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  20/03/2024 | Trade Fair

International FoodTec Award 2024: Honouring the winners at Anuga FoodTec in Cologne

The renowned international FoodTec Award 2024, the leading award for food technology, was presented last night at Anuga FoodTec in Cologne by the DLG (German Agricultural Society) and its trade partners.

The renowned international FoodTec Award 2024, the leading award for food technology, was presented last night at Anuga FoodTec in Cologne by the DLG (German Agricultural Society) and its trade partners. A total of 14 innovation projects from the global food and supplier industries were honoured. Four of these pioneering developments received the International FoodTec Award in gold, while ten more were distinguished with the silver medal. Matthias Schlüter, Director of Anuga FoodTec, on the award ceremony: "The International FoodTec Award is an important form of recognition for pioneering developments in the industry. These innovations play a decisive role for the future of the food and beverage industries and demonstrate the commitment of our exhibitors to sustainable and efficient solutions." DLG Vice President, Prof. Katharina Riehn, was also enthusiastic about the innovative solutions: "Your future-oriented innovation demonstrates impressively that a spirit of progress and ingenuity coupled with the highest degree of the art of engineering is always in a position to overcome technological hurdles and to reveal new potential with respect to sustainability and efficiency." The award winners include: - Gold: Albert Handtmann Maschinenfabrik GmbH & Co. KG, Biberach a. d. Riß, Germany: ConProSachet-System: sustainable packaging of alginate - Silberauszeichnung TOMRA Sorting GmbH, Mülheim-Kärlich, Germany: Foreign Material Identification (FMID) &. TOMRA Insight: identification of foreign bodies powered by artificial intelligence

www.foodtecaward.com

 
 
  20/03/2024 | Packaging

EU packaging regulation: unrealistic requirements are a burden on the mechanical engineering industry says the VDMA

The mechanical and plant engineering industry sees the EU packaging regulation recently adopted by the member states as fundamentally positive.

The mechanical and plant engineering industry sees the EU packaging regulation recently adopted by the member states as fundamentally positive. However, the industry continues to be burdened by technical weaknesses and, in some cases, unrealistic requirements. On 15 March 2024, the Member States adopted the EU Packaging Regulation. The aim of the regulation is to minimise the negative impact of packaging on the environment. To achieve this, packaging waste is to be reduced and a circular economy promoted. The regulations take into account the entire life cycle of packaging. "The EU Packaging Regulation creates a certain degree of planning certainty for the mechanical engineering industry and its customers. However, technical weaknesses and unrealistic requirements in the regulations are a burden on the industry," says Richard Clemens, Managing Director of the VDMA Food Processing and Packaging Machinery Association. Significantly higher reusable rates for industrial packaging In contrast to the draft originally proposed by the Commission, the regulation that has now been adopted provides for a significant increase in the reusable quotas for industrial packaging, including pallet wrapping and strapping bands for securing loads on pallets. "A reusable quota of 100 percent for industrial transport packaging for deliveries between company locations and transports within a member state has no basis and there is no proof of its ecological benefits. Reuse is not even technically feasible. This requirement is therefore practically tantamount to a ban, which contradicts all requirements for load securing," explains Clemens. The regulation also bans portion packaging in the HORECA sector. This can affect consumer health – and not just in times of pandemics – as maintaining hygiene is problematic. It can also lead to food spoilage and thus to increased food losses. "This takes the idea of sustainability ad absurdum," says the VDMA Managing Director, "considering that the majority of CO2 emissions are generated during the production of food and not during the packaging, which is intended to protect the food from spoilage." Bans on certain packaging and materials have an impact on all links in the value chain. This has far-reaching consequences for the packaging machinery industry, which is an important enabler of sustainable packaging solutions. "The industry must now expect a drop in sales, which means that business models that have been established for decades are on the brink of collapse and many jobs are at risk," warns Clemens. With its objections, the VDMA has helped to ensure that some exceptions to the bans have now been made compared to the originally proposed draft. One positive aspect for the industry is that customised transport packaging for machinery and equipment has been exempted from the reusable packaging quotas, something that the VDMA also campaigned for.

 
 
  20/03/2024 | Technology

Schubert: alternative materials, smaller packaging sizes, innovative packaging concepts

Flexible packaging machines support food manufacturers when it comes to sustainability

Flexible packaging machines support food manufacturers when it comes to sustainability the issue of sustainability is playing an important role for more and more food manufacturers. Gerhard Schubert GmbH, a packaging specialist who is very much aware of its responsibility, has always placed great importance on environmental awareness. The company has clearly defined extensive goals and measures with its Mission Blue Sustainability Initiative. In order to provide companies with the best possible advice on tackling this multi-faceted challenge, Schubert experts provide support with its Packaging Perspectives services in the selection of materials and the design of packaging solutions that are both machine-compatible and environmentally friendly. Schubert’s flexible, modular and easily converted packaging machines process both conventional and fully recyclable packaging. Robot-based TLM technology handles a wide range of carton formats, trays, plastic crates as well as standard and paper-based flowpack films without compromising on quality.

