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.

New York City Hospitality Alliance becomes an association partner of The International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New York

Time：2026-03-08~2026-03-10

Location ：

The International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New York the premier event for New York’s hospitality industry, owned by Restaurant Events, LCC has announced that the NYC Hospitality Alliance (The Alliance) has signed on to be an Association Partner for the trade show and conference taking place Sunday, March 3 through Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at the Javits Center in New York City. The Alliance is the leading voice of New York City’s restaurant and nightlife industry in the five boroughs of New York City.   “One of the pillars we outlined when we acquired the International Restaurant Show was to ensure we evolved and enhanced it to best serve the market. That’s why I am so thrilled to announce this partnership with the NYC Hospitality Alliance and look forward to working with them to bring the solutions and ideas to the specific challenges faced by NYC area operators,” said Glenn Celentano, CEO & Partner, Restaurant Events, producers of the trade show and conference. “We welcome their members, who represent the restaurant and foodservice community from the five boroughs to the show. Restaurant, foodservice, nightlife and specialty coffee professionals will find a convenient and efficient way to access industry experts addressing key issues in three days of education sessions, shop and sample a full range of products from leading vendors and be inspired and entertained from several exciting special events and competitions.”   “Many of our members have attended the International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New York and we are thrilled to join this leading event as an Association Partner, while bringing in a whole new group of hospitality professionals to experience the show for the first time,” said Andrew Rigie, Executive Director, NYC Hospitality Alliance. “As an Association Partner, during the event, we will be hosting our annual State of The Industry Conference for all attendees to hear from leading industry experts and we will also hold our quarterly board meeting, giving our stellar board of directors the opportunity to discover the best in the restaurant and food service industry – from the newest food trends to the best in technology.”   The New York City Hospitality Alliance (The Alliance) is a not-for-profit association founded in 2012 to represent and serve restaurant and nightlife establishments throughout the five boroughs. Home to more than 20,000 eating and drinking establishments, employing more than a quarter of a million people, the industry is vital to the economic foundation and social fabric of New York City. The Alliance bridges the gap between the hospitality industry, government, and the press. They advocate for a fair and equitable regulatory environment that removes barriers to entrepreneurship and job creation and seek to reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens, streamline the permit and licensing process, cut the red tape, and represent the industry’s perspective on proposed laws, regulations, trends, and other matters impacting restaurant and nightlife establishments.     The International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New York, sponsored by the New York State Restaurant Association (www.nysra.org), provides thousands of industry professionals with access to a renowned education program, special events, and hundreds of leading vendors and purveyors dedicated to serving the restaurant & foodservice community. The show will be co-located with Coffee Fest giving all attendees access to both events in the same exhibit hall. The two events will offer hundreds of exhibiting companies and over 80 hours of education programs, dozens of special events including culinary competitions, demonstrations, and several networking opportunities.    To register for the International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New York, click here. For exhibitor information contact Paul Pedrow at (484) 823-9608 or [email protected]. The International Restaurant & Foodservice Show of New York, to be held March 3-5, 2024, at the Javits Center in New York City is sponsored by the New York State Restaurant Association, (NYSRA). The trade show and conference is owned by Restaurant Events, LLC which also produces the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show and Pizza Tomorrow Summit, to be held November 6-7, 2024 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL and the 2024 Western Foodservice & Hospitality Expo to be held August 25-27 at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

