Food & Drink Manufacturing UK - September & October 2025

Editor Paul Attwood editor@fdm-uk.co.uk

Editorial Assistant Sophie Weir editorial@fdm-uk.co.uk

Features Editor

Henry Peters editorial@fdm-uk.co.uk

Production/Design

Laura Whitehead laura@lapthornmedia.co.uk

Sales Manager Holly Jones sales@fdm-uk.co.uk

Publishing Director Maria Lapthorn maria@lapthornmedia.co.uk

Admin Assistant

Jade Still jade@lapthornmedia.co.uk

Lapthorn Media Ltd

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Show Preview: Food Matters Live returns to Ascot on the 8th – 9th October

The final countdown: London’s premier packaging event EPoS systems are the catalyst for change in the F&B Machine Using flexible motion systems to improve food and beverage flexibility Sustainable Palm Oil – Why Your Business Can’t Afford to Ignore It

Editor’s

Welcome to the latest issue of Food and Drink Manufacturing UK Magazine.

In this edition, we preview Food Matters Live, the must-attend event for NPD professionals, returning to Ascot on 8–9 October. Dedicated to the F&B sector, it’s the place to explore cuttingedge innovation and gain invaluable insights.

We also examine how the industry is balancing innovation with resilience. Highlights include senior appointments driving growth and sustainability, advances in automation and smart sensors, and the rise of flexible manufacturing to boost efficiency and cut waste. Together, these themes reflect how businesses are embracing technology, sustainability, and skills investment to stay competitive in a fast-changing market.

We hope you enjoy this issue. As always, if you have news you’d like us to feature, please email us at editorial@fdm-uk.co.uk.

Paul Attwood Editor

Soken Engineering presents multimaterial and dedicated heat sealers at London Packaging Week 2025

The company’s range of multimaterial and dedicated heat-sealing machines are demonstrated throughout the 15 & 16 October event at Excel London on stand A70 in the ‘food-to-go’ section.

Soken Engineering, a market leader in heat sealing technology for over 30 years, will showcase its range of multimaterial and dedicated heat-sealing machines at London Packaging Week, which returns to Excel London on 15 & 16 October 2025.

Participating in the food-to-go section of the show, Soken presents its HS35EC multi-material sealer for products including sandwiches, baguettes, pasta and salad boxes.

Featuring a patented electric drive system that eliminates the need for compressed air, it can seal up to four packs simultaneously and offers an adjustable seal time, temperature, and pressure for optimal results.

FANUC awarded top 1% Platinum ranking for

sustainability

FANUC Corporation has received a Platinum rating for sustainability by Ecovadis, placing them in the top 1% of over 150,000 companies assessed globally. Achieving a score of 82/100, this recognition reflects FANUC’s commitment

We look forward to demonstrating how our technology can help businesses evolve their operations to improve efficiency.

The HS34ACF is also be on show. Ideal for small and mid-range foodto-go producers, this machine offers automatic sealing to reduce manual effort and increase efficiency, sealing up to 400 packs per hour. The system also seals a variety of materials, including foil, plastic and cardboard packs, as well as many new ecofriendly materials, ensuring a wide range of uses.

“We’ve innovations that boost output and we offer tailored solutions for diverse needs, from high-speed sealing for growing businesses through to versatile seal options for those operating several product lines. We look forward to demonstrating how our technology can help businesses evolve their operations to improve efficiency,” says Richard Little, Managing Director at Soken Engineering.

See Soken’s range of heat-sealing machines on stand A70 in the ‘foodto-go’ section of London Packaging Week 2025.

to responsible business conduct and sustainable innovation.

EcoVadis, a leading global sustainability ratings platform, conducts its assessments using internationally recognised standards, including the United Nations Global Compact, ILO conventions and ISO 26000.

The Ecovadis Platinum rating is a significant milestone for FANUC, highlighting its progress in integrating sustainability into every aspect of its business – from energy-efficient manufacturing practices to ethical supply chain management.

Arla Foods Ingredients showcases protein juice drink solutions for South America

Arla Foods Ingredients is demonstrating how South American brands can use its Lacprodan® and Nutrilac® ProteinBoost whey proteins to create protein-enriched, readyto-drink juice-style beverages.

Lacprodan® clear whey protein isolates allow beverage, performance, and health brands to develop a clear, refreshing juice-style protein drink without the milky flavor of traditional ready-to-drink beverages. Fat-free and with only four ingredients, Lacprodan® supports clean labels and zero-fat claims. It can be produced using UHT treatment, without homogenization.

Nutrilac® ProteinBoost whey protein offers pleasant viscosity and creamy mouthfeel, enabling dairies to innovate with refreshing products such as protein smoothies. It also supports low or zerofat claims, increasing its appeal to health-conscious consumers. Made with patented microparticulation technology, Nutrilac® ProteinBoost enables smooth protein addition with no technical challenges, requiring only heat treatment pasteurization with homogenization.

Building on the success of its SL60 series of cost-effective miniature temperature and humidity data loggers, Signatrol has launched an updated version of TempIT5, the software package that works alongside the data loggers.

The new look TempIT5 offers significantly increased speed, reliability, and efficiency with several high functioning features that are particularly beneficial to food and beverage manufacturing sites.

For example, all data are encrypted, meaning that they cannot be altered or manipulated by ‘Ordinary Means’, a key requirement for any FDA-approved application.

Signatrol highlights that the best data in the world is useless if it comes

from an uncalibrated device hence improvements have been made to the software’s calibration functionality.

TempIT5 continually monitors the calibration status of the data logging device and issues a warning one month before the calibration certificate expires, and if calibration is overdue, it also annunciates a warning. The calibration certificate is

Walker Morris announces new initiative to accelerate manufacturing growth Signatrol Launches Improved Temperature Data Logger Software

Leading law firm, Walker Morris, has launched a new initiative designed to help UK manufacturers access specialist funding and expertise to overcome growth barriers.

The firm brings together its experienced manufacturing and private equity (PE) teams to provide manufacturers and PE firms with tailored legal, financial and commercial guidance.

The new initiative is structured to support manufacturers in working with PE firms most effectively, from strategic planning and investment readiness through legal frameworks, operational projects, and post-deal growth.

Uniquely, it provides manufacturers with tailored guidance, access to a pool of PE partners, and support on shaping commercial structures that protect their long-term interests,

including governance, ESG, and exit terms.

This initiative stems from recent research commissioned by Walker Morris involving 100 CEOs, managing directors, and business owners from UK multi-sector manufacturing companies (with turnovers between £55m and £350m), which revealed sector-wide priorities and hurdles.

It found that the biggest challenges include severe skills shortages, the need for transformative investment, and incorporating sustainability into daily operations.

also available to view, and a record of all prior calibrations, with full UKAS traceability, is maintained for easy recall during a QA audit, for example.

TempIT5 can run on an any Windows machine running Windows 10 or 11 and is available in two versions: TempIT5-Lite, which is free of charge and provides all that is needed to issue the data logger and to retrieve its data, and TempIT5-Pro, which has several additional reporting features and built in calculations.

The SL60 range which works with Signatrol’s TempIT5 software comprises of low cost, miniature button-style temperature or temperature and humidity data loggers that are self-contained and easy to use. As a result, they are suitable for many different applications including food distribution and storage as well as pharmaceutical production, transportation and storage, as well as museum or artwork storage, among many others.

More than 60% of manufacturers surveyed identified change management skills as a significant gap, while nearly 44% stated that they require outside investment and expertise to achieve their ambitions.

The research also found that awareness of private equity among manufacturers is high, and most reject any negative connotations associated with it as a form of finance. However, the research found misconceptions persist, with 44% of manufacturers believing that PE firms take too much control, and 64% think that PE firms only focus on generating a return on investment.

The new joint initiative between Walker Morris’ manufacturing and PE teams aims to help combat these hurdles and support manufacturers in finding the right investment partners.

The programme is especially timely as manufacturers continue to navigate sector volatility from rising inflation, global trade shifts, geopolitical unrest and rapid technological adoption.

Pictured left: Debbie Jackson, Partner and Head of PE & James Crayton, Partner and Head of Commercial.

Technology News

Dutch cheese manufacturer turns to Nimo-KG for tailored production solution

Nimo-KG has recently delivered three customized emptying solutions of the SK200MK2 model to a cheese factory in the Netherlands. The deal was facilitated through Nimo-KG’s sister company van Oirschot Beheer B.V., which owns the Backsaver brand.

Nimo-KG received the order after Backsaver identified that their customer needed a more optimized emptying solution. The cheese manufacturer required a system that could efficiently empty containers of cheese pieces while integrating seamlessly into the production line.

Nimo-KG was tasked with developing a custom solution that met the factory’s requirements for both functionality and safety.

The delivered machines were engineered with special chains to withstand the demanding production environment. They were also equipped with customized lighting systems, including light towers and safety light curtains, to ensure a high level of safety.

Continuous Process Solutions unveils two cutting-edge steel belts for food manufacturing

Continuous Process Solutions, a leading provider of advanced steel belt technologies, has expanded its product range with two exciting innovations for the food manufacturing sector from their production partner Mingke.

These additions are now available exclusively from Continuous Process Solutions and are set to boost production efficiency and hygiene across a wide range of food processing applications.

New to market are Teflon-coated steel belts, which have been designed by Mingke to solve sticky situations. Manufactured from high-carbon steel with a durable Teflon coating, the new non-stick

belts offer excellent corrosion resistance, low surface friction and superior product release.

Ideal for sticky or delicate ingredients such as confectionery, doughs and coated products, the belts are suitable for use in food production, heat press machines and chemical environments up to 260°C. Their low-friction surface supports smoother transfer, easier cleaning and reduced product waste.

Also joining the Continuous Process Solutions product range is the CT1500 carbon steel belt, a premium solution developed to handle extreme mechanical and thermal stress. With high fatigue resistance and excellent thermal conductivity, CT1500 is ideal for high-temperature applications such as roasting and baking.

Its surface hardness and high strength-to-thickness ratio make it perfect for continuous processes in demanding environments, especially where steel belts are exposed to thermal cycling or require precise tracking.

Hygienic X-Ray

Robust and easy to clean, the Icon X-ray system from Fortress Technology significantly enhances consumer safety and contaminant detection in hygienic food processing facilities.

To optimise efficiency, the Icon X-ray system can also be fully integrated with a Fortress Raptor checkweigher. Installed at the end of production lines, other special features include the option to add internal view cameras and Vyper Vision label inspection, as well as an integrated automatic reject device to save valuable floor space.