In addition to using more sustainable materials, packaging size also plays a decisive role in environmental protection. A few millimetres saved per pack can lead to considerable material savings all told. However, smaller packaging sizes can only be achieved if they can be filled with food without compromising on quality. This is ensured by Schubert’s pick & place robots which play an important role in the packaging process. They pick up food such as bars or yoghurt pots and place them into trays, cartons or thermoformed packaging with millimetre precision. They can do so thanks to the vision system developed by Schubert which also serves as a quality control for the products before packaging.

Although Gerhard Schubert’s main focus is on modular, digital, robot-based packaging machines, the company also selectively develops sustainable packaging processes. Last year, the Crailsheim-based company introduced two environmentally friendly solutions they developed in house: Dotlock, a technology that makes cardboard packaging entirely glue-free, and a cardboard-monofilm hybrid solution – also without glue – that greatly minimises the use of plastic.
Dotlock is based on so-called ‘clinching’ technology used for joining metals. The cardboard layers are pierced with a needle from one side, forming a collar on the other side. This is then pressed onto the cardboard to create a stable force & form fit. As a 100 per cent glue-free packaging solution, Dotlock is completely recyclable via the paper cycle. The new hybrid packaging consists exclusively of cardboard and very thin monofilm, both of which are very easy to separate after use and therefore fully recyclable.

www.schubert.group

 
 
  19/03/2024 | Trade Fair, Technology

Coperion expands MEGAtex cooling die series for High Moisture Meat Analogues

The new Coperion MEGAtex R90 Cooling allows flexible adjustments to meat substitute texture at high throughputs.

The new Coperion MEGAtex R90 Cooling allows flexible adjustments to meat substitute texture at high throughputs. Just in time for Anuga FoodTec Coperion introduces the latest model in its MEGAtex cooling die series for manufacturing plant-based HMMA (High Moisture Meat Analogues). The new MEGAtex R90 texturizing unit achieves throughputs of up to 500 kg/h and is optimally matched to Coperion’s ZSK Food Extruders in sizes ZSK 43 and ZSK 54. Visitors can experience the MEGAtex cooling die series at the Coperion booth B-011 in Hall 10.1. Used in vegan ground meat substitutes and chicken analogues among other products, HMMA is manufactured using plant proteins. The MEGAtex cooling die provides HMMA with its fibrous and meat-like textures.

The ZSK twin screw extruder and the MEGAtex cooling die are the core technologies within the high moisture extrusion process that generates meat analogues from plant proteins with a dense, fibrous structure that closely resembles lean animal meat. The new MEGAtex R90 cooling die builds upon the principle of a round cooling die. Following discharge from the ZSK food extruder, the protein mass passes through a round channel in which the product is cooled to the desired temperature and the meat-like texture is formed to specification. For HMMA manufacturers, the cooling die opens up a broad spectrum of possible ingredients and textures – from smooth to loose, dense, foamy, large-pored and all the way to long- and short-fibered. The machine operator can precisely target process parameters such as temperature, pressure, shear rates and mass flow. The central element of the MEGAtex R90 is its rotating, cooled core. This core is provided with a pitch to influence the texture and the nozzle flow. This in turn affects the pressure in the upstream extrusion process and alters the HMMA’s texture, form, color and surface. In order to operate HMMA production machinery at very high efficiency, Coperion’s main objective in developing the MEGAtex R90 was to achieve very good and fast cleanability. All of the cooling die’s surfaces are easily accessible. With just a few manual adjustments, the die core including the drive section, can be retracted out of the cooling barrel on linear guide rails. The product channel is then fully accessible and can be cleaned in no time at all. Retracting the die core also makes the ZSK food extruder’s process section directly accessible. Its twin screws can then be removed as needed to easily clean the process section without moving the MEGAtex R90.

Hall 10.1, Stand B-011

www.coperion.com

 
 
  16/03/2024 | Technology

Case Packer Elematic 3001 from Syntegon: Extended features with three levels of automation

Syntegon’s Elematic 3001 WAH case packer now comes with Syntegon Operator Assistance – a feature for assisted format changeovers.

