Propak East Africa 2024: Leading the packaging, plastics, printing & food-processing revolution in East Africa

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Propak East Africa, the premier exhibition and conference for packaging, plastics, printing, and food-processing professionals, is set to take place from March 12th to 14th, 2024, at The Sarit Exhibition Center in Nairobi, Kenya.   Bringing together over 150 suppliers from across the globe, Propak East Africa offers attendees the unparalleled opportunity to explore the latest products and solutions spanning the entire packaging supply chain. From flexible packaging to printing equipment, from food processing solutions to pharmaceutical packaging, Propak East Africa is the definitive one-stop-shop for manufacturers, suppliers, and end-users alike.   With sister exhibitions in West and South Africa, the Propak brand is synonymous with the largest community of packaging, plastics, printing, and food-processing professionals on the continent.   The event is expected to attract more than 5,500 visitors from over 35 countries, representing industries such as food packaging, beverage packaging, retail packaging, pharmaceutical packaging, and more. With a collective visitor budget exceeding $600 million, Propak East Africa promises to be a hotspot for business deals and networking opportunities.   East Africa is witnessing transformative industry trends, and initiatives such as Extended Producer Responsibility and Circular Economy are driving businesses to adopt new strategies and technologies.   Propak East Africa will feature daily conferences led by expert guest speakers, providing attendees with insights into industry trends and innovations. Moreover, visitors will have the chance to witness fully functioning packaging, plastics, printing, and food-processing solutions firsthand and interact with the engineers behind the technology.   Propak East Africa is not just an exhibition; it's an immersive experience that offers invaluable opportunities for learning, networking, and business growth.   Propak East Africa 2024 promises to be the highlight of the year for professionals in the packaging, plastics, printing, and food-processing industries. To register or learn more about the event, visit the official website at propakeastafrica.com.

Cosmeceuticals and cosmetic packaging going green to meet customers’ requirements

The global cosmetics market size was valued at USD 262.21 billion in 2022 and is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.2% from 2023 to 2030. One of the key factors driving the market expansion during the forecast period is the widespread increase in the adoption of skincare and personal care products along with the rise in the global ageing population. A recent market trends report for cosmetics and cosmeceutical states clearly that the “consumers’ preference for organic cosmetics over products with chemical bases is supported by growing knowledge about these goods and their beneficial effects on the skin, which is further fueling the market expansion”. Consumers are going greener and greener, and cosmetic packaging is looking for sustainable solutions.   In the past years, the EU-funded project POLYBIOSKIN focused on how biobased and biodegradable polymers can be modified to meet the challenging requirements for cosmetic preservation while ensuring biodegradability and meeting the requirement of environmental sustainability. Several biobased and biodegradable polymers such as PLA and PHA are already available on the market together with some solutions for both rigid and flexible cosmetic packaging, but for many others, their technology readiness level is still confining these materials to the lab for final validation. A fruitful cooperation among researchers of the University of Pisa, led by Prof. Cinelli, and industries in POLYBIOSKIN took the lead in offering options to the cosmetic sector towards adopting biobased polymers for their packaging.  There is high and increasing demand for packaging made from bioplastics, but there are still a number of challenges to address for biobased cosmetic packaging: special requirements are set for cosmetics packaging due to the intrinsic instability of cosmetic products, packaging must be able to preserve the properties of a cosmetic or personal care product, avoiding deterioration before the expiration date, and protecting products from microbial contamination.   Additionally, packaging must provide barriers to oxygen, water, ultra-violet (UV), and migration of substances from the packaging to the cosmetic, or from the cosmetic to the packaging. The peer-reviewed paper published by the research teams of the University of Pisa provides an interesting and thorough analysis of how PLA and PHA-based materials can be used for cosmetic packaging. According to the authors, PLA-based composites are suitable for packaging cosmetics, but it is necessary to conduct specific tests by taking into consideration the specific cosmetic composition to be filled in the packaging, the required shelf life of the products and the final goals the cosmetic aims to achieve. PHA-based materials are also very promising when it comes to use in applications where environmental concern and biocompatibility are required: they are characterized by high biodegradability in different environments and they are very versatile, as they can be used in a variety of applications such as packaging, moulded goods, paper coatings, nonwoven fabrics, adhesives, and films. However, research to test their durability and shelf life is still ongoing.   In parallel, there is an evident, strong trend towards the use of sustainably produced raw materials in the cosmetics field, mainly as active ingredients in formulations. More and more sustainably produced raw materials are being introduced into the cosmetics field not only as components of packaging materials but also as ingredients for cosmetics. Among the variety of polysaccharides recovered in great quantity as waste material, the natural polymers chitin and lignin can be utilized to produce innovative non-woven tissues for medical and cosmetic use: chitin and lignin are made by biobased industrial processes and biologically derived waste materials and are characterized for their low carbon footprint. They are both natural, organic macromolecules produced and used to protect from the pathogen aggressions in the cell walls of both plants and animals. These polymers can be easily produced by both electrospinning and casting technologies when used at their nano-dimension. These bio-nano-polymers would allow a low-cost production of medical tissues, characterized by anti-inflammatory, immune-modulatory, and skin repair effectiveness as well as of innovative cosmetic tissues with protective, moisturizing and anti-ageing activity.   According to the study of the Campania University, led by Prof. Morgante, chitin-lignin scaffolds, when used as carriers for their physicochemical and biological effectiveness, have the capacity to load the selected active ingredients, releasing them at the right dose, right time, and right skin layer. These smart non-woven cosmeceutical tissues can find applications not only in advanced medications and beauty masks but also innovative biodegradable fabrics for diapers and thus help reduce waste.   These three scientific papers provide more technical insights on options for using sustainable, possibly compostable, or biodegradable packaging in cosmetic packaging and cosmeceuticals.     References: Cinelli et al. Cosmetic Packaging to Save the Environment: Future Perspectives , https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics6020026 . Link: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/6/2/26  Morganti et al. Chitin & Lignin: Turning Food Waste into Cosmeceuticals. J Clin Cosmet Dermatol 3(1): dx.doi.org/10.16966/2576-2826.135 Link: https://www.sciforschenonline.org/journals/clinical-cosmetic-dermatology/JCCD-3-135.php  Morganti et al. Biopolymer- and Natural fiber-based biomimetic tissues to realize smart cosmeceuticals and nutraceuticals using an innovative approach,Pharmaceutics 2023,15,2525.doi:10.3390/pharmaceutics15112525 https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4923/15/11/2525       Credit

