02.12.2024
The biggest challenge for packaging technology is to find a balance between functionality, economic aspects, consumer requirements and environmental criteria. "Inappropriate packaging is one of the main causes of food waste and is responsible for negative environmental impacts", explains Nerida Kelton, World Packaging Organisation (WPO).02.12.2024
More and more, dogs and cats are considered as members of the family. The demands of pet owners in terms of nutrition are increasing accordingly. The pet food industry is reacting and promoting healthy products with functional ingredients and new dosage forms. The use of insect proteins could become a trend. Many pet food manufacturers are also switching to more sustainable, recyclable packaging.19.11.2024
Sometimes large quantities of edible food are disposed of for safety reasons, even though only a single product may be contaminated. To avoid this, manufacturers rely on detection systems that recognise foreign objects. Systems specialist Sesotec recommends combinations of sieves, magnets, metal detectors and X-ray systems for this purpose, and thus contributes to the reduction of food waste.15.11.2024
Demand for greater efficiency and sustainability in the supply chain always entails the issue of ideal solutions for space-saving packaging. The packaging specialist paxly.ai provides a powerful software tool that compares the extensive requirements of a company in need of packaging with the performance data of packaging producers. If there is a match, the seekers and providers come together.07.11.2024
Ellen Reichmann completed an internship at Syntegon Technology while studying packaging technology. Today, she heads the Application Technology and Product Protection department at the company’s Waiblingen site and welcomes applications from former interns.06.11.2024
Australia’s meat eaters create a lot of waste with their PET meat trays. But thermoformed PET food packaging is very recyclable, with the right infrastructure in place. So Pact Group is working with Hilton Foods, Woolworths Group and Cleanaway Waste Management to close the loop on this by collecting, sorting and cleaning these PET materials, and remanufacturing them into more food packaging.23.10.2024
Consumers’ growing environmental consciousness leads to added pressure on the packaging industry to develop sustainable solutions. In this context, sustainability is not limited to bio-based or bio-degradable materials. Conventional fossil-based plastics can also be part of sustainable strategies – if they are designed for recyclability or produced using recycled raw materials.14.10.2024
Adhesives are the invisible backbone of the packaging industry – without them, cardboard, films and other packaging materials could not be held together. Particularly in the food industry, adhesives are crucial for product safety and shelf life. Following the trend towards sustainable packaging, the demand for innovative adhesive solutions like those offered by the Bühnen company is rising.24.09.2024
AIMPLAS, a Valencia, Spain-based research and technology center, is participating in a European project designed to develop an eco-friendly barrier coating for food packaging from fish gelatin as well as cosmetics packaging from waste fishing nets.23.09.2024
Wood-based substitute material for plastic offers the food industry new sustainable options. Finnish start-up and SAVE FOOD member Woodly supplies wood cellulose polymers for various packaging solutions and products such as reusable cups. The carbon-neutral material is particularly useful in ensuring that bread is hygienically packaged while staying fresh for a long time and looking appetising.17.09.2024
Plastic film is indispensable in the packaging sector. Used as sealing film, it can seal food trays, it can enclose beverage bottles in the form of sleeves and as stretch film, it lends stability to packaging during transport. Modern packaging films are sustainable, recyclable or are made from recycled materials. With a view to the European Packaging Directive, this is indeed a boon.23.08.2024
Artificial intelligence (AI) will play an important part in the future in optimising processes within the food industry. It can lengthen the shelf life of food by allowing precise control of temperature and humidity, for example. AI analyses huge amounts of data in real time in order to guarantee optimum recipes and storage conditions and minimise spoiling.26.06.2024
Aldi UK is pioneering the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to assist in its recycling of flexible plastic packaging. The supermarket offers front-of-store collection points for such packaging and then applies technology from Greenback Recycling Technologies to track and verify the flow of material using eco2Veritas system. The project is supported by the brand-backed Flexible Plastic Fund.25.06.2024
The packaging industry is looking for creative solutions to package food both safely and sustainably. A young team of students and researchers in Istanbul is currently working on prototypes of SCOBY, a leather-like biofilm made from fermented kombucha tea.24.06.2024
Food is more and more often wrapped in paper. But this natural material is porous and has next to no barrier properties against humidity, oxygen, grease or oil. Paper producers like Sappi are now coating their packaging papers sustainably using water-based barriers which do not impact later recycling. In research, a common topic is the development of bio-based barrier coating materials.21.05.2024
The UK-based Refill Coalition, led by the GoUnpackaged NGO, has worked with molder Berry Global and supply-chain firm CHEP to create a system designed to vastly reduce retailers’ need for single-use plastics packaging.16.04.2024
