International FoodTec Award 2024: Honouring the winners at Anuga FoodTec in Cologne
Schubert: alternative materials, smaller packaging sizes, innovative packaging concepts
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.
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 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
Case Packer Elematic 3001 from Syntegon: Extended features with three levels of automation
Döhler Ventures invests in Vertosa
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.
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.
- 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.
Anuga FoodTec presents modern approaches to process analysis and quality control
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.
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.