Syntegon’s Elematic 3001 WAH case packer now comes with Syntegon Operator Assistance – a feature for assisted format changeovers. Syntegon has been building case packers at Remshalden for 60 years. Today, the packaging experts are further optimizing format change processes and are adding the new feature to the tried-and-tested Click system. It helps companies from a wide range of industries to increase the level of automation of their packaging processes and make format changeovers more consistent, user-friendly and efficient. Users can choose between different options for guided, verified or semi-automatic size changeovers. “The new features can be used both independently and in combination with each other,” says Bernhard Vaihinger, Strategy & Product Management Secondary Food Packaging. With Guided Size Changeover, the Human Machine Interface (HMI) and the message-in-place screens show machine operators step-by-step instructions. These indicate which format parts and settings need to be changed. LEDs provide additional guidance as to where the task needs to be carried out. If users opt for Verified Size Changeover, every setting and format part is automatically checked via RFID technology. This eliminates production interruptions and downtime caused by incorrect format parts. In combination with Guided Size Changeovers, manufacturers can achieve efficient processes during which every step is automatically confirmed. In the Semi-Automatic Size Changeover option Syntegon Operator Assistance ensures a particularly efficient size changeover thanks to intelligent drives at the format points. Operators select the desired format at the touch of a button on the HMI and the machine automatically moves in position in a set sequence.

www.syntegon.com

 
 
  14/03/2024 | Ingredients

Döhler Ventures invests in Vertosa

A strategic partnership to develop innovative life science beverages

A strategic partnership to develop innovative life science beverages Döhler, a global provider of natural ingredients, ingredient systems and integrated solutions, and Vertosa, a infusion technology company for cannabis and hemp products, announce a strategic research and development partnership for the food, beverage and nutrition industries. This partnership is set to spark a new wave of innovative life science products in the beverage sector.

While Vertosa will continue to handle its category leading Cannabis and Hemp infusions, Döhler will develop natural ingredients and ingredient blends to complement Vertosa’s offering. Those blends can contain everything from natural flavors, natural colors, juices, botanical extracts to sweetening solutions. Under the terms of the partnership, Vertosa will benefit from Döhler’s research, development and application expertise and its vast experience in the beverage space. This partnership will give Vertosa access to Döhler’s prime product portfolio and technologies to co-develop innovative beverage formulations and proprietary infusion technologies for successful lifestyle beverages.

The collaboration includes an investment from Döhler Ventures, the company’s entrepreneurial investor, focused on startups within the global Nutrition & Technology ecosystem. Dr. Sebastian Dreher from Döhler Ventures says, "We're thrilled to support this collaboration. The investment reflects the long-term commitment to both the relationship and product categories, being driven by Vertosa’s professional management, thought leadership and market momentum.”

Both companies envision this partnership as a pioneering step toward a robust future for a new generation of life science beverages and beyond, combining Döhler's global reach and natural ingredient and application expertise with Vertosa’s leading infusion technologies. This collaboration is expected to elevate product development to new standards, offering consumers enhanced sensory experiences and supporting the rapid expansion of the cannabis and hemp ingredients in the beverage industry.

www.doehler.com/en/

 
 
  13/03/2024 | Trade Fair

Success factor Anuga FoodTec: Sustainable protein alternatives from plants, fermentation and cultivation

The technology trade fair and the German Association for Alternative Protein Sources (BALPro e.V.) are extending their cooperation for sustainable innovation in the food industry.

The technology trade fair and the German Association for Alternative Protein Sources (BALPro e.V.) are extending their cooperation for sustainable innovation in the food industry. “Due to the further growth of world population, we can presume an increased need for food and thus also a growing demand for plant-based protein", says Matthias Schlüter, Director of Anuga FoodTec. From 19 to 22 March 2024, Anuga FoodTec will address the theme of the processing of alternative proteins and the necessary know-how along the entire process chain. "The renewed cooperation with BALPro e.V. underlines our common obligation to design the food and beverage industries to be more sustainable. We are convinced that this partnership will contribute to advancing pioneering ideas and innovations, with the aim of adequately addressing the challenges of the future", Schlüter continued. Whether this now involves fermenters, bioreactors, filtration systems or driers: trade visitors and companies will find comprehensive information about the manufacture of alternative proteins at Anuga FoodTec. The international supplier trade fair of the food and beverage industries thereby not only covers the broad spectrum of solutions for the manufacture of plant-based and cultivated meat alternatives, but also takes a detailed look at solutions for milk, cheese, egg or fish alternatives. BALPro e.V. shares this commitment: ”Our cooperation focuses on supporting our members and other industry participants in shaping the development of the sector together and utilising potential. Only in this way can the increasing global need for new technologies and resource-preserving solutions be covered", is how Fabio Ziemßen, chairman of the German association, expresses it. The trade fair visitors can look forward to fascinating insights and inspiring discussions revolving around this future-oriented theme.

www.anugafoodtec.de/

 
 
  05/03/2024 | Packaging

Cardbox Packaging Announces €6.5 Million Investment in Czech Republic

This strategic investment underlines Cardbox Packaging's commitment to expanding its global footprint and enhancing its manufacturing capabilities.

