonating with consumers. Our ambition is to achieve both a collection rate of 90% by 2030 and full recycling of collected glass packaging – so that people don’t just recycle, but recycle more and better. At the end of the day, we all get out what we put in, which is why we’re urging everyone to join us in our effort to collect and recycle every single glass bottle. It’s simple, easy to do and it’ll make a huge impact on our planet and a huge difference for future generations.”   For more information on this European survey and to access the detailed findings, please visit news.friendsofglass.com. Results are also available at a country level.    -ENDS-  

New FHA-HoReCa Hospitality 4.0 pavilion transforms concepts to reality

Time：2022-05-10~2022-05-13

Area：Singapore Expo

Euromonitor forecasts that global consumer foodservice is to grow by 24 per cent to US$3.7 trillion by 2023. The Asia Pacific markets are expected to make up half of that. Once a pipe dream for businesses in the region, digitalisation and automation are now impacting consumer experience in a big way, from enhancing business efficiency to completely changing the guest experience as we know it. New at FHA-HoReCa, held 13 to 16 July 2020 at Singapore Expo, the Hospitality 4.0 pavilion will be a platform for solution providers and start-ups to demonstrate innovative technologies, and visitors to learn best practices from subject experts. A showcase of the future, the Hospitality 4.0 pavilion conceptualised by WY-TO is a human-centric, sustainable vision of how disruptive technologies, robotics, VR, and AI will be seamlessly integrated to enhance the personal experience. Designed with organic shapes, smooth circulations, see-through systems and natural materials, this highly crafted ensemble is perceived as a ‘Forest’. This feeling is strengthened by the start-up pods, envisioned as the ‘seeds of tomorrow’ growing along the visitor’s journey through the area. The vertical rhythm given by the wooden elements through the entire pavilion reminds the visitors of a walk in the woods, passing by a forest clearing as well as three singular shelters – highlighting top and trending innovations from across the globe for the hospitality sector. The biophilic and futuristic design of the Hospitality 4.0 pavilion is inspired from nature and offers a whole range of diverse spaces and experiences: • Start-up Village – a community of creators and innovative businesses displaying new solutions such as 3D food printing, self-service equipment, waste management systems and more within the HoReCa sector. • Showcase areas – product and service demonstrations such as service robots, AR menus to remote controlled kitchens within the Hotel, Kitchen and Restaurant segments. • Dreamcatcher Theatre – industry thought leaders will share insights on topics ranging from design to new technologies, sustainability to market opportunities and trends. Confirmed speakers include senior representatives from ASOLIDPLAN, Fairmont Singapore & Swissôtel The Stamford, Ovum, Sodexo, The Ritz-Carlton, TripAdvisor and WWF to name a few. “Technology advancement has made it possible to fast track ideas that normally take decades to bear fruit. Noting the importance for industry professionals to have their fingers on the pulse of innovation, we implemented Hospitality 4.0 zone for the very purpose of demonstrating the ways advancements in technology can make a difference in the foodservice and hospitality value chain,” said Mr. Martyn Cox, Event Director, Hospitality, Food & Beverage, Informa Markets, organiser of FHA-HoReCa. --FHA-HoReCa: Meet the World’s Leading HoReCa Suppliers in Asia-- Where world’s leading hotels, restaurants and café suppliers will gather to showcase the latest foodservice & hospitality equipment, products and services across five key profiles – Bakery, Pastry & Gelato; Foodservice & Hospitality Equipment; Hospitality Style; Hospitality Technology; and Speciality Coffee & Tea – serving discerning distributors, importers, manufacturers and retailers from Asia, all under one roof. For more information, please visit www.fhahoreca.com. --Event At A Glance-- FHA-HoReCa Date: 13 – 16 July 2020 Venue: Singapore Expo Website: https://www.fhahoreca.com/ Featuring: Bakery, Pastry & Gelato; Foodservice & Hospitality Equipment; Hospitality Style; Hospitality Technology; Speciality Coffee & Tea Visitor pre-registration: https://fhapwa.com/

