< Previous40 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net SORTING AND WEIGHING is reached. The scale will notify users when containers are nearing emptiness, meaning that production does not have to cease for refilling. To integrate into an automated sorting system, the setpoint controller can weigh an item which then activates a sorting system and sorts parcels into various lines depending on their weight. A benefit of these automated systems is the ability to analyse the data recorded. The scales log what has been weighed during a pre-determined period of time, and these can be uploaded to a computer for analysis. Scale data usually can be uploaded via a USB device into a computer USB port, or via WiFi connection for instant access and real-time updates. Analysis is something that companies are increasingly NEW AIR HEATER SERIES LHS 210 / 410 COMPACT & POWERFUL © stock.adobe.com/vladimirnenezicFood & Drink International 41 www.fdiforum.net SORTING AND WEIGHING hot on, as it can help identify risks before they become issues, notify staff of any equipment breakdown, and provide easy insight into any inefficiencies in process. Scale data can now often be exported in a CSV format and uploaded into applications such as Excel or Access to run more in-depth data analysis. For larger scale operations, a checkweigher may be more appropriate. Checkweighers are large scales, predominantly used as the last step in quality control. Products on a conveyer system are moved through the checkweigher machine, which weighs them before packing or shipping. These machines also have the ability to reject packages that do not meet pre set standards. A checkweigher operates by comparing product weight against a designated limit, specified by the company. This is usually determined by agreed product guidelines. For example, if a product should weigh 100 grams (with some allowances), a checkweigher will determine whether an item falls within the correct weight range, or deviates from acceptable tolerances. Checkweighers are mainly used as the last step in quality control. This is especially useful within the food industry, where packaging and nutritional requirements rely on products falling within tight weight tolerances. As part of an automated process, the checkweigher will include a reject belt to move under or overweight products away from the main production line, avoiding these items from being processed. The majority of checkweighers will easily slot into existing production lines and conveyor systems. This means that implementation is straightforward, with little down time, and easy for staff to utilise. Furthermore, checkweighers can be interspersed at various stages of the production process for complete oversight. This includes pre- production, where you can ensure the correct amounts of materials are available to complete the process. Checkweighing in-line production monitors that weight remains consistent across batches. Inconsistent weight is an indicator for product contamination, and this provides the opportunity to remove affected batches before further processing. As with the setpoint controllers, the information can be accessed and analysed in further detail. Integrating checkweighers into existing automated processes means this data can be fed into other computerised logs, building a detailed oversight into operations. Checkweighers also have wider benefits to manufacturing and sorting processes. They ensure uniformity of product, helping to meet high customer expectations and manage cost per product. This also improves the overall quality of the product. The rejection belt reduces the likelihood of subpar products reaching shoppers, helping to meet customer expectations and reducing product wastage. Whilst investing in scale technology may not be the height of excitement, recent developments mean that sorting, weighing and production processes could be faster than ever. To stand a chance of competing with the household names in manufacturing and distribution, processes need to be as fast and efficient as possible, allowing for services such as 48 hour or next day delivery. Nowadays, scales can do more than simple weighing. They can feed into an overarching automated system, providing up to date data on the efficiency of a company’s process. This kind of data not only helps to troubleshoot issues, but also provides insight into the most common products weights to be sorted. This could be crucial key product indicator information, allowing companies to make more informed decisions. Tel: +44 (0)1707 331111 info@welwyntoolgroup.co.uk www.welwyntoolgroup.com EASY CONNECTION HOT AIR RECYCLING ECONOMICALCOMPATIBLE NOZZLES HIGH AIR VOLUME OVERHEATING PROTECTIONinternational decision-makers attend this annual event to find solutions for their business, network with industry colleagues and learn about the latest technological developments and issues facing the industry. Packaging Innovations & Empack 12 - 13 February Birmingham, UK Packaging Innovations & Empack, along with Contract Pack & Fulfilment, is the UK’s premier annual event, driving business and fostering innovation across the entire packaging process. Attendees can explore a wide range of suppliers offering products and services, from design to advanced packaging, contract packing, e- commerce fulfilment, labelling, printing, and processing technology. These combined events offer a complete view of the packaging journey, guiding attendees from concept to production, and shaping the future of their brands. Sustainable Foods 2025 28 - 29 January London, UK Sustainable Foods returns for its 4th annual edition! Featuring a senior VIP summit, alongside a bustling side exhibition, Sustainable Foods convenes senior executives across the value chain working on the design and implementation of sustainable and regenerative food systems. Welcoming global policy makers, food and drink multinationals, agribusinesses, technology firms, financiers, and investors, Sustainable Foods is the primary platform to drive tangible change and decisive business outcomes for the sector. IPPE 28 - 30 January Atlanta, USA The International Production & Processing Expo is the world’s largest annual poultry and egg, meat and animal food industry event of its kind. A wide range of domestic and 42 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net Events Food & Drink © stock.adobe.com/exclusive-design Paris Packaging Week 28 - 29 January Paris, France At Paris Packaging Week, it’s all