< Previous40 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net CLEAN AIR SOLUTIONS F ood manufacturing facilities are required to adhere to strict food safety regulations in order to produce safe, high-quality products. One important aspect of these regulations is the control and maintenance of clean air in the factory. Whilst this might sound like a no brainer, there is actually considerable merit to giving some thought to optimising factory ventilation systems. Ensuring breathable air in manufacturing settings also goes hand in hand with PPE and evaluating whether current supplies are fit for purpose. There are several ways that food manufacturers can maintain clean air in their factories. One of the most effective methods is through the use of air filtration systems. These systems work by pulling in outside air and running it through a series of filters to remove dust, dirt, and other contaminants. The cleaned air is then circulated throughout the factory, helping to keep the air inside the facility clean and safe for both workers and products. Air filtration systems are well suited to large factory spaces, and for Breathing in The air we breathe is fundamental to more than just our survival; it limits how actively we can perform, how efficient we can be, and how healthy we are – the same holds true for workers in any factory. 40-42.qxp_Layout 1 30/01/2023 11:12 Page 1Food & Drink International 41 www.fdiforum.net CLEAN AIR SOLUTIONS especially dusty environments. Another way that food manufacturers can maintain clean air in their factories is through the use of air purification systems. These systems use advanced technologies such as ultraviolet (UV) light and ozone to kill bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that may be present in the air. This is especially important in areas of the factory where food is being processed or packaged, as these microorganisms can pose a significant risk to the safety of the finished product. UV air purifiers are generally best for localised use, such as near workstations, and therefore should be considered when working with potential contaminants (such as raw meat). As these emit UV light, which can cause damage to the eye, face shields may need to be considered for those working closely alongside them. In addition to air filtration and purification systems, manufacturing facilities should also be taking steps to reduce the amount of dust and other contaminants that are generated within the factory. This may involve implementing good housekeeping practices, such as regularly sweeping and cleaning floors and equipment. It may also involve investing in specialized equipment, such as dust collectors and ventilation systems, to help control the spread of dust and other contaminants throughout the factory. Another important aspect of maintaining clean air in a food manufacturing facility is ensuring that proper hygiene and personal protective equipment (PPE) are being used by workers. This may include the use of masks, gloves, and other protective clothing to help reduce the risk of contaminating products with bacteria or other microorganisms. The implementation of PPE should also involve regular sanitisation of workstations to prevent materials from contaminating the environment. In addition to keeping employees and products safe, this reduces the amount of contaminants needing to be filtered out, thus helping to keep the ventilation system in good condition. The PPE market is vast and varied, and it can be difficult to determine which items are best for a particular environment. In terms of masks, surgical grade and particulate respirators are the most common for food and beverage manufacturers. Surgical masks are designed to protect the wearer’s nose and mouth © stock.adobe.com/DifferR 42 Á 40-42.qxp_Layout 1 30/01/2023 11:12 Page 242 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net CLEAN AIR SOLUTIONS from contact with droplets and other respiratory secretions. They are not designed to protect against inhaling small particles or fumes, so these may not be enough for particularly hazardous raw materials. This is where particulate respirators may be more appropriate. These masks, also known as N95 masks, are designed to filter out small particles and provide a higher level of protection against inhaling dust, fumes, and other small particles. For those handling raw materials, it would also be prudent to consider protective eyewear such as goggles. Raw materials have the potential to secrete dust particles or fumes, which could be detrimental to workers’ health after long term exposure. Finally, it is important for food manufacturers to regularly monitor and test the air quality in their factories to ensure that it is meeting regulatory standards. This may involve using specialized equipment to measure the levels of various contaminants in the air, as well as conducting regular inspections to identify any potential sources of contamination. By regularly monitoring and testing the air quality in their factories, food manufacturers can take swift action to address any issues and ensure that the air remains clean and safe for all workers and products. Having considered some available options, what are the benefits? Improving the work environment for staff has additional benefits. Proper ventilation can help to regulate the temperature and humidity levels in the factory, making it more comfortable for workers. Research shows this can help to increase worker productivity, as employees are more likely to be focused and motivated when they are not being affected by poor air quality or other factors that can impact their health and well-being. Clean air has the additional perk of improving energy efficiency within facilities – an important consideration in the face of rising fuel costs. Proper ventilation can help to regulate the temperature in the factory, reducing the need for heating and cooling systems and potentially lowering energy costs. Clean air and ventilation maintenance is not just desirable – it is entirely necessary. Primarily, this is for the