India bans single-use plastic to combat pollution

New DelhiIndia on Friday imposed a ban on single-use plastics on items ranging from straws to cigarette packets to combat worsening pollution in a country whose streets are strewn with waste.   Announcing the ban, the government dismissed the demands of food, beverage and consumer goods companies to hold off the restriction to avoid disruptions.   Plastic waste has become a significant source of pollution in India, the world's second most populous country.   Rapid economic growth has fueled demand for goods that come with single-use plastic products, such as straws and disposable cutlery.   But India, which uses about 14 million tons of plastic annually, lacks an organized system for managing plastic waste, leading to widespread littering.   Streets across towns are littered with used plastic goods that eventually choke drains, rivers and oceans and also kill animals.   India's ban on single-use plastic items includes straws, cutlery, ear buds, packaging films, plastic sticks for balloons, candy and ice-cream, and cigarette packets, among other products, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government said in a statement.   PepsiCo, Coca-Cola, India's Parle Agro, Dabur and Amul had lobbied for straws to be exempted from the ban.   In a relief to consumers, the government has for now exempted plastic bags but it has asked manufacturers and importers to raise the thickness to promote reuse.   Other than the food and beverage and consumer goods companies, plastic manufacturers have also complained about the ban that they say did not give them adequate time to prepare for the restriction.   Some experts believe that enforcing the ban might be difficult. The government has decided to set up control rooms to check any illegal use, sale and distribution of single-use plastic products.   According to the United Nations, plastic waste is at epidemic proportions in the world's oceans, with an estimated 100 million tons dumped there. Scientists have found large amounts of micro plastic in the intestines of deep-dwelling ocean mammals like whales.

FHA Food & Beverage – Asia's leading F&B trade show to be held annually from 2022

Singapore, 18 May 2022 – Originally a biennial show, FHA – Food & Beverage will take place annually with immediate effect. This is driven by the industry’s strong demand for a quality annual sourcing platform in Asia and Informa Markets’ commitment to create value for our customers by delivering a highquality trade event for the Food and Beverage industry.  Following the 2022 edition in September, ProWine Singapore - the international trade fair for wines and spirits will return alongside FHA – Food & Beverage  from 25–28 April 2023 at the Singapore EXPO every year.     “We realise the need to embrace the new normal within the F&B industry. By pivoting FHA-Food & Beverage to an annual platform, we can better cater industry professionals who needs a year-round solution to meet a larger audience in the fast-changing industry.  It is a very exciting development, and we look forward to work closely with our partners and customers as FHA – Food & Beverage evolves into its new calendar cycle,” said Ms Janice Lee, Event Director, Hospitality, Food & Beverage - Hong Kong & Singapore, Informa Markets.   “I am very pleased that we are able further intensify our cooperation with FHA – Food & Beverage. That the co-location of the fairs is ideal and offers the Southeast Asian market a complete range of top-quality products. We are sure that also the wine and spirits industry will welcome the new rotation”, said Michael Degen, Executive Director, Messe Düsseldorf.   “Singapore is delighted to host FHA – Food & Beverage annually from 2023. This exciting development could not have come at a better time, as industry players grow their businesses and find new ways to address the customers’ needs as markets recover from the pandemic. We are certain that the food and beverage industry, both local and abroad, will benefit from the rich discussions and vibrant connections made annually during FHA – Food & Beverage,” said Mr Poh Chi Chuan, Executive Director, Exhibitions & Conferences, Singapore Tourism Board.   In the past 21 months, FHA – Food & Beverage has pivoted digitally to offer new ways to engage customers no matter where they are, including the launch of the FHA Match - a series of sector-focused virtual platforms for business matching and product discovery. As part of the event’s continual commitment to adapt to the evolving landscape and keep pace with customers’ needs where businesses are recovering and resuming, annualising the event is a response to the changing landscapes of the F&B and hospitality industries in Singapore and beyond.     FHA-Food & Beverage 2022 will officially resume this year, where industry professionals in Asia congregate to connect, trade and discover latest industry trends. 2,000 exhibitors and 35,000 international attendees are expected to be present at the four-day in person event from 5-8 September 2022 at the Singapore EXPO.   Preliminary bookings for FHA-Food & Beverage 2023 are now open, and an early booking promotion will be running until the final day of the FHA-Food & Beverage 2022 edition.     FHA-Food & Beverage’s sister show, FHA-HoReCa, will remain biennial. The upcoming FHA-HoReCa will be held from 25-28 October 2022 and the next edition will be in 2024.  

French plastic packaging ban for fruit and veg begins

A law banning plastic packaging for large numbers of fruits and vegetables comes into force in France on New Year’s Day, to end what the government has called the “aberration” of overwrapped carrots, apples and bananas, as environmental campaigners and exasperated shoppers urge other countries to do the same.   Emmanuel Macron has called the ban on plastic packaging of fresh produce “a real revolution” and said France was taking the lead globally with its law to gradually phase out all single-use plastics by 2040.     Spain will introduce a ban on plastic packaging of fruit and vegetables from 2023. For years, international campaigners have said unnecessary plastic packaging is causing environmental damage and pollution at sea.     From New Year’s Day, France will ban supermarkets and other shops from selling cucumbers wrapped in plastic, and peppers, courgettes, aubergines and leeks in plastic packaging. A total of 30 types of fruit and vegetables will be banned from having any plastic wrapping, including bananas, pears, lemons, oranges and kiwis.     Packs over 1.5kg will be exempt, as will chopped or processed fruit. Some varieties, including cherry tomatoes or soft fruits such as raspberries and blueberries, will be given longer for producers to find alternatives to plastic, but plastic packaging will be gradually phased out for all whole fruits and vegetables by 2026.     With an estimated 37% of fruit and vegetables sold wrapped in plastic packaging in France in 2021, the government believes the ban will cut more than 1bn items of single-use plastic packaging a year. The environment ministry said there must be curbs on the “outrageous amount of single-use plastic in our daily lives”.     Fruit and vegetables wrapped in layers of plastic have exasperated consumers not only in France but neighbouring countries. Nearly three-quarters of British people have experienced “anxiety, frustration or hopelessness” at the amount of plastic that comes with their shopping and 59% think supermarkets and brands are not doing enough to offer refillable, reusable or packaging-free products, according to a poll commissioned by Friends of the Earth and City to Sea in June.     An Ifop poll for the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) France in 2019 found that 85% of people were in favour of banning single-use plastic products and packaging. More than 2 million people have signed a WWF petition calling on world governments to stop the plastics pollution crisis. In angry posts on social media, shoppers have complained of what they deemed absurd wrapping such as coconuts in several layers of plastic or single bananas in individual plastic bags.     Moïra Tourneur, an advocacy manager at the NGO Zero Waste France, said the French law was a “good and appropriate” move, although she questioned what she called the “surprising” list of exempt fruit and vegetables given a longer transition time of at least another year before going plastic-free. These include brussels sprouts, spring onions, green beans, broccoli, mushrooms, peaches and apricots, some of which are already sold loose in many shops. Tourneur said: “The ban is fair and fitting … Giving more time for certain fruit and vegetables is a bit of a shame. There is a climate emergency. People are conscious of the need to act urgently on this issue.”     WWF France, which has campaigned on the impact of plastics on biodiversity and marine life in the Mediterranean and across oceans, said it was important to welcome the law as “a positive step in the right direction”, while reminding governments there was more work to be done to end plastics pollution, including on microplastics.     Pierre Cannet, its director of advocacy and campaigns, said the law sent a positive message and “puts plastics at the heart of the national debate”. He added: “We need to stay humble and vigilant by saying there is still a lot to do. We’re still very far from an economy without plastic, and from all the steps needed to eradicate plastics pollution.”     Camilla Zerr, a plastics campaigner at Friends of the Earth for England, Wales and Northern Ireland, said: “I think it’s a very good approach and I would hugely urge the UK to be doing the same and not to lag behind.”     She said that in the UK fruit such as bananas or apples wrapped in plastic packages were sometimes cheaper than those sold loose, which was “very problematic”.     Zerr added: “It is interesting to note that in the UK the main brands sell fruit and vegetables wrapped, but at corner stores you can find a lot of loose fruit and vegetables on sale, which proves it is possible to go without plastic.”  

THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2022 concludes with trade visitor numbers exceeding expectations and top trends in the F&B industry revealed

THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2022 food and beverage trade fair has reported over 51,535 trade visitors attended the event since it opened Tuesday, 24 May, as it came to a successful conclusion on Saturday, 28 May. The event also highlighted top and emerging trends in the F&B industry.   Bangkok (31 May 2022) – Asia's leading food trade fair has reported that trade visitor numbers at THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2022 have exceeded all expectations, with over 51,535 trade visitors from 111 countries welcomed between 24 and 28 May.   The pandemic has forced the F&B market to make drastic changes, with industry operators adapting their businesses quickly. THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2022 welcomed both local and international trade visitors to IMPACT Muang Thong Thani across the week, with top industry players showcasing their unique product innovation approaches and meeting consumer needs.   Mathias Kuepper, Managing Director of Koelnmesse Pte Ltd, said: "The challenges of Covid-19 have severely impacted the F&B industry. As a globally acclaimed F&B tradeshow, THAIFEX - Anuga Asia purposefully solves some of these challenges by providing a platform for creating new enterprises to bring their goods to market, boosting their brand and market exposure."   "At the same time, as guardians of industry standards and leading exponents of developing opportunities in this business area worldwide, it is our responsibility to build platforms of growth for the new age by linking small and big F&B businesses with trade visitors, buyers, investors, and enabling them to promote economic success in a conducive atmosphere. This will likely result in increased diversification, new growth prospects, innovations, operational optimization, and stakeholder value creation."   The fully realized hybrid event format achieved maximum build-up, remote connections, and engagement from show-goers. Exhibitors, visitors, and buyers were also pleased to meet face-to-face as the F&B sector moves towards an era of positivity and boundless growth through innovation.   One of the exhibitors, Norbert Back, Bangkok Bureau Chief at Polish Investment and Trade, said: "Despite the backdrop of a very turbulent year and the challenges of Covid-19, trade between Poland and Thailand exceeded a record 1.5bn USD last year. As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of PolishThai diplomatic relations, we see a huge amount of potential, so it's been very exciting to have the Poland National Pavilion at THAIFEX - Anuga Asia. Together with the National Support Center for Agriculture from Poland, we already see a good outcome of this year’s event and we are looking forward to the next edition of THAIFEX – Anuga Asia."   Hosted buyer, Prajith Moorkoth, Managing Director of Golden Praxis (Dubai) said: "This is my first time in THAIFEX - Anuga Asia. It's a well-organised show with many innovative products at the showground. As a hosted buyer, I'm very satisfied with the number of international business contacts that I’ve gathered in the past few days. I know it will translate to revenue growth for my company in the coming days."   The 2022 "restart" brought 1,603 exhibitors across 9 halls of exhibition space at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, which is more than double the number of exhibitors present for the last event in 2020. Despite travel regulations affecting participants from some countries, the event attracted 6,898 international trade visitors, especially from Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, South Korea and India.   Visitor, Qurrata Ayuni, from Indonesia, said: "THAIFEX - Anuga Asia took me on an exciting journey into food innovation. I particularly enjoyed exploring some of the upcoming trends in food that we're likely to see more of in the future, and it's been so nice to visit in person, talk to the exhibitors and see their products with my own eyes."   As the pandemic has focused consumer focus on health and sustainability, THAIFEX - Anuga Asia 2022 has also revealed some of the leading and emerging trends following the show: Halal: All regions have recorded a growing trend of halal product launches in the past five years. Halal also had the biggest showcase at THAIFEX - Anuga Asia showcase with 386 exhibitors. Sustainably produced and packaged: In the five years ending 2021, launches of food and beverage using upcycled ingredients rose at a CAGR of 63%, compared with 20% for products using recycled materials, 46% for products with water-saving claims, 30% for products carrying carbon emissions claims and 35% for palm oil-free products. Clean labels: Around half of consumers globally consider the absence of additives and use of only natural ingredients to be at the heart of "clean" eating, ahead of organics and sustainability. Plant-based: There is an annual growth of 46% (CAGR, 2018-2021) with food and beverage launches with a plant-based and premium & indulgent claim. Alternative protein, including edible bugs: Two-thirds of consumers globally state that they eat meat substitutes, while almost a quarter (23%) consume them at least once a day.   Mr. Phusit Ratanakul Sereroengrit, Director-General of Thailand's Departmentof International Trade Promotion, one of the organisers of THAIFEX – Anuga Asia said: "THAIFEX - Anuga Asia 2022 has attracted the attention of both Thai and foreign F&B buyers and businesspeople even more than expected. They came to visit the event to source new products, negotiate with trade representatives, and do business matching with exporters and manufacturers. It proved that Thailand's food and beverage industries have gained theconfidence to be an essential resource for global foods. Future Foods has received much attention, considered to be a new business-solution idea that assures food safety and resilient food system in the future."  