Notpla Ltd. has landed a big contract with a UK sports-venue operator, while California startup Sway has launched a new seaweed-based biopolymer and secured major new funding. Both have won awards and are helping to commercialize seaweed-based packaging.12.03.2024
Within the planned EU packaging regulation, quotas for reusable containers play an important part. However, reusable container collection systems are not yet widespread in Europe. This is in spite of the fact that preserves, jams, fruit gums, sauces or dried products could come in reusable packaging in addition to beverages. Pacoon now has developed a new reusable container system.21.02.2024
In a world forced to meet the global challenges of sustainable food systems, progressive packaging solutions are indispensable. This includes the people working on these solutions. In this interview with Caroline Babendererde, Head of Sustainability Mid Europe at Tetra Pak, we discuss how to win young talents for the industry and the role of sustainability initiatives.21.02.2024
In a world forced to meet the global challenges of sustainable food systems, progressive packaging solutions are indispensable. This includes the people working on these solutions. In this interview with Caroline Babendererde, Head of Sustainability Mid Europe at Tetra Pak, we discuss how to win young talents for the industry and the role of sustainability initiatives.13.12.2023
1.3 billion tonnes of food are lost or wasted globally every year. With their project Cartons for Good, the SIG Foundation is using the SIG know-how to reduce theses losses. With a specially developed bottling station, the team supports communities in poorer countries to preserve food locally – and was able to win in the project competition by the SAVE FOOD Initiative.12.12.2023
As an established sector, the Egyptian printing and packaging sector is faced with similar challenges to many industries in the local economy. However, the growing local consumer base, competitive business atmosphere, and solid international cooperation relations are strong indicators of a thriving sector capable of further development and innovation.12.12.2023
Welding uncoated paper using ultrasound is something new. The innovative joining procedure is friendly to the environment, making it possible to save large amounts of energy and resources. Syntegon, who own the patent, have recently licensed the process to Herrmann Ultraschall. The company is supposed to bring the process to market.30.11.2023
Researchers at the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland have developed formable, cellulose-based webs that they say offer a sustainable alternative to plastic in rigid polypropylene in food packaging applications.16.11.2023
The packaging industry is heavily reliant on plastics. However, as the focus shifts to more sustainable packaging options, global industry stakeholders and policymakers are searching for ways to investigate how plastic packaging waste can be used to explore sustainable industry practices and market opportunities, some of which might be real gamechangers.14.11.2023
BASF has been active in the bioplastics field for more than 30 years. Swedish chemical engineer Mia Pettersson is head of BASF’s biopolymer portfolio in Ludwigshafen, Germany, where she works on continuing to develop compostable and biodegradable plastics while supporting women in their advancement in the company.14.11.2023
Digital watermarks could play a key role in the future when it comes to packaging recyclability. They are invisible to the human eye but carry a wealth of information. The HolyGrail 2.0 initiative aims to implement the technology for large-scale sorting of post-consumer waste, with plans for a test market in France in 2024. The final stage of testing has now begun.14.11.2023
Bioplastics can replace conventional fossil plastics in many applications while being processed in the same way. One important type of bioplastic is PBS. The biopolymer is plant-based, biodegradable and recyclable. A Japanese tea manufacturer is now using PBS in the packaging for its tea bags.17.10.2023
A Texas startup aims to disrupt the food and beverage industry by turning the marketing of such products on its head. Austin-based FreeWater sells advertising on paper cartons and aluminum bottles of drinking water and then gives away those containers for free, while donation a portion of its proceeds to charity.11.10.2023
Colourful plastic packaging sells well. However, the printing colour also prevents the packaging from being recycled in the form of transparent granules. Now there is a solution that completely removes printing colours and barrier coatings from foil bags. Afterwards, the packaging can be recycled to almost colourless granules.11.10.2023
Since the beginning of 2023, reusable containers are mandatory in restaurants. For the proprietors, it is often not easy to keep track of stock levels and the necessary order quantities for resupply. This is where RFID systems can be useful, as they help to record each single container quickly and without contact. McDonald’s France is already using this technology for its reusable packaging.12.09.2023
In mass balancing, chemically recycled or bio-based raw materials are input at the very beginning of plastics production and then computationally assigned to the end products. Using the example of flexible mozzarella packaging, a study investigated whether and how this procedure influences the life-cycle assessment of packaging produced from these raw materials.12.09.2023
