Mura Technology opens doors to world’s first commercial scale HydroPRS™ advanced plastic recycling site in Teesside UK

Mura Technology has opened the world’s first commercial-scale HydroPRS™ advanced plastic recycling plant in Teesside, UK, to key representatives from the advanced recycling and plastic manufacturing value chains. The event marks the beginning of commissioning, with the first recycled hydrocarbon products expected to be delivered to Mura’s offtake partners in 2024.     The purpose-built facility at the Wilton International industrial site will process flexible and rigid mixed plastics, including films, that are currently considered ‘unrecyclable’.   The site has capacity to produce 20ktpa of recycled liquid hydrocarbon products, with scope to expand production capacity to over three times this initial size. Located at Wilton International, Teesside, the site will provide up to 50 direct jobs, having created approximately 150 jobs during the build and commissioning phases, and approximately 100 further jobs within related infrastructure to support operations.     Pioneered by Mura Technology, the HydroPRS™ process, unlike pyrolysis, utilises supercritical water (water under high pressure and high temperature) to convert post-consumer, multi layered, flexible and rigid plastics such as films, pots, tubs and trays, which are largely considered ‘unrecyclable’ through other methods, into high yields of stable, premium hydrocarbon feedstocks. Through this process, there is no limit to the number of times the same material can be recycled – meaning HydroPRS™ has the potential to significantly reduce single-use plastics and permanently increase material circularity in the plastics industry. By providing a route to recycling for these materials, Mura is creating a complementary process to sit alongside traditional mechanical recycling, as highlighted in a recent technical report by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC).   Use of plastic, particularly in single-use packaging, has overwhelmed recycling and waste systems globally. Recycling rates for plastic packaging vary globally with the UK at 50% and the US at only 13%.   Poor waste management has led to plastic entering our environment. Durability means plastic remains in our rivers and seas for years, slowly breaking up into microplastics. The harmful impacts of plastic pollution on both human health and marine life are only just starting to be understood.   Independent Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) based on the first site at Teesside have shown the HydroPRS™ process provides an 80% carbon emissions saving by diverting ‘unrecyclable’ plastic away from incineration. When compared to fossil oil-based feedstock, HydroPRS™ produces products with an equivalent or lower Global Warming Potential and saves up to five barrels of oil for every tonne of plastic waste processed.   Mura has been supported by investment from blue-chip companies across the plastic recycling value chain including KBR, Dow, CPChem, LG Chem and igus GmbH, alongside funding from UK Research & Innovation’s Smart Sustainable Plastic Packaging Challenge and the Government’s Future Fund. These partnerships have enabled Mura to begin scaling worldwide, with plans in development for sites in the USA and at Dow’s Böhlen site in Germany. Alongside these investments, the company has secured partnerships with Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, LG Chem and GS Caltex Corporation for the development of HydroPRSTM facilities under licence in Japan and South Korea.       credit

Registration opens for Gulf Print & Pack 2024

Time：2026-03-31~2026-04-02

Location ：Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Registration has opened for Gulf Print & Pack 2024, the Middle East and North Africa’s leading exhibition for the commercial and package print sectors. The show is free to attend for all visitors and takes place at the Dubai World Trade Center on 9-11 January 2024.   Gulf Print & Pack brings together PSP’s, commercial and packaging printers, designers and print buyers from across the MENA region looking to view the latest technology in action including wide format printers, digital corrugated, cut sheet inkjet, package printing presses and digital embellishment systems.   Visitors to Gulf Print & Pack 2024 will be able to learn how to enter new and profitable niche markets in the fastest growing sectors of print, everything from digital textiles and wall coverings to labels, packaging and on-demand book printing. Another key trend to be highlighted is digital embellishment of cut-sheet commercial work, folding cartons and labels.   Barry Killengrey, Gulf Print & Pack event director, commented: “We’re delighted to be back on the biennial calendar for the first time since the pandemic. During this time, the printing industry has evolved immensely, with exciting new trends such as digital embellishment emerging, and this has intensified the appetite to see more advances in digital technology, automation and workflow capabilities.”   Killengrey continued: “The last Gulf Print & Pack event was held in June 2022, when it attracted leading graphic arts suppliers from across the globe and over 7,500 international visitors.   “With the milder climate, January is the ideal time to plan a business trip to Dubai and kick-start new business here.”   Also commented, Jade Grace, Managing Director of Labelexpo Global Series said: “We’re excited to be running Gulf Print & Pack again. We are seeing a key trend developing in the MENA market, which is the transition to digital, not only for print and post-print equipment, but also for workflows that will be showcased on the show floor.”   “Visitors can expect to see the latest technology of on-demand book, photobook production, labels and package printing and digital printing of fabrics and floor tiles. MENA is a key global market for the commercial and package print industries and Gulf Print & Pack in Dubai remains our most important event in this region.”

