< Previous20 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net TEMPERATURE CONTROL SPOTLIGHT Gressenhall | Dereham | Norfolk | NR20 4DT | +44 (0)1362 861066 | www.premierpalletinverter.co.uk So that covers the farm and the fork, but what about the bit in the middle? Maintaining a chilled environment is by no means cheap. As it’s uneconomical to chill a room, leave it ambient during downtime, and chill again when it’s in use, these environments will often remain at a steady and reliable temperature. Manufacturers must also ensure that their facilities don’t have any breaches where erroneous air could escape. Breaches can also have the detrimental effect of letting warm air in. This can be of particular concern in warmer climates. A build-up of warm air will not only cause the air control system to work overtime (at cost to the manufacturer) but also run the risk of spoiling temperature sensitive foods. The tainting of a product may not appear obvious in-house but can rapidly degrade a product or batch during transit or in-store. This can lead to product recall or reputational damage. Consumers have more power and influence over food manufacturers than ever before. If met with a compromised product, consumers aren’t shy about taking to social media to voice their opinions. If produced and subsequently sold in a temperature controlled environment, it serves to follow that a product would likewise be transported in a temperature controlled vehicle. As with the rest of the logistics sector, the cold chain is responsible for significant carbon emissions. Extra fuel expenditure is also spent on Food & Drink International 21 www.fdiforum.net TEMPERATURE CONTROL SPOTLIGHT Handheld temperature sensors Handheld temperature sensors from Labfacility offer versatility and reliability for various applications, providing a comprehensive selection to meet diverse needs. With 15 varieties available, users can find the perfect sensor to suit their specific requirements. These sensors are designed for ease of use, featuring a round handle for comfortable grip and manoeuvrability. Whether measuring surface temperatures, monitoring liquids, or assessing air quality, they offer accurate and reliable results. The wide range of options ensures compatibility with different environments and temperature ranges, making them suitable for use in industries such as food processing, HVAC, automotive, and scientific research. For more information visit www.labfacility.com or contact sales@labfacility.com maintaining a cold environment, accounting for greater emissions than ambient deliveries. The logistics industry is adapting to meet the need to stem emissions and contribute to a greener supply chain. That’s resulted in greener fuels – such as biodiesel and green hydrogen – and battery powered vehicles. Preserving the cold chain is an art unto itself. The first part of the journey occurs in-house, typically a production line in an enclosed warehouse or other facility. Though there are many options open to manufacturers for ensuring a consistently cold production line or storage facility, it’s counterproductive to invest in subpar technologies. Even tiny changes in temperature can lead to micro-thawing and the crystallisation of goods. Insulation is also crucial in 22 Á © stock.adobe.com/adisa22 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net TEMPERATURE CONTROL SPOTLIGHT IDEAL FOR HACCP COMPLIANCE Therma 20 Thermometer thermometer.co.uk Manufactured in the UK, we offer a wide range of specialist thermometers for the catering industry from daily hand-held monitoring to Bluetooth ® wireless technology & remote WiFi logging maintaining a cooler temperature as the heat outside a facility will be constantly trying to work its way inside. Heat can work its way through even the smallest breaches in a manufacturer’s temperature defences, be that a wall, window or door. Of course, where cool air is present, there also exists the possibility of moisture build-up which can lead to all manner of issues such as damp or a build-up of ice. This not only presents a safety hazard for workers but can also severely limit the functionality and efficiency of processing equipment and lead to costly repairs. Ensuring a thorough washdown can help, as can investing in dehumidifying technologies. The transport and distribution of frozen goods presents a more challenging situation as it involves moving goods from one strictly controlled environment to another. To facilitate this changeover, manufacturers will likely have temperature controlled loading bays, ensuring a constant temperature from the production and packing lines. Curtain walls will help to maintain this consistency, creating a barrier to ensure that cold air stays inside its designated area whilst also allowing workers, forklift trucks and other vehicles to pass easily through. Loading bays themselves, however, are literal openings into the