Bayer joins the Blister Pack Collective to reduce single-use plastics in tablet packs

PA Consulting (PA), the company bringing ingenuity to life, and PulPac, the Swedish R&D and IP company behind Dry Molded Fiber, are pleased to announce the Consumer Health division of Bayer has joined the Blister Pack Collective.   The Blister Pack Collective brings together pharma, consumer health, and FMCG businesses to accelerate progress towards a world of more sustainable tablet packs, free from problem plastics like PVC.   PA and PulPac have seeded the collective and developed the underlying technology needed to bring a functioning Dry Molded Fiber tablet blister pack to life. The adoption of Dry Molded Fiber tablet packs provides an opportunity to cut back on the more than 100,000 tonnes of plastic medicine packaging used every year.   Dry Molded Fiber technology minimizes CO2 emissions – leaving up to an 80% lower CO2 footprint than plastic – and requires minimal water usage. It enables the production of versatile tablet packs that are comparable to PVC packs in terms of design and tablet count.   Tony Perrotta, PulPac Partnership Lead at PA Consulting, said: “We are excited to welcome Bayer to the Blister Pack Collective. PA and PulPac formed the Blister Pack Collective to accelerate the progress to reduce single-use plastics, especially problem plastics like PVC, in over-the-counter, prescription drugs, nutraceuticals, and confectionary items. We are delighted to join forces with leading brand partners like Bayer to accelerate development and create a global impact.”   Sanna Fager, Chief Commercial Officer at PulPac, said: “Collaborations between changemakers to develop more sustainable solutions are truly powerful – and much needed. Working together, we can move toward new innovative fiber-based packaging solutions faster and replace unnecessary single-use plastics at scale. We look forward to bringing Dry Molded Fiber tablet packs to life with leading brands like Bayer.”   Jesse DelGigante, Director Global Packaging Innovation at Bayer Consumer Health, said: “We have a bold commitment to transform 100% of our packaging to be recyclable or renewable by 2030 and have committed to invest €100 million investment in changing how our products are made and consumed. Achieving this will require working with the best partners and we are proud to be a part of the Blister Pack Collective as we work to make a real impact for sustainability.”   Click here to learn more about the Blister Pack Collective.   This Collective is one element of PA and PulPac’s mission to leverage Dry Molded Fiber to convert renewable plant fibers into a wide range of sustainable packaging and products. Dry Molded Fiber delivers a better environmental footprint than single use plastics at comparable speed, scalability, and cost.   As the global brand development partner for Dry Molded Fiber technology, PA works closely with renowned brands to develop tailored packaging and product solutions. In their Collective approach, they work with multiple brand partners to address global and industry-wide sustainability challenges, taking collective action to make a positive impact on the world.       About Bayer   Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the life science fields of health care and nutrition. Its products and services are designed to help people and the planet thrive by supporting efforts to master the major challenges presented by a growing and aging global population. Bayer is committed to driving sustainable development and generating a positive impact with its businesses. At the same time, the Group aims to increase its earning power and create value through innovation and growth. The Bayer brand stands for trust, reliability and quality throughout the world. In fiscal 2022, the Group employed around 101,000 people and had sales of 50.7 billion euros. R&D expenses before special items amounted to 6.2 billion euros. For more information, go to www.bayer.com.   About PA   We believe in the power of ingenuity to build a positive human future. As strategies, technologies and innovation collide, we create opportunity from complexity. Our diverse teams of experts combine innovative thinking and breakthrough use of technologies to progress further, faster. Our clients adapt and transform, and together we achieve enduring results. An innovation and transformation consultancy, we are over 4000 specialists in consumer and manufacturing, defence and security, energy and utilities, financial services, government and public services, health and life sciences, and transport. Our people are strategists, innovators, designers, consultants, digital experts, scientists, engineers and technologists. We operate globally from offices across the UK, US, Netherlands and Nordics. Discover more at paconsulting.com and connect with PA on LinkedIn and Twitter. PA. Bringing Ingenuity to Life.   About PulPac   PulPac is a Swedish company that develops innovative, cutting-edge fiber-based, sustainable packaging technology. Together with a global partner network, they developed Dry Molded Fiber to provide the packaging industry with a cost and energy-efficient alternative to replace unnecessary single-use plastic.       Credit

Trivium Packaging wins PAC Global Award and WorldStar award for Budweiser World Cup aluminum bottles

Trivium Packaging, the $3.3B global metal packaging leader, is honored to receive an Award of Distinction in Package Innovation in the Technical Design category from PAC Global and a WorldStar Global Packaging award in the Alcoholic Beverages category for our work on AMBEV S.A. Budweiser’s limited edition 2022 World Cup aluminum beer bottles.   The PAC Global Awards honors the best in packaging innovation, sustainable design, and brand marketing. This is the fourth year in a row that Trivium has won in any category for the PAC Global Awards. The WorldStar award, organized by the World Packaging Organization and considered one of the most prestigious packaging awards, celebrates the continual advancement of the state of packaging design and technology and creates a living standard of international packaging excellence.   Trivium's collaboration with Budweiser, a renowned leader in the beverage industry, exemplifies a profound commitment to environmental responsibility and progressive packaging solutions. Utilizing Budweiser’s vision, Trivium created a beer bottle that was both visually engaging and environmentally sustainable. The bottles are made from infinitely recyclable aluminum, and Trivium’s advanced printing technologies allowed them to print the flags of world champion teams straight onto the bottles, eliminating the need for additional labels.   “We are so proud to see our partnership with such a well-respected brand like Budweiser acknowledged for its creativity and innovation in packaging design. It's our hope that these designs and our recyclable aluminum bottles brought our message of sustainability to the world stage, “says Trivium’s General Manager, Brazil, Aislan Pereira.   Trivium Packaging worked closely with Budweiser to produce bottles that resonated with World Cup fans around the globe. The direct printing of the designs on the bottles created an item that was not only eye-catching but could be kept as a collector’s item.   By leveraging Trivium's expertise in metal packaging, the collaboration has yielded an aluminum can design that minimizes environmental impact without compromising on quality or functionality. Compared to traditional glass bottles found on the market, Budweiser’s aluminum World Cup bottles were up to 80% lighter in weight, providing CO2 reductions in transport and energy savings in the brewing process.   For more information and to see the rest of this year’s winners, visit pac-awards.com.     Credit