A world without labels? Inconceivable. Their endless variety of materials, shapes and functions help labels attract attention. But it should also be possible to separate them from their packaging again at the end of the packaging’s life in the interests of a circular economy. Recyclable solutions are on the way.11.07.2023
Manufacturing increasingly requires automated solutions that intelligently network components within plants. Rotzinger is therefore now using CoreTigo's wireless IO-link technology in its new machine for packaging food. The technology is being employedfor wireless control of grippers on a rail system as they move through the plant performing tasks.11.07.2023
As part of the Eurostars funding programme, PulPac in Sweden and the Bio-Lutions start-up in Germany have together developed a prototype for a new dry-moulded-fibre machine that’s able to process fibres from agricultural waste. The project saw them adapting standard components that are traditionally used to make plastic products.13.06.2023
They are regarded as best for recycling: Tin cans, tubes and bottles. But they don’t score well in terms of their carbon footprint because it is not yet possible to produce steel without using coal as the source of energy. Industry is, however, working on more sustainable solutions and has launched the first carbon-reduced steel for packaging.13.06.2023
Efficient and consistent recycling is one of the pillars of a functioning circular economy in the packaging industry. Such recycling includes the correct separation of packaging so that it can be fed into its respective recycling stream. A survey has now shown that information about separation can play a decisive role for consumers.13.06.2023
Barrier properties are particularly important to food packaging. Consumers are additionally demanding solutions that are environmentally friendly. BASF has developed an extrusion coating for paper and cardboard packaging, which may be composted both industrially and domestically.23.05.2023
Polypropylene is durable, lightweight and very popular as a packaging material, but often requires multi-material constructions to ensure end-use performance, making such packages difficult to recycle. New material developments –– improving barrier properties and clarity –– are making effective, all-PP packages a reality.16.05.2023
No packaging, no product protection. But how can the visually impaired be sure about what they’re putting in their shopping baskets? A German designer has come up with a clever solution to this problem.18.04.2023
Circular economy, conserving resources, digital technologies and product safety – those are the four hot topics which will shape interpack 2023 more than any other issue. But what exactly are these focal points of interest all about?18.04.2023
Food production generates a lot of residual material, which is usually not put to use but disposed of. At the same time, there is an increasing demand for alternatives to plastic packaging. Biodegradable and compostable packaging can be a sustainable solution, especially if it is made of leftovers from food production.10.04.2023
tna invites food producers for a virtual factory immersive experience at interpack 2023.13.03.2023
When food, cosmetics or pharmaceutical products have to be shipped, they sometimes need constant cooling. Often, the solution is polystyrene. The Munich company easy2cool has developed a sustainable alternative. The paperfloc systems are fully recyclable.10.03.2023
Trend topic or permanent issue? Everybody is talking about automation. However, switching to fully automated packaging solutions is anything but a guarantee for success. Small and medium sized companies should consider several things before investing in large machinery.14.02.2023
There is a reason why the packaging industry has been focusing for decades on the many different applications for fossil plastics. Now, companies are increasingly focussing on biobased plastics. But what are the possible applications, and what needs to be considered during the changeover?14.02.2023
The project WaysTUP! is looking for new use options to maintain organic waste in circulation for longer and to use it as secondary raw materials. The Spanish centre for plastic technology Aimplas is using coffee grounds to make biobased polymers for flexible packaging.16.01.2023
Film wrapping can achieve an appetising presentation of foods at the PoS. For composite films, their ability to be recycled is especially relevant. allvac has achieved confirmation from the cyclos-HTP institute that their new wrapping film is 100 percent recyclable.17.11.2022
Quite often, consumers only take notice of it when it doesn’t work: glue. But as invisible as this little helper of packaging might be, so important is paying attention to its carbon balance, too. Improvements can be made, for example by using bio-based adhesives.24.10.2022
Fossil plastics have a lot of advantages, but they are also said to be harmful to the environment. Bioplastics are an alternative for packaging manufacturers. They are just as versatile, but are made using renewable resources, and some are even compostable.25.09.2022
Some brands seem made for eternity – and so is their respective packaging. Maggi, Swiss manufacturer of condiments, is a fixture in many modern kitchens, and in German-speaking areas every child recognises the brown bottle with its red and gold label.17.08.2022
The industry is in pursuit of the circular economy. That is why, in the packaging industry, companies are increasingly switching to mono-materials. But what exactly does that term mean, and why are these packaging materials becoming ever more popular?21.07.2022
Companies continue to ask themselves how they can meet customers' demands for sustainable packaging. Together, Borealis, Froneri and Paccor have found an answer, and are packaging ice cream from the brand Aino in mono-material.21.07.2022