Plastic packaging still confronting sustainability challenges

The coronavirus has only helped to underscore the importance of plastic packaging when it comes to keeping food contamination-free and to preserving its freshness and usability for longer. This is particularly vital now, given how millions of people worldwide are sheltering in place, and doing their best to make their provisions stretch.   But the COVID-19 pandemic has also accelerated another trend that has a major impact on product packaging -- e-commerce. Online shopping already was showing strong growth, but the current stay-at-home phenomenon has only increased demand. An even broader awakening to the convenience of delivery to your doorstep may forever reshape parts of the retail sector.   An April 4 story by DigitalCommerce360 cites data to underscore the current trends.   In North America, it reported, the number of online orders for web-only online retailers soared 52% year-over-year in the United States and Canada for the period of March 22 through April 4, according to an online tracker from marketing platform Emarsys and analytics platform GoodData. Revenue for web-only retailers in the U.S. and Canada was up 30% year-over-year for the period.   In the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region during the same two-week period, year-over-year transactions for web-only retailers grew by 23%, according to Emarsys/GoodData. During the same period, year-over-year revenue was up 19% in the region.     E-commerce growing sharply   Virus or not, retail e-commerce is rising sharply. New York-based consumer research firm Statista Inc. said that U.S. online retail sales of physical goods amounted to $365.2 billion in 2019, and projects that will rise to nearly $600 billion in 2024.   Consider also that China’s annual, 24-hour online shopping spree known as Single’s Day -- last held on Nov. 11, 2019 -- generated record sales estimated at some $38 billion.   The darker side of such a sales boom relates to the impact on the environment of so much product packaging. China’s State Post Bureau reported that e-commerce giants delivered 1.88 billion packages from Nov. 11 to Nov. 16 last year, an annual increase of almost 26%. Greenpeace estimated that the waste generated exceeded 250,000 tonnes.   The volume of packaging material used by China's e-commerce and express delivery sectors hit 9.4 million tonnes last year, and is on course to more than quadruple to 41.3 million tonnes by 2025 if they keep up the rate of increase, according to Greenpeace and other non-government bodies.     Sustainability still important   So, booming e-commerce offers sales growth for key sectors as well as greater convenience (and safety) now for many, but it clearly comes at a cost. While public health trumps sustainability concerns at the moment, it’s clear that the packaging sector cannot afford to take its collective eye off the ball when it comes to being eco-conscious.   As Dow Inc. CEO Jim Fitterling mentioned in ANTEC 2020 virtual conference on March 31: The COVID-19 crisis is going to end, "but the air we breathe, our water and the land we live on is here forever. And we can't afford to lose the momentum that we've started to gain already to safeguard the environment and help us move to a more circular economy."   Leaders in the European Union also are concerned that the current virus-driven economic slump will cause the focus on sustainability to wane, writing in a joint statement in mid-April, “We should withstand the temptations of short-term solutions in response to the present crisis that risk locking the EU in a fossil fuel economy for decades to come.”    These conditions offer both extreme challenges and enormous opportunities for brand owners, consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies, and for those designing and manufacturing the packaging.     Multiple approaches being pursued   Such firms are exploring and advancing multiple strategies to address these issues, including increased plastics recycling, more reusable packaging, greater use of biomaterials, reduced material use, and design for circularity. Package designers also need to take into account the different priorities for on-shelf vs. e-commerce products. Eye-catching package design is less vital for products sold online than in the store, but ensuring the shipped product arrives at its destination undamaged is vital.   Advances in these areas take diverse forms, but consider the efforts being by CPGs to redesign the e-commerce-friendly and highly popular –– but largely unrecyclable –– flexible pouches to make them more eco-friendly. This mostly involves finding a way to convert those pouches’ multilayer, multimaterial constructions, which till now have been needed to protect the contents from such unwelcome factors such as moisture, oxygen, and ultraviolet light, into recyclable, mono-material structures.   For example: mono-material pouches   Several advances are happening in this area. Austria’s Mondi Group, for just one example, worked with several partners for four years to develop an all-polyethyelene, stand-up pouch for Germany’s Werner & Mertz GmbH to use with its Frosch-brand detergent. This patented pouch features detachable decorative panels on both sides, to help enable easier recycling.     ▲ Mondi helped develop this fully recyclable, all-PE pouch   Another new technology, called AeroFlexx and developed by Procter & Gamble Co., enables liquid packaging in a flexible yet rigid package. Made with coextruded flexible film, the product leverages compressed air to inflate specific portions of the pouch, specifically along the edges, to bring a degree of rigidity not otherwise possible in a flexible package.   An AeroFlexx package uses half the plastic needed to blow mold a traditional bottle and can be delivered as roll stock to a filling facility, meaning it is easier to ship throughout the supply chain. In addition to significantly reducing plastic at the source, the Chicago-based company’s vision is to be 100% recycle ready by 2025. While enabling seamless, edge-to-edge artwork, AeroFlexx also features a no-leak, self-sealing valve that offers easy, one-handed operation by the consumer.     ▲ An AeroFlexx pouch uses half the plastic as a comparably sized, blow molded bottle     Loop platform touts reusability   New Jersey recycler TerraCycle Inc., meanwhile, is taking a completely different approach with its Loop circular shopping platform. Loop has gained support from many of the world’s best-known brands, ranging from Unilever, PepsiCo, and Nestlé to Danone, Procter & Gamble, and UPS.   ▲The Loop circular shopping platform aims to get brand owners to develop durable, reusable packages that get picked up, sanitized and reused over and over again.   The Loop system uses UPS to ship a variety of food, household cleaning, and personal-care products in a reusable and collapsible, padded container called the Loop tote. The products are dispensed from reusable containers, which are returned in the same reusable tote when empty. Some have dubbed it “the milkman model,” in a nod to the old days when milk was delivered to your doorstep in glass bottles, which were later collected, cleaned, and reused.   Loop,” maintains TerraCycle founder and CEO Tom Szaky, “is an engine for CPGs to shift from disposable products that consumers own to durable ones they borrow.” The brand owners, meanwhile, actually own the package, which is meant to be reused at least 100 times. The impact on packaging is obvious – instead of trying to make the cheapest possible disposable package or container, the brands are incented instead to design handsome, reusable containers out of durable materials.   Numerous companies are also investing in initiatives and technologies to advance both mechanical and chemical recycling, and to develop biocompatible and compostable materials.     See you at CHINAPLAS 2021 CHINAPLAS is further postponed to April 13-16, 2021 to be held in the Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center, PR China. Focusing on “Smart Manufacturing” , “Innovative Materials”, and “Green & Circular Solutions”, the organizer is expect to present 400,000 square meters of exhibition space. For more information about CHINAPLAS 2021, please visit www.ChinaplasOnline.com.

Updated study confirms flexible packaging plays a key role in prevention of packaging waste and mitigation of global warming

A recently updated and extended study by the Institute for Energy and Environmental Research (ifeu), commissioned by Flexible Packaging Europe (FPE), has underlined the original study’s findings. It shows clearly that flexible packaging is a more effective route to resource efficiency and reducing carbon footprint than using rigid packaging formats or focusing entirely on recycling.   The study uses a scenario in which all non-flexible packaging (i.e. rigid packaging) for Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) are substituted by flexible packaging wherever possible. As carbonated drinks cannot be packed this way, for the purpose of the study, theoretical substitution excluded all beverages (as a conservative approach).   It showed that, by substituting all rigid packaging of non-beverage FMCG at the EU level, the amount of primary packaging waste could be reduced by 21 million tonnes per year. This means a 70% reduction of the total amount of non-beverage FMCG primary packaging in the EU, highlighting the huge packaging waste prevention potential of flexible packaging.   Even more striking are the consequences on the environment. By using a life cycle assessment (LCA) approach the study shows that such a theoretical substitution would decrease total Global Warming Potential (GWP) of all European non-beverage FMCG primary packaging by 33%, even if it is assumed, for the purpose of the demonstration, that no material recycling processes for flexible packaging would take place.   The opposite scenario – the substitution in the EU of all flexible packaging used for non-beverage FMCG by rigid packaging formats – would increase total GWP of the primary packaging to about 30%, the study shows. This is despite the much higher actual recycling rates of rigid packaging.  Indeed, even if the recycling rate of rigid packaging was raised to 100%, this theoretical substitution would still lead to 14% higher GWP, it says.   In addition to GWP, the environmental impact of Abiotic Depletion, which refers to the use of non-renewable resources, and Use of Water have also been assessed using the LCA approach. The study shows very similar results in the same order of magnitude for all three impact categories.       The report’s authors conclude that for packaging the focus should not be on recyclability only but also and foremost on prevention. This can be achieved by a higher use of flexible packaging, which would lead not only to less primary packaging waste, they claim, but also to lower carbon footprint and use of resources.   Conversely, a focus only on recyclability and achieving recycling targets might lead to the substitution of flexible packaging solutions by more easily recyclable, rigid packaging. This approach would clearly be detrimental for climate change and resource efficiency, besides running counter to the objective enshrined in the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive to prevent the production of packaging waste.   Commenting on the study, Jean-Paul Duquet (Director Sustainability FPE) said, “Prevention is on top of the waste hierarchy defined by the European Commission’s Waste Framework Directive, before other approaches like reuse, recycling and energy recovery. The priority accorded to prevention before recycling is highly relevant for packaging, as this study demonstrates. Flexible packaging perfectly fulfils this prevention requirement and proves to be a major part of the solution to today’s challenges facing the packaging sector and the environment. Not to mention the important ongoing efforts to reach high recyclability performances and make flexible packaging even more resource efficient.”     Flexible Packaging Europe’s (FPE) members manufacture all types of flexible packaging. FPE comprises more than 80 small and medium sized companies as well as the major European producers of flexible packaging for all materials. These companies cover more than 85% of the European flexible packaging turnover. Also, six national flexible packaging associations are members of FPE ensuring consistency between national and European activities and lobbying. www.flexpack-europe.org     Thumbnail & Head Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