The IA+ algorithm developed by Fortress Technology’s dedicated X-ray experts enables the machine to adapt to variable density products that present with metal, ceramic, glass and high-density plastic contaminants. Timesaving sanitation features include bevelled surfaces to promote water runoff, easily removable magnetic X-ray curtains, a quick release tight-fitting conveyor and IP69krated sensors.

Prioritising user safety, processors can select from either internal cameras or optional transparent high-density windows on the sliding access panels to vigilantly monitor product status and immediately address operational bottlenecks. The self-contained stainless steel cabinet means no additional shielding or guarding is needed to meet X-ray exposure requirements.

Data integration and reporting is included in the standard Icon X-ray package. The option of communication adapters enables users to customise data collection.

Latest weight indicators and floor scale MiNexx® for advanced production

Minebea Intec, a leading global manufacturer of industrial weighing and inspection technologies, is expanding the MiNexx® product family and setting new standards in precision, connectivity and ease of use. Under the slogan “Our Innoweightion. Your Progress.” the company is presenting three new, high-performance weight indicators as the centrepiece and a new stateof-the-art MiNexx® 3000 floor scale. Whether for manual weighing, automated processes or heavyduty applications, the MiNexx® weight indicators offer a forwardlooking solution for every industrial weighing requirement. The new indicators and Weighing Platforms combine technological excellence with maximum adaptability to individual process requirements. They are available immediately.

Powerful Weight indicators are indispensable for the precise control of weighing processes: they record and visualise weighing data, enable integration into control and ERP systems and also control weighing processes of container, silo and truck scales. With the new MiNexx weight indicators®, Minebea Intec is specifically addressing the increasing demands for process reliability, IT compatibility and user-friendliness in the industries.

Cyber security in accordance with IEC 62443

From simple weighing tasks to applications such as piece counting, filling or Fill quantity control - the new MiNexx® Weight indicators offer customised solutions for a wide range of industrial requirements.

Latest MiNexx® 3000 floor scale: precision and flexibility

The robust and easy-care design ensures a long service life.

They have an intuitive user interface with a large colour display and advanced functions for process optimisation.

A 3-level user management system that clearly regulates access rights and prevents tampering ensures maximum security for the MiNexx® Weight indicators. User roles and password settings can be individually configured - an important component of IT security in accordance with IEC 62443.

The MiNexx®C model was specially developed for installation in control cabinets and impresses with its compact design and flexible integration into existing systems. The MiNexx® M and L Weight indicators have a stainless steel housing with protection class IP 69 and can be placed near the Scales or mounted on the wall or on a tripod, depending on requirements. While MiNexx® M is designed for compact applications with direct operation, MiNexx® L is particularly suitable for networked industrial environments thanks to its extended interfaces.

The new MiNexx® 3000 floor scale impresses with a standard resolution of 60,000d, a load capacity of up to 6 tonnes and a non-slip tear plate surface - ideal for demanding industrial applications. This combination ensures maximum safety and efficiency in daily use. Thanks to the high load capacity, the floor scale is perfect for heavy-duty applications such as weighing pallets, containers or big bags in the food and beverage industries. The robust and easy-care design ensures a long service life - even under demanding conditions - and enables particularly easy cleaning of the interior thanks to the hinged load plate.

Weighing technologies including accessories: everything from a single source from Minebea Intec

From consultancy, assistance to installation and maintenance: Minebea Intec offers comprehensive support for the smooth integration of the new MiNexx® scale series.

MiNexx® combines the highest level of safety, intuitive operation and modern networking - for every weighing application. Whether bench, floor, container or truck scales: MiNexx® provides companies with the perfect solution for individual requirements.

www.minebea-intec.com/ en/minexx

Health & Safety

Reducing microplastics exposure through on-site waste improvements

Microplastics are tiny particles of plastic, less than five millimetres in length, which are produced as products break down over time. These particles are becoming more prevalent in our environment, accumulating in rivers, oceans, and soil. Microplastics are not biodegradable, meaning they persist in the environment for hundreds or even thousands of years.

Microplastics are regularly consumed or inhaled by humans, with some research suggesting we even absorb microplastics through our skin. Research into the effects of microplastics on the human body is still ongoing, but studies continue to find extremely damaging consequences.

How manufacturing plastic waste contributes to the microplastic crisis

Microplastic exposure is an issue across all industries from food production to the fashion sector. Common exposure points include the use of plastic packaging, using machinery with plastic parts, and the handling of plastic materials.

One daily culprit is the handling of plastic waste. Any business that

produces any type of plastic waste will need to store, potentially separate, transport, and dispose of this waste. During this process, it’s common for materials to break down into microplastics and be released into the wider environment.

How can manufacturing businesses reduce microplastic exposure from plastic waste?

1. Opt for enclosed waste storage

Where possible, make sure all plastic waste is stored in sealed bins or in covered bays. This will prevent wind or rain exposure, which could cause materials to deteriorate, resulting in the breakdown of plastics into microplastics. Alongside this, it prevents wind from blowing microplastic particles into the surrounding environment and reduces the chances of runoff contamination from rainwater carrying microplastics into drainage systems.

Placing waste in a dedicated and enclosed space preserves site hygiene and prevents microplastic contamination from entering other areas of your premises.

2. Ensure routine cleaning and monitoring of waste storage

It’s important to consistently monitor your waste storage area to ensure there isn’t overflowing or untidy plastic waste. Any stored incorrectly in bins can degrade much quicker, leading to the creation and escape of microplastics into other areas of the premises or into the wider environment. Consider spot checking areas of your business property where plastic waste is often left behind.

Check your waste collection regularly to ensure you don’t see repeat overflows of waste. If this is the case, it may be worth speaking with your provider to increase the number of bins on site or increase the frequency of collections.

Putting these changes in place is only effective if staff are adequately trained.

It’s also imperative to keep any waste storage areas clean, preventing any degrading plastic waste from becoming airborne. Quickly cleaning away any plastic waste debris can prevent it from escaping into ventilation systems or outside of the premises.

3. Provide thorough staff training

Putting these changes in place is only effective if staff are adequately trained. It’s important to stress to workers what the environmental risks are, explaining the prevalence of microplastics and the public concern around them

Set clear rules for waste sorting, containment, and collection and provide signage that offers helpful reminders to your staff.

While there aren’t any specific UK regulations on controlling microplastics exposure, it’s likely this may be addressed in the near future as reports suggest we’re falling behind on tackling the problem of microplastics2. Therefore, it’s wise to get ahead of the curve and put microplastics on the agenda sooner rather than later.

4. Know where your plastic waste goes

Once you have handed your waste over to a management company, it’s vital that you are compliant and understand how the waste is handled.

Always make sure any waste collectors are licensed and provide you with waste transfer notes. Check collection methods and ensure disposal routes are as environmentally friendly as possible.

ECOLAB CERTIFIED SAFETY LIGHT BARRIERS FOR HYGIENE APPLICATIONS

The Schmersal Group has designed a new safety light barrier especially for hygiene-sensitive uses in the food processing industry, such as milk and meat processing.

This version has evolved with the demands of standard cleaning operations in the industry as the sophisticated design helps to ensure IP69 degree of protection (protection against the ingress of water from high-pressure of steam cleaning).

The protective enclosure with external gaskets satisfies stringent standards and is designed to cope with frequent cleaning with water, foam, lyes, high-pressure or hot steam.

SCHMERSAL | Enigma Business Park Malvern, Worcestershire, WR14 1GL

www.schmersal.co.uk

uksupport@schmersal.com

How combining thermal vision with traditional vision is redefining food safety, compliance and automation

By Dr John Dunlop, CTO & Founder, Bytronic Vision Intelligence

Food production lines run hot… literally. Ovens, dryers, sealers and belts are full of thermal activity. But if you can’t see that heat properly, you can’t control it. And if you can’t control it, you’re running blind into manufacturing risks.

That’s why thermal vision is moving from optional to essential. It’s not just about seeing temperatures – it’s about using them to protect assets, verify compliance, and keep production running without unplanned stoppages.

Asset protection: stop the fire before it starts

We’ve seen the damage caused by process fires. One global food producer had multiple incidents like this. Now, our TempCheck solution uses integrated FLIR cameras to continuously scan the line in real time. Smart software defines zones of interest, spots emerging hotspots, and triggers alerts long before anything ignites.

When you’re dealing with combustible materials and unmanned lines, robust, thermal monitoring will ensure a reduced fire risk and the protection of your factory assets.

Compliance:

100% temperature monitoring

Thermal vision is also vital for food safety compliance; but only when implemented properly. One key issue is background heat from belts or trays distorting readings. That’s why we developed TempComply: a thermal system that combines 3D profiling with

intelligent masking to isolate each product from the process.

Instead of relying on batch checks or operator judgement, TempComply pinpoints the coldest part of every item – 100% of the products - verifying surface cooking compliance in real time. No undercooked surprises, no recalls, no compromise. Fully integrated into lines, it flags issues automatically stopping customer recalls.

Packaging: seal integrity without the manual checks

Thermal also plays a powerful role in packaging inspection. SealCheck DL uses both visual and thermal data to detect a wide range of issues: products trapped in seals, underheated joints, poor sealing profiles, and even product appearance - all of which are important to ensure the “Right Product, Right Pack” approach.

Bytronic Vision Intelligence adopts this approach across a range of areas in food production, from salad bag flow wrapped seals and sealed food trays, to food pouches and even ice cream lollies.

It replaces inconsistent manual spot checks with 100% in-line inspection,

flagging defects as they happen and by storing product images and discrete data, giving you full traceability if anything goes wrong.

The critical step: Innovation AND integration expertise

But let’s be clear, there are challenges in integrating these new technologies. Performance ultimately depends on robust engineering and understanding the environment the technology operates in.

Is the product moving or static? What’s the material? What’s the ambient background? Getting it right means custom integration, testing and calibration.

AI is increasingly used in this instance, and inspection accuracy depends on understanding the size of the training data - with more complexity requiring more images. This is an area of deep learning, a step up from its lightweight cousin edge learning, which instead focuses on quicker deployment of simpler tasks, while deep learning handles more complex situations.

That’s why we talk about vision intelligence – not just cameras. It’s multimodal with a range of futureproof solutions, all working together to give the system the context it needs to make accurate, meaningful decisions in a fastmoving environment. And of course, let’s not forget data-driven insights into production lines.

Thermal inspection isn’t about cameras. It’s about smarter food production – safer, more consistent, and fully visible. The risk is real, but so is the solution; if you engineer it properly.