safety of the workers, and ultimately, of the consumers, as it removes the legitimate threat of consumable products being contaminated by dust or other airborne particles. Which system is chosen depends on the nature and scale of manufacturing, but all manufacturers could benefit from implementing a basic air quality testing regime (the frequency of which can be determined by how hazardous the products are – dusty products such as spices will require more frequent testing due to their irritant nature) to prevent employee health risks and generally improve factory working conditions. © stock.adobe.com/Prorecorder 40-42.qxp_Layout 1 30/01/2023 11:12 Page 3Food & Drink International 43 www.fdiforum.net IFE MANUFACTURING T aking place alongside IFE, International Food & Drink Event, IFE Manufacturing welcomes a wide range of product developers, F&B brands, packaging and manufacturing professionals and anyone with an interest in creating quality food & drink products and the latest innovations in NPD. Visitors to the show can meet with businesses such as compostable packaging supplier BioPak, leading branding agencies like Threesixty Design, printed packaging specialists like Brandpax and quality ingredients suppliers and providers of superior manufacturing solutions. Producers, developers and food brands will also have the opportunity to meet with quality ingredients suppliers from around the world, including Al Barakah Dates Factory, The British Quinoa Company, yeast specialist Lallemand Bio-Ingredients, seed supplier Unicorn Ingredients and much more. The Trends & Innovation Platform will play host to industry leaders, food & drink brand owners and consultants discussing the major trends and challenges in the food production sector, such as rising costs, stretched supply chains, sustainable packaging innovations and opportunities to increase efficiency and output in manufacturing. The show will also offer food & drink brands the chance to visit the Certification Clinic, where they can learn what it takes to achieve various industry accreditations, and Ask the Expert, where they can receive objective, tailored advice to take their product or business to the next level. James Hague, Relationship Director, Food and Drink Manufacturing at Barclays, said of the 2022 event: “IFE Manufacturing is continued evidence of how important the food sector is, and the breadth of ongoing innovation designed to meet future supply chain and environmental needs. The event really pressed home the development happening at pace within the industry and allowed me to speak directly to many companies directly on their key challenges and opportunities.” IFE Manufacturing Exhibitors and visitors alike will be arriving at ExCel London on the 20 – 22nd March for IFE Manufacturing. 43.qxp_Layout 1 30/01/2023 11:13 Page 144 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net PACKAGING INNOVATIONS AND EMPACK P ackaging Innovations and Empack Birmingham 2023 is the UK’s essential annual event driving business and innovation across the whole packaging journey from primary packaging, secondary packaging, contract packing and fulfilment, labelling and printing and packing and processing technology. Boasting from 3 stages as well as the exhibition, the conference addresses the most pressing topics and includes speakers from top brands such as Warburtons, Iceland, Innocent Drinks, The Body Shop – all under one roof. Packaging Innovations is the largest annual event connecting packaging specifiers and buyers with the suppliers, new materials and formats and the expert knowledge to create the future of their brand’s packaging. Empack provides a unique platform for directors of packing and filling operations to solve their manufacturing challenges and understand the key trends and technologies that will define their future investments. Contract Pack & Fulfilment highlights the advantages of outsourcing to bring products to market, as an alternative to companies having to invest in machinery, additional staff and premises. Across the event visitors will find materials, primary packaging, secondary packaging, contract packing and fulfilment, label and printing technology, and packing and filling technology. Packaging Innovations & Empack 2022 welcomed thousands of visitors, spanning over two days, with 280+ suppliers and 50+ speakers. For 2023 visitors can expect a strong focus on innovation, sustainability, packaging machinery and automation. Visitors can expect to meet hundreds of suppliers all eager to share 1000s of new solutions that will define their next product launches. With over 35 free-to- attend talks, debates, interviews and more, the conference programme at Packaging Innovations & Empack promises to aid visitors with their packaging objectives, through educational content, and pioneering solutions from a spectrum of industries, markets and professionals. Targeting the three core elements of packaging; Design & Innovation, Sustainability, and Supply chain processes. All talks and topics combine to provide a 360 overview of everything visitors need to know that is happening right now in the packaging world, and what is to come in the future. Each stage, and each talk, will address key questions and challenges the industry may be facing as packaging professionals and brands. The future of packaging and production is just around the corner Taking place on the 15-16th February, at the NEC in Birmingham, UK, Packaging Innovations and Empack will highlight the future of the packaging industry. 