about making meaningful connections, learning something new, feeling inspired, and most importantly, investing in the future of your brand. The biggest innovation in the show’s history is coming for the 2025 edition. A range of new and enhanced features are planned that will attract more packaging designers and buyers than ever before. Gulfood 17 - 21 February Dubai, United Arab Emirates For over three decades, Gulfood has been the driving force at the heart of global food commerce—igniting innovation, sparking cross-cultural collaboration, and redefining the future of food. As the world experiences a sweeping transformation in food © stock.adobe.com/ saiko3pFRUIT LOGISTICA 5 - 7 February Berlin, Germany The best time for successful growth is each year in early February. That’s when the world’s most important trade show for the fresh produce business opens its doors, and the biggest industry players come together with trade visitors and friends from all over the world to make productive connections. But FRUIT LOGISTICA doesn’t see itself purely as a meeting place for contacts old and new. Above all, it is a source of inspiration and a driver of innovation. It covers the entire value chain – from producer to consumer, from point of seed to point of sale. Food & Drink International 43 www.fdiforum.net © stock.adobe.com/Olga Kriger ProSweets Cologne 2 - 5 February Cologne, Germany ProSweets Cologne bundles the entire industry know-how of the international supplier sector for the sweets and snacks industry: with an even stronger segmentation of the themes and hall structure in 2025. It shows solutions for all process steps, materials and possible questions simultaneously in the scope of one trade fair platform. ProSweets Cologne is the leading international trade fair of experts for experts. With its unique worldwide offering and its clear structure, ProSweets Cologne offers an overview and prospects for the successful business of the future. systems—powered by groundbreaking technologies, sustainability breakthroughs, and visionary ideas— Gulfood 2025 will be the epicentre of this revolution. This is where the next era of food begins, and you’re invited to be at the forefront of these seismic shifts. AFFI-CON 22 - 25 February Dallas, USA Referred to as the premier frozen ingredients show, AFFI-CON is the ultimate event for sales in the frozen food industry, bringing together over 500 companies and more than 1,500 attendees in one location. This event facilitates B2B meetings to discuss current and future business opportunities. On average, attendees participate in 40+ private business meetings, setting the stage for a successful year. If you operate in the frozen food supply chain, attending AFFI-CON is essential for driving your sales forward! FEATURES Packaging Spotlight Ready Meals Loading Bays & Doors Containers & Pallets Microbiology & Testing Clean Air Solutions Import & Export EVENT PREVIEWS Packaging Innovations & Empack Next month in February 2025 - Deadline 22nd January INTERNATIONAL Visit us at www.fdiforum.net where you’ll find the latest news as it breaks – and why not subscribe to our newsletters so you can have the latest news emailed to your inbox, in between printed issues?Classified You can feature your company in our hugely popular Online Directory with a description, contact details and a hyperlink If you would like further information please contact Angela Cooper on +44 [0] 1472 310310 or email a.cooper@blmgroup.co.uk or visit www.fdiforum.net/directory From field to fork, Food & Drink International is the voice of the industry. Food & Drink International 45 www.fdiforum.net Depositors Manufacturers of depositors & filling machines for the food production industry Labels • Self adhesive Labels • Lasersheets • Fanfolded Labels • Thermal Transfer Ribbons • Barcode Labels INDEX Online Directory Depositors Labels To Let www. fdiforum .net • Superb Location • Secure off street parking • High speed internet availability • A range of affordable office sizes Armstrong House, Armstrong Street, Grimsby DN31 2QE Tel: (01472) 310301 Email: s.fisher@blmgroup.co.uk Ground floor offices to let - prime location in Grimsby To Let Online Directory To advertise your services on the 46 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net FoodandDrinkInternational@fdiforum company/fdiforum Once more Food & Drink International provides your ultimate guide to the industry – making sure you’re informed on what’s going on and looking closer at what’s happening. Don’t forget to keep up to date via www.fdiforum.net! Diary Food & Drink Stay in touch with Food & Drink International For more up to the minute information from the food and drink industry, visit Food & Drink International online at www.fdiforum.net. Keep up to date with Food & Drink International, and let us know what you think, by following us on Twitter at @fdiforum, at www.facebook.com/FoodandDrink International or by searching for fdiforum on LinkedIn. January 28 - 29, Sustainable Foods 2025, London, UK 28 - 29, Paris Packaging Week, Paris, France 28 - 30, IPPE, Atlanta, USA February 2 - 5, ProSweets Cologne, Cologne, Germany 5 - 7, FRUIT LOGISTICA, Berlin, Germany 12 - 13, Packaging Innovations & Empack, Birmingham, UK 17 - 21, Gulfood, Dubai, United Arab Emirates 22 - 25, AFFI-CON, Dallas, USA March 13 - 14, Future Food-Tech, San Francisco, USA Online this month… www.fdiforum.net is the best place to go for up-to-date food and drink industry news. Here’s a sneak peek at one of our latest stories. Administrators appointed to fish processing specialist Fish processing specialist Arctic Fish Products has ceased trading and fallen into administration. Jamie Miller and Gareth Harris of RSM UK Restructuring Advisory LLP were appointed Joint Administrators of the business on 4 December. Founded in 2005, Arctic Fish Products Limited operated successfully in Grimsby for many years processing, packing and storing fish for a strong customer base. Administrators were appointed after the company experienced significant cash flow difficulties due to material bad debts with key customers, along with the related impact on future trading prospects. This led to the company’s directors consulting RSM UK for advice to address these cash flow difficulties and to protect the company’s assets for the benefit of all creditors. Unfortunately, the cash flow position was irrecoverable and the company was placed into administration. 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