For more information on the solutions Bytronic Vision Intelligence can provide, visit here: bytronic.com

Dr John Dunlop, CTO & Founder, Bytronic Vision Intelligence

Health & Safety SpaceVac REACH - Safer process. Higher standards.

Driving better hygiene standards in your workplace does not have to involve your staff and colleagues working in confined areas, working in close proximity to dangerous production equipment or working at height! Adding a SpaceVac professional REACH system to your hygiene arsenal takes away risks whilst your hygiene standards reach new levels. Not only does SpaceVac sell or hire complete REACH systems, but our carbon kits can accessorise any portable vacuum as well as Central Vacuum Systems, removing exposure to risk and improving overall standards.

SpaceVac has a wide range of vacuums and carbon systems designed to tackle all food manufacturing and storage situations. All SpaceVac vacuums are fitted with our unique pole and tool holder caddy system that;

• Creates a systems shadow board

• Offers compact storage

• Reduces slip and trip risk

• Assists users to safely assemble the SpaceVac system

SpaceVac’s safety ‘click lock’ system securely fixes all poles, angles and tools in place. Not only does this remove the risk of accidental detachment but it also allows the operator to insert angles along the cleaning line to work around corners, over the top of equipment or under conveyors and racking.

Use the QR code below to see SpaceVac cleaning 4m under a bakery production line.

High-level dust removal is an essential component of food manufacturing hygiene, safety, and compliance.

SpaceVac’s safety ‘click lock’ system securely fixes all poles, angles and tools in place.

Overlooking it can result in contamination, equipment damage, pest issues, and explosive hazards. Integrating routine overhead cleaning using SpaceVac REACH helps food manufacturers uphold product integrity, meet regulatory standards, and maintain a safe working environment.

If you are interested in receiving more information, talking to a member of our friendly team or arranging a SpaceVac presentation please complete the form behind the QR code above, quoting Food & Drink Manufacturing.

spacevacinternational.com

Show Preview: Food Matters Live

Food Matters Live, the leading event for NPD professionals, returns to Ascot next month

Food Matters Live will return to Ascot on the 8th – 9th October, and will once again prove itself to be the most targeted event dedicated to the food and drinks manufacturing industry.

What you can expect

Across the 2-days over 50 industry leaders will take to the main stage to share their knowledge and evidence on the topics that are dominating today’s market, with sessions looking at the Impact GLP-1s will have ingredient innovation and product development, understanding the fibre engagement gap, sustainable proteins, and detailed insights into gut health and the microbiome.

Speakers will include Gary Frost, Professor of Nutrition and Dietetics from Imperial College London, Stu Henshall, Director of Culinary Innovation from Quorn, and Dr Abbie Cawood, Head of Science at Holland and Barett.

You can also uncover innovative solutions with NPD Discovery Roundtables, with sessions such as shaping the future of healthy aging. Take your product development to new heights with the Tastes of Betters sessions, led by event partners AAK, Beneo, IFF, Ingredion, Kerry, Kreglinger, and RAPS.

• Future proof your NPD: The one-of-a-kind Tastes of Better showcases bring sensory experiences and ingredients innovation to life. Connect with technical teams and learn about the new solutions driving real product innovation.

• Stay Ahead of Emerging Consumer Trends: Gain critical insights into market trends, consumer behaviour, health and wellness developments, and sustainability from 50 of the industry’s most influential voices in the Insights and Trends programme

• Access Tailored cross-category NPD expertise: NPD Discovery

Table Talks offer a dedicated space to discuss your real-world challenges with industry experts

• High-Calibre Networking: Connect with hundreds of likeminded food innovators, researchers, ingredient specialists, nutritionists and fellow NPD managers.

If you are looking for a fresh perspective on new insights and new technologies that underpin the future of food manufacturing, this is your opportunity to be part of the discussion. Food Matters Live Ascot isn’t just another conference. It’s a focused, collaborative event where the industry’s innovators come together, designed to directly support the work you do, helping you create the next generation of successful, innovative products.

VIP places are strictly reserved for those working in NPD, technical and R&D. Many of the attendees join Food Matters Live as a team - taking a day away together as a team to stay ahead of key trends, issues and ingredient innovation.

Spaces are now very limited – apply today for your last chance to secure your place at the UK’s leading event for food & drink manufacturers at www.foodmatterslive.com/ ascot

Why you can’t afford to miss it:

FLIR & Teledyne Taptone Provide Cocktail of Innovation at Drinktec

FLIR, an industry leader in thermal imaging sensors, have partnered with sister brand Teledyne TapTone and its patented range of inspection equipment at the world’s leading trade fair for the beverage and liquid food industry: Drinktec 2025.

Joining forces on the same stand, the pair will demonstrated how machine builders and integrators can help beverage plants take their production and quality performance to the next level.

A new addition to the FLIR product portfolio, the A6301 extremely sensitive, mid-wave thermal imaging sensor brings reliable cooled cameras to beverage process automation. Introducing a new level of thermal imaging capabilities, the A6301 not only supports rapid integration times, but it also captures high-speed product movement with up to twenty times less motion blur. Notably, the A6301 features an industry-leading 27,000-hour cryocooler lifetime that maximises camera uptime in support of high throughput rates.

TapTone’s PRO-Series FS leak detection system uses a direct force measurement on the sidewalls of a pressurized container, up to 12 bar, and determines the internal pressure

Notably, the A6301 features an industryleading 27,000-hour cryocooler lifetime...

of the product. This allows it’s users to monitor the internal pressure of any carbonated, LN2 dosed, or aerosol container and find the smallest problems with over or under pressurized containers at the highest speeds. With a peak speed rating of over 2000 containers per minute and accuracy ratings of +/-1.5psi, the PRO-Series FS is the fastest and most accurate pressure detection system for 100% in-line product inspection.

The A70 fixed-mount thermal camera is an affordable solution with integral on-edge analytics, open communication protocols and alarm capabilities for condition monitoring. Machine builders can simplify integration efforts with video management systems that include HMI and SCADA, while options such as ONVIF S compatibility, Wi-Fi, and an integral visual camera mean FLIR A70 cameras represent a flexible, configurable solution.

West Midlands conveyor company wins prestigious business award

A West Midlands-based conveyor company has emerged as a worthy winner in a prestigious regional business awards programme.

Continuous Process Solutions, based in Dudley, offers a tailored range of high-performance, high-strength steel conveyor belts, machinery, equipment and technical support for the food industry, as well as for chemicals, wax, pharmaceuticals, rubber, plastics and wood-based panel production. The business has now been named Best Steel Conveyor Solutions Company in the 2025 Midlands Enterprise Awards.

Organised by business magazine SME News and now in its seventh year, this is a prestigious awards programme which showcases the achievements of businesses operating in the dynamic Midlands region. The awards are given solely on merit and are awarded to commend those most deserving for their ingenuity and hard work, distinguishing them from their competitors and proving them worthy of recognition.

The win brings a satisfying close to a summer of success for Continuous Process Solutions, with the company also bagging a Highly Commended trophy in the Small Business of the Year category at July’s Nachural Summer Business Awards.

The final countdown: London’s premier packaging event

Time is running out to secure a complimentary visitor pass for London Packaging Week 2025, taking place at Excel London on 15 & 16 October. Celebrating its 15th anniversary, London Packaging Week is the capital’s premier packaging event, bringing together designers, brand and procurement teams, packaging developers, and suppliers to explore the future of packaging.

London Packaging Week is where design and innovation collide. Visitors can discover hundreds of formats, materials and solutions to develop their next packaging project, learn from inspirational talks by industry leaders, and collaborate with peers in a creative, festival-like environment. The event is deeply rooted in London’s personality and global reputation as a hub for design, making it the place where ideas are exchanged and solutions are found.

Over 190 exhibitors, including leading packaging specialists from the UK and around the world, will showcase innovations across design, sustainability, branding, e-commerce, and materials.

Attendees can explore award-winning packs at the Innovation Awards, see the Best of British Design Gallery curated with Pentawards, and step into the Museum of Brands archive to understand packaging past, present, and future.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of London Packaging Week 2025. Secure your complimentary visitor pass today and join the capital’s premier packaging event to discover innovation, connect with industry leaders, and shape the future of packaging.

Autopack to host biggest packaging machinery stand at PPMA Total 2025

Leading independent integrator of packaging lines Autopack will showcase a range of cutting-edge automated equipment at PPMA Total 2025, which takes place at Birmingham’s NEC from 23-25 September. The Hereford-based business will take its largest individual stand to date in what it believes is the largest packaging machinery stand at the show.

With 15 machines on stand B20, Autopack will be giving pride of place to four primary machines in filling, capping, horizontal Form Fill Seal (HFFS) and Vertical Form Fill Seal (VFFS). The VFFS machine will demonstrate a new brick pack format for coffee beans as one of Autopack’s

latest packaging innovations. The block bottom bag has a roll top finish secured using a resealable label and delivers a new packaging format for the hugely popular coffee bean sector.

As well as VFFS and HFFS machines, Autopack provides sachet, stick and pouch equipment either pre-made or from film on the reel. These can be tailored with zippers, spouts and custom shapes, with visitors able to discuss their requirements with a 20-strong team, who will be on Autopack’s stand throughout the three-day show.

For those looking at rigid packaging solutions, Autopack supplies de-

palletising, un-scrambling rinsing systems for bottles, jars, tins and containers. In addition, it can provide the associated conveyors onto a wide range of filling machines (single head up to 12 head) with capping solutions such as screw-on, pilfer proof and vacuum twist capping machines.

Global Food and Drink Leaders to Explore AI-Driven Manufacturing Solutions at The Connected Performance Summit

Senior leaders from the world’s largest food and drink brands will gather for The Connected Performance Summit – Where AI Meets Motion, to explore how artificial intelligence and connected systems can transform manufacturing efficiency, reduce waste, and cut energy losses.

The invite-only event, co-hosted by industrial AI specialist IntelliAM and SKF, the world’s largest bearing and lubrication systems manufacturer, will examine the art of the possible in food and drink manufacturing.

Over 150 senior decision-makers are expected to attend, with more than 20% of the world’s top 100 food and drink

brands represented, including Mars, PepsiCo, Weetabix, Hovis, Diageo, and ADM.

Beontag to Spotlight Labelling Materials and Smart Tag Innovations at LabelExpo Europe 2025

Global business enabler Beontag, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of pressuresensitive labelling materials and smart tags such as RFID, NFC, and Bluetooth, is set to exhibit its expansive portfolio at the upcoming LabelExpo Europe 2025.