Effective medical device packaging standards for sensitive devices

Medical professionals regularly use sensitive medical devices to treat patients — even save their lives. But those devices don’t simply materialize. They arrive en masse to hospitals and physicians’ offices having traveled great distances while encountering sometimes adverse conditions. That’s why packaging is so important.   But it’s not without challenges. With sensitive medical devices — such as pacemakers, catheters, and implants — almost anything could go wrong. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most important considerations medical device manufacturers need to make with medical device packaging and the care sensitive devices require.   The Critical Role of Packaging in Healthcare   Devices that may save a person’s life or be surgically implanted in their bodies can’t merely be wrapped in plastic and shipped without second thought. A solution that minimizes the risk of contamination or damage is vital. Sterilization is key, as is device stability. These devices are often engineered to strict specifications to match the human bodies they’re meant to help, and the packaging must be engineered just as carefully. Patient safety depends on it.   Preserving Precision & Accuracy   Delicate medical devices are designed with exquisite detail and precision. The packaging must protect the devices against contamination, tampering, and electronic interference that could alter the calibrations of the device in any way. All areas in the packaging must be as exact and precise as the device. The material composition itself, the thickness, the flexibility, every curve, every crevice — it must all be carefully calculated to maintain device integrity.   Challenges in Packaging Design   Packaging is the first line of defense for medical devices. Contents must be kept sterile throughout the process, and the packaging must offer barrier protection against: moisture, heat, cold, sunlight, chemicals, electronic interference, radiation interference, bacteria, mold, dirt… essentially, everything. Everything that could contaminate or compromise the device must be kept out. People’s health and lives are on the line. The packaging must also be strong enough to withstand shipping, movement, and storage conditions. These packages may move around warehouses and different transport vehicles often before arriving at their final destination. Strength, precision, barrier protection — it’s all a challenge. But it’s all doable.   Customizations for Device Variability   Medical devices come in various shapes, sizes, and have different functionalities, so it’s vital to have custom packaging solutions that adapt to each device. Some of the most common packaging methods are form fill seal, thermoforming, and pouches. Form fill seal packaging, for example, involves forming a package, filling it with the product, then sealing it. Thermoformed trays, on the other hand, mold rigid plastic into the shape of the device for the kind of protection sensitive medical devices often need. For as many medical devices in existence, there are almost as many ways to package them. This is why working with a partner such as Amcor is ideal; as a device manufacturer, you’ll have access to the materials, engineering, design, formats, testing, and expertise that allows for tailoring packages to the specific requirements of virtually any product.   Regulatory Compliance   Another top concern is ensuring compliance with all FDA and other regulations. The FDA’s Title 21, Volume 8, Section 820.130 regulation advises that medical device packages must protect the devices “during the customary conditions of processing, storage, handling, and distribution.” The medical devices themselves often have their own strict expectations and regulations. The packaging must prevent damage and any other possible contamination or interference that would compromise the device and render it unusable.     article credit photo credit

UPM Specialty Papers enables pet food brands to create recyclable and PFAS-free paper packaging

UPM Specialty Papers is responding to the growing pet food market’s need to transform traditional packaging solutions by offering paper-based alternatives for plastics and packages that contain soon to be phased out PFAS chemicals.   PFAS chemicals, also known as forever chemicals, are often used to achieve grease resistance that is an important requirement for pet food packaging. However, PFAS chemicals are harmful to health, and are therefore being phased out with regulation. For example, the upcoming EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) is expected to prohibit companies from bringing packaging products containing PFAS chemicals to the market.   “As PFAS chemicals are expected to be banned in the EU, UPM Specialty Papers can support converters and brand owners in this change. UPM’s barrier papers can achieve excellent grease resistance without the use of PFAS chemicals,” says Kalle Luomi, Senior Manager, Product Stewardship, UPM Specialty Papers.   Depending on customer requirements, the company offers a wide range of packaging papers for pet food packaging. One example is the UPM Asendo™ Pro barrier paper that combines recyclability and grease resistance with excellent print properties.   UPM Specialty Papers and partners in the packaging value network can also together co-create packaging solutions that help customers meet their goals such as food safety, recyclability, and other needs. For example, strength is also a necessary feature for pet food packaging that not only needs to endure logistics but also contents that weigh up to 20 kg.   “Great packaging protects what is being sold, but it also sells the product it protects,” Marco Tramontano, Sales Director, UPM Specialty Papers says. “People love their pets: they want to know that their best friend gets the same quality that they do. That’s why we are pleased to offer pet food brands food-safe packaging that also ensures the shelf appeal of their products – and reduces plastic.”

How to strengthen consumer trust in processed food and beverages

Strong communication can guarantee trust among consumers with highly processed food.   More consumers have become more critical of the processing used in the food and drink industry, with clearer awareness of ingredients, nutrition and production methods.   According to a Mintel report, media articles, regulations, and labels with ratings from NOVA and Siga will become more widespread amongst cautious customers as ultra-processed food (UPF) has become scrutinized. More are encouraged to observe and take note of processing levels for food and beverages.   This vital perception stretches on all sides of the F&B industry. Around 79% of Chinese adults aged 50 to 65 agree that eating less processed food is an effective step to improve their health, and 34% of US adults see highly processed food as a huge concern, besides their prices and artificial taste.   Even with the vast moderation, the industry has the potential to address the benefits of food-processing techniques and contents through effective communication.   It can take an understandable language and framework to promote not only UPFs but also to give clarity on their specific nutritional benefits. Products like frozen produce, fresh bakery items, and natural canned soup can share advantages like enhanced nutrition, increased shelf life, and lessened environmental impact, or use them as promotions on their packaging.   For highly, overly, or ultra-processed products, businesses need more effective front-of-pack labelling for products with high fat, sugar, and salt (HFSS) content, like salty snacks, biscuits, and confectionery, since nutritional disclaimers are not sufficient to deter average consumers.   A steady engagement with consumers will ensure that processed products will be perceived with their health benefits. This is crucial for the more massive health-conscious market, with 47% of Thai, 32% of Canadian, and 33% of Irish consumers finding that products that add to their fruit and vegetable intake are important for their usual grocery shopping. Around 47% of US fruit or vegetable buyers see that processed produce, like fruit cups and canned tomatoes, makes for good alternatives to fresh ones.     article credit photo credit

9th PAPER & TISSUE ONE SHOW is now in its new home – ABU DHABI!

