< Previous20 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net SUPPLY CHAIN SPOTLIGHT S tartups and established companies the world over are diving headfirst into developing new technologies, in their continuous efforts to improve the food supply chain from farm to fork. Research and integration in areas such as precision agriculture and food waste reduction not only means faster, more reliable production of a higher quality, but also advancements in shifting our environmental impact from the negative to the positive. These examples of eco- friendly innovation go to show something vital. When we work with the earth that provides such vast quantities of our food, what we eat and drink can leave our bodies and minds feeling equally healthy, in the knowledge that we’re doing the best for ourselves and our environment. Explorations into precision farming, and alternative agriculture which uses less energy for greater output, are quite literally at the roots of the industry’s ongoing optimisation of farming practices. Tools such as robotics and data analysis are helping to optimise crops and improve efficiency, all while reducing the environmental harm that needs to be uncoupled from industrial level farming in general. Remote sensing, which has come on in leaps The step in the supply chain Innovative technologies have long been essential to the agri-food supply chain, across Great Britain and internationally. But at the heart of the current movement for precision, efficiency and transparency is a drive for sustainable processes that are healthier for all life on Earth. Innovative technologies have long been essential to the agri-food supply chain, across Great Britain and internationally. But at the heart of the current movement for precision, efficiency and transparency is a drive for sustainable processes that are healthier for all life on Earth. The step in the supply chain 20-23.qxp_Layout 1 24/04/2023 11:49 Page 1Food & Drink International 21 www.fdiforum.net SUPPLY CHAIN SPOTLIGHT © stock.adobe.com/A.S./peopleimages.com and bounds since the basic aerial and satellite imagery of the 1970s, can now be counted on to collect data on crop health and weather conditions with drones and unmanned aerial vehicles. This can include data on soil moisture, temperature and nutrient levels, as well as imagery to help identify problem areas in fields. Further autonomous equipment, such as tractors and harvesters, help farmers increase efficiency by reducing labour costs and allowing for more precise control over planting and harvesting, and this control becomes even more detailed with the incorporation of machine learning algorithms. Intelligence like this can help analyse large amounts of data, making predictions about a multitude of variables including crop yields, weather patterns, health of produce and the likelihood of disease outbreaks. Farmers are then empowered to make more informed decisions about when and how to plant, fertilise, irrigate and harvest using this information, leading to higher yields, lower costs and more sustainable farming practices. Autonomous vehicles can be employed 22 Á 20-23.qxp_Layout 1 24/04/2023 11:49 Page 222 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net SUPPLY CHAIN SPOTLIGHT at either end of the supply chain, as drones and self-driving cars can reduce the delivery times and costs of any produce farmed or processed. Many such vehicles which require less power and boost cargo space are being tested by large supermarkets, and have the potential to transform the distribution aspect of the food supply chain. Great strides have also been made in the approach to hydroponic farming. This method requires far less land than traditional farming, as it can be accomplished with a nutrient-rich solution instead of soil, and used to grow plants vertically, using trellises or stacking systems for an increase in the number of plants that can be grown in a given area. It’s also highly versatile, being a fitting environment for growing many leafy greens, fruits, vegetables and herbs. While the plants are grown in a controlled environment, such as a greenhouse, the nutrients are delivered directly to the plant roots through a system of tubes or channels. This direct- to-root delivery system uses significantly less water than traditional soil-based farming, which requires watering of an entire surrounding area of soil. The advantages in this method go even further into year-round growing, due to the controlled environment which permits artificial lighting and temperature controls, and the added benefit of reduced need for pesticides or other potentially harmful chemicals. Alternative farming and technological advancement both come with their own challenges, as they can each be costly and time-consuming to install or train workers to use, especially for agri-food businesses starting from ground zero. But another significant issue to face lies in food waste, which has its own startups and companies assisting operatives all along the chain with identifying areas for reduction, as well as the reuse and rehoming of unwanted produce and ingredients. Online marketplaces for surplus and imperfect produce leave little to no excuse for otherwise good food being discarded, while earning farmers and business owners more money to boot. A broad range of food waste tracking software, staff training programs and consulting services is also available to those willing and able to take some of this valuable work upon themselves. The next step forward from waste reduction is making the effort to © stock.adobe.com/Supermelon 20-23.qxp_Layout 1 24/04/2023 11:49 Page 3Food & Drink International 23 www.fdiforum.net SUPPLY CHAIN SPOTLIGHT decrease the volume of resources used by animal farming. Alternative proteins have famously helped consumers take control of how much meat they buy and eat, but a trend in insect-based