Beontag will highlight a robust range of self-adhesive materials, including hot melt solutions across

all facestocks, acrylic adhesives, PET liners, and specialised materials for tickets and tags. Visitors to Beontag at the conference can explore versatile solutions for fast, reliable application across a wide range of labelling demands, including WashOff Labels which enables easier recycling with no chemicals or hot water, supporting circular packaging systems, and ScandArtisan, textured substrates crafted for premium glass applications.

Beontag’s leadership in versatile digital transformation solutions will present a broad IoT portfolio featuring over 80 standard RFID products and 2,000+ customized solutions. The highlights of LabelExpo Europe will include Carrier eWave - microwave compliant and washable RFID tags

With an estimated £14 billion of untapped potential in UK food and drink manufacturing, and around 20% of global energy lost through friction, the Summit will showcase how connected technologies and AIpowered maintenance can turn these losses into competitive advantages while supporting more sustainable, energy-efficient operations.

The full-day programme at Sheffield’s historic Cutlers’ Hall on Wednesday 24 September 2025 will include presentations, case studies, and interactive sessions covering technology convergence, asset care fundamentals, and practical applications of AI in food and drink manufacturing.

designed for reusable packaging systems, ECO LineECO TagsRecyclable, paper-based RFID tags with reduced carbon footprint, and RFID Smart labels for tracking, authentication, and consumer engagement

Beontag will also contribute to thought leadership programming during AWA’s Label & Release Liner Seminar 2025. Speakers at this programme will include Cedric Le Labousse, Beontag’s EMEA General Manager for EMEA, outlining smart labeling as a bridge between physical and digital worlds. Meanwhile, Niels Schou, Europe General Manager, will join a roundtable panel on the future of pressure-sensitive labeling and liner trends.

EPoS systems are the catalyst for change in the F&B Machine

By Maxwell Harding, Founder and CEO of digital ordering platform Dynamify

The F&B industry is in a constant state of flux as it battles to keep up with consumer demand for greater efficiency, sustainability and personalisation, making automation more important than ever. At its core, automation aims to boost operational efficiency by taking on tasks that would otherwise require human intervention.

Resource efficiency is particularly relevant in today’s F&B market where staff shortages remain a major challenge. In fact, according to the Office for National Statistics, the UK hospitality sector recorded 84,000 job vacancies in Q1 alone. What’s even more concerning is, despite hospitality being the UK’s third-largest employer, the industry faces the highest turnover rate, with an average of 52% annually.

Automation, while far from a new concept, has gained renewed importance in the wake of Brexit and geopolitical instability to help alleviate the pressures of a waning workforce. In an effort to tackle these challenges, F&B operations are increasingly turning to automation such as via integrated EPoS systems to help plug staffing gaps, drive greater operational efficiency and enhance the overall customer experience.

EPoS systems streamline transactions and reduce the need for staff to be tied to tills, freeing them up for roles where they can add greater human value, such as welcoming guests. Like most technological advancements throughout history, these systems aren’t necessarily taking jobs; they’re changing them to allow humans to focus on less menial work. It was true of the industrial revolution, true with the advent of the first computers, and it’s true of automation in F&B today.

Beyond improving workforce efficiency, EPoS systems provide something extremely valuable: actionable data.

Beyond improving workforce efficiency, EPoS systems provide something extremely valuable: actionable data. By capturing detailed, non-anonymised basket-level data including what products are sold, to whom, and when, these systems provide F&B managers with meaningful insights that go far beyond sales totals, enabling them to make smarter decision and offer more personalised services to customers. Research shows that businesses that excel in tailoring products, services or experiences generate 40% more revenue than those that don’t, highlighting the increased importance of personalisation for the modern customer.

The ability to log customers’ purchase history, analyse trends, and then promote tailored meals and drinks based on predicted preferences gives F&B operators a clear competitive edge while enhancing their customer service offering. This trend is reflected in the UK’s POS software market, which is growing significantly and is projected to reach £1.1billion by 2030. And, as a by-product of more accurate stocking and selling, this will also have a knock-on effect on reducing waste and making F&B operations more sustainable. It’s the definition of a win on all fronts.

Maxwell Harding, Founder and CEO of digital ordering platform Dynamify

Rondanini & National Flexible: A Fresh Take on Sustainable Packaging

Rondanini are one of the Uk’s leading importers of fine foods. Established in 1989, the company is now part of the Vita Food Group an Anglo Italian food manufacturing and food importer. They emphasize tradition, quality, innovation, and partnership, aiming to provide tailor-made solutions for their clients. Whether it’s developing new products or solving logistical challenges, Rondanini prides itself on flexibility and exceptional service, catering to both retail and foodservice sectors.

Rondanini, who proudly represent the Italian food tradition, recently faced a growing consumer demand for more sustainable packaging solutions. As they prepared to launch their new pizza range, in partnership with Franco Manca the pizzeria chain, they sought to align their product offerings with ecoconscious values. As a leader in providing sustainable film solutions, we were immediately on hand to help.

Collaborating closely with Rondanini to develop a fully recyclable film, together we ensured that their new pizza packaging would meet both the highest quality standards and sustainability goals. The transition was seamless, allowing Rondanini to maintain the freshness and integrity of their product while embracing environmentally responsible practices.

By teaming up with National Flexible, Rondanini continues to deliver delicious products, now with packaging that’s as sustainable as it is functional.

With our expertise, Rondanini can now offer their customers not just authentic, high-quality fresh pizzas but also packaging that reflects their commitment to a greener future.

This partnership reflects Rondanini’s core values: innovation without compromise on quality, and a focus on meeting evolving consumer needs. By teaming up with National Flexible, Rondanini continues to deliver delicious products, now with packaging that’s as sustainable as it is functional.

For more information visit: www.nationalflexible.co.uk

Phone: 01274 685566

Beckhoff help Tetra Pak’s packaging solutions to earn “magic” status

In Modena, Italy, a softwareenabled, highly efficient capping machine has been dubbed the “magic machine.” The name was chosen by Tetra Pak’s pilot customer, impressed by the reliability, performance and flexibility of the Tetra Pak Cap Applicator 40 Speed Hyper. But what is the source of this sorcery? Here, Mark Richards, UK sales manager at automation specialist Beckhoff pulls back the curtains to reveal the clever technology that keeps the magic alive.

In the food and beverage industry, packaging machines must meet evertougher demands for speed, flexibility and efficiency. With a cunning combination of Beckhoff’s XTS linear transport system and PC-based control technology, Tetra Pak’s Cap Applicator 40 Speed Hyper defies mechanical boundaries and uses software to do the heavy lifting.

Under pressure

Tetra Pak is a world leading food processing and packaging solutions company. With this comes the expectation to deliver higher production volumes with machines that take up less space, use less energy and minimise operational downtime.

Traditionally, applying caps to portion-sized beverage cartons has

been a mechanical process limited by inflexible hardware and physical cams. According to Gianmarco Di Eusebio, product owner at Tetra Pak, standard systems typically top out at around 9,000 cartons per hour, meaning that to hit targets of 25,000 units per hour, producers would need multiple lines running in parallel adding complexity, footprint and cost to the operation.

In Modena, Italy, Tetra Pak engineers turned to Beckhoff’s XTS to match these demands. This linear transport system has movers that each act as an independently controlled servo axis, giving way to instantly flexible motion profiles. Combining this with TwinCAT means changeovers between cap formats are handled in software with no mechanical refits or line stoppages.

Don’t stop me now

Does the magic machine travel at the speed of light? Not quite, but with two parallel 4.5 m XTS tracks and 55 movers each, the Cap Applicator 40 Speed Hyper runs at up to 25,000 cartons per hour. Nearly tripling the output of conventional solutions means the producers can meet demand without expanding factory floor space or adding new lines.

In order to sustain these high speeds, synchronised groups of movers in batches of six apply hot-melt adhesive and press caps onto cartons in perfect

alignment. The in-built quality control uses a vision system to detect any deviations and automatically adjusts glue patterns and force profiles accordingly without the need for manual stops or wasteful downtime.

This is all orchestrated by Beckhoff’s PC-based control running on two ultracompact C6032 Industrial PCs. The control architecture relies on TwinCAT software for motion, vision and PLC tasks, with millimetre precision and microsecond response times.

The show must go on

High packaging speed means little without consistent uptime. Tetra Pak’s new system can adapt instantly to changing product formats, cap types and packaging lines. The process doesn’t just move faster, it runs more reliably too. By replacing complex mechanical parts with software-defined motion, mean time between failures (MTBF) has doubled.

With a software backbone, the magic machine takes advantage of predictive maintenance, real-time monitoring and diagnostic data available at any moment. Any deviation triggers automatic adjustments, ensuring that minor issues don’t become showstopping breakdowns.

This level of transparency is invaluable for maintenance teams looking to gain clear insights into system performance and wear. This means scheduled interventions can be planned rather than forced during costly downtime.

To get over rising demands, tighter margins and greater product variation, Tetra Pak’s magic machine is ready to deliver non-stop under pressure to keep the show going.

Find out more about Beckhoff’s collaborations and their on-site support on the website: www.Beckhoff.com

Packaging & Labelling

Certifiably Clean with Built-In BioCote® Surface Protection

Hygiene is a non-negotiable priority in food and drink manufacturing, where even small lapses in cleanliness can impact operations, reputation, and compliance. Production lines face continual exposure to heavy use, moisture, temperature changes, and residues from ingredients, all of which can compromise surface quality over time. In busy environments, surfaces are also prone to unwanted build-up and cross-contamination.

Equipment therefore needs to be more than just durable, it must be designed to withstand these pressures while supporting ongoing cleanliness and audit readiness. One approach increasingly adopted by equipment manufacturers is integrating antimicrobial technology, creating a permanent feature within equipment surfaces that complements routine cleaning to enhance long-term performance.

The Pressures on Food Manufacturing Equipment

Manufacturers of food processing and packaging equipment face rising expectations from the food industry. Surfaces must be easy to clean, resistant to wear, and capable of maintaining a professional appearance through years of use. For end users, this directly affects audit readiness, brand perception, and operational efficiency.

BioCote® technology integrates at the point of manufacture, becoming a permanent feature of

BioCote® technology integrates at the point of manufacture, becoming a permanent feature of the equipment.

the equipment. It supports cleaner surfaces between cleans, helps reduce surface degradation, and contributes to extending the functional life of components. This includes reducing the presence of bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella on treated surfaces, which can be of particular concern in food handling environments. BioCote® technology enhances the long-term reliability of equipment and helps maintain customer satisfaction over time.