Time：2026-03-31~2026-04-02

Location ：

Since 2007, Al Furat Group's international exhibition, Paper One Show, has enjoyed uninterrupted success, attracting more and more exhibitors and professional visitors. It has become the largest and most prestigious event for the global paper industry. Now it's time for a glorious transformation as it is announced that the exhibition is upgraded to Paper & Tissue One Show and relocated to the capital of the United Arab Emirates – Abu Dhabi. Paper & Tissue One Show will be held annually at the country's most prestigious complex – Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).   WHY ADNEC, ABU DHABI?   •  Paper & Tissue One Show concluded a cooperation agreement with the Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau, which will also provide full marketing support for the above-mentioned international paper exhibition. •  Abu Dhabi is one of the most economically powerful, prosperous, secure and stable regions in the world. • ADNEC is one of the most important venues for exhibitions and congresses in the Middle East region and worldwide. •  ADNEC is located 25 minutes from the city center and 15 min from the Abu Dhabi International Airport. • Abu Dhabi is a hub for tens of pulp, paper, tissue, cardboard and packaging companies, making it the largest center for the paper industry in the MENA region.   The upcoming 9th Paper & Tissue One Show, to be held on April 16-18, 2024, will feature more than 210 manufacturers and providers of 60 categories of paper and paper-related products and services, as well as more than 16,000 visitors from 110 countries, making it the signature event of the international paper industry. The exhibition will also host a series of B2B meetings and conferences on sustainability and pulp (MENA Pulp Week), enabling participants to exchange best practices and conduct business negotiations with international partners. Al Furat Group is pleased to invite you to join the 9th Paper & Tissue One Show 2024. The Company's Team is willing to answer your additional questions and provide any other related assistance.

RUPLASTICA is forming an exhibition 2024!