LABELS for temperature control

The market of self-adhesive labels is constantly growing both economically and technologically, in new developments as well as in innovation. Offering an attractive texture or a resistant adhesive is no longer sufficient. – Juan Stratta (*)   (*) Avery Dennison, Senior of Business Development. The great competition results in that the leading companies are innovating and developing proposals so as to offer a higher added value of the experience and thus offering consumers an interactive experience with the label.   A growing trend is related to smart labels. Within this subsegment, we have detected a niche market within the area of transportation and logistics, particularly in the control of the cold chain during the supply of those products, which are sensitive to any change in temperature. Such products are, among others:   l Fresh food                                 l Floriculture l Frozen food                               l Vaccines and medications l Special raw materials                 l Blood and human organs for transplantation   The order of the preceding list is not at random, but is shown in ascending order according to the load sensitivity and cost, which is not always economic since it is not able to maintain the control of the cold chain during the transportation and distribution of the merchandise.   Throughout this process, the risk is permanent, and there is a latent possibility that the load exceeds the pre-established temperature levels even for a short period of time. For example, a truck can damage its freezing equipment by transporting a refrigerated load on a day with high temperatures. This situation implies a variation of temperature in the refrigerated cargo compartment.   Even when the equipment is repaired and the temperature returns to the defined ranges, the cold chain was compromised and the load has suffered the consequences. In order to have a better control at the intermediate points of the cold chain, different temperature measuring equipment is used, which ranges from traditional mercury thermometers to more sophisticated technologies, such as Data Loggers or thermographs, in connection with the software developed for measurement.   By means of a temperature sensor and the latest technology in NFC data exchange (Near Field Communication), this self-adhesive label stores the temperature records at scheduled intervals according to the user's requirement by way of a user-friendly interface, and without any need to have a specific knowledge.   The programming is done by way of an application available for AndroidTM from any smartphone or tablet compatible with NFC technology, while the data can be read at any point of the supply chain.   There is no doubt that this label offers a solution for many companies who require an exhaustive control of their logistics, inventory and deliveries, whereas the said solution will not only improve the monitoring process, but the quality and profitability of their products as well.     Main benefits Accurate measurement of temperature as a function of time. Small label and easy application. Control by way of a mobile app, and data transfer via NFC. Competitive cost compared to current temperature measurement methods. It provides information to improve the quality of deliveries, the inventory and of logistics. Great sustainability.   Applications Medicines and pharmaceutical products. Food and beverages. Chemicals and polymers. Other materials requiring a temperature control.       Photo by chuttersnap on Unsplash