A Certified Advantage for Food Environments

BioCote® is the only antimicrobial technology supplier with a HACCP International certification, verifying our technology’s suitability for foodcontact applications. This certification is trusted globally by specifiers and buyers in the food industry as evidence of compliance with internationally recognised hygiene requirements. In addition, BioCote® technology is included on the EFSA provisional list of substances approved for use in food contact applications within the EU. Together, these credentials give equipment manufacturers and their customers confidence when selecting materials and components that meet strict regulatory standards.

Partnering for Cleaner Production Lines

Collaboration between technology developers and equipment manufacturers plays a key role in advancing hygiene standards across the food and drink sector.

BioCote® has partnered with industry leaders such as ABB, whose Adaptaflex conduit system incorporates antimicrobial protection proven to reduce up to 99.9% of microbes that can cause odours, staining, and material degradation.

Together, these collaborations span applications from conveyor systems and pumps to packaging lines and measurement controls. When designed into equipment from the outset, antimicrobial technology can help manufacturers align with regulatory expectations, support easier maintenance, and deliver long-term value for end users without altering established cleaning practices.

Confidence Built-In

As hygiene demands continue to evolve, equipment manufacturers and food producers are increasingly looking to design-led solutions that enhance both performance and compliance. With its combination of proven technology, recognised certification, and decades of sector experience, BioCote® offers insight and expertise into how built-in antimicrobial protection can be a part of a broader strategy for cleaner, more resilient manufacturing environments.

Josephine Cooper: A Rising Star in Sustainable Packaging Innovation

Josephine Cooper is proof that the future of packaging lies in bold thinking and practical innovation. A top honours graduate in Packaging Professional Studies and winner of multiple awards, Josephine has already made a meaningful impact in the industry.

Her journey took off when she tackled a design challenge from Deliveroo create a primary food pack that could prevent spills during transit. Using existing structural elements, she and a fellow student re-engineered a box that sealed without added materials—improving both functionality and sustainability.

That project earned her a Future Trailblazer Award, backed by IOM3, and boosted her confidence. “Winning gave me the motivation to keep innovating,” she says. She later also won the Young Talent Award from the Confederation of Paper Industries.

Her advice for others entering the industry “Be proactive, challenge the norm, and keep learning. Trailblazing is about initiative and making a difference.”

Invopak’s New Glass Range Elevates Sustainability Offering

Rigid packaging supplier Invopak has launched a new range of glass containers, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable packaging solutions. The range responds to growing demand for materials that are both practical and environmentally sound.

Glass is reusable and endlessly recyclable, which makes it one of the most sustainable materials available, says Elise Wilkes, Procurement Lead at Invopak.

We’ve introduced this line to help customers meet their sustainability goals without compromising on performance.

According to WRAP, using recycled glass can cut manufacturing energy use by up to 30% and significantly reduce CO2 emissions. Around 74% of container glass is currently recycled in the UK, making it one of the most circular packaging materials.

Our customers prefer glass not just for its eco-credentials, but also because it’s seen as a nontoxic, premium material.

Invopak’s offering includes borosilicate glass for scientific and lab use—capable of withstanding high temperatures and harsh chemicals—as well as amber and clear soda glass options for food and drink packaging. Amber glass protects light-sensitive contents, making it a popular choice across multiple sectors.

“Our customers prefer glass not just for its eco-credentials, but also because it’s seen as a non-toxic, premium material,” adds Wilkes.

“This launch is another step in helping our clients transition to greener alternatives without sacrificing quality.”

Pictured below: Elise Wilkes, Procurement Lead at Invopak

• Print on existing packaging • Environmentally friendly

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Vist our website to find out more

The role of digitalisation in EPR: How you can futureproof your packaging strategy

As Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations continue to evolve across Europe, businesses are facing increasingly complex compliance challenges. Shifting fee structures, stringent data requirements, and rising cost implications are reshaping the packaging landscape. For companies with large, diverse packaging portfolios, staying ahead of these developments is now a strategic priority.

Yet, within this regulatory upheaval lies a significant opportunity. When harnessed effectively, digitalisation offers a pathway to meet compliance demands while unlocking efficiencies, reducing costs, and improving sustainability performance.

At London Packaging Week 2025, Vivian Loftin, Co-founder and Managing Director of Recyda, will present a compelling case for how digitalisation is redefining compliance. Her session will explore how businesses can use digital tools to navigate regulations more efficiently— transforming what often feels like a burden into a competitive advantage.

Recyda, founded in 2020 and based in Germany, offers software that helps companies manage packaging sustainability, recyclability, and EPR compliance across international markets. With the UK’s new EPR scheme introducing eco-modulated fees, companies are under pressure to rethink their approach. Recyda’s platform enables businesses to track these evolving obligations while identifying cost-saving opportunities. Vivian emphasises a shift in mindset is essential. “The main message I’d like to get across is the importance of digitalisation in today’s packaging landscape, especially in light of changing regulations. These regulations shouldn’t be seen as a burden but rather as an opportunity.”

A key benefit is cost optimisation through eco-modulation.

The move from volume-based to datadriven compliance means detailed packaging data—once a year-end task—is now a daily concern. Recyda streamlines this by combining all packaging data, regulatory updates, and compliance criteria in one place, enabling real-time decision-making.

Recyda’s value becomes especially clear with complex packaging portfolios. For companies with thousands of packaging types, digital platforms are no longer a luxury—they’re essential. The more complex the packaging, the greater the impact of a centralised digital solution.

A key benefit is cost optimisation through eco-modulation. Vivian recalls a client case where Recyda helped analyse EPR fees in a single country, revealing potential savings of over a million euros. This is particularly relevant in the UK, where ecomodulated fees are expected soon.

Despite clear benefits, digital maturity in packaging remains low. Many companies still rely on spreadsheets.

To meet growing compliance challenges, Recyda is integrating AI into its platform. One new feature uses AI to auto-generate packaging specifications, reducing manual input and increasing clarity.

Beyond automation, Recyda enables predictive insights—helping companies anticipate compliance risks and identify where packaging improvements can drive both sustainability and savings. This is especially helpful with eco-modulation.

The platform allows users to assess penalties and necessary changes instantly.

As the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) aims to harmonise EU rules, national differences will remain. Recyda addresses this by tracking and integrating countryspecific rules.

Vivian also urges businesses to be more proactive during policy development. Many countries, including Germany and the UK, hold public consultations, but participation is often limited.

Momentum is building—particularly in the UK, where a phased implementation and adoption of best practices from other markets is underway.

Vivian will share her expert insights at London Packaging Week 2025 on 15 & 16 October. Don’t miss the chance to learn how digital solutions like Recyda are shaping the future of sustainable packaging.

Find out more about London Packaging Week 2025: londonpackagingweek.com

Find out more about Recyda: www.recyda.com

EcoCortec® Wins German Packaging Award for Circular Innovation

Sustainable packaging leader EcoCortec®, in collaboration with Jakob Schober GmbH, has won the prestigious German Packaging Award 2025 in the SustainabilityOverall Concept category.

Their award-winning solution a closed-loop recycling system for VpCI® corrosion protection films, which are used in industrial packaging. Customers return used films, which are then recycled into new material—an authentic example of circular economy in action.

“This award recognises not just our innovation but our commitment to making sustainability real,” said Boris Miksic, CEO of Cortec Corporation.

“Many companies talk about circularity. We’re proving it can be done.”

The award, judged by an independent panel, celebrates functional and environmentally responsible packaging. The official ceremony takes place on September 23 at Fachpack in Nuremberg.

Pictured below: CEO and owner of Cortec Corporation, Boris Miksic pictured in a conference room of his EcoCortec plant located in Croatia.

SIG Launches First 1-Liter Alu-Free Aseptic Carton Pack

SIG has launched the world’s first 1-liter alu-free aseptic carton with full barrier protection — cutting carbon emissions without compromising shelf life or performance. The new SIG Terra Alu-free + Full barrier material is now in use on German shelves via ALDI’s Rio d’oro grape juice, delivering a 29% carbon footprint reduction over conventional multi-serve cartons.

This innovation replaces the traditional aluminum layer with an ultra-thin polymer coating that still protects against oxygen, moisture, and aroma loss. Made from over 80% paper, the material also reduces the number of raw materials from three to two — simplifying recycling and enabling higher paper content targets.

The packs run seamlessly on existing SIG filling machines, requiring only minor

adjustments. High-speed production remains unaffected, making it a plug-and-play solution for brands seeking quick transitions to lower-impact packaging.

SIG aims to increase paper content to 90% by 2030, including the closure, creating a regenerative packaging system with even lower emissions.

José Matthijsse, SIG’s Europe President, says, “This structure streamlines recycling and reduces carbon — without sacrificing performance.”

SIG pioneered alu-free cartons in 2010 for dairy, selling over 4 billion units to date. Expanding into the juice and multi-serve category marks a major step in scaling sustainable packaging. The SIG Terra range now offers global, high-performance alternatives that align with stricter sustainability goals — no aluminum required.

New Vision Packaging Brings Creative Precision to UK Packaging Expo

For nearly 20 years, New Vision Packaging has delivered visually striking, technically complex retail packaging. This September, the company will showcase its latest work at the inaugural UK Packaging Expo in Manchester.

“We were among the first exhibitors at Packaging Innovations back in 2006, and we’ve found that shows like this are the best way to meet both existing and potential clients,” says Managing Director Stephen Shortland.

Their gallery-style stand will feature around 20 bespoke packs, with a special emphasis on high-end corrugated packaging enhanced with finishes such as foil blocking, embossing, and varnishes.

“While others offer corrugated, we specialise in value-added packaging that tells a story,” explains Shortland. “It’s not about trends for us. Our brand is built on honesty, hard work, and great packaging.”

Sustainability is part of their process, with FSC-certified materials being a standard—not a gimmick. Expect to see both creativity and craftsmanship on display, with each pack a testament to the company’s dedication and experience.

Lesters cooks up growth in food and drink after landing BRCGS ‘AA’ rating

Lesters, which has provided corrugated boxes and bespoke packaging solutions for more than 40 years, was given the AA standard for the way it has implemented robust systems to ensure the safety, quality and legality of its products.

It’s the first time the Burntwoodbased company has gone for the rating that covers everything from quality control and hygiene, to process management and traceability.

Led by Business Support Manager Richard Shorthouse and Project Manager Cerianne Dixon, the process took just six months and is a significant rating for food and drink manufacturers who require this from their suppliers.