Time：2026-01-27~2026-01-30

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The organizers of the leading International Specialized Trade Fair for Plastics and Rubber RUPLASTICA are actively creating the exhibition for the next season, which will be held from January 23 to 26, 2024 at the Moscow Expocentre Fairgrounds. In the wake of active demand from thousands of Russian industry professionals for domestic procurement, search for new suppliers and innovative solutions, RUPLASTICA, as one of the traditional market indicators among enterprises operating in the field of production and processing of polymers, plastics and rubber, is demonstrating significant growth number of participants. The key RUPLASTICA platform will be thematically expanded by special projects on 3D printing ADDITIVE MINDED and recycled plastics RECYCLING SOLUTIONS. Packaging solutions will traditionally show themselves at the UPAKEXPO exhibition taking place here – a project that has established itself as a unique platform for packagers with an emphasis on polymers. RUPLASTICA 2024 is a wide representation of traders, multi-brand suppliers, both with Russian registration and with European and Asian roots. According to the organizers' forecasts, about 1,000 exhibitors from more than two dozen countries plan to voice their advantages and compete in speed of delivery and assortment. For the first time, in addition to Pavilions No. 2, 8 and Forum, which are well known to participants and visitors, the exposition of the RUPLASTICA exhibition will also be located in Pavilion No. 3!   One of the issues that is covered as widely as possible at the exhibition is raw materials: all types of large-tonnage polymers, special grades, composite materials, various additives and dyes, as well as secondary polymers and technologies for working with them. RUPLASTICA is the largest collection point on this topic in the country. The 2024 exposition will feature more than 250 companies that specialize in raw materials. Such a number of players on one field at the same time can only be found in Russia at RUPLASTICA. Among the thematic raw materials companies that will be located in the Forum Pavilion: permanent Russian participants – Sibur, Okapol, Polyplastic, Liga-Fleks, Revada Group, BARS-2, Ruskhimset, GAVARY COMPOUNDS, GLOBAL COLORS, Bashkir Soda Company, UCG, GAMMA-PLAST , Tathimplast, Aditim, Gabriel-Chemie-Rus-2 and many others; familiar Turkish companies – Akdeniz Chemson Kimya, MELOS KAUCUK VE PLASTIK, FENOL KIMYA, etc.; Belarusian representatives, including new ones at the exposition – ARKOLI, Naftan, Plant Polymir, etc.; as well as companies from China.   The topic of plastic waste is becoming increasingly relevant. And although the share of this material is not so high, attention to its processing is increased, since it has every chance of getting a second life. Participants of the January exhibitions – exhibitors in the RECYCLING SOLUTIONS section – have the necessary experience, vision and technology – they build plants for the recycling of polymers, supply various additives to improve the properties of recycled plastics, offer equipment and technical know-how for recycling materials, and are ready to share this with visitors of the exhibition. Russian Atlasmash, GRAN GARO, MSK Polymer, REPLAST, Aleko Polymers, Polimech, DPL Polimer, Stolica Polimerov, Rostpoliplast, Nevlabs, TPK STR; Turkish Polytek Teknik Makina, Ustun Is Makina, Beksmak Makine, VIKOTECH MAKINE; Chinese Beier Machinery, ZHEJIANG BORETECH ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING; as well as those taking part for the first time – EcoLine-VtorPlast, Siberian Polymer Company – these and many other companies will form the RECYCLING SOLUTIONS 2024 exposition in Pavilion No. 2 (halls 2 and 3).   The role of molds in the entire production chain is undeniable and deserves special attention, especially now when it is necessary to expand the range of manufactured goods. “Molds and dies: combining form and content” – for the first time at RUPLASTICA 2024, the topic of molding tools will be highlighted in a separate exhibition. Pavilion No. 2 (halls 2 and 3) will bring together Russian and foreign suppliers, industry leaders and new players in the domestic market of molds and dies, including: Russian companies – SYSTEM, NEW FORM, T-MOLD, IMID, PROF-NNOV, PK TPYUG, Europartner, Tehnoplast (Rostov Mold Plant), ON-RUS, Engineering Company, LLC “4D”; Turkish – Gorplast Plastik Kalip, 3MEKSAN KALIP VE PLASTIK, PETKA MOLD; Chinese – MOULD-TIP, Wenyi Trinity technology; Italian – NEW TRESING STAMPI and many others.   The largest block and unprecedented scale, for which tens of thousands of professionals visit the RUPLASTICA exhibition at the end of January, are formed by suppliers of injection molding and extrusion equipment, as well as machines for plastics processing and recycling. “Demand creates supply”: taking into account the increased interest of both the market and exhibitors and visitors, the organizers decided to expand the exhibition area and include the territory of Pavilion No. 3 in the exhibition! The equipment segment will occupy Pavilion No. 2 (halls 1-3), as well as the new Pavilion No. 3, and will be represented by the following players: from Russia – Alliance-Prom, HAITIAN CIS, Aleko Machinery, Extrusion Technologies, FORMOTRONIK, Babyplast-Russia, Eurochiller Russia, UGNLAB TEST, BALITEH, MORETTO RU, Plast-TEK, ROTOSNAB, SOLAN-D, BORCHE MACHINERY, INTERPLAST and many others; from Turkey – Akkaya EPS Makina, Alarge Alic Agaci Mak Elek Arge, Altech Makine, Contec Makina Imalat Uretim, DERSAN PVC MAKINELERI, Gorplast Plastik, Haskil Plastik, TRUVA MAKINA, ATAC TEKNIK VE PLASTIK MAKINA, etc.; from China – ECHAPLAST MACHINERY, JC-TIMES, GUANGDONG LIANSU MACHINERY MANUFACTURING, Qingdao Powertech Machinery, Valmo Injection Equipment, etc.; as well as from India – LOHIA CORP LIMITED, J P EXTRUSIONTECH, RR Plast Extrusions, Italy – ITIB MACHINERY INTERNATIONAL S.R.L., South Korea – SM PLATEK and many, many others.   Thus, the RUPLASTICA exhibition will once again act as the leading “hub” of the entire polymer and related world, where many paths converge. At the end of January 2024, the RUPLASTICA exhibition will traditionally serve as an industry barometer and, together with the exhibition projects RECYCLING SOLUTIONS, ADDITIVE MINDED and UPAKEXPO, will present an objective picture and an updated model of international relations that have developed in polymers and packaging over the past period.   Follow the exhibition news on the official website and social networks: Website / Telegram channel

Packaging and technical growth drives BOPET film demand

Global market demand for BOPET film continues to grow despite current economic uncertainty and market challenges, according to a new report by leading industry consultants, AMI Consulting. BOPET producers are adapting to the shift towards more regional supply and increasing tariffs, and taking short-term measures to address falling prices and widespread de-stocking throughout the customer base. In spite of all this, growth opportunities abound and BOPET manufacturers are setting out on the race to supply the burgeoning packaging growth across Asia and for the manufacture of the next generation of high technology and green energy products.   Packaging remains the largest end-use market for BOPET films and in spite of sustainability pressures, is growing strongly across developing markets and within profitable niches globally. The use of flexible packaging including BOPET film for non-food items is lower than for food providing good opportunity to switch from rigid packaging, and BOPET lids and labels in combination with PET trays and bottles offer a mono-material solution. Use of BOPET in food packaging is steadily increasing in low per capita consumption regions such as the Indian Sub-Continent and SEA, where packaged food is becoming more widely available. End-users are recognising that BOPET films can offer properties vital for food security such as good barrier and materials reduction, whilst providing a cost-effective solution. Mono-material PET solutions are seeing R&D interest, with promising developments in sealing properties.   Technical and non-packaging applications are emerging as the better growth opportunity for BOPET film in the next five years, with 5% growth expected to 2027, compared with 3% for packaging films. The stand-out growth application for BOPET in volume terms continues to be photovoltaics, although low prices which continue to offer limited investment opportunities. Supportive government policies may yet persuade those who exited this market to re-enter and support the regional development of green energy industries. Electrical applications are forecast to show ongoing healthy growth, thanks to new battery applications, the growth in flexible electronics and new energy segments. To serve a greater range of growth opportunities, thin film lines are being stretched to their limits and modified to produce both thinner and thicker BOPET films.   The market remains attractive in the longer term both for existing players who continue to invest in broadening their product ranges for new applications, and for new BOPET producers aiming to benefit from the growth of both packaging films and industrial BOPET markets. Both markets are anticipated to exceed global GDP growth in the forecast period with many converters and end-users optimistic about continued growth in demand for BOPET across both packaging and industrial markets in the future.   BOPET Films - the Global Market 2023 is a detailed market report from AMI Consulting.   For further information please contact [email protected] on Tel: +44 (0)117 924 9442