Polypropylene Curbside Recycling to Improve for Millions of Americans with Seven New Grants Awarded

FALLS CHURCH, Va. — FALLS CHURCH, Va. (April 6, 2022)  – The Recycling Partnership today announced its fourth round of grant funding through its Polypropylene Recycling Coalition (“the Coalition”), issuing nearly $1.6 million in catalytic grants to advance polypropylene recycling in the U.S. These funds will improve curbside polypropylene recycling access for approximately 6.9% of U.S. households when combined with prior grants. Launched in July 2020, the Coalition is a cross-industry effort supported by steering committee members Keurig Dr Pepper, Braskem, NextGen Consortium, and the Walmart Foundation, along with other members of the polypropylene value chain.   Through this latest round of grant funding, the Coalition will provide an additional seven grants to Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs) across the U.S. – a total of 19 in just over a year – to boost sortation of polypropylene and support recycling education efforts. These investments will increase the recovery of polypropylene by an estimated 22 million pounds annually for established end markets such as consumer packaging and automotive parts. Polypropylene, sometimes referred to as No. 5 plastic, is an important packaging material increasingly used for various food and non-food products; it is estimated to be the third most prominent plastic in the residential recycling stream and is in strong demand as a recycled material.   "The impact the Polypropylene Recycling Coalition has made in just over a year to improve recycling for approximately 7.2 million households in America is an incredible effort in driving rapid and measurable change. This outcome highlights the power of collaboration, especially when combined with the strategic expertise of the Partnership team," said Sarah Dearman, Vice President of Circular Ventures at The Recycling Partnership. "This is the type of meaningful investment all materials need to improve their packaging circularity. We continue to encourage all companies that use polypropylene to become part of the solution to ensure greater and better capture of this valuable recyclable material."   The Coalition awards grants to MRF candidates that face significant challenges in their ability to effectively sort and recycle polypropylene. With this strategic expansion, polypropylene will now be accepted curbside in more communities and residents educated as to what is and isn't accepted in their recycling programs, resulting in more material captured and made into new products. These endeavors further strengthen polypropylene's position as a valuable recycled material and accelerate the shift to a circular economy.   The newest grantees include: Napa Recycling in Napa, Calif. Cedar Ave Recycling and Transfer Station in Fresno, Calif. SOCRRA in Troy, Mich. Republic Services in Oberlin, Ohio Baltimore County in Md. Recycle Ann Arbor in Ann Arbor, Mich. City of Phoenix, Ariz. (incremental funding provided by Keurig Dr Pepper) The combined geographic reach of the first four rounds of grantees includes MRFs across the Northern, Southern, Eastern, and Western regions of the U.S. The widespread interest and commitment from MRFs across the U.S. to growing the collection and sortation of recyclable polypropylene clearly demonstrates the market strength for this material nationwide.   The Coalition received a strong response to the first four rounds of requests for proposals and continues to accept grant applications to further its efforts to advance polypropylene recycling and reduce plastic waste. The next grant proposal request is due May 31, 2022. MRFs interested in sorting polypropylene are encouraged to apply. The mission-driven work of the Coalition is supported by contributions from organizations representing all segments of the material's value chain.   In addition to the aforementioned steering committee members, other members of the Coalition include Campbell Soup Company, EFS-plastics, The Kroger Co. Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation, KW Plastics, LyondellBasell, Merlin Plastics, Milliken & Company, Nestlé, PolyQuest, Procter & Gamble, St. Joseph Plastics, and Winpak. The Polypropylene Recycling Coalition is advised by industry leaders including: Association of Plastic Recyclers, Closed Loop Partners, Sidewalk Infrastructure Partners, Sustainable Packaging Coalition, and World Wildlife Fund. The Coalition is part of The Recycling Partnership’s Pathway to Circularity, an initiative creating scalable solutions to packaging and system challenges to accelerate the shift to a circular economy that uses fewer finite resources.   To learn more about the Polypropylene Recycling Coalition, its members, and how to get involved in supporting its goals, visit recyclingpartnership.org/polypropylene-coalition. For MRFs interested in applying for a grant, the application is available on our website.      

ISHIDA COMMITS TO CARBON NEUTRAL EXHIBITION STANDS

Packing line specialist Ishida Europe has committed to a partnership that will allow it to use carbon neutral exhibition stands, in a drive to reduce the carbon footprint of its trade show activity. The company is working with German live communication specialist "mac. brand spaces" in the design and building of stands that focus on key sustainability criteria such as reduce, reuse and recycle.   For each trade show, a carbon footprint will be calculated. Afterwards, the amount of carbon dioxide created by the stand will be neutralised through compensation projects. "mac. brand spaces" works only with reforestation projects certified under the Golden Standard for the Global Goals.   Ishida's forthcoming participation at IFFA and VIV Europe will the company's first stands designed to these principles.   "Exhibitions are a vital part of the global packaging and food markets, and we know our customers value the opportunity to assess our equipment and discuss their specific requirements will our experts face-to-face – especially after the two years of the pandemic," comments Steve Jones, Ishida Europe's Marketing Director.   "Nevertheless, we realise that such activities also have environmental consequences and we therefore wanted to play an active role in minimising the impact of our participation as part of our wider sustainability commitments."   For each stand, the mac. design team will consider the need for every component in order to reduce the use of new materials, as well as seeking to replace items with sustainable alternatives wherever possible. Components are also now designed to be reused and retained for future events, while used elements are sent for recycling.   Examples for Ishida stands include multiple-use two-piece ceiling signs, fabric to replace printed panels for the backwalls, recyclable floor tiles and the reuse of decorative elements.   Where Ishida shares a stand with a third party and cannot validate its full carbon impact at an exhibition, reductions in carbon footprint will be made to achieve as close to carbon neutral as possible, by focusing on opportunities to reduce, replace, reuse or recycle materials.     "This new improved approach, founded on sustainability, will reduce the carbon footprint of our exhibition attendance whilst continuing to evolve the established Ishida identity, it's a clear win win" said Steve Jones.     Sustainability continues to be a critical criterion in the design of Ishida equipment. The company's most recent multihead weigher range offers a power consumption reduction of approximately 20% over previous generations, while its X-ray inspection systems have a built-in feature that puts the machines into stand-by mode following spells of inactivity. The latest Ishida tray sealers have been designed to reliably handle new sustainable pack formats, and the company's Inspira VFFS technology for snacks bagmakers helps to eliminate packaging waste by ensuring consistent machine set-up.     Ishida's commitment to sustainability is also reflected in its recent accreditation with ISO 14001.  As explained by David Cleaver, Ishida's Environmental, Health & Safety, Facilities Manager, "ISO 14000 is a range of standards related to environmental management that exists to help organisations minimise how their operations negatively affect the environment, comply with applicable laws, regulations, and other environmentally tailored requirements. Ishida was recently awarded the 14001 standard and is committed to maintain the ISO 14001 accreditation via internal and external audits."      

THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2022 to address the needs of food industry operators as they adapt to a critically changed F&B market

The event will feature 11 food segments, 1200 exhibitors, 2,500 high-profile buyers, some 40,000 expected trade visitors, as well as special shows dedicated to entrepreneurs, product innovation and responding directly to buyer needs.   Bangkok (28 April 2022) —THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2022 preparation is in full swing as Asia’s leading food trade fair gears up to host local and international participants at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, Bangkok, Thailand, from 24-28 May 2022. This is the most comprehensive event dedicated to the food and beverage industry in the region. The event will bring together key leaders, exhibitors and buyers from the F&B sector to discuss new products, market segments and opportunities, rising levels of product innovation, and emerging & growing trends in the post-pandemic era.     This year, THAIFEX – Anuga Asia is focused on catering to food exporters' and importers' needs, providing them with a standout networking and high-quality business exchange platform. The event will feature 11 food segments, approximately 1200 exhibitors, c.2,500 high-profile buyers, some 40,000 expected visitors, as well as sessions dedicated to entrepreneurs, product innovation and responding directly to buyer needs.     Besides the wide range of F&B products and solutions across 9 halls at THAIFEX – Anuga Asia, the organisers have also launched a newly created segment, THAIFEX - Anuga Future Food Market. This segment is made up of exhibits that feature potentially revolutionary products and services that address buyers’ needs for ground-breaking innovations that will influence and positively impact this fast-paced industry.     The Hosted Buyer Programme and the Priority Buyer Club are back by popular demand. “In the last Hosted Buyer Programme, our buyers seized up 1.7 million ÚSD worth of purchases from new suppliers alone. And they have also forecasted 27 million USD in sales revenue for the next financial year. We are expecting no less this year! With 2,500 top buyers from companies like BGF Retail and Circle K who have already registered, we anticipate some exciting news to unfold at this year’s event!” said General Manager of Food Tradeshow, Koelnmesse Singapore, Wendy Lim.   Riding on the theme of ‘Hybrid Edition’, the physical trade fair will be enhanced by digital elements. This includes an online networking platform for attendees to network even before the show begins, and remote booths and hosted buyer meetings for exhibitors and buyers who are not able to join in person. There will also be live streaming sessions from our Future Food Experience stage, where key industry experts, regional and global thought leaders and trade professionals will gather to exchange ideas and provide actionable insights. This year’s topics include the top 10 F&B trends, digital transformation, sustainability, and so on. The stage will also be supplemented with THAIFEX – Anuga Start-Up pitches, where entrepreneurs pitch their innovations to a captive audience such as venture capitalists, investors, and future business partners. Several of these sessions will be live-streamed on social media channels (details below).   To make the show a safe and successful business platform for all physical participants, the organisers have also introduced new measures in accordance with rules and regulations issued by the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA).   THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2022 is organised by Koelnmesse, DITP and TCC. For more information, please visit https://thaifex-anuga.com/en/. To view the Live Stream during the event cast, please follow https://www.facebook.com/thaifexanugaasia/. -ENDS

V-Shapes Sachets for Innovative Single-Dose Packaging

Next generation solution for single-use packaging and sampling a new growth opportunity for the company.   V-Shapes, an innovative supplier of vertically integrated products and services for convenient, hygienic and sustainable single-dose packaging, today reported that visett, a leading provider of branded and white label cosmetics and body care products, has added V-Shapes sachets to its packaging mix. The company currently has a V-Shapes PRIME single-lane fill and seal packaging/converting machine for on-demand production of unique single-dose sachets that can be opened with a single gesture using one hand, as well as a Trojan Label T2-C printer. The company is using a combination of printing on demand and pre-printed flexo substrates to meet the widest possible range of customer needs. visett, located in Germany and in business for two decades, offers its products via white label, B2B and B2C. B2B business for the company, which has nine employees, has grown in 50 countries over the last decade.   "We have historically offered a whole range of packaging for our products, including bottles and tubes," said Michel Raad, Owner and Managing Director of visett, "We had never offered sachets before because many of our competitors did. But as an innovative company, when we learned about V-Shapes, we saw it as the next-generation solution, a differentiator for us, and we didn't spend a lot of time thinking about it."   The V-Shapes PRIME has been so successful for visett that the company is currently in the process of seeking a larger facility in order to add two or three V-Shapes ALPHA six-lane packaging machines. Since based on volume, some substrate is preprinted with flexography, the company will likely configure one of its machines as an AlphaFlex with in-line printing and use pre-printed flexo rolls for the others. "In this way,"  Raad said, "we will have the ability to produce relatively large quantities with on-demand printing, but for the largest quantities, we can still leverage our flexo fleet as well."   Currently, sachets comprise less than 10% of visett's overall volume, but that share is expected to grow dramatically once the ALPHA units are installed. For visett, sachets represent an add-on offering, building on its overall growth rather than replacing any current production.   "As we have introduced these innovative sachets to the market,"  Raad added, "we have found a number of unexpected uses. For example, for sampling, we don't need to ship large containers anymore, which reduces our sampling costs significantly. In addition, customers who might previously have purchased a full-sized container of a product now are frequently asking for full sets of 10 to 20 sachets in addition to the full-size container for more convenient use. For example, they might take sachets with them when they travel and prefer not to carry the full-sized container with them, or for handing out to their customers as samples to encourage those customers to purchase the full-sized containers. Sometimes customers find the single-unit sachets more convenient overall. A good example is our cream make-up removal. Some customers would prefer to purchase 10 or 20 single-use sachets rather than a pot of the product."   The other opportunity is in restaurants and at events, Raad points out. "The Health Department has told us that as we come out of the pandemic, most certainly, large multi-use containers on tables in restaurants and bars, as well as at events, will be forbidden. So the demand for single-use sachets will continue to grow. And the V-Shapes sachets are so much easier, cleaner and more hygienic to open and dispense than traditional single-serve packages."   Raad has also been extremely pleased with the support he has received from V-Shapes, noting, "It's been a very good relationship, they are easy to work with and very supportive. Their response time is also very fast. I have two phone numbers to use with WhatsApp … if the first one doesn't answer right away, the second one usually does, which means I literally have 24/7 service." He also notes that, like his own company, V-Shapes is very proactive. He says, "At visett, once we have a good product range, we start selling it. But in the background, we are also developing new products and upgrading existing ones. V-Shapes has that same philosophy, and they are very proactive in communicating to us about upgrades or new developments. For example, they have already notified us we should expect to have another equipment upgrade soon, and we are also looking forward to implementing substrates made from recycled feedstocks. V-Shapes stays on top of all of that for us to make sure we are delivering the best product possible to our customers."  