Sustainability and Recyclability of Flexible Materials for Primary Packaging

Innovative film and their relations to flow pack machines   Author:Lorenzo Birro Source:www.biscuitpeople.com   The perception of the Consumers has drastically changed in the last years. Plastic packaging yesterday seen as a friend to protect the food and reduce food waste, nowadays is seen as an enemy for its environmental impact.   The emotional approach to the matter, mostly handled through the Social Media, is quite strong and it drives towards an even stronger request of a PLASTIC FREE WORD.   The very strong pressure from the Consumers on all players of the Supplying Chain (from the GDO, through the Packaging materials Producers and Converters till the Wrapping Machines Manufacturers) is forcing them to search solutions where traditional plastic can be replaced, reduced or at least made recyclable.   However, it must not be forgotten that the main objective of food packaging is the protection and preservation of the product. Plastic is definitely one of the best materials to obtain the desired results in terms of “shelf live”. Presently about 1/3 of produced human food gets lost or wasted (FAO digital report 2019). Bad packaging is one of the main reasons. It is unthinkable to renounce to plastic at least in PRIMARY PACKAGING; but there is no doubt that it can however be reduced, recycled and in particular situations, replaced with paper and other biodegradable films.   All companies involved in packaging must consider and take in serious consideration the challenge to protect and preserve food offering in the meantime solutions to reduce the Ambiental impact.    Among them, certainly, Cavanna - a leading worldwide manufacturer of flowrapping and cartoning plants - is one of the more active and attentive in such issues.   The Cavanna made lines produce every minute an average of 1.2 million of flowpacks and therefore Cavanna has a kind of moral obligation and responsibility to be involved and to develop solutions to dispose such huge amount of packs.   To do so, Cavanna has created a new Business Unit called TCO CONSULTING with the aim of dealing with the changes in wrapping materials following the GREEN ECONOMY topic. One of the tasks of the new TCO CONSULTING structure is precisely to create a network of contacts able to find innovative wrapping materials and bring them to Company R&D Division to be practically tested in Laboratory to evaluate the performances of the machines in terms of speed and seal quality. The Consumers pressure and the Official Directive regarding circular economy has brought to two main areas of intervention on primary flexible packaging.     A. RECYCLABLE PLASTICS   RECYCLABILITY is the path chosen by Europe and USA to tackle the problem. The above will bring important changes to the materials that must be as pure as possible (and this means not polluted by other plastic families) to promote separation and recycling.   What was used until yesterday may no longer be used by tomorrow:   The mono-materials (PE only, OPP only) will grow at the disadvantage of the typical multi-materials structures such   (laminated PET + OPP, PA + PE, etc….) Cold sealing is expected to be replaced and reduced The triple ALUs structures, typical of the pharmaceutical and the coffee industry, will no longer be acceptable Paper laminated with renewable bioplastics will considerably increase   As one of the leading machine manufacturers Cavanna could not be caught unprepared for these changes which could lead to important changes even in crucial parts of the machine.   Innovative mono-materials are expected to influence machine performance in two areas:   Sealing: innovative mono-materials are generally more sensible to temperature than previous complexed films. They need more precise temperature intervals (smaller working windows). Sliding: very often these films have different Coefficient of Friction (C.O.F.) and they might require the use of special sliding coatings in dedicated machine areas.    B.  BIO-PLASTIC FROM RENEWABLE SOURCE   They are plastic materials that could be biodegradable, bio-based or with both characteristics (European bioplastic definition)   With the name Biodegradable we mean a material subject to microbial degradation while Compostable is a biodegradable material under certain precise conditions of time, temperature and humidity.  In terms of volume they represent nowadays around 0,5 % of total plastic packaging.   Biofilm are coming from renewable source and are produced by polymerization of natural bio-monomers mainly from starch and/or cellulose. Most common families are: PLA (Polylactic Acid) - Starch Based and Cellulose Based with a great variety of options and grades. Normally cannot be used as mono-film in the flowpack machines and need to be laminated with film that offer thermic stability and anti-sticking properties. Paper, a natural biopolymer is often chosen to be laminated with other biopolymers and is ideal for its biodegradable characteristics and thermal stability.   All bio-film families have few main points in common   Are Biodegradable and Compostable Are cost effective: 3-4 times more expensive than plastic materials Bring to and increased total thickness of the film itself Have generally poor barrier to moisture and oxygen Have reduced production volumes Are thermally less stable   From machine performance point of view the bio-film families will receive even more attention than the mono-material for R-Plastics. Sealing areas and slides surfaces are in processing to be re-studied and modified to suits to the characteristics on these innovative films.    Cavanna final goal and target is to present to the market a GREEN KIT made by few sensible parts and adaptable to existing machines to challenge the working performance of the innovative film without compromises in speed and seal quality of the pack.     Leading photo by Brian Yurasits on Unsplash

EUBP Concerns Over Biased EASAC Report On Biobased And Biodegradable Plastics

Berlin, 18 March 2020 – “If we wanted to condense the gist of the report, we could say that EASAC discourages all the innovations that appear in the industrial sector currently dominated by fossil-based plastics”, says François de Bie, Chairman of European Bioplastics (EUBP) in response to the report ‘Packaging plastic in the circular economy’ recently published by the European Academies’ Science Advisory Council (EASAC).     According to EUBP, the statements on bio-based and biodegradable plastics by EASAC implicitly lead to some very questionable recommendations to EU institutions and citizens. The report doubts that bio-based plastics are better for the environment, although it has been proven by third party researchers and many peer reviewed Life Cycle Assessments that bioplastics made from sustainably grown biomass carry multiple environmental benefits over their fossil counterparts. “The European Green Deal itself underlines that fossil subsidies are to be challenged and alternative resources shall be considered. In the material sector there is a need to change to low emissions and renewable, bio-based carbon materials. Bio-based plastics respond to this need and are already available in the market”, states de Bie. Raising mainly emotional and not science-based arguments, the report is also critical about biodegradable plastics. It’s posting the idea that biodegradability and durability are properties that cannot coexist, making biodegradable plastic an ‘elusive’ target. This claim is disavowed by many products that are present on the market today. The report also questions how ‘soon’ and ‘well’ biodegradable plastics degrade. “This does not reflect the reality, especially in the case of some applications which can potentially end up in the organic waste, as a recent independent study by Wageningen University & Research (WUR)* clearly showed. The tested EN 13432 certified degradable and compostable plastic products, such as organic waste collection bags, plant pots, tea bags or coffee capsules, broke down in a full-scale industrial organic waste treatment facility within a maximum of 22 days”, François de Bie comments on the EASAC study. Packaging that is prone to be highly contaminated with food waste will not be mechanically recycled. Instead, in most cases, it will be incinerated, or even worse, landfilled. “Compostable plastics, e.g. compostable shopping bags which can be reused to collect organic waste, help divert organic waste from landfills and thus increase the amount of extra organic waste collected. Biodegradable and compostable plastics play an important role in a circular economy by closing the organic cycle”. Besides the WUR study, the notfor-profit organisation WRAP, which leads the UK Plastics Pact**, recently also suggested key applications and opportunities*** for compostable plastic packaging. These include food caddy liners and other bags as well as fruit and vegetable stickers, tea bags, coffee pods and ready meal trays for ‘closed loop’ situations,e.g. festivals. The study also refers to possible confusion of consumers caused by the term ‘biodegradable’. “To the best of our knowledge, none of the expressed criticism that biodegradability will increase litter is backed up with any actual evidence. The much cited UNEP report is such a case in point”, François de Bie criticises. Thus, it seems to EUBP that any attempt to solve the gigantic environmental problems caused by fossil-based plastics is hastily dismissed by EASAC. On the other hand, EASAC seems to ignore twenty years of research, market applications and recycling practices of these materials, always developed in compliance with the current EU legal provisions. “The report constitutes a missed opportunity for a meaningful evaluation of the role of bio-based as well as biodegradable and compostable plastics in a sustainable circular economy. It is liable to dash any hopes that the European Commission will rely on more in depth scientific reports when drafting its policy framework for bio-based and biodegradable and compostable plastics. Against this background, we kindly invite all policy makers and other stakeholders to re-discuss the findings of this report with us”, de Bie concludes.   * https://edepot.wur.nl/514397** https://www.wrap.org.uk/content/the-uk-plastics-pact*** https://www.wrap.org.uk/sites/files/wrap/Citizen-attitudes-survey-food-waste-and-packaging.pdf   European Bioplastics:European Bioplastics (EUBP) is the European association representing the interests of the bioplastics industry along the entire value chain. Its members produce, refine and distribute bioplastics i.e. plastics that are bio-based, biodegradable, or both. More information is available at www.european-bioplastics.org. Press contact:Oliver Buchholz, Communications Manager, European Bioplastics, Marienstr. 19/20, 10117 Berlin, Tel: +49 (0) 30 28482 353, Fax: +49 (0)30 284 82 359, E-Mail: press@european-bioplastics.org   Photo by Merakist on Unsplash