Nestlé: 3 Crafty packaging changes making a difference

We've trimmed the packaging of your favorite brands. Here's how   Packaging is essential to safely delivering high-quality food and drinks, communicating nutritional information, and reducing food loss and waste. However, if it ends up as litter in the environment, it poses a major threat. We take this very seriously.   Our vision at Nestlé is that none of our packaging, including plastic, ends up in landfills or as litter in the environment. In pursuit of this vision, we aim to have over 95% of our plastic packaging designed for recycling by 2025. We've made good progress: We are on track to reduce the use of virgin plastic by one-third by 2025 and have consistently reduced our use of virgin plastic since 2019, even while our business continued to grow.   But what does this look like in action?   As our Global Public Affairs Lead for Packaging, I(*the author, Jodie Roussell) have a bird's eye view of developments coming out of the packaging space. I've picked out three key examples that show how the changes we're making to our own packaging can really add up.   Gerber: A little lid goes a long way Gerber is an iconic baby food brand sold in 80 countries. When approaching the redesign of Gerber 1st Food and 2nd Food puree tubs, we had two key goals: first, ensure food safety and nutritional quality, and second, reduce virgin plastic. The team made a clever change - they optimized the design by removing the over-cap lids. That change has resulted in saving 2 300 metric tons of plastic each year. That's over 5 million pounds - the weight of about 1 500 cars each year!   Vital Proteins: What's the scoop? Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Powder also found a simple change that packs a punch. The team moved away from including plastic scoops with the powder and, by the end of this year, aims to be officially scoopless! By offering the same collagen we love without the plastic scoop, they save over 330 000 pounds of plastic annually. Since I'm a user myself, I've already switched to using the teaspoon measurement information on the label with additional instructions to get portions just right.   DiGiorno: If a pizza falls in the forest... Our third and final example is DiGiorno, a frozen pizza brand available in the United States and Canada. By removing the cardboard centerpiece in select pizza products, we are saving 4 500 000 pounds of cardboard annually. That saves 49 000 trees from being used for virgin paperboard every year.   These three examples can feel like water droplets in the ocean of change we strive for. But that doesn't mean they aren't important. They highlight how even small changes can have big ripple effects. With these three packaging redesigns alone, we saved almost 10 million pounds of packaging materials annually. From the lab to the factory, our packaging teams around the world are working hard across our brands and products to remove unnecessary packaging, try out new materials, and even pilot reusable packaging solutions to help fight waste.   This is only the beginning, and we hope you'll accompany us on this journey as we innovate our packaging future.   credit

Food & Hotel Hanoi International Exhibition 2023: New business cooperation opportunities for F&B businesses

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From November 21-23, 2023, the second International Exhibition on Food, Beverages, Bakery Equipment, Restaurants, Hotels and Service Supply in Vietnam - Food & Hotel Hanoi 2023 will take place at ICE Hanoi International Exhibition Center, Hoan Kiem District. This exhibition will welcome 113 exhibitors from 13+ countries and territories, including the expected presence of 11+ international booth groups. With a large exhibition area of ​​up to 6,800 sqm, the show will attract more than 6,500+ specialized visitors.   The information was given by Informa Markets Vietnam Company at the exhibition introduction meeting, taking place on October 24 in Hanoi.   According to Statista's forecast, Vietnam's food market in 2023 will reach 96.47 billion USD, an increase of 9% compared to 2022, and the average annual growth rate in the period from 2023 - 2027 will reach about 8.22% /year. Comparing within Southeast Asia, Vietnam's food industry revenue in 2023 is expected to rank third, only behind Indonesia and the Philippines. Among the segments of Vietnam's food industry, the confectionery and snacks segment accounts for the largest proportion at 14.6%, with a market volume of about 14.13 billion USD in 2023.   Regarding the beverage segment, according to Statista's March 2023 data, Vietnam's beverage market revenue in 2023 will reach 27.121 billion USD, of which the non-alcoholic beverage segment contributes the highest proportion at 37.7%, also the segment with the highest growth rate. Specifically, the non-alcoholic beverage segment will reach a revenue of 10.22 billion USD in 2023, 10.4% higher than in 2022, and the average annual growth rate in the period from 2023 - 2028 reaches 6.28%/ year.   The accommodation, tourism and culinary industries are always linked together. After more than a year since the official re-opening, the tourism market has clearly shown recovery with significant growth. According to the General Statistics Office, travel revenue in the first four months of 2023 nationwide is estimated to reach 9.1 trillion VND, nearly 2.1 times higher than the same period last year. Thanks to the return of the tourism industry, the hotel market in Hanoi in particular and the country in general has grown dramatically. Savills Vietnam's report shows that, in the first quarter of 2023, the number of visitors increased by 220% year-on-year, reaching 1.1 million. Of which, there were 339,000 domestic visitors, an increase of 21% year on year, and 712,000 international visitors, an increase of 1,400% year on year.   At the press conference, Mr. BT Tee - General Director of Informa Markets Vietnam said that Vietnam is famous for its unique cuisine, besides, international cuisine is always widely welcomed in the Vietnamese market while having a significant influence on the tastes of nearly 100 million Vietnamese consumers. This is considered a great development potential for international businesses. Food & Hotel Hanoi 2023 not only brings interesting experiences, updates on the latest products and trends in cuisine, restaurant and hotel business, but is also a meeting and connection place for many businesses in the world, F&B sector to share, exchange experiences and create opportunities for cooperation and development.   Food & Hotel Hanoi 2023 will welcome 113 exhibitors from 13+ countries and territories, including the expected presence of 11+ international booth groups. With a large exhibition area of ​​up to 6,800 sqm, the show will attract more than 6,500+ specialized visitors. The event welcomes exhibitors from the United States, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, Spain, Canada, Australia, Japan, Korea, China, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and more other Vietnamese brands.   Also sharing at the press conference, Mr. Ralph Bean - Agricultural Counselor of the Department of Agricultural Foreign Affairs, US Department of Agriculture at the US Embassy in Hanoi - emphasized that Vietnam is a dynamic and growing market, bringing open opportunities for international cooperation and trade. Our participation in the Food and Hospitality Exhibition in Hanoi 2023 aims to strengthen cooperation between units and partners operating in the agricultural industry. This exhibition is a platform for exchanging knowledge and understanding market needs, building bridges to promote trade.   According to the Organizing Committee, this is the second time Food & Hotel has returned to the Hanoi market. In this edition, the event has an extremely diverse display portfolio, including Bread, Pastry & Ice Cream products; Tea/Coffee; Food & Beverage; Food Service & Hotel Equipment; Food Technology / Packaging / Disposables; Hospitality Technology and Other Industrial Services.   In particular, within the framework of the exhibition, many exciting activities will take place such as the Summit Program on restaurant and hotel business; Hanoi Talented Chef Competition II - Hanoi Salon Culinaire; barista competition - Vietnam Barista Competition (VBC) or the only coffee tasting competition in Vietnam - Vietnam Aromaster Championship (VAC). Here, young talents and the creative future of modern cuisine will be challenged, competed and honored.   credit

