Packaging & Labelling

Raithatha: 'Methods are being developed to understand subconscious associations between sensory features and a brand'

Ask The Expert, in collaboration with the Institute of Food Science & Technology

Ask The Expert: sensory analysis of food packaging

By Carol Raithatha

In this Ask The Expert, Carol Raithatha, who runs a UK-based food and drink research consultancy specialising in sensory evaluation, offers insights on the latest developments in that field.

Food and drink packaging trends in April

The Complete Package

The Complete Package: April packaging trends

By Rod Addy

One fish processor boosts output by upgrading packaging machinery, an automatic food pack stacker has been launched for end-of-line operations and aluminium drinks can recycling rates rise - plus the latest packaging data.

Image: Fibrepak

Producers urged to fight DEFRA’s packaging cost plans

By Jerome Smail

Packaging Federation chief executive officer Dick Searle has warned producers are in the firing line for ‘unfair’ costs under Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) extended producer responsibility (EPR) proposals.

Paper and plastic both have roles to play in this packaging round-up

Latest trends in food and drink packaging

By Gwen Ridler

Packaging-free aisles in Aldi, paper packs for Smarties and cardboard beer sleeves all feature in our latest food and drink packaging round-up.

Air Products UK and Ireland has experimented with combining MAP with freezing

Opinion

Modified atmosphere and cryogenic freezing

By Neil Hansford

Neil Hansford, Air Products UK and Ireland Freshline Applications product line manager, discusses the potential of combining cryogenic freezing with existing modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) tech to ensure good standards and quality for food products....

The EPR consultation looks at how packaging producers will pay the full cost of managing packaging once it becomes waste

Alarm as packaging consultation predicts £2.7bn EPR cost

By Rod Addy

The predicted £2.7bn costs of extended producer responsibility (EPR) for post-consumer packaging waste would undermine industry investment to make packaging more eco-friendly, according to one trade body responding to the Government's EPR consultation.

reducing plastic has been the biggest trend in food packaging this month

Food and drink packaging round-up

By Gwen Ridler

From plastic reduction in processed meat packaging, to the world’s first Aluminium Stewardship Initiative certified beverage cans, we run down some of the latest developments in food and drink packaging from around the world.

Eco-friendly packaging, space saving and gentle robots are new developments in packaging machinery

Packaging machinery: space saving and eco-friendly

By Gwen Ridler

Food and drink manufacturers are constantly having to boost production to meet an ever-growing demand for their products, prompting a need for developers of packaging machinery to keep up.

Supply chain operators could soon be hit but a massive packaging shortage, warns Antalis

Packaging shortages to hit supply chains

By Gwen Ridler

As packaging demand swells, driven by an accelerated switch to online purchasing, supply chain operators should consider alternatives to paper and card to maintain the flow of materials, according to Antalis.

Buttriss: 'Front-of-pack flashes such as ‘vegan’ or ‘plant-based’ ... are being used as a shortcut by some seeking healthier or more environmentally sustainable meal choices'

Opinion

Does a vegan on-pack flash justify a health halo?

By Judy Buttriss

British Nutrition Foundation director general Judy Buttriss questions whether a vegan on-pack flash justifies a product as being healthier and better for the environment.

Rodda's says the new GI scheme would strengthen the global status of its Cornish clotted cream

Food firms back British GI labelling scheme

By Rod Addy

Processors including Rodda's Creamery and Anglesey Sea Salt have welcomed the British Geographical Indications (GI) scheme launched by the Government to help safeguard provenance and replace the EU system post-Brexit.

Princes sees the labelling move as part of a wider response to shoppers demanding more transparency from processors

Princes pursues transparency with Napolina QR codes

By Rod Addy

Princes has launched on-pack quick response (QR) codes on its Napolina canned tomatoes, enabling smartphone users to view their quality and sustainability credentials as part of a broader blockchain-enabled transparency drive.

The new hub has £2m backing from the Welsh Government

Sustainable food packaging hub launches in Wales

By Michelle perrett

A sustainable food packaging hub is being established at the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre Cymru (AMRC Cymru) in Broughton, Wales with a £2m financial investment from the Welsh Government.

Meadow Foods’ new plant-based yogurt pots will be made from 100% recycled PET

Meadow Foods commits to slashing plastic waste

By Rod Addy

Dairy ingredients supplier Meadow Foods is stepping up its eco-friendly packaging work, launching a new sustainability pledge in partnership with voluntary global assurance initiative Responsible Plastic Management (RPM) Program.

Metal could be used to achieve a premium feel in packaging

Crown shines light on metal

By Gwen Ridler

Crown Food Europe is advocating the use of metal to convey a premium feel to packaging in the “booming” snacks market.

Packaging requirements will change depending on the future of distribution, be that to retailers or direct to consumer

Opinion

Why deliver to retailers rather than consumers?

By Paul Gander

As the world shifts to adapt to the new normal in the wake of the coronavirus, what makes producers continue supplying to retailers instead of adopting a direct to consumer approach?

YPACK has developed a new bio-based plastic alternative to traditional food packaging

EU-funded bioplastic developed

By Gwen Ridler

EU-funded project YPACK has developed a new bio-based plastic alternative to traditional food packaging.

The future of food packaging could lie in a new recyclable material from VTT

Food plastics replacement under test

By Michelle Perrett

A new recyclable material that can be used in the same way as plastic has been developed by research and development company VTT.

Packaging suppliers have been forced to adapt their operations in the face of the coronavirus

Packaging sector adapts to pandemic

By Michelle Perrett

The food packaging market has not been immune to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, with many firms adjusting working practices – and even products – in the current climate.

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