Films are an important part of packaging: They provide an impenetrable barrier between the product and the environment. That said, industrial handling of such sealing films is not always simple. A cooperation between Plasthill and Constantia Flexibles has now led to the development of a PE film which uses less material, thus leading to reduced CO2 emissions, yet has greater seal strength.21.07.2022
Sliced sausage is supposed to look good on the refrigerator shelves in the supermarket and is usually wrapped in non-recyclable transparent composite film. Now, thanks to energy-efficient heating systems in thermoforming machines for packaging, it is possible to use more sustainable materials – while maintaining the same level of safety, quality and transparency.14.07.2022
In 2019, the Central Agency Packaging Register started its work. Since then, companies that place packaging in circulation must register with it. An amendment to the German Packaging Act led to this requirement being extended to all online retailers and providers of take-away packaging on July 1st, 2022. Is this still reasonable or is this over-regulation?21.06.2022
For packaging made of plastic, their potential to be recycled is very important. Refilling systems save material. Mono-material sachets and bags also reduce the amount of material consumed, protect packaged goods and have practical uses for customers.25.05.2022
From requiring less material in production to taking up less space on supermarket shelves, flow packs have some clear benefits. Predominantly used in the food sector, this packaging is becoming more and more popular. But how sustainable are these packs?19.05.2022
For many packagers, labelling products correctly is part of their daily business. But digitisation has now entered this field as well. As a result, some manufacturers are working on combining tried and tested labels with bits and bytes.08.02.2022
Paper packaging has always been part of the scenery in every supermarket. Lately, however, it’s also been creeping into areas where it’s slightly more unusual. There’s more behind this trend than pure marketing strategy.04.02.2022
Styropor boxes are a popular choice for transportation, particularly when food or medication need to be kept cool on the road. In Norway, this task is now fulfilled by the world’s first styropor boxes made from chemically recycled plastic.16.12.2021
Researchers from Cambridge University had a mad idea for a new, sustainable alternative to plastic packaging – vegan spider silk. The start-up Xampla now wants to market this plant protein-based material and use it to protect consumer goods.10.08.2021
In close cooperation with sustainability consultancy Soil & More Impacts, baby foods manufacturer HiPP is analysing the entire manufacturing process for its jars of organic HiPP food so as to ensure their production is climate-positive along the entire value chain, from the field to the retailer’s warehouse.19.02.2021
With the Eco-score label, another new food labelling campaign from France has been brought onto the European market. The Nutri-score focused on the health of the customer, but the environmental friendliness of the product is paramount for the Eco-score.12.01.2021
After a year, we all know more about the coronavirus, but it’s still not enough. Therefore, some of us are asking whether an infection hazard is posed by packaging. The experts say that the answer is no: according to the latest findings, packaging is not a significant source of infection.15.12.2020
Packaging is a valuable commodity and should be reused as often as possible, or recycled expediently. Burger King and McDonald’s are starting pilot projects in line with this theme and are testing reusable Loop solutions in fast food packaging for burgers and other foods.02.10.2020
Reusable packaging can be a resource-saving alternative to single-use packaging and is very popular with consumers. Environmental protection laws and the high demand for sustainable packaging solutions brings more and more reusable packaging into the retail market.29.06.2020
The barbecue season has begun. The wide variety of new vegan meat substitutes, brought out in response to the trend for vegan barbecues, show that steaks and burgers don’t necessarily need to be made of meat to be tasty. Mixing and filling machines need to work with great precision when processing these complex ingredients.16.04.2020
Plastics are a hot topic and polarise debate at the moment. Public perception of them is often bleak. Specialists praise them because they perform well in life cycle assessments. Who’s right? We want to throw some light on the subject of plastic packaging and take a closer look at this subject in this article.14.04.2020
After consumption, cucumbers that have been packed in foil result in plastic waste. However, when these delicious veggies are not packed in protective packaging, a significant share winds up in the bin and is not consumed at all – particularly during the winter season, when cucumbers are imported from Southern Europe.18.03.2020
The globally increasing demand for packaged fresh meat leads to innovative developments in the meat packaging sector. These days, packaging and materials must be recyclable, compostable and renewable. Technology such as vacuum skin packaging, thermoforming and modified atmosphere packaging are equally gobbling up the market currently.21.01.2020
From now on, there will be no more plastic in the refrigerated section – at least when it comes to selected product packaging by frozen food manufacturers FRoSTA and iglo. Their packaging innovations no longer include any plastic whilst still protecting contents ideally against permanent moisture, say the companies.27.09.2016