Food For Better Future－Coex Food Week, the largest food related exhibition in Korea!

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Celebrating its 18th edition, Coex Food Week has been an optimal business platform for F&B industry in Korea. Held in conjunction with World FoodTech Expo and Korea International Bakery Show, it features products and services of the global food industry.     Why Coex Food Week?   Largest B2B Food Exhibition in Korea South Korea’s Most Established Food & Beverage Industry Trade Show Coex Food Week 2023 is one of the most anticipated international exhibitionsin Seoul, expecting more than 800 exhibitors and 50,000 visitors to join the show. In 2022, 895 exhibitors from 23 countries featured over 1,479 booths whilewelcoming 32,663 visitors around the globe. As a global food comprehensiveexhibition, we provide the best opportunity for your business. It is an optimalplatform to meet buyers with commercial purpose!   Explore a Growing Food Market Korean consumers are open to new international food as exposure to foreign food culture expand Korea is recognized as the 10th largest economy in the world and its annual GDP is to grow by 3.6 % in 2022. The nation’s growing GDP and high urbanization are the basis for the country’s thriving foodservice industry. In 2019, the Korean food market had a volume of USD 128.7 billion, accounting forapproximately 1.9% of the global food market. At Coex Food Week, exhibitors and buyers can learn all about trends and promising fields of food industry and expand their business into Asia.   The Best Business Opportunities Presented Broaden your business with qualified buyers Coex Food Week invites domestic and overseas buyers to participate in a 1:1 business matching program. The program has been extremely successful, boasting an 80% satisfaction rate every year. In 2023, approximately 274 exhibitors and 83 qualified buyers with purchasing power participated in the 1:1 business matching program.     Concurrent Shows: World FoodTech Expo 2023 Korea International Bakery Fair 2023

AllenPack - Allen Plastic Industries Co.,Ltd.

AllenPack has been producing and selling shrink packaging materials since 1980. With solid core technology, a strong operational team, robust processing capabilities, high-quality stability, and high production efficiency, AllenPack is well-known in the industry. We strive to strengthen our research and development capabilities, giving our products a strong international competitive advantage, which has helped us successfully expand into overseas markets and sell worldwide.   With over 40 years of industry experience, AllenPack has continually innovated in product and process research and development. Our main products include shrink film materials such as PVC, PET, POF, and PE. Our products offer significant advantages in terms of compliance and the shrinkage of customer products.   In addition to shrinking and packaging materials, AllenPack has also expanded its product line to include packaging machinery. With our professional and experienced R&D team, AllenPack’s sleeving machine meets customer needs for a one-stop service. We provide stable, highly efficient, easy-to-operate, and easy-to-maintain machines to our customers, helping them save labor costs and improve productivity.   Taking advantage of our machines, we won the Taiwan Excellence Award in 2021 and have also sold them worldwide. "Experts in the Shrink-Packaging Field - Total Solutions for Shrink Sleeve Labels" is what we strive to achieve. AllenPack will continue to provide b better service and continuously develop more efficient machinery to meet our clients' needs.