Coca‑Cola strips labels from Sprite on-the-go bottles in Company’s first UK trial of “label-less” packaging

Coca‑Cola will temporarily remove labels from Sprite and Sprite Zero on-the-go bottles this January in a limited trial of “label-less” packaging.   The pilot will see labels temporarily removed from single 500ml Sprite and Sprite Zero bottles and replaced with an embossed logo on the front of the pack. Laser-engraved product and nutritional information will appear on the back of pack.   While existing labels are fully recyclable, removing them simplifies the recycling process. It removes the need to separate them from the bottles during the recycling process, and reduces the amount of packaging material used overall.   Shoppers are being invited to try out the new limited design, which will be sold at eight Tesco Express Stores in Brighton and Hove, Bristol, London and Manchester between January and March 2024.   Like existing Sprite packaging, the clear, 100% recycled PET bottles* feature green and transparent attached caps identifying them as Sprite or Sprite Zero respectively.   In recent years, Coca‑Cola has introduced a number of design changes to help reduce packaging waste, including turning Sprite bottles from green to clear plastic to make them easier to recycle back into bottles.   It has also introduced attached caps to its bottles, ensuring that the cap stays connected to the bottle after opening to reduce the potential for littering; and invested in new designs to reduce the amount of packaging it uses, such as creating lightweight bottles and reducing the materials used in external packaging.   Dusan Stojankic, VP Franchise Operations, GB&I at Coca‑Cola Great Britain commented: “We want to help create a future where plastic drink packaging will always have more than one life. Labels contain valuable information for consumers, but with the help of technology we can now trial other ways to share this information while reducing the amount of packaging we use. Going label-less might seem like a small step, but it is one of several ways we are exploring making recycling easier, minimising waste, and minimising the impact of our packaging on the environment.”   Javier Meza, VP Marketing, Coca‑Cola Europe reflected:  “The trial we are announcing today is a milestone for the industry. It’s the first time these two technologies have been used in a pilot globally, where a Coca‑Cola product will appear in a label-less, single-unit bottle sold in-store. Although the design change may sound simple, this is a big shift from a marketing perspective. This trial could contribute to longer-term changes to the way brands communicate with their consumers.”   James Bull, Head of Packaging and Food Waste Strategy at Tesco added: “We want to help our customers minimise the environmental impact of the products they buy, including removing plastic and packaging when possible. This trial of label-less packaging by Sprite is a great example of how brands are innovating to provide those solutions.”   Allison Ogden-Newton, Chief Executive of Keep Britain Tidy said: “It’s clear that, as a society, we need to reduce, reuse and recycle more, and waste less. Everyone, including businesses, need to be part of the solution. We welcome this exciting and innovative trial.     Credit   *Sprite and Sprite Zero bottles, excluding the caps, are made from 100% recycled PET.

European Parliament adopts revamped rules to reduce, reuse and recycle packaging

Last November, European Parliament adopted its position on new EU-wide rules on packaging, to tackle constantly growing waste and boost reuse and recycling. MEPs approved the report, which constitutes Parliament’s mandate for negotiations with EU governments, with 426 votes in favour, 125 against and 74 abstentions.   Reduce packaging, restrict certain types and ban the use of “forever chemicals” Besides the overall packaging reduction targets proposed in the regulation (5% by 2030, 10 % by 2035 and 15 % by 2040), MEPs want to set specific targets to reduce plastic packaging (10% by 2030, 15% by 2035 and 20% by 2040). MEPs want to ban the sale of very lightweight plastic carrier bags (below 15 microns), unless required for hygiene reasons or provided as primary packaging for loose food to help prevent food wastage. They also propose to heavily restrict the use of certain single use packaging formats, such as hotel miniature packaging for toiletry products and shrink-wrap for suitcases in airports. To prevent adverse health effects, MEPs ask for a ban on the use of so called “forever chemicals” (per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances or PFASs) and Bisphenol A in food contact packaging.   Encourage reuse and refill options for consumers MEPs aim to clarify the requirements for packaging to be reused or refilled. Final distributors of beverages and take-away food in the food service sector, such as hotels, restaurants and cafés, should give consumers the option of bringing their own container.   Better collection and recycling of packaging waste The new rules require that all packaging should be recyclable, fulfilling strict criteria to be defined through secondary legislation. Certain temporary exemptions are foreseen, for example for wood and wax food packaging. MEPs want EU countries to ensure that 90% of materials contained in packaging (plastic, wood, ferrous metals, aluminium, glass, paper and cardboard) is collected separately by 2029.   Quote Rapporteur Frédérique Ries (Renew, BE) said: "Recent events in Europe, and particularly in Belgium, concerning water pollution by PFAS chemicals show the urgent need for action. By voting to ban "forever" pollutants in food packaging, the European Parliament has shown that it seeks to protect the health of European citizens. Regarding plastics, the contract has been fulfilled, since my legislative report tackles the heart of the issue by setting tougher waste reduction targets for plastic packaging. Unfortunately, on the circular economy, and prevention in particular, the outcome of the plenary vote is not so positive and ignores the reality of the figures: a 30% increase by 2030 if we don't act now. Of the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle), only recycling escaped unscathed. The end of throwaway packaging is still a long way off!"   Next steps Parliament is ready to start talks with national governments on the final form of the law, once the Council has adopted its position.   Background In 2018, packaging generated a turnover of EUR 355 billion in the EU. It is an ever-increasing source of waste, the EU total having increased from 66 million tonnes in 2009 to 84 million tonnes in 2021. Each European generated 188.7 kg of packaging waste in 2021, a figure that is expected to increase to 209 kg in 2030 without additional measures. In adopting this report, Parliament is responding to citizens' expectations to build a circular economy, avoid waste, phase-out non-sustainable packaging and tackle the use of single use plastic packaging, as expressed in proposals 5(1), 5(3), 5(4), 5(5), 11(1), 11(4) and 20(3) of the conclusions of the Conference on the Future of Europe.     Credit