44-45.qxp_Layout 1 30/01/2023 11:14 Page 144-45.qxp_Layout 1 30/01/2023 11:14 Page 2international supply chain. It thus offers superb networking and contact opportunities to the key decision-makers in every sector of the industry. Packaging Innovations & Empack 15 - 16 February NEC Birmingham, UK Packaging Innovations & Empack, featuring Contract Pack & Fulfilment, is the UK’s essential annual event driving business and innovation across the entire packaging journey. Visitors will find suppliers across the whole range of packaging products and services – from design to innovative primary and secondary packaging to contract packing, e-commerce fulfilment, labelling and printing, as well as packing and processing technology. Together, these events give a unique vision of the whole packaging journey, from concept to production, and give you the ideal place to create the future of your brand. Gulfood 20 - 24 February Dubai World Trade Centre, UAE Driving creativity and change, in The Source Trade Show 8 - 9 February Westpoint Exhibition Centre, UK The 2023 Source trade show provides the perfect mix of passionate producers, alongside the hottest hospitality and catering companies, and the freshest food service. The Source is the South West’s biggest and best show of its kind for good reason. No other event serves up such a rewarding and valuable mix of comparative tastings, innovative ideas, networking opportunities and inspirational experiences. Taking place at the start of February 2023 this well-established event is the ideal way to give your business fresh momentum as you gear up for the season ahead. FRUIT LOGISTICA 8 - 10 February Berlin, Germany Exhibitors from 86 countries and trade visitors attend FRUIT LOGISTICA every year to realize their full business potential within the international fresh produce trade – and to write their own success story! FRUIT LOGISTICA covers every single sector of the fresh produce business and provides a complete picture of the latest innovations, products and services at every link in the 46 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net Events Food & Drink © stock.adobe.com/ meryll AFFI-CON 25 - 28 February Manchester Grand Hyatt, USA AFFI-CON is the premier business event for frozen food and beverage makers, industry suppliers and logistical partners. It brings together over 500 companies and 1,500+ attendees in a single location, allowing them to meet one-on-one to discuss current and future business opportunities. The focus of this event is networking and getting business done. The average attendee will have 20+ private business meetings that will lay the foundation for their year. If frozen foods are your business, AFFI-CON is a can’t miss event! February 2023, the 28th edition of Gulfood will continue to unite food and beverage communities around the world, and act as an industry trend springboard and a global sourcing powerhouse. Join the event as over 4,000 companies from more than 120 countries, a line-up of industry thought leaders, and the world’s greatest chefs chart the way forward and inspire industry-wide transformation for the good of the entire ecosystem. © stock.adobe.com/ bodnarphoto 46-47.qxp_Layout 1 30/01/2023 11:15 Page 1Retail Supply Chain & Logistics Expo 28 February - 1 March ExCeL London, UK Retail Supply Chain & Logistics is the event you need to be attending in 2023 if you want to transform your supply chain and take your business to the next level. The event will bring you the latest technology, trends, and strategies in an exciting hub for the retail and supply chain sector, to help you see exponential growth and success for your business. The 2023 event boasts an exclusive platform of 200 exhibitors who are shaping the future of the industry and eager to share their products and services to a cohort of 3,000 defining leaders. Not to mention Keynote sessions held by world renowned experts ready to share the tools on how to take your business to the next level! IFE Manufacturing 20 - 22 March ExCeL London, UK IFE Manufacturing is the ultimate environment for product developers, packaging designers, ingredient buyers and manufacturers to come together to discover the latest trends and identify business transforming solutions and products. In addition to sourcing suppliers for every element of food and drink production, visitors will find a range of features and attractions that will help grow businesses, boost profits and reveal the emerging technology behind food and drink innovation. This is THE event shaping debates, influencing industry issues and driving the conversation around the future of food production and packaging. IntraLogisteX 28 - 29 March NEC Birmingham, UK IntraLogisteX is the UK’s biggest intralogistics exhibition. Visitors can learn discover the latest technology and solutions in warehouse logistics from IntraLogisteX’s unrivalled selection of +200 exhibitors. Just a few hours at IntraLogisteX 2023 will provide logistics professionals with the solutions to current and future challenges, from the latest materials handling technologies to full-scale warehouse automation options! Visitors can also learn how to take their distribution centre forward at one of IntraLogisteX’s 40+ conference sessions. IntraLogisteX is completely free and will be packed with everything practitioners need to improve productivity, safety, maximise space and cut costs. Food & Drink International 47 www.fdiforum.net Robotics & Automation 2023 28 - 29 March NEC Birmingham, UK Visitors to Robotics & Automation 2023 will discover how the latest technology can be applied to their operations to provide massive improvements in productivity and accuracy. Products include Robots & Robotic Systems, Automated Assembly Machines & Systems, Parts Handling Equipment, Conveyors and materials, Industrial Automation Control and more. There are also live demonstrations of the latest solutions taking place throughout the exhibition, so visitors can get first-hand insight into how they work in practice. © stock.adobe.com/ CStock 46-47.qxp_Layout 1 30/01/2023 11:15 Page 2FEATURES Software Spotlight Labelling, Coding & Marking Sieves & Separators Flavouring & Colouring Water Treatment Meat, Poultry & Seafood Import & Export Next month in March 2023 - Deadline 15th February 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? 48.qxp_Layout 1 30/01/2023 11:16 Page 1Classified 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 Vicky Hunt on +44 [0] 1472 310310 or email v.hunt@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 49 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 49.qxp_Layout 1 30/01/2023 11:16 Page 1Next >