< Previous40 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net MICROBIOLOGY AND TESTING eating pre-packaged chicken sandwiches in hospitals. Through thorough testing, meat from distributor North County Cooked Meats was discovered to contain the outbreak strain of listeria. Along with sandwich producer The Good Food Chain, North County Cooked Meats went into liquidation and ceased trading. For the former, it was because the impact of suspending production during an inquiry was too great for it to remain viable, demonstrating the potentially huge costs that companies can face during outbreaks. There is a tendency to focus on the big-news items when it comes to testing, but it would be folly to forget that they are just as damaging as COVID was, and they are much easier to accidentally transmit among food. © stock.adobe.com/Nathan Devery comFood & Drink International 41 www.fdiforum.net CLEAN AIR SOLUTIONS W hilst the most obvious (and in many ways, concerning) threat posed is that of cross- contamination, particle buildup around heated environments can even lead to fires and explosions. It’s not just about the factory. Dust contamination can mix up with different foods, spreading germs and allergens. Dry materials (commonly grain, flour, spices, and sugar) and even those with larger particles such as tea and protein are notorious contaminant carriers. Whilst regular sanitisation and sweeping seems the way forward, a savvy approach to sidestepping potential issues involves capturing dust in its airborne state, preventing it from settling on surfaces. The most effective method for achieving this is via an air filtration system. These systems operate by drawing in external air and subjecting it to a rigorous filtration process, eliminating dust, dirt, and other unwanted particles. Once purified, the air is then circulated throughout the factory, creating a clean and safe atmosphere for both diligent workers and the precious products being crafted. Particularly suited for large factory spaces and environments prone to excessive dust, air filtration systems prove to be invaluable guardians of air quality in the dynamic world of food manufacturing. To ensure that the filtration system works as efficiently as possible, it’s important to maintain the dust collection element within the air filtration system, after the dust has been pulled from the environment. For large facilities, cartridge-style dust collectors are the Making the most of air filtration systems In the world of food processing, it may seem that the presence of dust is an inevitable and ultimately harmless intrusion to the factory floor. Unfortunately, nothing could be further from the truth. © stock.adobe.com/Prorecorder 42 Á42 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net CLEAN AIR SOLUTIONS gold standard, as the collected dust stays on the filters rather than being pushed back out into the workplace. A dust collector with a pulse cleaning system can then send the dust into a “hopper” where it can be safely removed. Choosing the right filter cartridges is key, considering the type of material and how it’s folded into the cartridge. Each filter, like a folded accordion, has a base material like cellulose or synthetic polyester silicone blend called “spunbond”, with specific features like anti-stick or flame retardance. The way the material is folded matters – uniform pleating and plastic beads between folds help in optimal dust capture and release during cleaning. For the food manufacturing industry, high-efficiency dust collectors with wide-pleat filters are the go-to option. These filters, unlike tightly packed ones, use separators to keep the pleats open, whereas more tightly packed filters can result in particles remaining caught in the material, even after pulse cleaning. Wide pleats not only help with better dust release but also maximises the filter’s use, as practically all angles of the filter are exposed to the airflow. This means that it can operate at lower pressures, extending the filter’s life, ensuring a top-notch performance in cleaning dust, especially in the meticulous world of food processing where even tiny bits of contamination matter. It’s not just about catching dust; it’s about doing it effectively, with style, ease, and far better cost per use. Unlocking the door to efficient dust management in food processing involves the strategic interplay of dust collection systems and well-designed ducting, designed to capture food dust at its source. Employing stainless steel pickup hoods stationed at production hotspots, these systems prove their mettle, whether directly attached to batch mixers or strategically positioned as high-velocity slot hoods behind weigh stations. These systems deftly draw airborne particulates into the dust collector, via a network of ducts, ensuring a clean and safe production environment. Various design features, including filter orientation, filter media, design, and the method employed for filter cartridge replacement, emerge as crucial contributors to the overall efficiency of the system. This focus on detail may seem like a rabbit hole, but understanding how the system operates allows for easy identification © stock.adobe.com/BselfFood & Drink International 43 www.fdiforum.net CLEAN AIR SOLUTIONS of deficiencies, and thus, timely repairs. Beyond the mechanics, various design features play a crucial role in controlling cross-contamination from food dust. Elements such as filter orientation, filter media, design, and the method employed for filter cartridge replacement contribute to the system’s overall efficiency. This attention to detail underscores the commitment to not just capturing dust but doing so with precision to safeguard against potential hazards. The potential for a dust explosion should not be ignored where powder materials are concerned. Dust collection systems themselves can be a hotbed for explosions, given the concentration of dust particles in a condensed, heated environment. Due to this, the placement of the collector is a key consideration. When