outside and so could quite easily scupper this carefully controlled environment. To compensate for this and maintain the cold integrity, manufacturers and logistics companies rely on hoods around the bay door Food & Drink International 23 www.fdiforum.net TEMPERATURE CONTROL SPOTLIGHT North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission North Carolina Sweetpotato commission (NCSPC) has conducted a large-scale research campaign with the help of insight company, TRKR. The research spans across its key European markets of the UK, France, and Germany, providing crucial insights into key drivers for purchase and consumer attitudes. The non-profit corporation is made up of over 300 growers, committed to supporting and increasing sweetpotato consumption through education, promotional activities, research, and honourable horticultural practices. North Carolina remains the largest producer of sweetpotatoes in the U.S, producing over 60% of the total sweetpotatoes grown. One of the key takeaways from the research shows that 55% of sweetpotato shoppers in the UK choose sweetpotatoes as a healthier alternative to white potatoes, with 24% across the UK buying more sweetpotatoes compared to previous years.1 Across the European markets, sweetpotato sales in the UK are worth £71 million and growing at a rate of 8.6%. 2 Sales in France are at € 79.1 million3 and € 63 million for Germany.4 The North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission’s Executive Director, Michelle L. Grainger, said: “These significant findings highlight the growing presence sweetpotatoes are having across our European markets, and we continue to prioritise the encouragement of consumers adding versatile, nutrient rich and delicious North Carolina sweetpotatoes to their dishes in the near future.” For more information, visit sweetpotatoes-usa.com and follow North Carolina Sweetpotatoes on Facebook, X, TikTok, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube for more sweetpotato inspiration. 1 Source: TRKR, October 2023, 250 Sweetpotato Shoppers in the UK 2 Source: Kantar Worldpanel, 52 w/e 6th August 2023 3 Source: Kantar Worldpanel, 52 w/e 9th July 2023 4 Source: Kantar Worldpanel, 52 w/c 9th July 2023 opening. This means a truck or lorry can back into the bay and open its doors, creating a seal and ensuring that the exterior and interior temperatures don’t have a chance to meet and mingle. Frozen and chilled goods can then be loaded without fear of thawing. These same hoods will likely be in place at the retailers and distribution centres where food and beverage products will be dropped off for supply and sale, ensuring one continuous chilled environment. Bay doors form a key part of defending temperature controlled environments, as they could elsewise be a liability. They must balance adequate insulation whilst also boasting the rugged design and defence required to fend off the elements and possible forced entry. Though much of the precautions witnessed in the cold chain might seem obvious, there are other more subtle dangers that need to be considered. As we enter the summer months, it’s important that manufacturers understand how the performance of their temperature controlled systems can be affected and what they can do to counteract those effects. It’s a simple matter of fact that electrical equipment of all kinds generates heat, as sure as human beings themselves will produce heat. Just spend a summer afternoon in an office environment and it becomes painfully obvious. These high temperatures have been attributed to electrical and electronic components tripping or failing. Moreover, temperatures can even get so high inside a panel that fire risks become a clear and present risk. © stock.adobe.com/Parilov24 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING In today’s world, where environmental concerns are becoming increasingly prominent, the need for sustainable practices in all aspects of life has never been more urgent. One area that demands immediate attention is food packaging. T he vast amount of packaging waste generated by the food industry poses significant environmental challenges, from resource depletion to pollution. Sustainable food packaging offers a promising solution by reducing the environmental footprint, conserving resources, and ensuring the preservation of food quality. Consumers are increasingly aware of the food industry’s environmental impact and are actively searching for products which seek to lessen this impact. This article explores the importance of sustainable food packaging and highlights innovative approaches and materials that can pave the way to a greener future. Conventional food packaging, often made from non-recyclable or hard-to- recycle materials such as plastics and Increasing the sustainability of food and drink packaging Increasing the sustainability of food and drink packaging Food & Drink International 25 www.fdiforum.net SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING © stock.adobe.com/Seventyfour metals, contributes significantly to the global waste crisis. Plastic packaging, in particular, is a major concern due to its non-biodegradable nature and the alarming accumulation of plastic waste in landfills and oceans. Plastic drinks bottles are of particular concern, as bottles and bottle caps contribute to approximately 6 and 9 percent of oceanic pollution respectively. Yet, modifying or completely redesigning existing packaging incurs astronomical costs for manufacturers, hence the slow progress in this area. Yet, the socio-political climate is forcing companies to re-evaluate their approach. As part of its single-use plastics directive, the European Union mandates the attachment of caps to plastic bottles with a capacity of up to 3 litres, with a deadline for compliance set by the end of 2024. Furthermore, charities such as Greenpeace are stepping up their name and shame campaigns to promote consumer awareness of corporate waste. This is in addition to the simple fact that the sight of a company’s products ending up as pollution reflects negatively on the company’s reputation. In other words, it no longer pays to use 26 Á26 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING © stock.adobe.com/Vera NewSib unsustainable materials. Understanding the risks of not acting, what are some benefits of acting sooner? Sustainable food packaging provides a range of advantages that help address the environmental effects associated with conventional packaging. Firstly, it promotes resource conservation by utilizing renewable or recycled materials, thereby reducing the need for raw materials, and lowering energy consumption. Secondly, sustainable packaging emphasizes waste reduction through inventive design, lightweight materials, and efficient manufacturing methods. It encourages the adoption of biodegradable and compostable materials that naturally decompose, thereby eliminating the persistent pollution caused by conventional packaging. Moreover, sustainable packaging aligns with the principles of a circular economy, where materials are reused, recycled, or composted, reducing the reliance on virgin resources, and minimizing waste generation. Ultimately, using sustainable materials can reduce production costs in the long term, as the cost, quality, and availability of recycled materials increases. Given that bottle caps are more polluting than the bottles themselves, new designs are attaching the cap to the bottle with a plastic tether. This requires the cap and bottle to be disposed of together, increasing the chances that both will end up in a recycle bin. This has prominently been adopted by Coca Cola, but many beverage manufacturers are following suit. Croxsons and Yarty celebrate a partnership of tradition and quality Croxsons’ long-standing partnership with Yarty, known for its unique and handmade premium cordials and vinegars, continues to evolve. The collaboration demonstrates the value the leading glass packaging firm places on aligning with brands that share its vision of excellence. Despite challenges such as sourcing bottles post-Brexit and the impact of COVID-19, the relationship has thrived, ensuring a continuous supply of quality packaging. David Mugridge, Yarty’s co-founder and marketing director, commented: “Our partnership with Croxsons is invaluable. Their commitment to quality and understanding our needs ensures that our cordials are presented beautifully, reflecting the mastery that goes into each bottle.” Yarty’s drinks are handmade from the finest fruits, with each product bottled and labelled by hand. Croxsons supplies Yarty with high-quality glass packaging in 250ml and 750ml sizes, including the elegant 250ml mountain bottle, 750ml soft drink bottle and the 250ml king quadra bottle for oils and vinegars, as well as various screw caps that ensure product longevity and quality. 28 ÁFood packaging for your business FREE DELIVERY ON ORDERS OVER £45 CompostableRecyclableBiodegradable &^ĞƌƟĮĞĚ powered by employee share-ownership 02476 420065 kitepackaging.co.uk Find out more Scan to see full range Match Mix & Wholesale prices ŽŶƐŵĂůůƋƵĂŶƟƟĞƐ info@macpac.co.uk Tel: 0161 442 1642 www.macpac.co.uk THERMOFORMED PACKAGING SPECIALISTS We design, produce tooling and manufacture packaging all under one roof, at our AA grade BRC accredited factory. We use responsible manufacturing processes and raw materials with up to 100% recycled content as well as being 100% recyclable. UP TO 100% RECYCLED 100% RECYCLABLE Innovative, Economical & Responsible. UK MANUFACTURER28 Food & Drink International www.fdiforum.net Coca-Cola’s recent bottle cap rollout action aligns with its global initiative called “World Without Waste.” Coca-Cola aims to assist with collecting and recycling empty bottles or cans for every unit it sells by 2030. Furthermore, Coca-Cola plans to incorporate 