THE COUNTDOWN IS ON FOR THAIFEX – ANUGA ASIA 2022!

THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2022 preparation is in full swing as Asia's leading food trade fair gears up to re-imagine the future of food and presents more in-person and virtual collaboration opportunities this year.      THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2022 in-person event is confirmed to take place at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, Bangkok, Thailand from 24-28 May 2022. With Thailand's reopening and the relaxation of entry schemes by the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), local and international participants are looking to THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2022 as Asia's F&B business networking platform and a driving force for new products, market segments, and trends in the post-pandemic era.    Launching a brand-new market segment, 'THAIFEX – Anuga Future Food Market' is set to connect F&B players who are boldly reimagining how future food is made. Radical products and services will be featured to address ground-breaking innovations that will influence the fast-paced industry.    The prospects for this year's event are very promising. With an estimated 1,200 exhibitors, 2,500 high-profiled hosted buyers, and some 40,000 visitors reconnecting under one roof, it underlines that physical contact and networking remain to be essential business tools. Iain Eaglesham, Managing Director of Fortis, said, "After a two-year break in sourcing new products because of the pandemic, it's important for us to take advantage of the opportunities THAIFEX - Anuga 2022 offers. This year we will be placing more emphasis on sourcing new suppliers from within the Asia region due to the current global supply chain situation. The event has always been one of the biggest and well organised food and beverage shows in Asia, and this year it gives us a fresh opportunity to source new F&B products both from around the region and internationally in the most productive way possible!"   Treading on the path of hybrid theme, the physical trade fair will be further enhanced by the digital element, including pre, during, and postshow online networking site, pre-show webinars, and live streaming sessions.    To make the show a safe and successful business platform for all physical participants, the team has also implemented comprehensive safety measures in response to COVID-19. With preparation in full swing, now is the time to register for this must-attend event!  For more details, please visit https://thaifex-anuga.com/en/.

Print beyond full color with Xeikon’s metallic toners

Lier, Belgium, 21 April 2022 – Xeikon is introducing gold and silver metallic toners for the Cheetah 2.0 Series, the most advanced digital label presses in the market, to unlock value-add potential for brands and a competitive edge for printers and converters. This new digital foiling evolution is based on Xeikon’s innovation strategy and its firm focus on developing high-quality, application-tuned solutions that are also more sustainable and cost-effective.   The new gold and silver are part of Xeikon's Creative Toner series, which has been designed to enhance packaging with special colors. Launched a few years ago, the first Creative Colors were Palladium Silver and Matt Silver. Today, Xeikon is expanding this toner family with new Metallic Gold and Metallic Silver as digital alternatives to flexo-printed gold or silver that measure 6–8 on the Flop Index (a measure of the reflectance of a metallic color).   Gold and silver foiling is used in many market sectors for embellishing labels to give them a luxury look and eye-catching shelf appeal. Wine & spirits as well as health & beauty labels most typically require this specific embellishment step. Traditionally, the metallic look can be achieved by various methods: either by printing on metallic substrates, by printing with expensive metallic inks, or through a hot/cold foil stamping process. However, all of these techniques incur high setup costs due to the expensive materials and tooling. Foil stamping in particular is also time-consuming and will generate a high amount of waste in the process. By adding metallic colors digitally, these extra setup costs and costly waste are completely removed from the equation. In addition, new value-added label design options, such as personalization and versioning, become possible, giving brands and designers more freedom.   The new metallic colors slot into the fifth color station on the Xeikon Cheetah press, meaning the addition of metallics can take place during the main printing step. This also eliminates any secondary processes, as dry toner technology allows for hassle-free color swapping by simply replacing the toner dosing unit and the developer unit. Furthermore, there is no extensive cleaning process required; a quick brush with a vacuum cleaner between jobs is sufficient to be up and running again quickly.   As digital printing technology continues to evolve and the uptake by the label industry accelerates, ever more processes of label manufacturing become digital. More digitization at the finishing and converting stages are changing the entire print manufacturing process. Xeikon currently offers offline digital 2D, 3D, haptic varnishing and foiling on the Xeikon Fusion Embellishment Unit (FEU) and inline embellishment with full-color digital print as haptic white on the Xeikon Panther UV-IJ Series. Now, with the opportunity to use metallic toners directly on Xeikon Cheetah 2.0 presses, it becomes much easier to produce less complex labels, while dramatically reducing the turnaround time and simplifying the production process.   Filip Weymans, Xeikon's Vice President, Marketing, explains, "The development of application-tuned toners empowers printers to create their own digital solution, so they can establish a differentiation from other print providers and achieve a competitive edge. With Xeikon Metallic Gold and Silver, we continue our commitment to innovation with leading-edge technology that provides new opportunities for the label printing industry."   The new metallic toners will be commercially available from May 2022 for all Xeikon Cheetah 2.0 users. Visitors to Xeikon Café Europe 2022, on April 26–28, can experience live demonstrations of this new technology in the Global Innovation Center, where label printers and converters will learn how the latest Xeikon solutions can bring more value to their business. Visitors may also reserve individual sessions with Xeikon experts in advance to get in-depth insight and discuss their specific needs and opportunities.

Informa Markets - ProPak Asia, confirms to be held in June 2022 including new sectors expansion.