Preparations for the 2nd BIOFACH SAUDI ARABIA are in full swing

Time：2025-11-10~2025-11-12

Location ：Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

All around the world, representatives of the organic food industry gather at various BIOFACH World events. BIOFACH SAUDI ARABIA   Following its successful premiere in 2022, preparations for the 2nd BIOFACH SAUDI ARABIA are in full swing. From 19–21 November 2023, the fair will take place in co-location with the Saudi Halal Expo, organised by 1st Arabia Tradeshows & Conferences. The youngest member of the BIOFACH World family will thus provide the organic hub for the MENA region.   The event guarantees lively exchanges on global and regional issues. These include, for example, the procurement of organic fertilisers or the challenges relating to water resources in the region.   Alongside the numerous national and international exhibitors, the event also features presentations, discussion panels and workshops. The official German Pavilion subsidised by the German Federal Ministry for Food and Agriculture (BMEL) is enabling eight German companies to get exposure at the venue.     BIOFACH Nuremberg   Next year too, the organic community’s calendar is already jam-packed. It will kick off in February with BIOFACH in Nuremberg. From 13–16 February 2024, the World's Leading Trade Fair for Organic Food will gather international representatives from along the entire supply chain in its exhibition halls and online on the digital event platform. It will then be time to discover the huge product range of the participating exhibitors once again in what will be a feast for the senses. The accompanying BIOFACH Congress also offers a wide-ranging, sector-specific programme. The focus theme 2024 will be “Food for the Future: Women’s Impact on Sustainable Food Systems”.     BIOFACH AMERICA LATINA   In conjunction with the BIO BRAZIL FAIR and Naturaltech, BIOFACH AMERICA LATINA enjoyed a successful run from 14– 17 June 2023. To recap: Around 52,000 visitors converged on the exhibition halls of the Anhembi Exhibition Centre in São Paulo. This is equivalent to a growth rate of 44% compared with the 2022 event. The 730 exhibitors and the supporting programme reflected current trends and innovations and highlighted the potential of the region. The business round tables offered a venue for retailers and manufacturers to come together in 292 individual meetings.     BIOFACH SOUTH EAST ASIA   Save the date: The 3rd BIOFACH SOUTH EAST ASIA will take place alongside the NATURAL EXPO SOUTH EAST ASIA in Bangkok in 2024.     BIOFACH World   NürnbergMesse has proven expertise in the field of organic foodstuffs. In February every year, the global organic sector gathers in Nuremberg at BIOFACH, the world’s leading trade fair for organic food. The comprehensive range of certified organic products on display shows their diversity – from fresh products like dairy and cheese, fruit, vegetables, dry products like grains and pulses, nuts and confectionery to beverages. The international patron of BIOFACH is IFOAM – Organics International, while the national supporting organization is the German Federation of Organic Food Producers (BÖLW). An integral part of this world-leading fair is the BIOFACH Congress, a knowledge-sharing platform that is unique worldwide. With another seven BIOFACH events in China, India, Japan, Latin America, Saudi Arabia, South East Asia and the USA, BIOFACH World has a global presence and year for year brings together more than 4,500 exhibitors and 150,000 trade visitors.

FSTEC launches FSTEC Asia 2024 in partnership with FHA-HoReCa

Time：2026-04-21~2026-04-24

Location ：Singapore Expo

FSTEC, the world’s leading foodservice technology event, is thrilled to announce its latest partnership with FHA-HoReCa for the debut of its inaugural edition in Asia with FSTEC Asia.   Setting the stage for ground-breaking discussions and innovations at the intersection of hospitality and technology, FSTEC Asia will be seamlessly integrated into the bi-annual FHA-HoReCa tradeshow, offering two full days of programming with expert speakers from around the world from October 22nd to 25th 2024, at the Singapore Expo. The event will also provide unique sponsorship opportunities to cater to the surging demand for technology solutions among APAC restaurant companies.   FSTEC Asia's tagline, "Where Hospitality and Tech Connect," marks a strategic evolution from its US event tagline, "Where Restaurants and Tech Connect" reflecting the evolving landscape of the hospitality industry and encompassing a broader spectrum of technology-driven solutions and opportunities.   Chris Keating, Head of FSTEC, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming event: "The presentations at this conference will be focused on all parts of hospitality tech: from ordering and payment to loyalty programs and workforce management systems to AI and robotics. There will be something there for the large multinational restaurant company to the growing concept, but also for the systems integrators and vendors who will be helping operators achieve their goals."   FSTEC is proud to announce its collaboration with FHA-HoReCa show, the region's premier international food and hospitality trade show. FHA-HoReCa has established itself as a platform for industry leaders to explore innovative solutions, making it a natural fit for the integration of technology into the hospitality sector.   Ian Roberts, VP of Informa Markets, stated, "We are thrilled to announce our partnership with FSTEC Asia, a testament to our dedication to innovation in the foodservice hospitality industry. As we embrace the growing role of technology in our event, we're excited about the transformative possibilities. This collaboration will be a catalyst for change, fostering a vibrant ecosystem of collaboration and innovation. It underscores FHA-HoReCa's commitment to delivering value, keeping us at the forefront of industry advancements."   Over the past three years, FSTEC Asia's flagship event in the US, FSTEC, has witnessed remarkable growth, attracting over 800 executives from leading restaurant companies seeking technological solutions to enhance their businesses. Chris Keating remarked, "Adoption of restaurant tech was growing fast before the pandemic. But it has exploded in recent years as operators needed to move quickly to contactless payment, remote ordering, delivery, and more. And now we are moving from the era of necessity to the era of opportunity, as restaurants see how much advanced tech can enhance guest experience, improve efficiency, and grow their business."   For more information and to stay updated on FSTEC Asia 2024, please visit website

