LoeschPack and Hastamat to showcase their packaging solutions at PACK EXPO
Puratos launches new plant-based, whippable Ambiante Chocolate Flavor for toppings and fillings
A strategic alliance to boost synergy between Informa and Ipack Ima
EcoTrace™ by Südpack enables fact-based life cycle assessments for flexible packaging solutions
With its EcoTrace™ LCA service, the company has adopted a holistic and data-driven approach to evaluating the environmental impact of its products throughout the value chain.
EcoTrace™ enables Südpack to analyze the entire life cycle of its own products, as well as customer concepts, in terms of their environmental impact. These calculations are based on a cradle-to-grave approach, which takes not only greenhouse gases (CO2e) into account, but also factors like fossil resource consumption, eco- and human-toxicity, as well as various energy sources and end-of-life options, within defined system limits. This is an important approach because around 10% of the environmental impact of Südpack’s flexible films occurs at the end of their life cycle (assuming an average recycling rate of 48% and a thermal recovery rate of 52%). In collaboration with Sphera, Südpack recently conducted an LCA study in accordance with ISO 14040/44 for its Flow Pack PurePP solution – to assess the potential environmental impact of these innovative high-performance films from the company’s Pure-Line range. The materials in question are flexible film laminates used to produce flow packs for various applications, primarily in the food sector. They are made from PP and, due to their mono-material structure, have a recyclability rate of 92% according to the cyclos-HTP institute. For the end-of-life analysis, a current German recycling mix served as the baseline scenario and was compared with the results from an analysis of 100% mechanical recycling, 100% chemical recycling, and 100% thermal recovery. Additionally, the study examined the impact of different energy sources used in production, as well as the incorporation of recycled content into the granules
ISM Middle East 2024 concludes with overwhelming success
With a record result, ISM Middle East 2024 underlined its role as the leading industry event for the confectionery and snack industry in the MENA region.
“The decision to organize ISM Middle East 2024 within the new set-up was a strategic move, and it has been proven to be the right one when looking at the remarkable participation we’ve witnessed this year. The event saw an impressive turnout of both exhibitors and visitors, which clearly demonstrates that ISM Middle East is firmly established as the leading trade fair for the sweets and snacks sector in the MENA region. This level of international participation is a strong testament to the trust and value that the global industry places in this platform. We are incredibly proud to offer a space where meaningful connections and impactful business transactions can thrive.” says Gerald Boese, President and CEO of Koelnmesse GmbH.
Mark Napier, Vice President – Portfolio Growth Food & Hospitality, Dubai World Trade Centre, added: “The sweets and snacks industry is constantly evolving, and ISM Middle East 2024 has truly showcased the dynamic and innovative spirit of this sector. This year’s event has also highlighted the increasing demand for healthier and more sustainable products, as well as the growing interest in ethical sourcing and personalised products. The impressive turnout and the quality of contacts made during the event underscore the importance of ISM Middle East as a key platform for industry leaders to connect, collaborate, and discover new business opportunities. We are excited to continue driving innovation and excellence in the sweets and snacks industry and look forward to welcoming even more exhibitors and visitors in 2025”.
Feedback from exhibitors has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing strong satisfaction with the quality of leads made during the event. The strong presence of international visitors—comprised of industry buyers, distributors, and key decision-makers—has led to fruitful networking opportunities. Several exhibitors have already confirmed the signing of first contracts during the show, further underscoring the event’s effectiveness as a critical business platform.The satisfaction among exhibitors was particularly high, as many reported achieving their business objectives and establishing valuable connections with both regional and global partners. The combination of a dynamic marketplace, high-calibre attendees, and targeted networking events ensured that ISM Middle East 2024 continued its tradition of excellence.
The next ISM Middle East will take place from 15-17 September 2025 at Dubai World Trade Centre.
ProSweets Cologne 2025: Sustainable packaging as the key to combatting food waste
The "Sweet Week" comprising of ProSweets Cologne and ISM, which brings the sweets and snacks producers together with the suppliers, is taking place from 2 to 5 February 2025.
A glance at the shelves in the supermarket shows: Brand names and the trade are increasingly opting for sustainable packaging, whether in the form of recyclable materials or by dispensing with plastic.
Mono-materials: Recyclable but demanding The latest innovations include cardboard packaging that completely does without glue as well as cardboard monofilm hybrid solutions, which allow the use of plastic to be reduced considerably. This is accompanied by intelligent packaging design, which leads to a smaller volume. This enables more and also lighter packaging to be stacked, stored and transported, which reduces the energy requirement for transportation and cooling. With regards to sustainability, above all laminates are problematic, because they are heavy or not at all separable and can thus not be reused. As an alternative, PP and PE-based mono-materials or paper-based packaging materials are popular - a trend that is reflected at ProSweets Cologne. They are said to display better recyclability. For example, they are suitable for the production of stand-up pouches with or without a reclosure system for sweet and savoury snacks. However, during the packaging process they are more challenging than conventional film structures. They tear more easily, are more difficult to seal or the folding properties are not as good. Hence, technological adaptations are required that allow the sweets producers to adjust their machines per plug-and-play thanks to existing retrofit options. This allows them to switch between conventional and recyclable films easily and thus position themselves optimally on the market.
R-N11 in Sheik Rashid Hall