foods has worth to the farming industry too, as companies are developing animal feed made from this super nutritious and sustainable source. Insect protein can be produced by farming such bugs as black soldier flies, mealworms and crickets, which themselves require a minimum of land, water and feed. The same can be said of algae – which are highly efficient at converting sunlight and nutrients into biomass – and single- cell proteins which only require a small nutrient-rich environment. These are then processed into protein-rich fodder that can be given to livestock, reducing the environmental impact of animal agriculture while still meeting the growing demand for animal-based protein. While the public will assert its freedoms, whether as vegans, flexitarians or carnivores, every detail of the industry can be made to matter in endeavours towards greener farming and food production. Such diverse technological innovations, and more besides, are at the forefront of driving significant changes in the food supply chain worldwide. By embracing these developments, the food and drink industry has the potential to become more sustainable and efficient, while encouraging transparency from a place of pride in updating processes for the good of all and, as always, meeting the ever-evolving needs and expectations of consumers. © stock.adobe.com/Hor 20-23.qxp_Layout 1 24/04/2023 11:49 Page 424 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net CAPS & CLOSURES © stock.adobe.com/hakinmhan Having long been vital in protecting food and drink products and allowing easy dispensing, caps and closures are gaining fresh attention for their sustainability. Lifting the lid on 24-27.qxp_Layout 1 24/04/2023 11:51 Page 1Food & Drink International 25 www.fdiforum.net CAPS & CLOSURES F rom bottles to jars, to cartons, pouches, pots, and more, caps and closures are key in protecting food and drink products, maintaining their quality and freshness, and facilitating easy product dispensing. Now, their role in enhancing packaging sustainability and reducing waste is becoming increasingly important too, as customers only become more eco- conscious, seeing demand grow for the use of more environmentally friendly materials in the sector. Blue Ocean Closures, for instance, are accelerating the development of bio-based, biodegradable, and recyclable caps and lids, with cellulose-based screw caps which use water-resistant paper fibre and are said to be durable and recyclable in existing paper streams, and totally biodegradable in both soil and the ocean within weeks. There are myriad different types of caps and closures each with their own unique features and benefits, making them suitable for different products. The most common types include continuous thread closures, lug caps, drone caps, dome caps, phenolic polycone caps, ribbed closures and smooth closures. Especially in the beverage industry, caps and closures, which provide easy- to-use packaging solutions, are in demand and enhanced plastic closures from many top beverage companies are influencing the market. According to London-based Future Market Insights (FMI), as of 2022, the global plastic caps and closures market stands at $44 billion, expecting to reach $61 billion or more by the end of 2029. As plastic caps and closures turn out to be more user- friendly, the purpose of secure sealing and improved safety is essential, while the future demand and market growth for plastic caps and closures that are highly recyclable is promising. 26 Á 24-27.qxp_Layout 1 24/04/2023 11:51 Page 226 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net CAPS & CLOSURES According to ‘Beverage Industry’ “the plastic caps & closures market outlook 2022-2029 reports, that in terms of cap types (screw closures mainly), these are estimated to make up for almost three- quarters of the plastic caps and closures market. In terms of end-use, the beverage segment is expected to lead the market- by-market share.” Tethered closures, caps which remain firmly attached to the bottle after opening and during the product’s service life or life cycle, are also in widespread demand for production across the beverage markets around the world. Tobias Naumann, product manager of Husky Technologies, states: “Some of the business benefits of switching to tethered closures for beverages is that there is a certain value…beyond just being compliant with certain laws, and that is the message ‘to improve the sustainability of your brand’.” United Caps, an international manufacturer of caps and closures, said in March 2023 that it is launching a unique, highly effective and sustainable tethered closure for carton packaging which is a closure (patents pending) that will include an innovative tamper- evident (TE) band that keeps all parts intact for easier recycling. It features a strong hinge and non-detachable TE band for the ultimate in sustainable recyclability. “We are pleased to be bringing to market one of the first tethered closures for carton packaging,” said CEO Benoit Henckes. “In addition to its ability to keep all parts intact for recycling, its super-strong hinge ensures the box-fresh experience consumers are looking for. It not only enhances the user experience but also helps to protect the environment.” A stand-out feature of the new tethered closure is the audible click during opening and closing; a reassuring sound that allows a consumer to know their cap or closure is in position – and that when opened, the closure is in the optimal position for use and for the perfect pour. A report from industry consultants, 24-27.qxp_Layout 1 24/04/2023 11:51 Page 3Food & Drink International 27 www.fdiforum.net CAPS & CLOSURES © stock.adobe.com/sarymsakov.com AMI Consulting, published June 2019, contextualises industry challenges and quantifies the impact of regulations - sustainability is now the key driver in the European plastic caps