FRUIT LOGISTICA’s fresh produce experts offer natural intelligence

Time：2026-02-04~2026-02-06

Location ：Berlin, Germany

Trade vistors can tap into the fresh produce industry’s largest gathering of experts and innovators and benefit from the exhibition’s unrivalled event programme. The programme overview is now online.   FRUIT LOGISTICA retains its position as the epicentre of intelligent thinking on the future of the global fresh produce business. In Berlin from 7 to 9 February 2024, the world’s leading fruit and vegetable trade show presents a unique event programme of talks and discussions. Across six stages, expert speakers will share valuable perspectives on a range of essential topics, and offer intelligent, actionable insights.   The Fresh Produce Forum will focus on digitalization, AI and sustainability, and consider the potential for profitable new developments in areas like digital marketing. Paulina Drott of GS1, for example, will consider how fruit and veg traders can interact within an immersive, virtual space known as the metaverse.   On the Future Lab stage, practical solutions abound. Daniel Schubert from the German Aerospace Center reports on advanced greenhouse systems that can operate in Antarctica’s harsh climate; Vinay Kumar from VTT Technical Research Center talks about transparent packaging materials made from dissolved cellulose; and Plant & Food Research’s new CEO Mark Piper looks at digital simulators that allow researchers to test crops before they even grow them.   For companies that want to improve their supply chains, the Logistics Hub is the perfect place to learn more. This time, the stage features a wealth of innovations: from new port security systems, advanced ripening centres, and efforts to make airflown produce greener, to new infrastructural developments in the Middle East, and expert advice on cargo claims. Plus Philip Gray of Drewry and independent consultant Thomas Eskesen provide fresh global perspectives on the international reefer shipping market.   Elsewhere, the Tech Stage in Hall 5.1 highlights a vast array of advanced technologies: Ryan Rink from Apeel Sciences introduces RipeTrack, a measurement tool to determine maturity and quality quickly; Roland Wirth of Frigotec assesses new developments in cooling, storage and ripening.   On Friday, the Tech Stage becomes the Startup Stage and draws together some of the industry’s most exciting advances. These include: an AI-driven platform that monitors supply and demand to identify market opportunities; a pollination and yield forecasting system based on AI technology and drones; IoT-based technology to detect, control and manage pests in real time; photovoltaic greenhouse panels specifically designed to generate power but also filter light; and sustainable coatings for glass to improve lighting efficiency in greenhouses.   This year, Farming Forward will be a brand new format in the FRUIT LOGISTICA event programme. The Farming Forward Stage will be located in Hall 3.1 and exhibitors from the Smart Agri Area will present their insights and highlights under the title "The digital revolution in farming" on Wednesday and Thursday mornings. Trade visitors can learn more about digital technologies for agriculture such as non-destructive fruit testing with spectral photography, AI technology for estimating fruit yields, digital insect monitoring and forecasting, a wireless platform for automating irrigation, post-harvest quality control with AI, drones that are revolutionizing agriculture, AI & digitalization within the fresh produce supply chain and much more.   Workshops organized by the CEA Alliance will be offered on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons about controlled environment agriculture. “The CEA Alliance workshops on the Farming Forward Stage will offer insights into this rapidly growing sector of the fresh produce industry, from emerging technologies to strategies for profitability, to retail perspectives,” says Tom Stenzel, the group’s executive director.   The programme overview for FRUIT LOGISTICA 2024 is now available online.   About FRUIT LOGISTICA   FRUIT LOGISTICA is the leading trade show for the globalfresh produce business and and represents the entire value added chain of the fruit and vegetable sector, from producer to the point of sale. At FRUIT LOGISTICA 2023 more than 2,600 exhibitors from 92 countries displayed their products, services and technical solutions. Some 63,500 buyers and trade visitors from 140 countries took part in the event. The next FRUIT LOGISTICA will take place from 7 to 9 February 2024 in Berlin.   About Messe Berlin   Berlin has been a trade fair destination for 200 years, and has been one of the most important such hubs for many decades. Messe Berlin – the state’s own trade fair company – conceives, markets and organises hundreds of live events every year. It strives to be an outstanding host for visitors at all events, generate optimal business stimuli, and provide fair conditions for everyone. This concept is reflected in the company slogan: Messe Berlin – Hosting the World.