Time：2026-06-10~2026-06-13

Location ：Bangkok, Thailand

Informa Markets – ProPak Asia, confirms to be held in June 2022 including new sectors expansion, sustainable packaging solution, sustainability insight approach in show floor and strict safety and hygiene measure.   ProPak Asia ready to return to market in June 2022 with product expansion, digital implementation and introduction of variety sustainable approach in its event and industry.   Informa Markets in ASEAN host a comprehensive portfolio in form of business trade exhibition including Processing and Packaging, Food ingredients, Machinery, Pharmaceutical, Beauty, Furniture, Livestock & Aquaculture, Water and Energy and many more. ProPak Asia 2022 confirmed its event today on 15-18 June 2022 at BITEC hall, Bangkok Thailand, providing the opportunities for many vertical markets to explore, source, network with innovative technology and solutions in processing and packaging from more than 500 companies around the world. Currently nearly 80% confirmed their presence at the event.   ProPak Asia 2022 under the theme of “Sustainability in Processing and Packaging for our Better World” will demonstrate the advanced, innovative technology and solution in packaging and processing which covered under varieties of vertical markets. They will be being showcased through a series of panel discussion, technical talk, keynote speech, and the latest products & technology on the show floor.   Establishing ProPak Asia 2022 to be a leading sustainable event, we will bring back the In-Person event to welcome participants from around the world. In the 4 days of In-Person event, participants will have opportunity to network and get update on industry insight in sustainable way of production, and processing. With the evolution and dynamic changed in the customers demand, this is a great opportunity also it is opportunities for audiences to refresh their knowledge, up to date technology and learn more on the evolution happened in past 2 years.   At ProPak Asia we serve the diverse markets including food and beverage, agroindustry, personal care, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, Packaging industry which completed eco system of those vertical value chain. Not only return to ASEAN markets with ProPak Asia, but we also offer the digital market place for 365 days concept that audiences can search, source and nurture their business needs through “PROPAKCONNECT” marketplace.   In addition to exhibition area, there are a full line of session covering market trends, market insights, expert panel, new and refresh features highlighting on sustainable packaging throughout the events. The zoning approach on the show floor this year will create the better navigation experience to the participants, also with the growth in number of SME and Startup business in the region, the show floor will be featured the delivery and offer of products, technology fit for small scale demand. The highlight features at ProPak Asia 2022 includes ProPak Bar – the features demonstrate the culture of Brewing, networking opportunity in drink technology Sustainability Square – the square will feature how importance of sustainability at Informa Markets and how we adopt into serving audiences at ProPak Asia Idea theatre – Live activities that invite blogger, guru, experts, superstar and celebrity to share their real experiences in building up their business, include the workshop for SME. It is highlighted as inspiration for small and medium enterprise Product Development workshop – co-hosted with TISTR, the workshop will include the best practice in doing R&D for food and pharma products. The workshop will include from research, process of development, and testing. Real case of R&D will be share at this workshop area Innovation Stage – Co-hosted with WPO World Packaging Organization, this is area that combined consulting area, live stage activities and showcase the sustainable packaging that was awarded at world star packaging level SME Pavilion – this area will be a center for the SME to meet with consultant who can give variety of aspects in the business operation such financial investment, product development, Material selection, packaging design and go to market idea. And many more will come up in the next month.   Audiences’ safety is priority of Informa markets, the exhibition and its features area will be under guidance of Informa’s AllSecure safety measures, will also collaborate with venue to ensure the coverage of safety and hygiene while our audiences are in the venue. We have our own specific set of safety measures which communicating to our exhibitors, visitors, partners and our contractors. We hope our health and safety planning enhances the participants’ experience in visiting ProPak Asia and spend their valuable time in our safe show floor. With the technology in place ProPak Asia has introduced the ebadge system since 2020, so you will experience our reception at the event with the digital access to your pass. Please ensure the audience has registered in advance and follow the requirement set out by the venue and Informa Markets which guided by local authorities. More information please check at www.propakasia.com we have provided the guidelines for the visit in the website.

Pharmactive Black Garlic Extract For Blood Pressure Management

New Clinical Study finds ABG+® could help reduce cardiovascular risk factors     Madrid – In a new clinical study of individuals with moderately elevated cholesterol levels, Pharmactive Biotech Products, S.L.U.’s Aged Black Garlic (ABG+®) demonstrated new potential to balance blood pressure favorably. ABG+ is grown and cultivated locally, just two hours from Pharmactive’s facility, and gently processed using green technology. The process generates very low waste and significantly reduces the environmental impact.   Positive study results Published in the science journal Nutrients on January 18, 2022 , the randomized, double-blind, sustained, crossover-controlled intervention was conducted at the Sant Joan de Reus University Hospital in Barcelona. The study was led by Dr. Rosa Valls, author of more than 150 scientific papers and director of dozens of doctoral theses, and included 67 adult hypercholesterolemic volunteers with relatively high blood LDL levels. Each participant consumed 250mg ABG+ or a placebo over six weeks, with a three-week washout period before crossover. Subjects also were assigned a set diet that excluded lipo-lowering and anti-hypertensive foods. Results at six weeks demonstrated that ABG+ extract significantly reduced diastolic blood pressure (DBP) by 5.85mm Hg on average compared to the placebo. The favorable reaction was particularly evident in men. “A reduction of just 5mm Hg of diastolic blood pressure lowers substantially the risk of stroke and other vascular events,” explains Alberto Espinel, Head of R&D for Pharmactive. High blood pressure affects nearly a third of adults worldwide and is the leading preventable risk factor for cardiovascular problems and all-cause mortality. The risks associated with common cardiovascular problems and stroke double with every 10mm Hg diastolic increase among people aged 40 to 89. This is the first clinical study conducted on ABG+, spurred by the company's encouraging results of two previous animal studies. Those trials demonstrated the ingredient’s cardioprotective role, as well as its ability to favorably balance blood lipids and enhance vascular function. “Aged black garlic has long been regarded as a culinary delicacy and integral component of the Asian diet, as well as a tool to maintain health,” asserts Espinel. “Empirical evidence is unfolding on the beneficial effects of black garlic on cardiovascular health. However, the magnitude of its effect depends on the amount and type of chemical compounds accumulated during the aging process and the ability to extract and preserve those compounds during processing.”   Green Production This savory ingredient is traditionally produced by aging whole bulbs of a selected Spanish species of fresh garlic at high humidity and temperatures for a few weeks. The garlic cloves turn dark and assume a soft, jellylike texture while losing the characteristic pungent garlic flavor as it turns sweet. During this process, the aged bulbs undergo substantial biochemical changes. The main organosulfur compounds in fresh garlic—alliin and allicin—are diminished. Yet a powerful bioactiv complex of soluble polyphenols, predominantly SAC, flavonoids, and melanoidins, is significantly increased. The synergetic action of these antioxidants is believed to be the primary source of the cardioprotective qualities of ABG+. Pharmactive’s ABG+ extract is standardized to 1.25mg S-allyl-L-cysteine (SAC) polyphenols. It is produced using the company’s proprietary ABG Cool-Tech® aging technique. Its rich concentration of SAC is confirmed by HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography). “SAC is virtually absent in fresh garlic, yet is synthesized and accumulated during aging under specific ambient conditions,” explains Espinel. “The presence and concentration of active substances critically depend on the production process. Most commercial black garlic products on the market are intended just for their culinary properties and barely contain SAC. In other cases, SAC is produced in garlic by long industrial processes which included soaking the bulbs in organic solvents and the results are simply labeled as ‘aged garlic’. This compromises the content of bioactives and is the reason the available studies of black garlic extracts show contradictory results and health capabilities. “This is some of the first evidence emerging on the blood pressure-balancing effect of an ABG+ extract, as a natural alternative, in a population where the strategies of intervention are based on diet and maintaining a healthy lifestyle,” continues Espinel. “Importantly, its positive effects were achieved following a simple protocol of consuming one ABG+ extract tablet daily.” “Future clinical studies focusing on the blood pressure-managing capacity of our ABG+ extracts are in the pipeline,” adds Julia Diaz, Head of Marketing for Pharmactive. “Lifestyle choices, including dietary protocols such as the DASH or Mediterranean diets, are the first line of treatment for delaying and preventing increases in blood pressure. ABG+ offers an additional potent—and flavorful—nutritive tool for helping to manage blood pressure, especially in people who have difficulty abiding by dietary restrictions.” All ABG+ ingredients are water-soluble and can be used in multiple applications, including gummies, capsules, soft gels, syrups, and powders. ABG+ ingredients are ideal for functional foods and even gummies due to the absence of garlic’s characteristic odor and flavor.   About Pharmactive Pharmactive Biotech Products, S.L.U., is a Madrid-based pioneering biotechnology company that develops and manufactures differentiated natural ingredients supported by science, such as pure saffron extract and aged black garlic. The company’s mission is to make a daily positive and significant impact on people’s health and well-being through premium botanical ingredients backed by scientific studies and approved by ethics committees. It grows, cultivates, and produces farm-to-fork botanical ingredients with a minimal ecological footprint.