handling combustible dust, the safest course of action is to position the dust collector outdoors, directing any potential explosions away from buildings and populated areas. Understandably however, smaller facilities may have to house the collector indoors. In such cases, indoor dust collectors must be equipped with the appropriate explosion protection systems. These typically fall into two categories. Passive systems, such as Explosion Venting, aim to control an explosion, prioritizing employee safety and minimizing plant and equipment damage. The explosion vent, designed to be the “weak” link of the dust collector, opens when a predetermined pressure is reached, allowing excess pressure and flame fronts to exit safely. This design minimizes damage to the collector and prevents catastrophic events in the event of a deflagration. The other category of active systems involves more sophisticated and costly technology, often requiring recertification every three months. An example is the Fast-Acting Valve, designed to close within milliseconds of detecting an explosion. Installed in inlet and/or outlet ducting, this valve creates a mechanical barrier that effectively isolates pressure and flame fronts, preventing them from propagating further through the process. Air filtration systems, if well maintained, are undoubtedly the most effective means of removing hazards caused by a dusty facility. By ensuring that every element of the system is at its’ peak efficacy, dust need no longer be considered a potential threat.44 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net PACKAGING INNOVATIONS AND EMPACK K eeping up the cutting edge of a fast-moving industry like packaging isn’t easy. That’s why, once a year, industry leaders muster under one roof at the Birmingham NEC. Packaging Innovations & Empack is the event where the next generation of packaging projects is born. And 2024’s event is the most insight-packed, inspiring, and forward-thinking yet. The two-day event promises to be a busy one indeed. Packaging Innovations One of the highlights of the global packaging industry’s calendar, Packaging Innovations is the premier event for professionals in packaging, NPD, R&D, marketing, buying, branding, and design. It connects key decision- makers from the packaging and FMCG worlds, celebrating the innovations of today and shaping the trends of tomorrow. Empack If Packaging Innovations is about the art of packaging, then Empack is about the science. The Empack area focuses on packaging and logistics technology, bringing together warehousing, supply chain managers, directors, and more and connecting them with decision- makers from brands looking to find new efficiencies in their business operations. Contract Pack & Fulfilment Hosted by the BCMPA, Contract Pack & Fulfilment is laser-focused on connecting you with the outsourcing partners you need to support your business goals. From brand owners to retailers, there’s a value-adding solution here for everyone. Contract packing, contract manufacturing, filling services, fulfilment services, and more – if you What’s on at Packaging Innovations & Empack 2024 Sustainability, legislation latest, and the future of packaging – this year’s showcase has it all. 46 Ásaffe and kind to snd to he planethe planeto ppeople and tpeople and tthe mmulmmmulti FHUWLƪHG nn winawawaward ing g zzero plasticstic natural andal circuarula The sustainable barrier board for cups and food packaging Plastic free Compostable PFAS free C E R T I F I E D C E R T IF I E D C E R T I F I E D Recyclable Biodegradable C E R T I F I E D C E R T IF I E D C E R T IF I E D Carbon Balanced www.denmaur.com serving g sustatainability forrowor todaay and totomorr SEE US AT THE NEC STAND N108, 21 & 22 FEBRUARY 202446 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net PACKAGING INNOVATIONS AND EMPACK need support to unlock the full potential of your business, find some time to visit Contract Pack & Fulfilment. The Foodservice Packaging Zone After a successful introduction in 2023, the Foodservice Packaging Zone is back this year. Designed in collaboration with the Foodservice Packaging Association, this area is all about promoting inspiring collaborations between foodservice packaging specialists and brands. As the foodservice industry continues to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the post-pandemic market, this is not to be missed! The event’s packed programme of talks and events is spread across three stages, meaning the insights you gain from the show can be as broad or as focused as you like. The Innovation & Design Stage looks at the shape of packaging to come, with speakers including Ben Edmonds, the former Principal Engineer at Dyson who will share his unmissable insights on innovation, and Paul Davidson of Innovate UK, who will discuss the potential of reuse and refill solutions. Everyone leaves Packaging Innovations with something, whether it’s a handshake on a deal, a new contact, or just a new idea. And, when you’re walking around the show floor, you’re never more than a few steps away from a flash of inspiration. With innovation around every corner, your next great packaging project could well start with a chance encounter on the show floor – so get involved and get inspired! Visitor tickets are still available at www.packagingbirmingham.com Food & Drink International 47 www.fdiforum.net PACKAGING INNOVATIONS AND EMPACK T he latest in sustainable packaging materials – compostable shrink film – will be on show at this year’s Empack event! Yorkshire Packaging Systems (YPS) will be demonstrating the film on their stand – D50 – showing the excellent finish achievable, as sample products are wrapped live. The compostable film will be teamed up with an l-sealer for a high-gloss finish and strong seal, ideal for display packaging. It’s the first time event visitors have had the chance to see both this film and this machine from YPS. “We can’t wait to show visitors this innovative, green packaging development. The finish we can achieve with this film proves