Automatic dose filling, sealing and packaging machine - Seal Pack Technology

Seal Pack Technology Co., Ltd. is a well-known designer and manufacturer of automatic dose filling, sealing and packaging machines. For 30 years (1993-2023), Seal Pack has a good reputation in providing packaging machines that meet customer requirements. Regardless of the physical properties of your product, whether it is liquid, powder or solid (granule), Seal Pack can meet your requirements for packaging your product in cup, tray, jar, bottle and stand-up pouch. Seal Pack is not only have clients in Taiwan, but also all continents around the world (Asia, Africa, Europe, America and Australia), with a total of sales to 60 countries.   Seal Pack has the courage to use new electric control components. In November 2014, Seal Pack applied servo driver for dose volumetric pston filler. So that users can set the filling volume via HMI, allowing the machine to adjust the filling volume automatically and can significantly reduce customer adjusts time costs. We also gradually introduce electronic control components from world-renowned brands (SIEMENS / AB / OMRON / MITSUBISHI...etc.) to provide customers with different choices of operating control systems.   Feature: Entire machine is made of stainless steel 304 and anodized aluminum alloy to comply with food hygiene and safety regulations. Auto Feeder of cup/tray/jar/bottle/can/stand-up pouch. Auto Dose filler, Liquid: Gravity, Volumetric Piston, Rotary Lobe Pump, Screw Pump, Flow Meter. Auto Dose filler, Powder: Measuring Cup or Volumetric Cup & Auger. Auto Dose filler, Granule: Measuring Cup or Volumetric Cup & Weighing Scale。 Product contact part is made of stainless steel 304 as standard and customer can also purchase stainless steel 316 for their need. Sealer: Roll film (laminated with plastic material) or Pre-cut foil. Auto Lid Applicator. Auto Cartoner. Mold Fast Interchange design. HMI touch screen operation can set and modify the internal parameters of the machine and can automatically display error messages to facilitate troubleshooting and maintenance. Remote Connect to the Internet remotely to check the operation status of the machine.   Product: Liquid: Drinking water, Sauce, Juice, Yogurt, Bean curd, Chicken soup, Herbal jelly, Aiyu, Tofu, Soybean, Konjac & Nata de Coco strip syrup, Laundry detergent, Conditioner, etc. Powder: Soda powder, Energy drink powder, Coffee, Milk tea, etc. Granule/Solid：Biscuits, Candy, Tea, Cereal, desiccant, Ice cube, Popping boba, Instant noodles, Meal tray, etc. Machine model 2202B 1204B Video Yogurt, Sauce, Cheese, Body wash Sauce, Sauce(pre-cut foil), Jelly, Turtle paste, Pudding Website page Chinese / ENG Chinese / ENG Power supply Depend on the installation location and power source Depend on the installation location and power source Machine size L 1500 * W 1500 * H 2000mm L 4000 * W 1000 * H 2000mm Capacity 1800-2400 cups/hr 3600-4800 cups/hr Entire machine material Stainless steel 304 and anodized aluminum alloy Stainless steel 304 and anodized aluminum alloy Operation control HMI touch screen, Proface, Chinese/English language interchange 7” 10” Rapid change mold formula 10 sets Temperature controller Omron PLC control Mitsubishi Ethernet hub Phoenix or WAGO or SOLOMON Inverter DELTA Solid state relay(SSR) FOTEK Circuit breaker Shihlin / SCHNEIDER Magnetic contactor(AC) Shihlin / SCHNEIDER Circuit protector Shihlin / SCHNEIDER Relay Omron Proximate switch Pepperl+Fuchs-Germany Air cylinder Festo(Main)& Chanto(Sub) Air hose Festo Go to Seal Pack Technology's page

Schreiner MediPharm enables digital adherence monitoring with new child-resistant smart blister wallet