Attractive innovation: Magnets help on bottle recycling obstacle

by Jared Paben   As part of the pilot project, Magnomer’s magnetizable inks were printed on shrink labels in collaboration with American Fuji Seal.        A startup that supplies an ink allowing shrink sleeve labels to be separated from PET flakes with a magnet has successfully completed early testing of the innovation. Ravish Majithia, founder and CEO of Watertown, Mass.-based Magnomer, told Plastics Recycling Update his company completed the first phase of a pilot project involving labels company American Fuji Seal, a major beverage brand, and independent testing lab Plastics Forming Enterprises (PFE). He could not disclose the name of the beverage brand.   Magnomer developed magnetizable inks that allow reclaimers to remove labels with magnets, which are already used to ensure ferrous metals don’t contaminate flakes or get into extruders. Magnomer’s inks can be produced in various colors or as a transparent ink, and are applied with standard label printing equipment, Majithia said.   Well-suited to existing label systems While the technology has the potential to enable separation of any types of material for recycling, Majithia said, this particular project tested the ink on shrink sleeve labels on PET bottles.   Most shrink sleeve films are made of PETG, which sinks with PET flakes in float-sink tanks. The PETG can cause flake clumping in dryers, and inks on the labels can bleed and stain the clear flakes.   Companies have developed label films to address those issues, including polyolefin films that float, crystallizable films that can be recycled along with the bottle, and de-seaming labels that separate in the whole bottle pre-wash.   Still, adoption of recycling-friendly labels has been slow in some cases. Majithia said the label industry is familiar with and has equipment set up for PETG, which has good shrink properties.   “There’s a host of reasons why the industry isn’t able to move away from PETG and move to some of those other label technologies,” he said.   In the pilot project, several thousand bottles with PETG shrink sleeve labels were produced by American Fuji Seal for the unnamed beverage brand using Magnomer’s ink.   “On the printing and integration side, we used all high-volume commercial equipment to showcase … this can be done at commercial grade without any issues,” Majithia said. “So the scalability has been proven.”   Then, PFE took the bottles through the recycling process, confirming the labels don’t harm the recycling process. Majithia said that the inks are bleed resistant, so they don’t affect the quality of the wash water.   Commercial-scale trials The first phase of the pilot project kicked off in late spring 2019 and concluded in November 2019. The recycling testing results were submitted to the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) in January 2020, he said.   Phase two of the project will involve trials with a commercial PET reclaimer, Majithia said. His company is currently negotiating with multiple reclaimers. The ultimate goal is for commercial PET reclaimers to provide testimonials to APR validating the technology, so that Magnomer can achieve APR’s Responsible Innovation Recognition, he said.   While Magnomer has gotten significant traction with using its inks in shrink sleeve labels on PET bottles, the company is also working to push its technology to other applications, including recycling HDPE bottles, sorting multilayer films, and recycling aluminum cans.   “The technology has applicability in various aspects,” he said.   In terms of HDPE bottles, Magnomer is working with an Australian label manufacturer to showcase the use of the ink in pressure-sensitive labels on HDPE bottles. The labels are often BOPP, which floats with HDPE in float-sink tanks. Using Magnomer’s ink, a magnet can separate HDPE flakes with stuck-on label from clean HDPE flakes. The technology negates the need for an abrasive wash to remove the labels, he said.   The technology could also allow a materials recovery facility (MRF) to separate laminated films, such as chips bags, with a magnet, which is cheaper and more dependable than other types of sorting equipment. That would help remove plastic contamination from paper bales, where films often end up today, he noted.   Additionally, Magnomer is exploring the use of its inks in aluminum can full-body shrink labels. Those labels, along with pressure-sensitive labels, are often used on smaller drink runs, as opposed to the lacquered cans used for huge drink runs.   In aluminum recycling plants, cans are shredded and sent under a magnet to remove ferrous contamination before the aluminum goes into a furnace. When shredded, shrink labels can get tangled together and gum up equipment, according to a report from The Recycling Partnership and the Sustainable Packaging Coalition. In the kiln, they burn, raising the risk of fires and increases the creation of dross, which must be then sent out for additional processing.       origin link:https://resource-recycling.com/plastics/2020/02/18/attractive-innovation-magnets-help-on-bottle-recycling-obstacle/

New Study Proves That Innovative New Barrier Technology Solves The Problem Of Paper Recycling And Plastic Waste