Promotional restrictions in the UK for products that are High in Fat, Sugar and Salt (HFSS)

A series of restrictions on the promotion of foods that are high in fat, sugar and salt (HFSS) came into force in part in England in October 2022. The Food (Promotion and Placement) (England) Regulations 2021  are intended to encourage food and drink businesses to produce and promote healthier foods and lifestyles. Further restrictions are due to be enforced in the coming years and the other devolved UK nations are planning to implement similar measures.     What is a HFSS product?   Currently, impacted food and drink categories are listed in the legislation and include, for example, soft drinks, savoury snacks, confectionery and pizza. Future implemented restrictions may expand the categories in scope, and so it is important to keep up to date with any regulatory developments. However, this does not mean every product within each category is impacted. Each is rated on an individual product level by a ‘Nutrient Profiling Model’  score which attributes negative points for calorie density, saturated fat, sugar and sodium, and positive points for protein, fibre, fruit, vegetables and nuts. Although the legislation is in place restricting specified promotions, customers may still require the HFSS score for your product as part of their company policy.   The regulations affect retailers, manufacturers and food business operators selling their food and drink products. Brands are responsible for providing accurate information about the nutritional profile of their products to sellers.     How is the promotion and placement of HFSS products restricted?   The legislation currently restricts the placement of certain HFSS products in prominent locations both in-store and online. HFSS products are no longer eligible for placement in ‘impulse’ areas such as checkouts or gondola ends and their online equivalents. Some exemptions do apply to specific stores including those smaller than 185.8 square metres (2,000 square feet), speciality food stores that sell one type of product, such as chocolate and for businesses with less than 50 employees. The onus will be placed on the retailer to comply with the regulations. Also included in the initial legislation were additional restrictions that would prevent HFSS products from appearing in specified volume promotions (e.g. multibuy, 2 for 1) and HFSS drinks from using free refill offers, although these have been delayed until 1 October 2025.   The current legislation is only applicable in England, but the other devolved UK nations are in the process of developing their own rules. In Scotland, the proposed restrictions were consulted on in 2022 which, in addition to the rules laid down in England, considered including island and bin displays in the promotion restrictions and ‘meal deals’ in the volume-based promotions. A Parliament response  stated that a further consultation of the proposed legislation is due to be launched in Autumn 2023 in order to lay down restrictions in 2024. It was emphasised that engagement has been on the basis that restrictions would not enter into force before 2025 at the earliest.   In Wales, the intention is to proceed with HFSS restrictions on multibuy and location promotions, but also to implement restrictions beyond the scope of the current restrictions in England, further preventing the inclusion of products categorised as HFSS from appearing in temporary price promotions and ‘meal deals’. They also intend to consult on enforcement measures later in 2023, and plan to lay down legislation in 2024 for implementation in 2025.     How will TV and online advertisements of HFSS products be restricted?   Further UK-wide advertising restrictions are planned to be implemented that will prevent HFSS products from appearing in TV advertisements before 9pm and in all paid-for online advertisements. The implementation of these restrictions have also been pushed back and are now due to come into force in October 2025. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) and Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP) intend to consult on the new rules and associated guidance in Autumn 2023 before publishing guidance on the restrictions in 2024. These new rules will not replace the existing advertising codes of practice (CAP) rules that cover certain kinds of promotional communications, particularly when advertising products to children or which may be attractive to them. The new legislation places additional restrictions on specific categories of HFSS products however the current CAP rules still apply to all products regardless of whether they fall within an impacted food category.     What is the current timeline for implemented and upcoming HFSS restrictions?   Since 1 October 2022: HFSS products restricted from appearing in prominent locations both in-store and online (England)   From 1 October 2025: HFSS products restricted from appearing in volume (e.g. multibuy) promotions (England) HFSS products restricted from appearing in TV advertising before 9pm (UK) HFSS products restricted from appearing in paid-for online advertising (UK)   Scotland and Wales intend to consult on the legislative proposals in 2023, with plans to lay down legislation in 2024 for implementation in 2025.     Are there any other HFSS restrictions that businesses need to consider?   It is worth being aware that some councils are also beginning to implement their own restrictions locally to prevent the promotion of products categorised as HFSS, such as advertisements displayed on council owned sites and public premises. Transport for London (TfL) also has an advertising policy that prevents the promotion of HFSS products on public transport in London.     How can business prepare for current and future HFSS restrictions?   In practical terms, the current and future restrictions mean that many brands may need to reformulate if they want to completely avoid any curbs on marketing activity. The way in which the HFSS scoring system has been set up deliberately prevents food companies from simply adding positive nutrition, such as protein or fibre, to balance the bad. Manufacturers need to bring down the saturated fat, salt and sugar content first.   This presents several challenges because these elements contribute to important functional characteristics such as: taste, shelf-life, texture, stability, mouthfeel, handling, and production reliability and play a major role in our overall eating experience. Consequently, if consumers do not buy the reformulated product after tasting it, despite substantial promotional activity, achieving non-HFSS status may not be economically viable. That is why it is so important to optimise reformulation to ensure the characteristics and integrity of the original product as much as possible.   credit