FPA Addresses Essential Manufacturing in Light of COVID-19 Crisis

FPA requests certain clarity with respect to federal, state, and local guidelines and mandates -Photo by Wesley Tingey on Unsplash- Annapolis, MD: March 19, 2020 – The Flexible Packaging Association issued letters to the White House, all Governors, and Capitol Hill leadership with regard to the need for essential packaging manufacturing during this time of uncertainty, particularly food insecurity and access to pharmaceutical and medical supplies. The letters also highlight the need for clarity with respect to federal, state, and local government proclamations distinguishing “essential” business operations from mass population event limitations. Flexible packaging protects products that consumers use every day – including hermetically sealed food and beverage products such as cereal, bread, frozen meals, infant formula, and juice; as well as sterile health and beauty items and pharmaceuticals, such as aspirin, shampoo, feminine hygiene products, and disinfecting wipes. Even packaging for pet food uses flexible packaging to deliver fresh and healthy meals to a variety of animals. Flexible packaging is also used for medical device packaging to ensure that the products packaged, diagnostic tests, IV solutions and sets, syringes, catheters, intubation tubes, isolation gowns, and other personal protective equipment maintain their sterility and efficacy at the time of use. Trash and medical waste receptacles use can liners to manage business, institutional, medical, and household waste. Carry-out and take-out food containers and e-commerce delivery, which are increasingly important during this time, are also heavily supported by the flexible packaging industry. Thus, FPA and its members are vital to the supply chain when addressing the needs of U.S. consumers in responding to the COVID-19 crisis. It is of fundamental importance that the industry’s manufacturing facilities stay open and functioning in order to supply the necessary packaging consumer product companies and retailers need to supply goods the public needs through this health crisis. We have all seen the unprecedented lines at stores and the empty shelves as consumers attempt to provide for their families, with even the basics, such as protein, toilet paper, and hand sanitizer, while heeding the various polices to stay at home and practice social distancing. We are also concerned about the need for increased production of medical protective supplies to our doctors, hospitals, and first responders. Flexible packaging manufacturers stand ready to assist in closing these gaps and ensuring food and medical security as the country faces this crisis. In order to do so, FPA requests certain clarity with respect to state and local mandates. We ask that there be uniformity at the state and local levels in distinguishing bans on social gatherings and the closure of bars, gyms, and museums from business operations. Employees should not be confused about whether or not they report to work based on a myriad of state and local limitations on public forums. In addition, given that the supply chain can and will deliver the goods needed to restock shelves and keep consumers safe if allowed to do so, we request that consumer and pet food, health and beauty, pharmaceutical, and medical device packaging be considered essential manufacturing and a critical infrastructure industry, as stated in the recently released “President’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America.” This, along with our supply chain partners in the food and health industries, such as food processors, transportation and distribution centers, retail establishments, e-commerce providers, restaurants, and other indispensable parts of the supply chain, should be considered equally critical. FPA members are committed to the health and safety of their workforce and the families they support. Rigorous safety precautions are already in place at our manufacturing facilities to protect not only the workers but the consumers who will ultimately use and digest the products their packaging protects. Let the industry continue to support these critical goods and service sectors, which will also assist in responding to COVID-19 across the country. For more information on the Flexible Packaging Association, please visit www.flexpack.org. About the Flexible Packaging Association (FPA) The Flexible Packaging Association is the voice of the U.S. manufacturers of flexible packaging and their suppliers. The association’s mission is connecting, advancing, and leading the flexible packaging industry. Flexible packaging represents over $31 billion in annual sales in the U.S. and is the second largest and one of the fastest growing segments of the packaging industry. Flexible packaging is produced from paper, plastic, film, aluminum foil, or any combination of those materials, and includes bags, pouches, labels, liners, wraps, rollstock, and other flexible products.