Ingredion Partners with Better Juice to offer sugar reduction solutions

FoodTech start-up Better Juice, Ltd., today announced its collaboration with Ingredion, Inc. (NYSE: INGR), a leading global provider of specialty ingredients to the food and beverage industry. Ingredion Ventures, Ingredion’s venture investment arm, will lead the Series A funding round for Better Juice which will fast-track penetration of its breakthrough sugar reduction solution into the US juice market.   Better Juice’s innovative sugar reduction technology removes simple sugars in juice-based beverages, concentrates and other natural sugar-containing liquids. The Company developed an enzymatic technology, which converts sugars into non-digestible compounds, such as dietary fibers and non-digestible sugars, while maintaining the natural profile of vitamins, minerals and organic acids in the final product.   “This important partnership step is truly exciting,” enthuses Gali Yarom, co-founder and co-CEO of Better Juice. “It dovetails perfectly with the Better Juice strategy to penetrate the North American market. Ingredion was impressed by our non-GMO technology, and its uses in a wide variety of applications. This move will open doors to leading food and beverage companies seeking sugar-reduction solutions for their products.”   “The Better Juice technology adds a completely new dimension to our portfolio of sugar reduction solutions for food and beverage brands on a mission to meet increased consumer demand for less sugar,” says Nate Yates, Sugar Reduction Business Leader at Ingredion. “This technology also provides manufacturers with more options to successfully reduce sugar without compromising on great taste or nutrition.”   Clean-label conversion   The environmentally friendly clean-label conversion process applies proprietary beads composed of non-GMO microorganisms which produce enzymes. These enzymes convert the juice’s composition of fruit sugars including sucrose, glucose, and fructose into better-for-you prebiotic fibers and other non-digestible molecules. This enables sugar reduction by 30 to 80 percent.   “This alliance will accelerate our go-to-market journey,” explains Eran Blachinsky, PhD, co-founder and co-CEO of Better Juice. “Ingredion’s capital support will allow us to extend the technology to other liquids with natural sources of sugar, such as milk, beer, and wine.”   This achievement follows Better Juice’s well-established partnership with GEA Group, one of the largest suppliers of food processing technology.   Better Juice primed for commercialization   Better Juice's solution has successfully advanced to commercial scale in the U.S. In recent years, it demonstrated its full proof of concept in collaboration with juice manufacturers in the U.S and Asia. These companies are now poised to progress to the next stage of commercialization.  Better Juice is now fully prepped for market entry, with a capacity to process 250 million liters of sugar reduced juice per year.   Since 2022, the groundbreaking GEA Better Juice Sugar Converter Skid is included in GEA’s test center in Ahaus, Germany. Better Juice collaborates with GEA for manufacturing the bioreactor, and together they install the technology in customers’ facilities.   “Better Juice has achieved important milestones in the past two years and has positioned itself as the leading company for reducing simple sugars from natural sources,” notes Amir Zaidman, VP of The Kitchen Hub. “The timing is perfect for serving the rapidly expanding trend of consumers striving to cut down on simple sugars in their diet.”   About Better Juice   Better Juice, Ltd., was founded in 2018 by a team of biochemists and microbiologists from industry and from The Hebrew University in Jerusalem with the aim of helping beverage manufacturers produce better-for-you, lower-sugar fruit juice., Their technology has accrued  several patents, The company was initially funded and supported by The Kitchen Hub, Strauss Group’s food-tech incubator, and has raised US$8M in seed-round investments. Better Juice now has an advanced plant set up to fully serve its clients.   Better Juice partners include: The Kitchen Hub, part of Strauss Group, iAngels, Maverick Ventures Israel, NEOME–Women’s Investing Club, Semillero Partners LLC, theFoodTechLab (TFTL) and S. Schestowitz.   Most of the investors who participated in the seed round will also join Round A. These include Emil Capital Partners from Connecticut.   About Ingredion   Ingredion, Inc. (NYSE: INGR), headquartered in the suburbs of Chicago, is a leading global ingredient solutions provider serving customers in more than 120 countries. With 2022 annual net sales of nearly $8 billion, the company turns grains, fruits, vegetables, and other plant-based materials into value-added ingredient solutions for the food, beverage, animal nutrition, brewing, and industrial markets. With Ingredion Idea Labs® innovation centers located around the world, and approximately 12,000 employees, Ingredion co-creates with customers to fulfill its mission of bringing the potential of people, nature, and technology together to make life better. Visit www.ingredion.com for more information and the latest company news.

STM Turbo Mill - S. Shin Co., Ltd

S.SHIN CO., LTD sales over domestic and foreign market. We manufacture various mixers, powder grinders, and screw conveyors for biochemistry, pharmaceutics, food, and chemical industry company. S.SHIN CO., LTD. has plentiful manufacturing experience which meets GMP requirements and reaches the qualification of pharmaceutics and foods with outstanding reputation due to our extensive and sound responsibility.   S. Shin Co., Ltd. is Professional manufacturer of Mixer, Packaging Machine, Mill, Cutting Crush, Powder Grinder, Sieving Machine.   Application Foodstuff:Rice, Salt, MSG, Sugar, Corn, Kaoliang, Agar-Agar, Ginger, Pepper, Spices, Red Bean, Soybean, Pea, Wheat, Oat, Rice Bran, Grain Powder, Fish Powder, Pearl, Banana Chip.. Chemical:ABS, PE, EVA, PVC, TPE, Rubber, Calcium Carbonate, Rice Husk, Gypsum, ORE, Fertilizer, Zinc Oxide , Aluminum Oxide,Cobalt Oxide,Copper Oxide,Calcium Oxide, Titanium Oxide, Iron Oxide, Presticides, Talcum Powder. Features Rugged Construction:The simplified construction of crusher without inside filter screen, featuring minimum trouble and extra long service life. Minimum Wear:The machine employs air turbo milling, providing minimum contact with material. Minimum wear of milling, especially when grinding beans and grains. Versatile Application:The special milling action ensures excellent milling quality for organic or non-organic materials. Easy to Maintain:The upper housing is easy to open, permitting easy access to inside mechanism for added convenience of cleaning. Labor Saving:Volumetric material infeed reduces labor requirement. Powerful Blowing:The turbo mill provides proper air flow and air pressure for material milling and delivering. Enclosed Construction:The fully enclosed machine construction absolutely avoids powder leakage. Specification Model Inner dia. of mill Roation Speed (R.P.M) Power Reuirement vol of exhaust air(m3/min) STM-250 Ø250mm(10 inches) 4500 15~20 HP 6 ~ 10 STM-400 Ø400mm(16 inches) 3500 40~50 HP 10 ~ 20 STM-600 Ø600mm(24 inches) 2800 60~75 HP 18 ~ 30 STM-800 Ø800mm(32inches) 2400 125 HP 24 ~ 40 Depends On Crushing Products STM: STM-250: STM-400: STM-800:

Connecting cultures, fostering commerce: Unveiling the global Halal market at the 2nd Saudi International Halal Expo & Summit 2024

Time：2025-11-11~2025-11-13

Location ：Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

The Saudi International Halal Expo & Summit, which is the first of its kind to take place in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, will serve as an outstanding platform to present the latest trends of the global Halal market and to highlight the challenges this industry face which may vary in complying with Halal regulations & standardization and offer a great opportunity to focus on the latest innovations, research, and development within the Halal industry.   The Exhibition aims to spread and expand the awareness about the industry among the visitors by attracting major international bodies to share their knowledge and to present their research and innovations. On a second note, the Saudi International Halal Expo & Summit aims to attract professionals from around the world, Muslims, and non-Muslims to establish great business opportunities with local, regional & international businesses. The Saudi International Halal Expo & Summit promotes a healthy, ethical, and fairway of life in all aspects including family, society, and business interactions and transactions where anyone would be attracted to these values that transcend religion.   The organizers of the Exhibition; 1st Arabia Tradeshows & Conferences set the Expo date of the second edition to take place from 28 – 30 October 2024 at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center – RICEC. The organizers aim to secure and connect more than 200 local & international companies in this three-day event, welcoming over 10,000 visitors from nearly 35 countries worldwide for an opportunity to conduct business meetings, attend lectures and explore new trends in the Halal industry and the Halal certification.   After a successful event in 2022, the organizers will host this exhibition for the second time & aim to maintain the great success we achieved in the first edition annually and continue to contribute in highlighting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as the main hub for all the Halal industry’s businesses and create a huge network of new buyers and suppliers.   1st Arabia Tradeshows & Conferences is pleased to announce the partnership with ALTA Enterprise Co., Ltd will continue for the second year, which is believed to be an important partnership and of added value to the Saudi International Halal Expo & Summit.   Mr. Bilal Al Barmawi – CEO & Managing Director of 1st Arabia Tradeshows & Conferences said “After a successful first edition, We will continue to welcome all professionals in the Halal industry worldwide to meet, network and to share experiences in the Saudi International Halal Expo & Summit, and we humbly offer this opportunity to all the international companies & organizations to gain a greater exposure in the Muslim hub & the fast-growing consumer market of Saudi Arabia”.   Al Barmawi also added “We believe that the support of local & international partners in the Halal industry and the Food & Beverage industry respectively is very important to us & of great value to the exhibition. Our partners play a great role in the continuation of the success of our event.”   For more details and on information on how to participate in the Saudi International Halal Expo & Summit, visit www.saudihalalexpo.com

Uber Eats announce $13m fund and multi-year partnership with Planet Ark designed to help restaurants adopt more sustainable packaging options on the platform