“The food and drink market is one of the UK’s most dynamic sectors, and we see huge potential for growth,” said Billy Hutchinson, Managing Director of Lesters.

“Our goal is to be the go-to packaging partner for manufacturers supplying supermarkets, retail outlets and home

consumers - delivering solutions that meet the highest standards of quality and compliance.

“The BRCGS standard is fundamental to us delivering the highest possible quality, which is essential when transporting food and drink products safely.

“To get an AA rating at our first attempt is unheard of and underlines the robust systems we already have in place when it comes to repeatable quality, safety and traceability.”

He continued: “Our QMS starts at the very top with a strong commitment from the senior management team. This sets out our clear objectives that are monitored and reviewed regularly, with significant investment in training and equipment to ensure continuous improvement.

“There are also many other aspects of the quality system including internal audits, traceability testing, supplier approval and monitoring, maintenance of equipment and corrective and preventative measures to ensure issues are not just fixed but prevented through root cause analysis.”

Pictured above: Billy Hutchinson, Managing Director of Lesters

BRITA & LTA Cut 481,000 Plastic Bottles – and Share the Formula

In just two years, BRITA and the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) have eliminated 481,000 singleuse plastic bottles from UK tennis events, setting a bold example for refill-first hospitality.

At venues like Queen’s Club, Eastbourne, Nottingham, and Birmingham, BRITA’s filtered water dispensers replaced bottled water, alongside the distribution of reusable bottles.

The result: a practical, scalable model that reduces waste, cuts costs, and enhances visitor experience.

“This isn’t just about plastic,” says David Hall, BRITA UK’s Managing Director.

“It’s about behaviour change. Hospitality has the power to lead here—small changes, applied consistently, can reshape the entire guest experience.”

Behind the scenes, BRITA’s Professional line supports sustainable water systems that also prolong equipment life by preventing limescale. Together, the brand and the LTA have shown that going refill-first is not only possible—it’s powerful.

Hospitality has the power to lead here— small changes, applied consistently, can reshape

the entire guest experience.

Arno Melchior on the Packaging Blind Spot Costing Brands Money

EPR regulations are reshaping packaging fast — and data, not just materials, is now central to success. Arno Melchior (below), former Global Packaging Director at Reckitt, warns that many businesses, especially small and mid-sized ones, are unprepared.

“Specs live in PDFs or folders, not digital systems,” he says. “When regulations like EPR hit, they scramble for data that isn’t structured or accessible.”

Without strong data management, companies risk missing out on ecomodulation bonuses and face higher EPR fees. Melchior emphasizes assigning a clear packaging data owner, even part-time, to ensure accuracy and compliance. The need for granularity is growing — down to the chemical makeup of materials. “You can’t just say a bottle is HDPE,” he notes. “You need to know what’s in the masterbatch.”

Hunter Luxury Earns Five UK Packaging Award Nominations

Hunter Luxury has received five nominations across four categories at the UK Packaging Awards 2025, recognising both bold creativity and timeless elegance in luxury packaging.

Leading the shortlist is The Whimsical Watering Can, a limitededition gift set for Hendrick’s Gin created with Boundless Brand Design and William Grant & Sons.

It’s been nominated for

• Best International Pack

• Limited Edition of the Year

• Luxury Pack of the Year

• Reusable Pack of the Year

Digital tools like Recyda now allow companies to model costs and recyclability across markets — essential as EPR fees rise. But consumer education

When regulations like EPR hit, they scramble for data that isn’t structured or accessible.

is equally critical. “Even specialists get confused by the labels,” he says. “We need clear, universal signs.”

Melchior, who’s spent decades in packaging and visited numerous recycling facilities, believes collaboration across the value chain is key. He’ll speak at London Packaging Week on October 15 about turning digital infrastructure into a competitive advantage — not just for compliance, but for innovation.

Also nominated is Hunter’s elegant presentation of The Glenlivet 40 Year Old, shortlisted for Luxury Pack of the Year.

“These nominations reflect our core values creative bravery, technical precision, and packaging that enhances brand experience,” says Paul Hamilton, Head

of Sales & Marketing. “We’re proud to partner with clients who share our passion for storytelling through design.”

Hunter Luxury continues to push the boundaries of materials and form, delivering packaging that doesn’t just house products—it elevates them.

People On The Move

James Cropper appoints Mickael Minot as Brand Owner Director

British master papermaker James Cropper Paper & Packaging has announced the appointment of Mickael Minot as Brand Owner Director, a newly created role that positions the company for accelerated growth in the luxury packaging sector.

With over 16 years of international experience and an MBA from EDHEC Business School, Mickael has collaborated with leading fashion, beauty, and spirits brands across 80 markets, delivering packaging solutions that marry aesthetics, performance, and environmental integrity. Mickael, based in Boulogne-Billancourt, will spearhead James Cropper’s global brand-owner partnerships, guiding multidisciplinary teams to deliver bold colour, market-leading craft, and sustainable innovation at scale.

“James Cropper has been a benchmark for luxury packaging throughout my career,” says Mickael. “When this opportunity arose, it immediately felt like the perfect next chapter. Paper is unique as a luxury material because it engages two of our primary senses - sight and touch. The moment your hand feels soft, carefully crafted paper, the luxury experience has already begun.”

Mickael made his first customerfacing appearance for the company at Luxe Pack Paris, held this year at the historic Carrousel du Louvre, where he introduced James Cropper’s newest high-end material, Rydal Eco. This next-generation uncoated, 100% recycled fibre cartonboard delivers uncompromising sustainability, flawless performance, and tactile beauty.

James Cropper has engineered hundreds of thousands of bespoke colour formulations. This achievement showcases the scale, precision, and

creative depth of one of the UK’s most advanced Colour Labs. The company continues to offer both tailored and ready-to-use colour solutions, backed by decades of expertise and state-of-the-art capability. Today, James Cropper is trusted by the most exacting names in luxury to match their brand colours with precision.

Prior to joining James Cropper, Mickael held senior roles across Europe and Asia, including Global Sales Manager at Toly Products and Senior Key Account Manager at JUJIN New York, where he specialised in luxury packaging for fashion, beauty, and spirits brands. He also spent seven years in Tokyo co-founding and managing Eurojapan, developing services for foreign companies and expanding export markets. This diverse background equips him with a unique international perspective and deep expertise in sustainable, designled packaging solutions.

With Mickael at the helm of brandowner partnerships, James Cropper is poised to deepen collaborations that bring bespoke, sustainable, and colourrich packaging solutions to life.

David

Cooke joins Unitas as Chief Operating Officer in Executive Team reshuffle

Unitas Wholesale is pleased to announce the appointment of David Cooke to the newly created role of Chief Operating Officer.

David’s arrival will see Unitas Managing Director John Kinney move to the position of Chief Executive Officer, and follows the recent appointment of Gurms Athwal as Trading Director. Gurms will report directly to David and has been appointed to the Unitas Board with immediate effect.

David will assume executive responsibility for the trading, commercial, marketing and retail teams, spearheading initiatives that drive value for members and supplier partners alike. He joins the business in September ahead of the group’s annual conference in Marbella later in the month.

David Cooke added: “I’m thrilled to be joining Unitas Wholesale at such an exciting point in its journey. The group’s commitment to being fitter, fairer and faster perfectly aligns with my own passion for building sustainable growth in partnership with suppliers and members. I look forward to working with John and the entire Unitas team to unlock new opportunities, enhance our retail proposition and deliver tangible benefits for all stakeholders.”

MycoTechnology Appoints Dr. Robert Scott to Board of Directors

Former Coca-Cola, Kraft Heinz R&D Leader Brings Valuable CPG Beverage Innovation & Commercialisation Expertise.

Dr. Scott is a food and beverage industry executive with 25+ years of leadership experience across corporate, academic, and nonprofit sectors. He is an accomplished innovation leader, bringing new technologies to the market, leading the implementation of strategic initiatives, and driving organizational transformation.

“We are thrilled to welcome Robert to the MycoTechnology Board of Directors,” said Rob Case, Chairman of the Board, MycoTechnology. “Robert’s broad understanding of the food and beverage industry and specifically his beverage category sweetener expertise will be especially valuable as we commercialize and bring to market our revolutionary new ingredient, Honey Truffle Sweet Protein, which is naturally derived from the honey truffle and delivers a uniquely clean taste profile with minimal off-notes.”

Since May 2025, Dr. Scott has been the president of Albany State University (Albany, GA). Previously, he was President, R&D at Kraft Heinz, where he led the transformation of a global R&D organization through strategic innovation and operational alignment. At Coca-Cola, Dr. Scott was Vice President, R&D, where he led new ingredient discovery, sweetener technology development and led R&D teams in the U.S., Latin America, Europe, China and Japan. As a Division Vice President at Abbott Nutrition, he was the senior R&D leader accountable for product development. Dr. Scott began his business career at Procter & Gamble. His academic career includes Associate Dean at Spelman College and Boston College, and Assistant Professor of Biology at Norfolk State University.

“In addition, Robert’s contributions to the board will be important by providing the customer view as we continue to expand our portfolio of natural ingredient solutions from mushroom mycelia fermentation into the global food and beverage markets,” said Jordi Ferre, CEO, MycoTechnology.

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Processing & Measurement Control

Using flexible motion systems to improve food and beverage flexibility

By Beth Ragdale, software business manager, Beckhoff UK

Ever noticed how your favourite Walkers crisps almost always expire on a Saturday? That’s because the company’s production week starts on Sunday, so everything made that week shares the same “best before” date. This small detail points to a bigger challenge: the changing number of stock-keeping units (SKUs) in consumer goods is making food and beverage manufacturing more complex.

In recent years, major food and beverage manufacturers like Unilever, Coca-Cola and Tyson have been cutting back on underperforming product lines to improve margins and reduce overheads.

According to L.E.K. Consulting’s latest packaging study, that trend has only accelerated post-COVID, as brands increase focus on their core products. However, not everyone is playing it safe, with many remaining committed to product innovation, releasing new flavours, changing to more sustainable packaging and introducing different pack sizes to keep up with what consumers want.

So, is product development slowing down or just changing? For manufacturers, the answer still points to more complexity, not less.

Managing production

More product lines mean more changeovers, more downtime and a lot more manual set-up. Traditional conveyor lines were designed for high-

Rather than relying on manual adjustments and long changeovers, the future is in flexible motion profiles.

volume, low-variation production, churning out identical products for hours or even days at a time.

When you manufacture dozens of lines, each with different packaging, ingredients or sizes, everything changes. Every format shift — say, moving from a share bag to a multipack — requires mechanical retooling, which can take operators offline for minutes or even hours.