Soluble barrier promotes improved fibre separation critical to meeting circular economy No compromise on packaging functionality Hydropol proven to give real improvement when set against current regulations which allow the ‘recyclable’ label to be used if there is up to 15% unrecyclable material in the product   A new study commissioned by DS Smith and Aquapak shows that innovative, bio-digestible barrier coatings increase paper recycling rates and fibre yield, without compromising functionality, providing a viable new packaging alternative which is ready and available for use.A new study commissioned by DS Smith and Aquapak shows that innovative, bio-digestible barrier coatings increase paper recycling rates and fibre yield, without compromising functionality, providing a viable new packaging alternative which is ready and available for use. The independent research, ‘’Considerations for process, product and environmental fate testing of soluble bio-digestible barriers for paper and board packaging’, shows that new barrier technologies such as Hydropol provide an alternative to conventional plastic coatings used in paper packaging by promoting improved paper fibre separation and removing plastic waste from the recycling process, dramatically reducing the negative impact of paper packaging on the environment. DS Smith and Aquapak have been working together to find a solution to the issue of non-recyclable paper packaging, the use of which has increased as the industry has moved to replace conventional, hard to recycle and single use plastics. This has resulted in a wide va¬riety of fibre-based packaging formats combined with alternative functional barriers being introduced into the recovered paper recycling streams.   However, the materials currently being used to give paper the packaging functionality required for products such as food, drink and household goods, are not easily recyclable and mean that the paperboard is rejected because paper mills cannot process the paper and plastic combinations.  Instead, they are incinerated or go to landfill. To provide a solution to this problem, Aquapak has developed Hydropol, a com¬mercially available fully soluble, biodigestible barrier polymer, which can be adhesive- or extrusion coated onto paper and brings a number of benefits to fibre-based packaging, including oil and grease resistance together with a high gas barrier. It is non-toxic, marine safe, dissolves in water and subsequently biodegrades but still provides the much-needed functionality required for food, drink and household product packaging. The tests used in the study show that Hydropol is compatible with the processes used by high volume recycling mills and enables high fibre recovery, whilst reducing insoluble single-use plastics which are ejected and sent to landfill or waste to energy. Hydropol is also now proven to give real improvement on current regulations which allow the ‘recyclable’ label to be used if there is up to 15% unrecyclable material in the product. The results obtained in the study provide packaging designers with a clear route as to how to meet the Paperbased Packaging Recyclability Guideline set out by the European association representing the paper industry (Cepi), and which are there to:   Ensure that the paper fraction of the packaging breaks down into single fibres when pulped within a specified timeframe Give preference to polymers and other sealing agents that can be dealt with efficiently by the papermill process and effluent treatment systems and do not compromise the finished product, the production process or the environment whilst being recycled.  A previous study* shows that Hydropol has also been shown to increase some paper strength properties (tear, burst, puncture and tensile strength), allowing coated or laminated papers to be heat-sealed for ‘form, fill and seal’ fibre packaging applications.   Mark Lapping, Chief Executive Officer, Aquapak, comments: “The new research is hugely important for the packaging industry as it proves that they now have an alternative solution to existing plastics which is commercially available and, crucially, does not compromise on functionality or the end of life of the materials. It is now up to the industry to embrace the new technology available to them and create a new generation of packaging which meet the needs of the circular economy.” Nick Thompson, Materials Development Director, DS Smith Group R&D commented: “It’s clear that materials used in paper-based packaging have to be designed into the packaging with recycling in mind from the start.  This is why DS Smith developed circular design principles; to ensure repulpability, recyclability and no negative impact on the end of life of the materials used.  It seems like the Aquapak Hydropol product during recycling, has now been shown to help fibre separation and can itself be eliminated from the process with no negative impact and with no need for finding an outlet for unwanted waste material, such as difficult to recycle plastics.” For full results of the study ‘’Considerations for process, product and environmental fate testing of soluble bio-digestible barriers for paper and board packaging’, visit https://www.aquapakpolymers.com/request-white-paper-2/  HydropolTM - all the benefits of plastic packaging but without the problems with recycling Aquapak has developed a novel biodegradable, non-toxic and water-soluble polymer called HydropolTM which is three times stronger than alternatives and is designed to be used in existing thermo-processing equipment, giving it a wider range of applications.  HydropolTM enables up to 100% paper/board recovery whatever the percentage packaging makeup. The base plastic is currently used for dishwasher tablets, ingestible pill casings and soluble stitches.  HydropolTM ‘s resistance to low temperature solubility and high barrier to elements adds functionality, providing a wider range of uses.  It can be recycled, re-pulped, composted and is distinctively compatible with anaerobic digestion.  Furthermore, if unintentionally released into the natural environment, HydropolTM – which is non-toxic and marine safe - will dissolve and subsequently biodegrade, leaving no trace.    Blown film products commercially available and made from HydropolTM include garment bags, ESD bags, organic waste disposal bags and laundry bags for infection control.  Its solubility makes it easy to separate from other materials, simplifying the confusing recycling options that exist for different packaging.  Extrusion coatings and laminates for paper/board applications are at customer production trial stage, including a number of home delivery and ecommerce applications, packaging for dried pet food, snacks, cooked meat and convenience food applications. Other applications under development with customers and development partners include injection mouldings and injection moulded parts such as golf tees, non-woven fibre for applications such as wet wipes and cellulose combinations for thermoformed trays.  www.aquapakpolymers.com

Why physical print is important in a digital world

By Erwin Busselot, Business Innovations & Solutions Director, Graphic Communications Group, Ricoh Europe Ricoh Europe, London, October 15, 2021 －Often in films, there are key scenes when we see a box discovered in an attic, dusted off, tentatively opened, and printed items carefully removed as important life moments are remembered.     Tickets to a sports event, programmes, photographs, records in their sleeves, books, etc… All printed reminders. We live in an increasingly digital world and so these physical, revisitable, and memorable touchpoints are becoming fewer and fewer. Increasingly things are being stored electronically from music, photos, and books to receipts, tickets, and invitations. In our daily lives, QR codes, e-tickets, and online libraries are replacing concert tickets, hardcopy images, and tangible album artwork. Printed items from past activities, events, achievements, celebrations, holidays, have the power to generate the happy spirit of the moment with feelings and memories. The Japanese call that natsukashii. Printed applications can also physically engage our basic senses. We see and smell them. We hear the sound of turning pages and opening envelopes. We explore them with touch, a sense that is so primal that it develops even before we are born, as this blog explores.   Other than choice of substrate, our physical experience of print can be enhanced by:   A matte or glossy feel added by the optional Matte Fuser on the Ricoh Pro C9200 Series of digital colour sheetfed presses or a coating from Duplo’s DuSense sensory coater that creates different thicknesses and achieves a variety of high impact effects. An attention grabbing luxurious look using the new Gold and Silver toners developed for the fifth colour station on theRicoh Pro™ C7200X digital colour sheetfed press. The metallics can transform catalogues, posters, flyers, direct mail, brochures, tickets, invitations, certificates, business, greetings, and Christmas cards, as well as packaging.   As a medium, physical print is also more memorable and trusted than digital storage and communication. It has a greater power to persuade as I discussed here.   It can help stimulate memories for those with dementia, too. That is why we created Printed Memories. The online tool allows relatives of sufferers to upload a familiar picture and add a message to a postcard. Sharing recognisable images is known as reminiscence therapy and it helps prompt brain activity to generate memories and connections to events, places, and people in their lives.   Do we ever pause to reflect on the incredible, latent power of print? Maybe not as often as we should. Natsukashii (positive memories that can be enjoyed time and again) is a concept we should all be aware of and celebrate; it offers us a word to represent one of print’s special capabilities. And describes something that is beyond the widening reach of electronically stored data.