Uber Eats has announced a multi-year partnership with Australia’s preeminent environmental organisation, Planet Ark, designed to help Australian restaurants move towards more sustainable packaging. We believe this is an important step towards helping Uber Eats restaurant merchants transition to reusable, recyclable, or compostable packaging options by 2030.   The first milestone between the two organisations has been consultation on a framework developed for Uber Eats by the University of Technology Sydney’s Institute for Sustainable Futures. The peer-reviewed framework identifies whether a restaurant’s packaging meets certain sustainability criteria, including what is considered reusable, recyclable or compostable within the framework.    Uber Eats is also announcing up to $13m in funding over the next three years to stimulate more sustainable packaging uptake through programs and subsidies.   This follows a pilot initiative in the last quarter of 2023, where Uber Eats offered all small to medium sized businesses access to $1m in funding to support the purchase of more sustainable packaging through our packaging partner Detpak.   General Manager, Uber Eats ANZ Bec Nyst said: “We are thrilled to partner with Planet Ark to bring information to businesses that are looking to make the shift to more sustainable packaging. We’ve already seen the incredible impact our technology can have on the restaurant ecosystem. Since making cutlery opt-in, rather than being included by default, we estimate eaters have helped reduce the equivalent weight of four jumbo jets worth of plastic forks, spoons and the like ending up in Australian landfill.”   “As we have increased our investment in this area and as we progress our partnership with Planet Ark, we’ll look to identify additional system changes to accelerate the uptake of more sustainable packaging options across Australia. We’ll use our scale and relationships with suppliers to improve the unit economics on more sustainable packaging and finally we will explore rewarding restaurants investing in this type of packaging with enhanced visibility on our platform.”   Planet Ark’s CEO Rebecca Gilling said: “There is increasing expectation from consumers, governments and the community to reduce the environmental impact of packaging. With the recent announcement that the federal government will become the new regulator of packaging standards, mandating how packaging is designed, setting minimum recycled content requirements, and prohibiting harmful chemicals being used, all ladder up to encouraging developments.”   “But while this is a positive outcome, there is still much to do, and there is a clear need to provide support to small businesses – including restaurants – on how to reduce packaging waste best. We’re delighted to be able to announce a multi-year effort with Uber Eats to help them assist their restaurant partners – and to lift the standard for the sector more broadly.”    Today’s announcement follows the release of the Restaurant Pulsecheck Report, which revealed sustainability was a key focus for restaurant owners, with seven in ten industry respondents citing it as the most appealing social cause for customers.  Uber Eats will continue to work in partnership with industry experts, like Planet Ark, government and business leaders to share knowledge and address challenges in the packaging lifecycle. Allowing restaurants to continue to focus on their core business – incredible hospitality and inventive cuisine.   “Uber Eats welcomes the Federal Government’s recent announcement to regulate packaging standards as it will provide national certainty and consistency for businesses. This is a positive signal for restaurants looking to shift to better packaging options. We know many restaurants are already making significant investments in packaging, and a unified national approach delivering consistency on minimum recycled content requirements, will only empower these larger enterprises to continue their investments,” said Nyst.   “We believe the most significant impact Uber Eats can have in the immediate term is to educate and support small to medium-sized businesses working in the restaurant and catering industry. This is a multi-year journey, and by starting with Planet Ark’s educational resources, we’ll endeavour to help restaurants make the shift to more sustainable packaging.”    Uber Eats is in a unique position to help reduce the impact of delivery food packaging on our environment. We have more than 50 thousand restaurant partners and millions of people using our platform each month.   As part of the program, Uber Eats will publish the educational materials developed with Planet Ark on our website – making the assets available to all restaurants – even those not on the platform. Uber Eats will provide research to the Restaurant & Catering Association to ensure materials are accessible to as many stakeholders across the restaurant ecosystem as possible.   Restaurant & Catering Association CEO Suresh Manickamn said, “The R&CA is pleased to support this partnership between Uber Eats and Planet Ark and the positive impact this partnership will have in reducing the waste footprint of thousands of restaurants. Our industry is committed to being one that is sustainable and contributing positively to the wider community and environment. We look forward to witnessing the fruitful outcomes of this collaboration.”   The partnership and funding commitment was unveiled at the Palm House in Sydney’s Botanic Gardens and was catered by popular restaurants Lox in a Box and Cali Press. Both merchants have already taken steps to improve the packaging they use across their businesses.   Lox in a Box CEO, Candy Berger said, “At Lox in a Box we place importance on the environment, from using sustainably sourced fish to our fully recyclable packaging. Being predominantly a takeaway shop it’s in these details that we can serve our customers and the planet better.”   Cali Press Founder & Director, Scott Glasson said “At Cali Press, we firmly believe that without a healthy planet, we can’t be healthy. This belief fuels our commitment to ethical and sustainable practices on all fronts. From implementing compostable packaging that truly decomposes to eliminating plastic straws and promoting reusable alternatives, we are dedicated to leading the way in cultivating a healthier world for us all.”   The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) will continue to aid restaurant partners and consumers globally by providing expert advice and educational materials.   source: Uber

Cracking the case for non-glass wine bottles

Would you be happy to pour your friends a glass of wine from a cask or sip your favourite red from an aluminium can?   Traditional glass bottles have long been the preferred choice of packaging among wine lovers due to the belief that wine looks and tastes better in glass. While glass bottles have been the wine industry’s go-to for centuries, they are not the most carbon-friendly option available.   Researchers from the University of South Australia’s Ehrenberg-Bass Institute for Marketing Science and the University of Adelaide’s Business School have explored people’s wine packaging choices, and how attributes such as price, brand, and messaging can influence them.   Lead researcher Jakob Mesidis says previous wine packaging research has largely focused on wine label and closure (cork or screw-top) preferences, but little attention has been paid to the format of the packaging.   “We knew that consumers weren’t buying alternatively packaged wine at the same rate they were buying it bottled, so we wanted to know what we should change to motivate them to choose more sustainable options,” he says.   Conventional glass wine bottles are the wine industry’s largest source of carbon emissions, with the manufacture of a single bottle generating 1.25kg of carbon dioxide. In total, the production and transport of glass wine bottles make up more than two thirds of the wine industry’s total carbon output.   Australia’s main alternative wine packaging formats are the ‘bag-in-box’ (i.e., cask wine) and aluminium cans, although new formats, such as flat plastic wine bottles, are gradually entering the market each day.   These alternative formats are up to 51% more carbon efficient than glass, but Mesidis says Australian consumers are resistant when it comes to these more environmentally friendly options.   “There are some underlying prejudices in relation to alternative wine packages as they are seen as the cheaper, low-quality option when compared to glass bottles, which come with a sense of heritage and luxury,” he says.   “Canned wine has seen a rise in popularity but is still a small portion of the market. Flat bottles have only recently been introduced to Australia but have grown in popularity overseas.”   So, what can the wine industry do to bring consumers on board?   In a survey of 1200 Australians, the Ehrenberg-Bass Institute found that cask wine and flat plastic wine bottles were the most preferred formats after traditional glass bottles. Cans were the least preferred, as they were closely tied to specific occasions, such as drinking outdoors.   Results also found that package format was the biggest influence on people’s choices. Price came second, while the importance of brand and eco-messaging varied depending on the respondent’s age and how many eco-friendly behaviours they claimed to engage in.   Alternative wine formats were also typically bought more by younger people. Consumers were found to be more likely to choose alternative wine packaging when it is priced at a mid-to-low price range and if it comes from a well-known, prestigious brand.   “If a smaller, less-known winery’s mission is to grow its brand as much as possible, relying solely on alternatively packaged wines is not the way to go. Most Australians—for the time being—are still going to reach for a glass bottle when they’re at the shops,” Mesidis says.   “Larger, more prestigious brands are likely to see more success with alternatively packaged wine. Ultimately, this research provides wine marketers with a foundation for their low-carbon wine packaging strategies, rather than blindly navigating this relatively new field.   “Research in this space is still young and there is exciting work to be done to better understand this burgeoning part of the wine industry.”   The research was generously funded by the Wolf Blass Foundation.   Source: University of South Australia Photo

Self-adhesive materials for biodegradable labels: Highest environmental standard for packaging achieved