This strategic investment underlines Cardbox Packaging's commitment to expanding its global footprint and enhancing its manufacturing capabilities. The investment will focus on the acquisition of state-of-the-art machinery to boost production efficiency, quality, and capacity at the Czech Republic and moving to another efficiency-focused facility. Key equipment acquisitions include:

- Printing Press Koenig & Bauer Rapida 106 X-8+L: A cutting-edge printing press that offers unparalleled print quality, efficiency, and versatility. This addition will enable Cardbox Packaging to produce a wider range of packaging designs with higher precision and faster turnaround times.

- Die-Cutter Bobst Visioncut 106 LER: This advanced die-cutting machine enhances precision in packaging cutting and shaping, ensuring superior product quality.

The integration of full feeding logistics and optical lateral register further optimizes the production process, reducing waste and improving efficiency. The investment in the Czech Republic is part of Cardbox Packaging's ongoing strategy to enhance its service offerings and reinforce its position among leaders in the packaging industry. By integrating these advanced technologies, Cardbox Packaging aims to set new standards in packaging innovation, sustainability, and customer satisfaction.

www.cardbox-packaging.com

 
 
  05/03/2024 | Trade Fair

Anuga FoodTec presents modern approaches to process analysis and quality control

Thanks to progress in the field of optical technologies, many tasks of quality control and assurance can in the meantime be solved in real time.

Thanks to progress in the field of optical technologies, many tasks of quality control and assurance can in the meantime be solved in real time. Artificial intelligence and deep learning algorithms thereby play an increasingly important role on the Cologne fair grounds." In the food industry, quality control with its classic methods of analysis and wet chemical processes is still very broadly distributed. This takes place in the lab, whereby a sample is taken for each batch. Products that do not correspond with specifications are held back. There is often thereby a heterogeneous environment of analysis devices, software tools and processes present in the company. The devices are linked only in individual cases via the operating software with a central lab information and management system (LIMS). The data are transferred with USB sticks and Excel sheets or, least ideally, are printed out and handed over manually – such a procedure in times of increasing digitalisation is hardly practical. The key to the better product In addition to this, the samples must be taken during ongoing production under observance of the strictest hygiene conditions, which proves especially difficult in closed processes. "Especially with regard to trends like the Internet of Things and Big Data, various processes and structures in quality assurance must be adapted in companies that process food", says Matthias Schlüter, Director Anuga FoodTec. Automation solutions and process analysis technologies (PAT), both areas of focus on the Cologne fair grounds, are key to this. "Visitors find a comprehensive offering across segments for qualitative and quantitative analysis in the lab and process at the stands of the exhibitors", according to Schlüter. With a PAT-based approach, the measurement parameters familiar from the lab are directly recorded in the production process by the analysis instruments. From there, the values are transferred to the process control system, which can be integrated on the device side into an Industry 4.0 concept. The declared goal: to ensure a food production within the specifications from the start that avoids product losses and helps reduce costs.

www.anugafoodtec.com

 
 
  05/03/2024 | Ingredients

Dr Mike Eberle appointed new member of the executive Board of Directors at Beneo

Beneo, a leading manufacturer of functional ingredients for food, feed and pharma is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Mike Eberle as the newest member of its Executive Board of Directors at Beneo GmbH, effective from 1st March 2024.

Beneo, a leading manufacturer of functional ingredients for food, feed and pharma is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Mike Eberle as the newest member of its Executive Board of Directors at Beneo GmbH, effective from 1st March 2024. In his new role, Eberle will be responsible for overseeing Operations at Beneo.

Eberle, who holds a PhD in Chemistry from the Technical University of Darmstadt, Germany, brings nearly three decades of experience within the international food and beverage sector to the new role. He started his career with positions at Unilever in both Germany and The Netherlands. Following this, he has held leadership roles in production, supply chain, logistics, and operations at leading food and drink manufacturers. Most recently, Eberle was positioned as the Chief Operations Officer at Rotkäppchen, a sparkling wine producer based in Germany.

As part of the new role at Beneo, Eberle will be responsible for Operations including production, technology, supply chain management, quality, raw material, health, safety and environmental protection, as well as sustainability. His appointment comes at a pivotal time as BENEO continues to focus on the sustainable development of its plant-based functional ingredients portfolio.

beneo.com

 
 
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