This constant starting and stopping slows production down, drives up costs and puts huge pressure on production teams who must juggle batch sizes, cleaning protocols and schedules.

Smoother changeovers

That’s why manufacturers need an approach that can handle variety without grinding production to a halt. Rather than relying on manual adjustments and long changeovers, the future is in flexible motion profiles.

Flexible motion profiles improve the changeover between different production lines, running multiple product variants side by side without stopping. Just look at Beckhoff’s XTS system, which offers a new way to move products through a manufacturing line.

Instead of traditional conveyors, it uses magnetically driven shuttles that glide

along integrated motor tracks. When used with TwinCAT software running on an industrial PC, each shuttle can be controlled independently with its own motion profile.

This means the system is ready to go right after setup, no fiddly wiring or adjustments needed. Plus, manufacturers can save space and build machines that fit their exact needs because the tracks can be designed in different shapes and layouts.

One example can be seen with a European OEM, Brenton, that retrofitted its pizza case-packer with XTS and managed to support 26 different pizza SKUs on the same line.

The system handles up to 27 cases per minute — that’s about 140 pizzas. It also cut infeed changeover times from thirty minutes to just five. What used to take three separate machines now runs smoothly on a single, flexible XTSdriven line.

The food and beverage industry is moving faster than ever. With AI, predictive analytics and smart factories, manufacturers are starting to plan production around real-time demand. To do that, they need production systems built to handle change, and ones that can deal with complexity.

So, the next time you notice your crisps all expire on a Saturday, think of it less as an expiry date and more as a reminder that the industry is racing to catch up with retail demands, using smarter technology to deliver fresher, more varied products quickly.

For more information on the XTS, visit the Beckhoff UK website: www.beckhoff.com/ en-en/products/motion/xtslinear-product-transport/

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Reduce costs and enhance operational performance with one-stop shop spray bar service from the Spray Nozzle People (SNP)

SNP leverages spray nozzle expertise to deliver hassle-free precision spraying

Spray bar applications are common in food manufacturing and many other vital industries, enabling the positioning of nozzles along an axis, increasing the coverage area and precision of a spray.

Currently, process engineers may rely on multiple suppliers to deliver a functional spray bar. This can add significant project risk in the form of delays, spray bar quality issues, increased costs and uncertainty regarding the accuracy and precision of the spray. In addition, process and operational managers are often left to deal with the inefficiency costs postinstallation.

The Spray Nozzle People’s (SNP’s) easy-to-configure spray bars mean engineers can focus on other projects through the convenience of dealing with a single supplier who can efficiently design and manufacture a spray header that delivers cost savings not only at the point of sale but also during operation. The spray bars are designed with future maintenance in mind, ensuring downtime and the resulting costs are minimised.

SNP’s spray bars are suitable for spray applications such as coating, cooling and moistening in meat, fruit and vegetable, dairy, pre-prepared food and fish manufacturing and processing operations.

Swap-in replacement bars and bars for new processes

SNP designs spray bars for new processes or swap-in replacement bars for existing spraying operations. Nozzle wear is a key issue over time that impacts production quality and product cost. SNP has designed its swap-in replacement spray bar service to address the challenges and time costs associated with finding replacements for obsolete or worn nozzles that match customers’ existing spray bars.

The swap-in replacement spray bar service ensures simple integration, improved spray precision and design features that enable faster future replacements.

For new spray processes, SNP’s service removes the design burden and reduces the number of suppliers required to achieve customers’ spray goals.

From initial enquiry, SNP aims to deliver a complete spray bar solution in 4-5 weeks.

Why buy a spray bar from a nozzle specialist?

Spray bars are quite simple things to make. At the end of the day, they consist of a piece of pipe with a few welded-on threaded holders for the nozzles.

So, why buy from a specialist company like SNP?

The construction of the spray bar itself is not difficult. Any competent fabricator can make one. It is the design of the bar and where to position the nozzles correctly and optimally that makes a precision product. This involves an understanding of spray nozzles and sprays in general. SNP uses its expert knowledge of spray nozzles and works backwards. The final layout of the spray bar is fully determined by specialist knowledge of the individual spray patterns that need be generated to deliver optimal spraying.

Says SNP Managing Director, Ivan Zytynski: “Spray bars are a natural addition to our spray solutions range, building on our expertise in specifying and supplying spray nozzles to industry for the last four decades. We are delighted we can now provide a quick and efficient spray bar specification service in line with our mission to deliver hassle reduction, optimise efficiencies and give our customers peace of mind.”

enquiries@spray-nozzle.co.uk

+44 (0) 1273 400092 www.spray-nozzle.co.uk

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Lower Energy Costs & Less Wasted Product Precise Drying Control

Energy efficiency and waste reduction are increasingly critical priorities in the food manufacturing sector. Accurately monitoring and controlling moisture levels can support both goals. For instance, real-time moisture data allows for precise adjustments to equipment such as dryers and ovens. This not only ensures optimal product quality but also minimizes energy consumption and reduces downtime caused by equipment strain or product inconsistencies.

NIR Non-Contact Design is Unbeatable

Near-infrared (NIR) technology has emerged as a powerful tool for moisture measurement. Unlike manual or destructive testing methods, NIR sensors analyze moisture levels in real time using light absorption. This non-contact, non-invasive approach preserves product integrity and eliminates the waste associated with traditional testing methods. Advanced sensors designed for food environments feature robust construction to withstand rigorous conditions, along with algorithms that ensure precise moisture calibration. These innovations allow manufacturers to store multiple product codes, enabling seamless adjustments during production and ensuring consistency across batches.

Take the risk out of manual handling

Our extended range of tote bins and accessories reduce the risk of a potential accident with added safety features.

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Pictured: Tote bin tipper with mobile base (right), pneumatic washing frame (top left), chuted mobile tote bin frame (bottom left), tote bin with forklift channels and modular racking (far left).

As the price of edible oils continues to

rise, how can food businesses protect their supply?

The price of vegetable oils is continuing to rise, according to the latest figures from the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation, the FAO. The Vegetable Oil Price Index is tracking 18.2% higher than in 2024, with palm oil, rapeseed oil, and soybean prices in particular driving the increase. Some of the uptick in food oil commodities is due to biofuel demand, but it is a situation exacerbated by drought in Europe, supply chain disruptions and rising production costs.

Edible oils are a key commodity for the food industry, used as an ingredient as well as for cooking and flavouring, so any price increase has a ripple effect. The one oil that is bucking the trend is olive oil, with the 2025 Consumer Price Index (HICP) showing a 26% drop since last year. A welcome relief that is a market reset, partly in response to last year’s inflated olive prices.

Navigating the volatile oil market remains a challenge for food businesses, and storing this valuable commodity safely protects that investment. Food oils degrade when exposed to light, heat and moisture, and flavours are particularly sensitive to their environment. Storing precious oils correctly preserves their quality and value.

Each type of oil has specific packaging requirements, so it is important to choose an oil container to match them. Most food oils are unsaturated lipids, which means that they are liquid at room temperature, so oil packaging must be leak-proof.

Oil packaging comes in a variety of styles, including containers made from HDPE plastic, steel, tinplate and aluminium, and each has specific benefits.

Metal and rigid plastic containers offer the highest level of packaging protection for oil, helping to preserve valuable oils for longer. Hard plastic oil containers offer a practical and cost-effective way to store or transport oil in bulk. Popular options include stackable jerry cans, plastic barrels and IBCs, all of which are liquidtight, air-tight, durable, shatter-proof and puncture-resistant. Invopak’s rectangular oil tins are a traditional choice for olive oil, and because metal recycles forever, they are a sustainable choice too.

Whatever happens to food oil prices in the second half of 2025, the importance of protecting this essential commodity will remain the same, with quality packaging and a cool, dry storage environment being key.

Quality, trust and jobs keeps consumers shopping British Made, finds Nestlé research

British-made food and drink hold a unique place in the nation’s heart, and for today’s consumers, that sense of national pride is playing an increasingly important role in how they shop.

New research commissioned by Nestlé UK & Ireland reveals that national identity, quality and community impact are key drivers of brand loyalty and purchasing decisions. More than half of British consumers (52%) say they are more likely to purchase food and drink if it’s made in Britain, with 29% checking a product’s packaging to see if it’s ‘Made in Britain’ before buying.

Findings reveal this preference is rooted in quality and trust with three in five (61%) saying it’s the main reason they choose products made in Britain. Beyond that, shoppers also see British made goods as a way to invest in communities – 55% feel encouraged to buy British to support the British economy and 47% to sustain local jobs.

Almost half (48%) of Brits believe it is important iconic British brands continue to be manufactured here, highlighting the role these products play in national pride and everyday life. For over a quarter of respondents (28%) who purchase British-made goods, they represent more than just a name on shelves, but an extension of national identity.

The research forms part of Nestlé’s new ‘Good for Britain, Good for the Future’ campaign, shining a light on its deep-rooted connections to communities across the country.

Pioneer Alastair Hawken has become the first person in the UK to successfully grow ginger commercially. The owner of Grantham-based Hawkens

Gingerbread has cultivated ginger in hydroponic polytunnels - a breakthrough that could reduce the UK’s reliance on imports of the spice, as well as its hefty carbon footprint.

Alastair developed the soil-free system from scratch with the support of his neighbour, a local plumber. The successful pilot crop will be used in Britain’s first completely homegrown gingerbread later this year.

Alastair is now eyeing other spices that can be cultivated using the same soil-free system, such as turmeric. He has also begun collaborating with a flavour profile expert to identify native UK plants that can replicate popular spice flavours and replace other imports.

The innovative approach uses a flood-and-drain technique, where plants receive nutrient-rich water before draining to maximise oxygenation - a critical factor for ginger’s tropical growing conditions. To overcome Britain’s climate limitations, the system maintains steady warmth of between 25-30°C and humidity of 85%.

Future-Proofing the Industry: Why the UK Food & Drink Sector Needs a Bold New Talent Strategy

The UK food and drink industry is facing a critical workforce challenge. With labour shortages and growing skills gaps, the sector is rallying behind IGD’s Mmmake Your Mark initiative—a 2025 campaign aiming to attract the next generation of talent by showcasing the wide range of modern, rewarding careers available across the industry.

Support more young people into work, says FSB on GCSE results day

Young people deserve better than unemployment after spending years studying for their exams, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has warned on GCSE results day.

On the same day that thousands of young people found out their muchanticipated results, it was revealed that the number of 16 to 24-year-olds not in education, employment or training (NEET) across the UK is now 948,000.