that there’s no need to compromise on quality when you’re pursuing sustainable goals,” stated YPS MD, Glyn Johnson. The European-made compostable film is available from 12 - 38 microns, with excellent tensile strength and a bright, highly transparent finish. This sustainable innovation joins a wealth of green film options from YPS, whose materials range is the widest in the market. All films the company offer are recyclable, many are available with recycled content of 30% or more and their range even includes both bio-based material and food-contact approved recycled-content specifications. Demonstrating how the compostable film is handled, it will be running on an exclusive l-sealer machine. This equipment is fully automatic and can achieve professional display-standard wrapping at speed. Designed for the operator’s ease, it features an enlarged infeed belt for loading, front and rear opening for improved access and simple, graphics-based controls. And there’s more… The YPS stand will also feature not one, but two, other examples of leading packaging equipment from the company’s comprehensive portfolio of equipment. To complement the l-sealer wrapping line, YPS will also show a twin-lane side-feed sleeve wrapper, designed for transit packaging applications. Flexibility is key for this machine, creating multiple collations, including trayed and trayless, with fast changeover routines. Last but not least, the shrink wrapping equipment will be joined by a market-leading bagging machine, representing YPS’ e- commerce and mailing fulfilment machinery offering. This machine takes the crown as the widest autobagger on the market. It’s also the only hybrid bagging machine available, able to use both paper and plastic materials. The YPS Team are looking forward to talking through the materials and equipment on show, plus answering any questions about the ideal packaging combination for visitors’ operations. With over 45 years’ experience in the industry, YPS are ideally placed to discuss how to achieve packaging goals across a myriad of industries and products. Compostable film first at Empack event T 01484 715111 E info@yps.co.uk W www.yps.co.uk YPS will be demonstrating the use of compostable film on its shrink wrapping line on stand D50. The widest auto-bagging machine on the market will also be on show at YPS’ stand, D50. 48 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net INTRALOGISTEX I ntraLogisteX 2024 offers unprecedented opportunity for those looking to stay one step ahead in a competitive global market place. Now in its 10th year, the show thrives on its reputation as the go-to connective for industry leaders and innovators to propel businesses to more productive, cost-effective levels. The journey continues with 2024’s event, which adds a Sustainable Supply Chain exhibition to the two-day multi- experience show that also features a Robotics and Automation exhibition and an ‘Intralogistics’ space showcasing the smartest moves in warehousing and logistics. Stephen Brooks, IntraLogisteX’s managing director, said: “There is no question that IntraLogisteX 2024 will be our biggest and best show to date. The Sustainable Supply Chain Exhibition is a particularly exciting addition to the programme. It’s our response to the industry call for a show that offers tangible, results-driven solutions that businesses can enact immediately. It’s an opportunity not to be missed for companies looking to engage with experts and get the inside track on sustainably-based supply chain solutions and trends.” Featuring more than 350 exhibitors, 60 conference sessions and an expected 8,000-plus attendees from across the industry, IntraLogisteX is expertly-curated to maximise business profit through the optimisation of intralogistics management. Brother, Ocado Automation, SEE, Carlton Packaging, Protega Global, and Siemens are among the global brands exhibiting at this year’s event, with more leading names in the logistics, packaging, and automation sector due to confirm their attendance in the coming weeks. Revolutionary services for exceptional outcomes The newly-created Sustainable Supply Chain Exhibition is aimed at compliance-focused supply chain professionals, as well as companies committed to achieving ‘above and beyond’ environmental outcomes. It includes an array of exciting, enterprising spaces including a Start-Up Hub that offers small and medium-sized businesses an exclusive opportunity to promote revolutionary services and solutions that will help businesses to achieve sustainability goals. The brand-new exhibition focuses on pivotal sectors such as packaging, last- mile logistics, cold-chain logistics, software and more – all crucial components of the food & drink supply chain ecosystem. As well as developments in sustainable delivery and materials, the Start-up Hub will shine a light on new systems to improve traceability. A Sustainability Theatre, and a Smart Transport and Logistics Theatre also form part of the Sustainable Supply Chain Exhibition Space, providing a platform for industry thought leaders and influencers to share their aspirations for the sector’s future sustainability. IntraLogistex 2024 takes place on March 19th and 20th at NEC Birmingham. For more details visit: https://www.intralogistex.co.uk IntraLogisteX expansion ensures 2024’s show is set to be its biggest and best yet The industry’s leading showcase for packaging, warehouse and logistics management solutions has expanded its programme, resulting in an exhibition packed with more shows, innovation, insights and inspiration than ever before. www.intralogISTEX.CO.UK#ilx24 Exhibitors already confirmed include: SHOWCASING THE SMARTEST MOVES IN WAREHOUSING & LOGISTICS Registration isFREE visit the uk’S largest intralogistics exhibition •350+ Exhibitors •60+ Expert speakers •8000+ Key Buyers Discover solutions in MATERIALS HANDLING,PACKAGING, ROBOTICS, STORAGE, WAREHOUSE management, BARCODE & labelling, picking & sortation,Mobile scanning, warehouse automation, transport management, safety solutions, and much moreNext >