Schreiner MediPharm offers a wide variety of smart blister packs for clinical trials. Now, thanks to the partnership with packaging specialist Keystone Folding Box Co., the expert for the pharmaceutical industry is extending its portfolio by a particularly child-resistant as well as senior-friendly solution. The use of integrated electronics turns blister packaging into a real time e-diary for capturing dosing history data.   Schreiner MediPharm has developed a smart extension for the proven Key-Pak® wallet for oral solid dose medication from U.S. based Keystone Folding Box Company. The novel solution combines a child-resistant paperboard package with state-of-the-art technology for digital adherence monitoring, and is suitable for customization.   Keystone is a leading company in the field of paperboard pharmaceutical packaging. Its Key-Pak® wallet card has become established as a packaging mainstay in clinical trials. To the Key-Pak®, Schreiner MediPharm adds electronic functions for medication adherence monitoring with numerous benefits.   The distinguishing characteristic of the “smart” Key-Pak® wallet is the integration of conductive trace-patterns linked to each of the cavity locations on the wallet card. As a result, data is generated at the moment the patient removes a dose from the wallet. The details, such as time and date of dose removal, and specific cavity location, are stored within the electronics inside the package, and can be transmitted by means of NFC or Bluetooth technology for precise patient compliance tracking.There is also an option to send medication dosing reminders to patients, and to adjust the therapy plan as needed. When used in combination with special software, central tracking as well as data documentation and analysis can be achieved.   The Smart Blister Wallet based on Key-Pak® is both child-resistant and senior-friendly. Ease of use by the patient, in terms of accessing each dose, is accomplished by a push-through safety feature which is a hallmark of the Key-Pak® design. Pharmaceutical companies are provided with a flexible solution that can be customized to any clinical trial and its dosing scheme, such as number of cavities, blister arrangement, and various tablet shapes. By enhancing data quality and optimizing processes, the Smart Blister Package can shorten trial duration, thereby accelerating the approval process for new drugs. In addition, Schreiner MediPharm ensures end-to-end automated production of the Smart Blister Package due to scalable state-of-the-art manufacturing processes. This innovative packaging solution increases efficiency and flexibility in clinical research settings, and emphasizes patient safety and comfort.       © Schreiner MediPharm

Unveiling the future of food and packaging at Food Pack Asia 2024

Time：2026-02-04~2026-02-07

Location ：Bangkok, Thailand

Welcome to Food Pack Asia 2024, where innovation meets sustainability in processing and packaging technology! Join us for an immersive experience where responsibility takes center stage. This year, we proudly present a comprehensive display that includes both food and non-food packaging solutions. Let's unite for a bright future in the food and packaging industry at Food Pack Asia 2024!   Highlights and Activities: Live Machine & Robotics Demo: Experience the newest technology and premium-quality machinery showcased by top global brands. Future Food System: Connect with experts in the food industry, exploring innovative food technology from government and private agencies. Packaging Technology Solutions: Unlock the potential of packaging solutions integrated with cutting-edge technologies. Make a Great Connection: Engage with professionals from over 40 industries at the exclusive event during Food Pack Expo, designed to facilitate long-lasting connections and networking opportunities. Learn from Experts: Attend complimentary educational sessions held at various venues throughout the event. Food Processing Show: Watch demonstrations of food processing machinery by manufacturers and distributors of leading brand machinery. Sustainable Packaging: Explore sustainable packaging solutions by leading brands from across the globe. Food Safety Sustainability: Discover the bright future for companies introducing innovations to enhance food production, logistics, and respond to consumers' needs in the food safety system. Inspiring Business Talks in Food & Packaging Seminar Sessions: A new knowledge platform for 2024 Food & Packaging industry trends by experts and professionals. Finance Leasing Solution: The only event that includes everything for your business!   What to Expect from a 4-Day Show? Reach approximately 20,000 potential buyers over the 4-day event. Showcase your latest technology and innovative products to focused visitors. Meet target visitors and key decision-makers actively seeking your products and services. Generate more sales leads and explore new markets. Increase your brand awareness and strengthen your business relationships with new and existing customers. Stay updated on new trends, network, learn from industry peers, and develop strategic new business partnerships.   Co-Located with: TIF: Thailand Industrial Fair: The famous event for Industrial Machinery, Equipment Tools, Packaging Machinery, Material Handling, Industrial Supplies, Warehousing, and Logistics. Warehouse & Logistics Asia: Warehouse technology exhibition featuring innovative material handling systems and logistics solutions for a complete supply chain.