This marks a 25,000 increase (2.7%) from the 923,000 recorded between January and March of this year. While many will be happy with the results they received today, many may be disappointed. The UK’s largest business group is

A Disconnect Between Youth Aspirations and Industry Awareness

New IGD research reveals a significant “guidance gap.” While many young people (61%) are passionate about creative and purpose-driven careers, they often overlook food and drink as

highlighting that whatever the grade, young people should be given opportunities to continue in education, start training or a job, or launch their own business.

FSB research shows that almost 60 per cent of young people are currently interested in owning a business, but only 16 per cent actually have a business or are in the process of setting one up.

The business group is now calling for the Government to back measures that open up routes into work, training or entrepreneurship – potentially helping 100,000 young people every year:

• Launch a New Traders Allowance, offering tailored support and increased payments to help them transition into

a viable option. One in five (19%) don’t realise the sector offers roles aligned with their passions—including careers in AI, sustainability, engineering, cybersecurity, and hospitality.

Parental influence plays a major role: 38% of young people cite parents or guardians as their biggest career influence, with 57% feeling pressured toward “safe” options like law, medicine, or finance—even when misaligned with their interests.

A Hidden Career Powerhouse

Despite employing 4.2 million people—over 1 in 8 UK jobs—the industry still struggles with perception. A striking 72% of young people don’t see it as a place to find purpose or gain essential skills, even though 78% have passions that could be fulfilled in this space.

entrepreneurship. The new scheme, which would be a more effective and ambitious replacement for the New Enterprise Allowance, should be available to all young people not currently in work.

• Introduce a new scheme based on the Future Jobs Fund, targeting those experiencing or at risk of long-term health related inactivity. This would include subsidised work experience to help young people out of work to get back into employment.

• Offer small employers a £3,000 incentive to hire an apprentice under 25. Almost half of small business employers say this would encourage them to take on apprentices, helping thousands more to invest in the next generation.

It’s crucial that pupils are given good quality careers guidance during their time at school, which includes advice about entrepreneurship. Just 35% of young people in England report having any exposure to enterprise education at secondary school, according to our previous research.

With the UK population expected to rise to 73.4 million by 2035, demand for food and drink will increase— making it even more urgent to secure a future-ready workforce.

Industry-Wide Call to Action

IGD is calling on businesses across the sector to support the Mmmake Your Mark campaign. Organisations are encouraged to:

• Share career stories and opportunities on social media

Training & Education News

• Use the hashtag #mmmakeyourmark and tag @mmmakeyourmark

• Access IGD’s toolkit of adaptable resources to promote roles and talent within their business

By taking part, companies can elevate their brand and contribute to a crossindustry movement that’s reshaping perceptions and building a resilient food system for the future.

FEA’s NextGen initiative: voice of the industry calls for voice for young people

FEA is calling on young people in the foodservice equipment industry to join together to make themselves heard. The Association has ambitious plans to help young professionals by supporting their careers, and to encourage more to join the industry. Key to this is the NextGen council – and FEA is asking young people to join it to create their own voice and help guide the industry’s future.

The NextGen plans are initially being put together by Greg Archer MBE (pictured below), chair of FEA’s education and training committee, and the association’s CE John Cunningham.

FEA is working on developing clear, tangible pathways into the sector for young people, with support for their career in terms of professional development and upskilling, plus the development

of social and networking opportunities for them.

Alongside the plans for advocacy and showcasing careers in the commercial kitchen equipment sector, the FEA is developing support around career pathways, training options and finding jobs so that there’s practical help for young people to build their careers in the sector.

The FEA’s Board is fully supporting the NextGen proposals – the next steps include finalising the funding, putting resources in place to deliver the plan and reaching out to young people who would like to be involved.

The FEA team is developing plans behind the scenes now and members can expect to hear more during the coming months, ahead of full details at the FEA Conference on 12th-13th November 2025.

Logistics Skills Should Be Prioritised To Boost Growth, Says Logistics UK

The omission of the logistics sector from Skills England’s “Assessment of priority skills to 2030”, published this week, is an oversight that could impact the government’s growth ambitions says Logistics UK’s Deputy Head of Policy Michelle Gardner:

“Skilled logistics careers underpin the growth-driving sectors identified in the government’s Industrial Strategy and Skills England’s assessment,” she says.

“For Skills England to overlook the role of logistics skills and occupations in the economy is highly disappointing.

“The government’s industrial strategy recognises that logistics makes a vital contribution to the UK economy and the competitiveness of its growthdriving sectors but, despite this, Skills England have failed to take our sector into account.

“We warned the government that not recognising logistics as “foundational” formally created a real danger of its value being overlooked in further policy, and this has now happened with skills assessment, which will seriously hamper the UK’s growth mission.

“We will continue to work with Skills England as it develops and refines its process for assessing skills and will be calling for the DfE to ensure the needs of the logistics sector and career opportunities it provides are represented in its upcoming “Post-16 Education and Skills Strategy”.

Langdon: 173 Years of Ingredient Expertise and Industry Foresight

As Langdon approaches its 175th anniversary, the company stands as a testament to longevity, adaptability, and enduring relevance in the global food ingredient trade.

Founded in 1852 by Henry Joseph Langdon, a young London merchant who boarded the ship Marlborough bound for Australia, what began as a general trading business dealing in everything from alcohol to buttons, gradually evolved into a global ingredients business.

Over the decades, Langdon has cultivated deep expertise in sourcing and supplying ingredients such as herbs, spices, dehydrated vegetables, botanicals, and functional ingredients. Today, that reputation is the foundation of a business that serves as a trusted trader to food and drink manufacturers across the UK and Ireland.

Built on values of quality, family, and strong supplier relationships, Langdon has grown into more than just an ingredient supplier. Its UK-based team offers a blend of technical insight and commercial agility, supporting manufacturers through every stage of product development, reformulation, and innovation. With a collaborative,

As food trends continue to shift and flow, from global flavours, the health and wellness boom, or the push toward natural and functional ingredients, Langdon’s role as a responsive, knowledgeable partner becomes ever more vital.

solutions-focused approach, Langdon positions itself as a go to partner for reliable sourcing and tailored ingredient solutions.

The company’s UK pantry is both broad and sophisticated, encompassing everything from M&S A List herbs and spices to fibres, flavour enhancers, and dehydrated fruits and vegetables, each selected to meet today’s dynamic consumer expectations. Whether the challenge is reducing sodium, enhancing flavour, or delivering on plant-based or clean-label targets, Langdon’s robust portfolio is supported by global sourcing teams and a network of long-standing supplier partnerships.

In an industry where transparency and sustainability are no longer optional, Langdon’s approach to ethical sourcing stands out. Many of its supplier relationships span decades, enabling the traceability and due diligence that modern food businesses demand. With growing scrutiny on environmental

and social impact, Langdon takes pride in upholding responsible sourcing practices that reinforce supply chain integrity.

As food trends continue to shift and flow, from global flavours, the health and wellness boom, or the push toward natural and functional ingredients, Langdon’s role as a responsive, knowledgeable partner becomes ever more vital. The business monitors market movements, ensuring its customers are equipped with the right ingredients to meet emerging trends and deliver products that resonate with every consumer demographic.

In the competitive and fast-evolving world of food manufacturing, Langdon is a trusted partner.

For more information visit: www.hjlangdon.com

Sustainable Palm Oil – Why Your Business Can’t Afford to Ignore It

From baking and confectionery to dairy products and deep frying, palm oil is one of the most popular ingredients in food manufacturing thanks to its versatility, functionality and long shelf life. But as environmental scrutiny on supply chains grows, and new legislation comes into force, so does the pressure for food manufacturers to ensure their palm oil and other fats and oils are sustainably sourced.

Why traceability matters

Sustainable sourcing is now a vital part of protecting your business, customers and preserving the environment. Transparency and traceability are two of the foundations in the food industry– you can’t make informed decisions unless you know exactly what’s in your supply chain and where it came from.

One of the drivers of the sustainability boom is a raft of incoming regulations. The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) comes into force at the end of 2025, requiring full traceability for a wide range of forest commodities, including palm oil. Similar rules like the UK Deforestation Regulation (UKDR /FRC) are expected to follow. The bottom line is that whether or not you sell in the EU, you need to act now to ensure future compliance.

Setting the standard

KTC Edibles has been a member of the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) since 2010 and, in 2022, became the first UK company to sign the Sustainable Palm Oil Manifesto,

There are no good or bad oil crops – only good and bad practices.

while we’re also a Sustainable Palm Oil Ambassador for Chester Zoo’s Sustainable Palm Oil Communities Project.

Since 2022, KTC has only supplied 100% RSPO-certified sustainable segregated palm oil and provides customers with all the data required to prove EUDR compliance. We’ve also secured an EUDR-compliant supply of soya oil and work closely with UK regulators and industry groups to anticipate and plan for changes in domestic legislation.

Debunking the boycott myth

The idea that palm oil is intrinsically ‘bad’, or should be boycotted, is simplistic and misleading. There are no good or bad oil crops – only good and bad practices. When it comes to sustainability, palm oil is often misunderstood. Palm is by far the world’s most efficient vegetable oil crop, producing more oil per hectare than any alternative. So when it’s produced sustainably, it’s by far the most efficient and effective oil on the market.

Replacing palm oil with other vegetable oils, such as soybean or sunflower, may seem like an easy win for reputation management – but it actually risks increasing net deforestation and agricultural land use elsewhere. In other words, a boycott simply shifts the environmental burden to another crop, often with worse outcomes.

The best alternative to palm oil is sustainable palm oil! Support certified sustainable palm oil production, improve smallholder livelihoods and raise the proportion of RSPO-certified

palm oil in the market. While globally, just 20% of palm oil is RSPO certified, in the UK, the figure is around 70%- but the real goal would be to push that figure closer to 100%.

What you should look for

For maximum sustainability impact, businesses should look for RSPOcertified Segregated (SG) and Identity Preserved (IP) palm oil. These guarantee that the oil is sourced only from certified mills and kept separate from non-certified material throughout the supply chain, offering the highest levels of traceability. This also makes it much easier to prove EUDR compliance.

Alongside palm, KTC also continually works to improve traceability for sunflower, rapeseed, and coconut oils – a challenge across commodity supply chains but essential for long-term sustainability.

As new regulations tighten and consumer expectations rise, the message is clear: sustainable palm oil isn’t just good ethics, it’s good business.

Pictured above: Gary Lewis, KTC Edibles

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