Two HERMA self-adhesive materials that can be composted at home and in the garden have now also passed the critical earthworm toxicity test in accordance with the Australian standard AS 5810 – an outstanding performance. This is because when it comes to the composting of packaging materials at home and in the garden, this standard is ostensibly the gold standard. It is considered the highest environmental standard for packaging worldwide due to its strict requirements. “This means that HERMA offers probably the only self-adhesive materials at present that comply with this standard,” says Dr. Stefan Kissling, Head of Development of Adhesives and Special Coatings for HERMA's Self-Adhesive Materials Division. The certification was obtained through the DIN CERTCO institute, a subsidiary of TÜV Rheinland. The basis for this is the new adhesive 62Q, which HERMA launched at the start of the year. The certification applies in conjunction with the two label materials HERMAextracoat (grade 242) and HERMAtherm Bio (grade 909). Soil toxicity is excluded with the earthworm test in accordance with the Australian standard. Compost worms (lat. Eisenia fetida), one of the most common types of earthworms in Europe, and white worms (Enchytraeus albidus), often used as live food, are used as “testers”. If after 14 days there was a difference of more than 10 percent in the morbidity or average weight of the surviving worms between the sample compost and the pure compost, this criterion was not met.   Other elements of the Australian standard comply with the international standard NF T51-800:2015. This means that specific limits for volatile substances, heavy metals and fluorine must not be exceeded. The complete biodegradability, compostability and ecotoxicity was also checked. The two HERMA self-adhesive materials already met these requirements previously and were therefore already able to bear the label "DIN geprüft – gartenkompostierbar" (“DIN tested – compostable in the garden”) – at least outside of Australia and New Zealand. Now the certification also applies for these two countries. “However, the additional certification also confirms once again the high composting quality of the adhesive 62Q and provides additional assurance for label users, who attach particular importance to sustainable packaging materials,” stresses Dr. Stefan Kissling from HERMA.

Innovia Films teams up with BOBST to drive sustainability and innovation in films for graphic arts applications

We are in the heat of a packaging revolution driven by consumer demand, the industry sustainability pledges, and sustainability-linked initiatives and innovations are in full swing to find alternative solutions to non-recyclable flexible packaging. But when it comes to the plastic revolution, there are other sectors that are coming under closer scrutiny: PVC-based media for graphic arts applications is one that is spurring a growing interest in eco-friendly alternatives.   Innovia Films, the global manufacturer of specialty BOPP packaging and labelling solutions with performance coated films, tobacco overwrap, graphic media, label, and security film, is a forerunner in sustainable graphic arts films. The company, which already produces PVC-free film for wide format (digital) printing, is set to become part of the solution in fostering circularity in this segment by broadening its sustainable graphic arts film potential. To implement its vision, Innovia Films has committed to a major investment and partnered up with BOBST in this project to produce a brand-new range of PVC-free films.   The BOBST coating line, customized to Innovia’s specifications, will be installed at their site in Wigton, UK. Full production is expected to start early in 2025.   Expertise is key in finding the right technology to drive sustainability and productivity      For two years Innovia’s technical team worked very closely with BOBST at Bobst Italia’s Competence Center in San Giorgio Monferrato, Italy, to specify the design of their new coating line.  Central to the project development, and to Innovia’s choice of partnering with BOBST, were the capabilities of the BOBST LEONARDO pilot coating line which was used for the R&D trial and tests.   “Our new PVC-free product range was developed internally but we had to find the right equipment and technology to be able to industrialize it and deliver upon our stringent requirements and specifications. We supplied the substrate, the coating material, and the product we wanted to achieve for BOBST to design a machine that could manufacture these new materials with the required quality, efficiency and profitability,” explained Steven Maude, Surface Engineering Manager at Innovia Films, who is responsible for the project at the Wigton site.   Different iterations of tests were carried out that would determine the design specifications. It was necessary to find out the right coating system and the corresponding drying capability which would dictate the size of the coating machine to be built. All of course not only in terms of the high quality of the material but also the economic viability of the project: machine speed, manufactured tonnage of material and payback of the investment.   Tests were carried out at both BOBST and Innovia’s in-house laboratories on the coating quality, grammage, gloss etc., as the new PVC-free products must provide the durability and the required printability for commercial applications. The coated reels were tested for printability at Innovia’s R&D Centre in Wigton, UK, on wide-web digital printers covering the print techniques commonly used in graphics arts applications – ecosolvent, UV and latex.   Other than the trials relating to the process and equipment features in terms of the output quality, BOBST had to also deliver on Innovia’s requirement of a coating machine capable of offering flexibility of web widths and changeover speed to enable the company to make width-to-order production runs and to minimize waste of material and downtime.    “These are high value products so smaller batch sizes with fast changeover speed is paramount,” said Steven Maude “we were able to time the sleeve changes on the LEONARDO, as if in a real production environment, “ said Steven Maude, adding “This takes only minutes, and the trolley features we specified will enable us to carry out pre-changeover work when the machine is running, again helping with changeover speed which is key.”   “This project was quite challenging, which made it even more exciting in a way” commented Alexandre David “But we had the confidence of knowing that we are standing on a sound ground on the strength of the capabilities of LEONARDO that enables trials on wide-web production scale equipment”.   The impressive 40-meter long BOBST pilot line offers multiple coating systems that work with over 30 coating methods, as well as 4 different web-handling and drying technology systems. Up to 1350 mm in web width it has a mechanical speed up to 1000 m/min.   “The key point with the LEONARDO coating line is that it enables trials to be carried out on a machine that is directly representative in terms of technology, width and line-speed,” commented Steven Maude “This was a strong element for making the decision of going ahead with a project that required a significant investment on our part.”   Innovia and BOBST: ready to provide a new competitive edge for their customers making the move to circularity   When developing alternatives to existing solutions, brands and converters must ensure that they are able to properly assess the quality of any new material and the economic viability of the industrialization process. The outcome of this project is an example of a very successful collaboration towards this end. The new wider range of PVC-free high quality graphics applications will offer more brands and retailers the option to reduce the environmental impact of their wide format printing products.   “There is no doubt that a change is needed in this segment of the graphic arts industry to make it more sustainable and in the end – recyclable,” explained Steven Maude “So there is a requirement for change but to further motivate the market to move towards alternatives to PVC, these must offer similar performance characteristics, be economically viable, and be suitable for the required applications”.    “The way we look at circularity in packaging now, at one point it will become a requirement everywhere in the search to replacing harmful production processes and enabling recyclability at the end of life of a product. And PVC-free graphics arts are a great alternative,” he concluded.   Source: BOBST