and closures market, with development initiatives so far being supported by sustainability. From 1 July 2024, for example, plastic beverage bottles up to 3 litres will be required by EU Law to have closures remain attached throughout the life of the single use container. Some companies are already adapting to this, such as the Coca-Cola Company’s use of tethered closures in their European markets of Germany and Spain. Overall, many companies are now becoming increasingly committed to minimising the potential environmental and health impacts of, as well as providing excellent, caps or closures. Considerations range from using renewable energy to focusing on local sourcing and greener materials. BAG SEALING MACHINES RM Sealers remain a leading British manufacturer and supplier of high quality Bag Sealing Machines, also known as Rotary Band Sealers and Impulse Sealers. Call 01442 843387 to speak to a member of our team SEALERS © VERTICAL IMPULSE HORIZONTAL 24-27.qxp_Layout 1 24/04/2023 11:51 Page 428 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net SLICING, DICING & CUTTING A cut above When you’re looking to install, change or upgrade equipment, the key concerns of efficiency and hygiene always remain the same. But with the swathes of technology to choose from, weighing up its suitability to your factory is also a must. © stock.adobe.com/Profotokris A cut above When you’re looking to install, change or upgrade equipment, the key concerns of efficiency and hygiene always remain the same. But with the swathes of technology to choose from, weighing up its suitability to your factory is also a must. 28-31.qxp_Layout 1 24/04/2023 11:53 Page 1Food & Drink International 29 www.fdiforum.net SLICING, DICING & CUTTING E very food and drink business will have different needs for their factory equipment, and it’s no different when considering your slicing, dicing or cutting machinery. Perhaps your operation is growing, and you’re beginning to find your old manual slicers are too slow to use, or otherwise not up to higher demand. Or it might be that you’re in the earlier days of a business, in which case the most basic equipment would be the most cost effective. Wherever you are in your productivity needs, finding the right machines is simply a matter of looking at the unique pros and cons of all your options. From there, it’s all about weighing up the resources you have to hand to operate them, and to keep them clean and functioning properly. Manual slicers and cutters have the clue in the name; these are operated by hand, and as such are best suited to small kitchens and factories, or for any low-volume food processing needs. Their use of traditional blades makes them widely available and affordable, which makes them a great starting point for any food business. Simple blade design is matched by basic functioning, making them easy to use, suitable for a wide variety of food products, and simple and inexpensive to maintain. With these compact and straightforward units, you and your operating staff are the ones in control every step of the way, able to put loving care and attention into the details of ingredient preparation. It’s also a great all- rounder, as the human touch for considering size, speed or pressure means your manual cutter can handle most shapes, textures, hardnesses and densities. Once your simple yet effective equipment has been in use for a while however, certain downsides will begin to appear. Blades may become dull quickly and need frequent sharpening or replacement, especially as your demand begins to increase. And while managing tasks by hand can be good for rustic uniqueness and customer approval of your product, the inverse view, especially for a larger customer base, is that uneven or inconsistent cuts might negatively impact the consistent appearance or quality of a final product. Manual equipment can also be difficult to clean and sanitise thoroughly, which increases the risk of contamination if blades and their housings aren’t given a proper wash-down between operation times. If you’re finding your business to be customer-rich but time-poor in terms of maintaining and cleaning, it might be time to switch to a more advanced model. Automated machines provide this next step up from either cutting by hand, or using a gravity-fed slicer for ingredients such as meat or cheeses. The removed need for staff to be constantly on hand to operate or monitor proceedings makes it far less stressful and labour-intensive to prepare medium-to-large quantities of food quickly and efficiently. These machines are often used in large-scale food production facilities because of their higher expense to buy, install and maintain. If your business falls somewhere between a small and large-scale production operation, it’s advisable to carefully consider your short and long-term budget, and whether going automatic is a necessity or a bonus. If it’s the latter, a more modest pool of funds might make delaying an upgrade a better decision until your demand requires it. One available alternative with a similar production point to automatic units is the ultrasonic slicer, dicer or cutter. This equipment uses high-frequency sound waves to create a low-amplitude vibration in a blade, which allows it to cleanly and precisely cut through soft, delicate or sticky food products with minimal force. If your factory handles foods such as cakes or soft cheeses, which may otherwise be difficult to manage with an automated blade, this option could be a beneficial addition alongside other automatic machinery. Ultrasonic technology can also help reduce contamination by reducing the amount of blade-to-food contact, which improves hygiene by reducing the need for cleaning. Even further advantages to ultrasonic cutting and slicing over traditional methods include improved precision and control, 30 Á 28-31.qxp_Layout 1 24/04/2023 11:53 Page 2Next >