50% recycled material into its cans and bottles by 2030, while aiming for 100% recyclable packaging by 2025. This initiative has been widely lauded, as an example of industry wielding power to incite genuine action. Furthermore, Coca Cola’s targets are shorter term than many government ones, increasing the long term benefits seen from the work. But this is not enough. Further development of innovative approaches and materials is crucial to achieving sustainable food packaging. Bioplastics, derived from renewable sources like corn-starch or sugarcane, offer a viable alternative to petroleum-based plastics. These bioplastics are biodegradable, compostable, and can be recycled alongside organic waste. Plant-based and edible coatings, such as those derived from seaweed or beeswax, provide an eco-friendly option for preserving food and replacing conventional plastic films. As these materials are naturally derived, there is also less concern around degradation and subsequent release of toxic chemicals, as will happen with many petroleum-based plastics. This therefore not only increases the products’ green credentials, but it also appeals to health-conscious consumers who are concerned about Food & Drink International 29 www.fdiforum.net SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING the quality of their products. Furthermore, the concept of active and intelligent packaging is gaining traction. Active packaging uses integrated systems, such as moisture control or antimicrobial agents, to extend the shelf life of food, reducing waste caused by spoilage. Intelligent packaging incorporates sensors and indicators that monitor freshness and temperature, ensuring optimal storage conditions and reducing food waste. Another emerging trend is the use of recycled and upcycled materials for packaging. For instance, recycled paper or cardboard can replace plastic trays or containers. An economical, yet effective packaging solution is to use recycled paper padding when transporting goods. This is being widely adopted instead of bubble wrap, which whilst recyclable, must be subject to extra restrictions. Using non-coated paper ensures that this can be disposed of at any recycling location, in addition to being cheaper. Education and awareness campaigns are vital in promoting consumer understanding and driving demand for sustainable packaging. By providing information about the environmental impact of packaging choices, consumers can make more informed decisions and actively support sustainable practices. These campaigns should emphasize the importance of reducing waste, conserving resources, and mitigating environmental harm through sustainable packaging. In addition to education, retailers can play a proactive role in promoting sustainable packaging. For example, implementing incentive programs that encourage customers to bring reusable bags or containers, reducing the reliance on single-use packaging. Whilst redesigning packaging could set a business back £5-15,000, the increased awareness from marketing campaigns is sure to make a fantastic return on this investment. In the face of governmental organisations cracking down on waste, it also secures the products’ long-term future. Unique LIDTEC ultra-thin lidding film proves a Heck of a choice Small batch sausage and burger producer, Heck sausages, selected ultra-thin lidding film LIDTEC SOFT 200, supplied by Yorkshire Packaging Systems (YPS), to protect their newest product, Sausage Rashers. The gluten free sausage rasher product is on sale from Heck’s website and was made available in Sainsburys supermarkets from the 1st May. The rashers are supplied as a trayed product, sealed with lidding film and enclosed with a cardboard sleeve. “The LIDTEC film is unique in combining so many desirable characteristics for food producers in one material,” explained YPS MD, Glyn Johnson. “It delivers excellent, high-gloss optics every time as it’s so easy to work with in the production process.” The properties of LIDTEC include: * Extended shelf-life to products under MAP conditions, as it is a high-barrier (EVOH) solution. * Excellent optics courtesy of its anti-fog properties and the ‘tight as a drum’ seal achieved from the reduced thickness of the film - just 25 μ m. * Leak-proof barrier against contamination, achieving a secure seal to trays with PE or PP sealant or via a ring of glue. * Enhanced vertical shelf appeal as its unique properties allow packers to reduce tray weights significantly and allow product protrusion. Three levels of shrinkage are available, preventing tray distortion during the shrink wrap process. LIDTEC offers a wide operating window on most types of equipment, so it’s an excellent option in many production facilities. “We think the result for Heck Sausages looks great and we can’t wait to try them!” commented Johnson. T: 01484 715111 E: enquiries@yps.co.uk W: www.yps.co.uk © stock.adobe.com/Li DingNext >