ProPak China 2019 makes great headway in show scale

Time：2019-06-19~2019-06-20

Area：Shanghai, China

ProPak China 2019, the 25th International Processing & Packaging Exhibition hosted by Sinoexpo Informa Markets, concluded successfully in the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) on June 21, 2019. Together with FoodPack China hosted by the China Food and Packaging Machinery Industry Association and the China National Packaging and Food Machinery Cooperation, the joint exhibition made an excellent duo with strong growth in show scale. 890 exhibitors from 22 countries and regions showed their products and services, up 31% from last year. The exhibition space grew to 70,600 square meters, 56% more than the last edition of ProPak China. And there were unprecedentedly 33,713 professional visitors from 120 countries and regions present during three show days, an increase of 34% against 2018. ProPak China 2019 touched every major industries related to processing and packaging applications, including sectors such as food, drinks, dairy, FMCG, cosmetics, health care, pharmaceutical, electronics, and other industrial fields. Advanced products and technologies that are improving productivity, reducing cost and solving production challenges were presented by a galaxy of global powerhouses including: AccuBal, Acepack, AETNA, Anritsu, AZO, Bihai, Bosch Rexroth, Bossar, CAMA, CAVANNA, Chuangzhaobao, Clevertech, Dachuan, Dingye, Festo, Fuji kikai, FURUKAWA, GEA, GERHARD SCHUBERT, Grepack, Guchuan, Gurki, Haikejia, Handtmann, Hoermann, Hongsen, Hualian, Huituo, Ishida, Jardine Matheson, Jiangsu Dajiang, Jinan, Kaiqisi, Kangdi, Kenwei, Kinglai, KOCH, Komatsu, Kunshan Dahe, Langnuo, Maiwei, METTLER TOLEDO, Nanhua, NISSIN, NORD, Oceanpower, Omori, Ouhua, PRECISE, QCPACK, Ramseier Koatings, Rieckermann, Ronchi, Ruijijinhong, Ruizhi, Sanyang Dongyang, Serac, Shanghai Dahe, Shanghai Shikouku, Songben, Songchuanyuanyi, Syntron, Techik, Thermo Fisher, Tianlang, Tianyu Weiye, Toyo Machinery & Metal, Triowin, Urschel, Wenzhou Dajiang, WOLF, Wuhan Rentian, Xiaohui, Xiaojin, Xiaoteng, Xingpack, Yamato, Yilong, Yiqing, Yongchuang, Yongchuang Tongda, Yuanan, Yuedong, Yusheng, Zhejiang Brother, Zhongheng, Zhongya, and more leading companies around the world. These exhibitors displayed cutting-edge processing and packaging technologies and facilities, innovative packaging containers and materials, printing and labeling technologies, industrial automation, and warehouse and logistics solutions. The exhibition in June also captured the attention of professional buyers from all over the world, proved by a great number of end users from food, beverage, dairy, FMCG, pharmaceuticals and daily-use chemical sectors and online businesses gathering in Shanghai. They are: Amway, Bright Dairy, Coca Cola, COFCO, Colgate, Dali, DANONE, Gillette, HERSHEY'S, JD, Johnson & Johnson, Laurel, L'oreal, Meadjohnson, Mengniu, Nestle, NIVEA, P&G, Pepsi, SHISEIDO, Sinopharm, SUNTORY, Tsingtao Brewery, Unilever, Wahaha, Want Want, Watsons, Yili, and more. Up to 2019, ProPak China has been successfully held for 25 continuous editions. This year, ProPak China not only had the historical improvement of the internationalization proportion of the exhibition, but also cooperated with FoodPack China for the first time to establish the strategic alliance of the industry brand exhibition. The powerful combination of the two created a grand meeting of the Chinese processing and packaging industry, and also made a significant record in the development history of ProPak China. ProPak China & FoodPack China 2020 will be held again at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai) between June 22 and 24. The exhibition area will be expanded to totally 100,000 square meters, with 4 halls of 4.1, 5.1, 6.1 and 7.1 opened. For more information, please visit www.propakchina.com and follow us @OES_ProPak Notes to Editor: For more information, please contact: Mr. Spric Tian Sinoexpo Informa Markets Tel: +86-21-3339 2260 Email: spric.tian@ubmsinoexpo.com

DEVELOPMENT of cardboard packaging

One of the biggest concerns of the consumer is to be––as much as possible––careful with the environment, so they look for new alternatives for recycling the products they buy. The coardboard pack meets that characteristic. - Tetra Pak Mexico * @tetrapakmx Currently, the sector works much closer with the consumer, listening and promoting exchange of information to improve quality and maintain innovation. The cardboard usually served both as food packaging and as a container for deliveries, boxes and other related products. It was at the end of the 1930s when Ruben Rausing thought about possible alternatives to pack and protect the nutrients of the food without using any laminated cardboard to make the products accessible, available and easy to store. The premise dictated that this new packaging had to be competitive enough so as to be able to participate in the sale of milk which was sold in returnable bottles at that time. After the investigations on hygiene conditions, materials or production, the first pilot of the container was to form a paper tube, fill it and close it continuously. Today, this technique is known in the packaging jargon as form-fill-seal (FFS). The geometric shape of the "tetrahedron" is attributable to Erick Wallenberg, who starts the development looking for a cylindrical shape, but the filling process forces him to evaluate other geometric shapes, concluding the tetrahedron shape, which is formed with four sides in a triangular shape. Rausing's second intention was to keep food fresh and safe for a longer time. Therefore, he undertook the generation of containers with a plastic coating, which was sealed below the liquid level. By 1952, when the first machine for cardboard packaging in the tetrahedron shape was delivered, the consumer saw in this presentation an innovative solution that guaranteed the freshness in their food. In 1963 and after the demand for a container with greater capacity, a container was launched [1] which alluded to a block for its rectangular shape with a one-liter capacity, and appeared at the right moment in which the consumer met to lunch and dinner accompanied by their favorite drink in said presented packaging. -Development of the aseptic packaging- Since then, the consumer trends have been adapting to the stability and accessibility for people in different parts of the world. With the arrival of the 1960s, and (I Can not Get No) Satisfaction of the Rolling Stones playing on the radio, we evolved towards aseptic containers, which were alternating the layers of cardboard and polyethylene and a thin aluminum foil so as to isolate food from the outside, and thus opening the food availability landscape. This invention, namely the aseptic technology, marked a milestone in the food and beverage industry and was recognized in 1989 by the Institute of Food Technologists as "the most important advance in food science of the 20th century." One of the biggest requests of the consumers is to try to be––as much as possible––careful with the environment, and for that reason they look for alternatives of recycling in the products that they acquire. Since the early 1970's there were more options available for consumers on shelves, including image and recyclability. The cardboard packaging in shape and practicality began a wave of new social movements that included women in jobs not previously explored, encouraging companies to provide beverages and food in a lighter packaging, which was easy to open, and so that they were available to consume and keep on the go. Cardboard is one of the most used materials for containers and packaging since its characteristics place it above non-biodegradable materials or those whose recycling is more complex. Including the polyethylene and cardboard formula, the containers appeared with a lid [2] that facilitated the handling of the liquids and material to keep the intact flavor and texture. At the end of the 1990s, the industry witnessed the modification of the containers to triangular or rectangular shapes that conform to the facial geometry and provide a better grip, in addition, they allow the flow control in beverages. Moreover, the modernity was followed by new challenges for packaging companies: the children's segment. The concept practicality aimed at children is very different and focuses more on the offer of proportions, which allows parents to choose the ideal option. Undoubtedly, the packaging seduces the consumer from an emotional point of view, through finishing techniques of quality and innovation that change over the years and remain at the forefront of the food industry. -Optimal packaging for food preservation- The packaging of food benefited in 2003 when a container appeared on the market whose main objective was to occupy less space in the cupboard [3] compared to cans. Because of its shape, this container occupies between 30% and 40% less space than cans and glass jars. This solution has a lot to explore, since weighing 64% less than a can generates great benefits not only for consumers, but also for food brands. In addition to the innovation and development of cardboard packaging, there have been important changes in dosing systems and in the subject of caps, which now vary in size and shape to suit new consumers and meet the needs of functionality and mobility. For example, the portions have been adapted both to a child (from 125 ml) and to young adults (500 ml) and even for sitting at the table with a family (1 l). All the containers meet the needs of the consumer. Unlike 1930, when the cardboard packaging began to have an impact on the form of consumption, 2017 is a year of nuances, of importance in the proportions, of personalization, availability and consumption outside the home (on the go), which companies must respond to when offering their food. Undoubtedly, a long way of future changes and changes in the way of consumption awaits us, but it is about offering consumers a new way to feel safe and listened to when enjoying their food, regardless of the decade they are living in. (1) Refer to the Tetra Brik packaging. (2) Refer to the Tetra Top packaging. (3) Refer to the Tetra Recart packaging.