Seafood Expo North America/Seafood Processing North America returning to Boston with latest innovations and trends impacting the seafood sector’s rapidly evolving landscape

Time：2026-03-15~2026-03-17

Location ：Boston, USA

Seafood Expo North America/Seafood Processing North America, produced by Diversified Communications, will be back in Boston, MA on Sunday, March 10 – Tuesday, March 12, 2024. With an exhibit hall that has already surpassed its previous edition, currently at 244,965 net square feet of exhibit space and still growing, the event brings seafood suppliers, processing and packaging equipment, services companies and professionals from around the world to demonstrate their latest innovations, products and services and build lasting relationships with North American buyers.   “The presence of exhibitors from more than 45 countries in the exhibit hall demonstrates the significance of the North American market on the seafood industry at large,” says Wynter Courmont, Vice President of Seafood at Diversified Communications. “Countries including Norway, UK, Ecuador and Chile have increased their presence at this year’s event and we are excited to welcome new exhibitors from countries including Azerbaijan, Malaysia, Mauritania and Myanmar.”   This year’s event will highlight innovations around sustainability and aquaculture from emerging startups and legacy brands on both the processing and seafood side. Among several companies showcasing innovative sustainability practices are Integrated Information Systems SA, a technology company helping aquaculture producers, Cesit Mensucat, a company that creates knotless nets for the seafood industry and Seawise Innovative Packaging, a company that produces sustainable thermal packaging. Other companies that will present their latest offerings at this year’s event include Mowi, Cermaq, Anova Foods Inc, Leroy USA, Samuels Seafood, Multi X, Phillips Foods Inc, Hofseth International AS, Seaborn AS, Harbor Seafood Inc, Balfego & Balfego, ULMA Servicios de Mantencion S. Coop., Hiddenfjord, Thermogreen, Full Measure Oyster and more.   In addition to the innovations presented in the exhibit hall, this year’s event will feature a robust conference program offering educational sessions that will touch on topics such as aquaculture and aquatech, artificial intelligence, consumer trends and insights, corporate social responsibility, food safety and compliance policy, labor issues and governance, marketing and branding, sustainability, traceability and transparency and more. Conference sessions will be presented by top industry experts from across the supply chain, with representation from Seafood and Gender Equality (SAGE), Seafood Nutrition   Partnership, H-E-B, Riverence, FishWise, Aqua-Spark, Marine Stewardship Council, National Fisheries Institute, COMPESCA, Global Seafood Alliance, Pew Charitable Trusts, Atlantic Sea Farms, Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute, Giant Eagle, Publix Super Markets, the U.S. Department of Labor, USDA and more.   The 2024 edition will highlight new experiential areas to provide more opportunities for attendees to network with industry peers and explore the latest market innovations and discoveries.   The brand-new Wave Makers’ Zone will host a full schedule of special events including the New and Featured Product Showcases, prestigious Seafood Excellence Awards, the popular Oyster Shucking Competition, chef demonstrations, live podcast interviews, sampling opportunities and more.   Seafood industry buyers and professionals can learn more about Seafood Expo North America/Seafood Processing North America and register to attend by visiting seafoodexpo.com/north-america.

THAIFEX – HOREC Asia 2024 trade show: Shaping the future of HoReCa with cutting-edge innovations from leading brands

Time：2026-03-11~2026-03-13

Location ：

Business owners and hospitality industry professionals from hotels, restaurants, catering (HoReCa) can learn how to take their enterprise to the next level at THAIFEX – HOREC Asia 2024, an event that responds to the growing demand for products and services in the sector.   Some 300 leading brands, including Carpigiani, Electrolux, Gruppo Cimbali, Hobart, and UNOX, will exhibit their top-of-the-line innovative solutions across 9 HoReCa categories: bakery & ice cream, cafe & bar, cleaning & laundry, dining, furnishing, kitchen, services, technology, and wellness.   THAIFEX – HOREC Asia will provide firsthand look at how these prominent brands are proactively meeting the industry’s evolving demands. Attendees can expect to witness the demonstrations of contactless and sustainable solutions, advancements in digital guest experience, energy efficiency optimisation, and the integration of plant-based menus, and effective strategies to reduce food waste.   Positioned as a dynamic hub for cutting-edge technology and sustainable advancements, THAIFEX – HOREC Asia exhibitors will spotlight ongoing innovation. This includes eco-friendly packaging crafted from upcycled food by-products, energy-efficient appliances seamlessly integrate with AI, and state-of-the-art digital systems that are meticulously tailored for the unique needs of the hospitality sector.   In addition to the exhibitors, the organisers anticipate the attendance of some 500 hosted buyers and 20,000 trade visitors to attend THAIFEX – HOREC Asia, which will be held 6-8 March 2024, at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, Bangkok, Thailand.   Globally, the HoReCa sector is projected to double in market value by 2032 to approximately US$6.5 billion. Southeast Asia, a leading growth hub with population nearing 700 million, rising average disposable income, and over 17 million foodservice establishments, emerges as a pivotal player. Its region’s draw for tourists stems from its strong emphasis on ecology, sustainability, unique cultural traditions, diverse cuisines, and strong commitment to gastronomic excellence.   Leveraging decades of experience and established relationships in the food service industry, the organizers of Southeast Asia’s largest food and beverage trade fair, THAIFEX – Anuga Asia, have developed THAIFEX – HOREC Asia 2024 as a strategy to accommodate the HoReCa sector’s expanding growth and demand. The organisers are the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), Ministry of Commerce, Thailand , the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC), and Koelnmesse, an international organiser of trade fairs, exhibitions and events worldwide. DITP and TCC play a critical role in supporting local exporters while Koelnmesse extends its expertise in fostering opportunities for local importers and international companies.   For more information, please visit www.thaifex-horec.asia. Visitor registration is available at https://registration.thaifex-horec.asia.