Would you like a bit more? In the luxury product segment it is very common to spend a few more euros on packaging that is both striking and unique.14.09.2016
Technical progress and changes in lifestyle and society are also leading to different demands on food packaging. Safety, sustainability and convenience have come to be standard consumer requirements. Also, experts are anticipating a rise in e-commerce which, again, will impact the packaging of food and beverages.23.08.2016
Worldwide there is a growing trend towards “to-go” options and there are more and more innovations for practical products in the packaging segment. One case in point being the EcoSpoon – a foldable spoon for carefree food enjoyment on the go.20.07.2016
Tesco’s have decided to do something about global food waste. The supermarket chain recently developed a new range called Wonky Food which has its own, specially designed packaging. The fruit and veg is sold at selected outlets and is the kind that most of us wouldn’t be very keen on.13.07.2016
Food labelling is meant to inform consumers about nutritional values and the health risks of products. But some companies are trying to find a way around these ratings thereby reducing the actual added value of these ratings.01.07.2016
No compromises on taste: for picnics, camping, the garden, office and all outdoor “tasks” freshly brewed coffee is now available – conveniently poured from a bag. Photo: Coffeebrewer Nordic A/S22.06.2016
The World Cup, the European Cup, the Olympics – already months ahead of all large sporting events marketing and design departments in the consumer goods and food industry are abuzz, busily producing special-edition product packaging.19.06.2016
Increasing demand for ecological packaging.31.05.2016
While the European Union is still debating the best-before date, a clever guy in Yorkshire has set up a flourishing enterprise, selling food which is past that date.19.05.2016
The recent recall of chocolate products bearing the MARS®, SNICKERS®, MILKY WAY® and CELEBRATIONS® brands makes it perfectly clear once again how important the control of manufacturing and packaging processes is, especially in the food and pharmaceuticals industries.17.05.2016
Small packaging sizes are not just helpful while travelling; they also meet the changing requirements of an ageing society and the growing number of small households. Precisely tailored packaging plays a major part in the fight against food waste.25.04.2016
They are extremely practical and the coffee they contain is exceptionally tasty. The colourful aluminium capsules are currently the focus of public attention again giving rise to the demand for a deposit system. How things will go for ‘Nespresso’ & Co. in Germany in the future remains to be seen.08.04.2016
As hunger is increasing in the world, the prevention of food losses should of course be of concern to everyone. However, it should be especially at the focus of the food industry. As well as increasing social responsibility, Save Food innovations are also of benefit to the energy balance of a business.17.03.2016
There is no denying that packaging influences purchasing decisions at the PoS. But attractive packaging not only boosts sales – its type and colour can also impact shoppers’ taste buds.02.02.2016
Packaging designers are never completely free in their aesthetic choices. This has recently emerged in a variety of court rulings throughout the world. Disputes about patent protection for word-and-image logos and registered designs can meet with a wide range of views among affected persons, judges and even countries02.02.2016
According to extrapolations of market research institute Transparency Market research (TMR), the global market for frozen food products will grow to US$ 293.7 billion by 2019. The right packaging, as well as controlled storage and transport conditions, ensures the quality of frozen produce.18.01.2016
Both the European Union and the United States are set to implement new food packaging regulations this year. Their primary purpose is make product information more transparent for the consumer and to ensure that this is reflected on the packaging.14.01.2016
Packaging can make a positive contribution to a reduction of litter. This has been the result of a recent study in the UK which examined people’s willingness to put packaging in the bin or drop it as litter.11.01.2016
Politicians vs courts: New York City is divided into two camps on the continued use of polystyrene packaging, also known as airpop®. Six months after a ban was issued on take-away packaging and doggy bags made from expanded polystyrene, the ban has now been removed again by the Supreme Court of the city.06.01.2016
Boasting a recycling percentage of over 90% tinplate again outperformed all competing packaging materials last year. Sheet steel owes its top position first and foremost to its material resistance.09.12.2015
Self-heating packaging has been around for quite a while now, after it was first developed in Europe and the United States nearly 10 years ago – though without any resounding success. As the cold season is upon us, the Belgian packaging specialists at Scaldopack have designed an eco-friendly bag which automatically heats up its content at the press of a button.03.12.2015
According to current figures by the United Nations, a total of some five billion people will be living in cities by 2018. The packaging sector is also forecast to grow correspondingly according to, among others, experts from the market research institute “Smithers Pira”01.10.2015
The tracking code of followfish shows the origin of each ingredient. Will this soon be standard in the food industry?