PACKAGING ADAPTABILITY for senior generations

Given the growth of opportunities in the food and beverage segment in Latin America, the study "Consumption Generations" was presented, where important specifications are glimpsed in the packaging destined for the elderly. – René Anguiano (*) Director of Corporate Communications at Tetra Pak, Mexico. According to the study "Consumption Generations" (1), there are currently 10 million adults at the age of over 60 years old, and the world population in this range can reach 10 billion by 2020. By way of the analysis by this group, the important trends, which food and beverage companies can study in order to guarantee their processes, products and packaging, were discussed. An improvement is important in terms of processes and packaging in order to meet the needs of the elderly, since they are a fast-growing population group in Mexico. According to the Population and Housing Census 2010, there are 10.1 million older adults (9% of the total population) who are 60 years old or older in our country. As people get older and children leave home, family relationships take on a greater importance. 97% of the elderly persons point to the "family" as being key factor for a happy life. According to a study carried out by Mintel, they discovered that more than half of senior citizens only buy at their favorite stores, since they know what they can receive. This is the reason why at this stage of life the varied and adequate food is of utmost importance in order to prevent common diseases and to reduce the physical and mental decline, which begins to manifest in this population group, and this apart from the fact that the packaging must be completely convenient for opening, closing and storing food. We are not talking only about juices or milk, there are packages that this sector is interested in acquiring, and we need to be its allies in terms of quality and conservation. The data show that half of those over 65 experience difficulties when opening products, and as they get older, their senses diminish, such as for example vision. Therefore, the packaging must be easy to handle, to open, to read, in addition to indicating the quality of the product and clearly and concisely showing its content. This also fits in with the lifestyle that the "senior" generation is looking for. -The five "ingredients" that make up an ideal packaging for elderly consumers - 1. The packaging has to be easy to open, for the case that there is the problem of not having enough strength in the wrist. The covers should be at a suitable height to avoid slipping from the hands of an older person. 2. The packaging must be lightweight for a better grip. Rounded transverse cuts are also easier for a tighter grip than straight cross cuts. The packaging material has to be firm for a better support and to avoid spillages. 3. The packaging must provide a longer shelf life in order to necessitate fewer trips to the supermarket. 4. The printing must be bigger, the images more striking, and the labels clearer. That means bigger words and brighter colors. 5. The nutritional information and the expiration date of the product should be clearly visible. According to the survey "Consumption among senior citizens: between wisdom and prudence" prepared by PROFECO, this economically active population spends approximately 3,232 pesos per month on food and beverages. Although the majority of them acquire their pension or savings income, they are an active generation in terms of purchases. THE PACKAGING MUST BE easy to manipulate, to open, to read, in addition to indicating the quality of the product and to clearly and concisely showing its content Of their monthly expense, around 245 thousand pesos are destined to the consumption of milk and its products, while 162 thousand pesos are used on non-alcoholic beverages, such as soft drinks, juice and water. The senior citizens are a demanding group of population, as they review quality and nutritional information. Moreover, according to this study, 82% take into account the characteristics displayed in advertisements. Furthermore, they are the generation who avoids fast food for the most part. Therefore, there is a need for products, which are more focussed on a natural and healthy lifestyle. For example:  Vegetables are at the center of a healthy lifestyle, such as tomato or vegetable juices. These are the products, which meet the requirements of a healthy and pleasant diet, and which point to senior citizens.  Fortified milk for senior citizens. There are currently varieties of milk for all generations. The one destined for seniors are those added with vitamin D for bone health, for example. The importance of the quality chain focusing on satisfying the needs of the final customer is that “this ‘senior’ generation, who has more income available than previous generations, is about to become one of the most important consumer groups during the next decade, and represents a big growth for 2020. This creates a huge opportunity for food and packaging manufacturers to respond to their needs." The challenge for the food and beverage packaging industry is to develop products and services, which will better meet their needs, while maintaining the relevance of the products for the other age groups. (1) Consumer study to highlight the opportunities in the food and beverage market for the senior citizens, a group of consumers, who is the fastest growing in the world.

NEUROSCIENCE as a design tool

At the time of designing a pack, the tendency to attend to scientific innovations grows to provide innovative ideas about colors and shapes. -Néstor Braidot * Doctor of Sciences, Master of Neurobiology of Behavior and in Cognitive Neuroscience. info@braidot.com Among many others, the fundamental contribution of the neurosciences applied to marketing and advertising is to focus both marketing research and the application of marketing and advertising strategies to the true decisional center of the human being: his meta-consciousness, which is where human decisions are generated and from where their behavior and preferences arise. Using the strategies proposed by the latest developments in the field of science when designing packaging allows us to maximize the communication potential that it has. Thus, thanks to tools such as sensory neuro-marketing, we can understand how the perception of forms and images works and how they impact in a broad way on people who, based on that impact, elaborate their own conception. All packaging must impact, stand out among their peers and convey to the customer what the product is and why it should be chosen. Now, how to do this? Imagine that we are observing a customer in a supermarket. We know that, while you are going through it, you are looking for a packaged cheese. You only have an idea of what you want, but you do not know the brand and neither the prices. Also, we know that your time is scarce and possibly the variable price that precipitates your decision. When you stop at the shelf, you take a glance to quickly examine a huge variety of options in terms of brands, flavors, types, texture and sizes. Where will you stop? Except that your view only records the price, you will most likely see the product that has a pack with a design attractive enough to capture your attention. However, there may be several with similar characteristics, in fact, companies compete side by side to optimize the management of their "silent sellers." The brain perceives globally and integrates the sensory and perceptual information it receives as a function of the context. If we only look, we activate a reduced number of neural connections within the visual context. If, in addition, we touch the packaging, we activate a much larger number of direct and indirect connections between tactile and visual areas. Therefore, both the graphic design of the packaging and its shape must convey immediate sensory benefits that evoke the central attributes of the product, such as taste, texture and nutritional capacity in the example we have been developing. As we see, the packaging design goes far beyond the functionality associated with the containment of the product. The packaging must always be designed in the multisensory uptake of humans because the associative connections between senses also help the memory that plays a central role in the decisions of the customer. -Colors and labels- As members of the packaging, the labels must contain all the necessary attributes to make them attractive, starting with the colors and continuing with the ability of the message to transmit a clear concept in a synthetic form. One of the theories that explains how the brain decodes color in the visual cortex is called the trichromatic theory of color vision and forms the basis of many studies that have been conducted on the subject. The senses are integrated and the perception of the color of an object influences the characteristics of the other senses. In turn, color conditions our memory on that object in a particular way. This phenomenon of multisensory perception suggests some interesting issues regarding the strategies to be used in terms of colors, not only for the product to stand out, but also so that it can be associated with the image that you want to communicate through the packaging and the label. The applications to the marketing activity of the knowledge about the perception of colors and the way in which our senses are interacting are endless. Not only the colors, but also the contrast that we are able to achieve among them constitute a primary stimulus to attract the customer's gaze towards the product that the organization is marketing. From this it follows that when designing the packaging and the label it will be very useful to carry out a study using neuro-marketing techniques. As every product is what each customer perceives to be, knowing the areas that are activated in his or her brain when he or she is in contact with these two central parts that make up his or her identity system, it will always help us to be more effective in the development of the marketing strategies. Undoubtedly, the images of a product in the minds of customers are the raw material on which we must begin to work.

AFEX 2019-A one-of-a-kind platform for food processing and packaging business

Time：2019-09-11~2019-09-14

Area：Asia Philippines Manila

For twenty eight years now, ASIAFOOD EXPO (AFEX) has always served food and beverage entrepreneurs. its utmost goal... to uplift the Philippine food and beverage industry and its foreign counterparts by showcasing the latest food processing. packaging and handing machinery equipment and machineries available in the market; each edition of AFEX offers the latest innovations and solutions for the industry. To date, AFEX showcases food equipment and machineries that carry competitive features which give value added facilities to the industry, fabricated by Filipino and foreign suppliers from Asia and around the globe; this is a promise of continuous progress in the market in terms of development, technology and product innovation. It is with this vision that the food processing and packaging industry continue to look far beyond the future in terms of product innovdtions and technology transfer offering its best to elevate production quality for the food and beverage industry! For more information (632) 354 57S8 to 60 inagroup@pldtdsl.net www.afei.com ph

Filling technology for Food Processing of FOOD AND BEVERAGE

Being able today to offer what the market will need tomorrow in an efficient and profitable way and with a unique variety represents the challenge of food. Technology plays a fundamental role for the success of the industry. - Claudia López * Marketing Coordinator at SIG Combibloc México / claudia.lopez@sig.biz The food industry is constantly changing. Food manufacturers want to flexibly respond to changes on the market, to changes in consumer demand and be prepared for these movements. As a result, this results in filling the companies’ and co-packers’ need to have the right technical equipment that allows them to supply what their customers want today, and at the same time be prepared for what they want tomorrow. In addition, in order to survive in the long term in an intensely competitive environment, they need to find an answer to the constant pressure on the margins. Today, there are options for the filling of foods based on standard technology, which require only minor technical adjustments before the delivery of the machine to allow manufacturers enriching their offer with a full range of food products. With this technology, the amount of ingredients of products with bits can be up to 10%; the size of the particles can be up to 6 mm, and the fibers 1x15 mm in size; the viscosity can potentially be up to 3,500 mPas. This translates into the possibility of quickly filling an unparalleled range of food products without the need of a significant additional investment. The flexibility of technology is also the key to products that allow higher margins. -Advantages of filling technology- Currently, the issue of margins worries the food sector with greater acuity. Particularly for this reason, the filling technology must offer options for any food manufacturer that wants to expand the existing product range by adding more profitable products, without investing in a high-tech solution to fill food products, such as prepared meals or soups and sauces with chunks; the above regardless of whether it is a beverage manufacturer who wants to enter the food business or a consolidated manufacturer who projects an investment to add other products to its portfolio. Over the years, filling and packaging options have increased "bit by bit," in the most literal sense of the term. Nowadays, there are ultramodern machines for food filling that can aseptically fill products which contain particles up to 25 mm in size and individual fibers up to 40 mm in length. The products can have a particulate content of up to 50%. But not all manufacturers that play an active role in the food business or seeking to enter it take full advantage of the possibilities offered by the technology that is designed for the crème de la crème of liquid food products. With the options now available, a manufacturer who originally specialized in the production and filling of juices and juice-based products now has the possibility to pack more than its usual portfolio of products in long-life cartons. Also, it has the technical capacity to expand its range of products, using the same filling machine, adding products from the food segment, and thus achieving higher margins. And it is not just viscous and pasty products like fried tomato (tomato sauce with oil) that can be easily filled using the new system; other viable possibilities are tomato purees and creamy pasta sauces that contain herbs or pieces of onion and vegetables. -Entering the food business- Overall, this diversity is unparalleled. And it can be transferred to other product segments such as soups, which can also be filled in Food Option1 machines. Same as packaging products, such as beverages and broths in a single machine, more complex products can be filled in carton packs and, therefore, so can those products with higher margins, such as veloutés or mouliné soups. In the dairy products sector, food manufacturers can enter new market segments. In addition to milk and dairy-based beverages, the use of the Food Option1 aseptic filling machines makes it possible to fill more viscous products, such as dessert sauces, custards, pudding and even desserts ready to be enjoyed as rice pudding. Food manufacturers who are already using the aseptic system for the juice or dairy segment and wish to expand their portfolio by adding innovative products, which are completely out of the ordinary, or who are looking to enter the food business will be perfectly positioned with the technology, which also allows them to fill soups, sauces, and desserts containing particles and fibers, or very viscous products. 1 Refer to the Food Option machines, which are based on the standard filling technology of SIG Combibloc.