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FOOD AND DRINK

ISSN: 2056-8355

NETWORK UK

PPMA SHOW® 2026 The PPMA Show® 2026 hailed a hit by visitors with bookings underway for brand-new, reimagined 2027 event. Turn to page 11...

Volume 26 • Issue 11 • foodanddrinknetwork.co.uk

Meet the GeA SMArtPAcker c-Pro Productivity you can trust

Available November 2026

SmartPacker C-Pro sets a new benchmark in vertical packaging. Higher output, superior seal quality, minimal waste, and readiness for future digital and environmental challenges. Find out more inside.

A4 Layout.pdf

26/10/2026

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REDUCE YOUR CO2 FOOTPRINT AND OPERATING COSTS

CMY

www.smc.uk

Compressed air is often referred to as the 4th utility in industry. However, generating compressed air is a huge burden on power and therefore impacts operating costs as well as CO2 emissions.

By reducing the delivery pressure, it’s recognised that huge savings can be achieved. The shift to reducing facility pressure is already taking place at some large manufacturing plants.

Call 01908 563888 or email: sales.gb@smc.com for more cost saving information.

SMC - more than just pneumatics

Meet the GeA SMArtPAcker c-Pro Productivity you can trust

Available November 2026

SmartPacker C-Pro sets a new benchmark in vertical packaging. Higher output, superior seal quality, minimal waste, and readiness for future digital and environmental challenges. Find out more inside.

EDITORIAL:

Bridgeland copywright Business show media Envirovue Frame Agency Harford Control Ltd. - Specialist Writer Malaysian Palm Oil Council Neon Brand Communications Ocean Spray Ingredients Shepherd PR Think B2B Westmount360

ADVERTISEMENT SALES:

KIMBERLEY READ (Advertisement Sales Manager) JOANNE MURPHY

VOLUME 26 • ISSUE 11 Produced in Europe’s Food Town

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NEWS NETWORK

INGREDIENTS

ACCOUNTS & ADMINISTRATION: AMANDA WALMSLEY EVELYN WOOLSTON

SUSTAINABILITY

Preparing for mandatory digital waste tracking: How organisations can turn compliance into sustainability, efficiency and profitability gains

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WALTONS PUBLICATIONS LTD 46 HENEAGE ROAD, GRIMSBY N.E. LINCOLNSHIRE DN32 9ES

TELEPHONE: 01472 359036 EMAIL:

Kimberley Read at: kimberley@foodanddrinknetwork-uk.co.uk or Joanne Murphy at: joanne@foodanddrinknetwork-uk.co.uk

PALM OIL INDUSTRY

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12 issues - £84.00 (inc. postage) All rights reserved. No part of Food and Drink Network UK Magazine may be reproduced or stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form, electronic, mechanical or photocopying, without prior written permission of the publishers. The publishers do not accept responsibility for views expressed, or statements made, or in those reproduced from any other source. No responsibility is borne by the publishers for any errors made in any advertisement, or for claims made by any advertiser which are incorrect. The publishers cannot be held responsible for any breach of copyright arising from any material supplied. This includes copy, design and/or images.

Malaysia’s Palm Oil Industry: Balancing Growth, Innovation and Sustainability A two-day visit and the Malaysian Palm Oil Forum 2026 highlighted the industry’s focus on innovation, responsible cultivation and sustainability.

SPECIALIST VIEW

Discover How GS1 Digital Link Unlocks Brand Power on the Factory Floor

An article By Roy Green, Harford Control Ltd.

EXHIBITIONS

The PPMA Show® 2026 hailed a hit by visitors with bookings underway for brand-new, reimagined 2027 event

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS

METAL DETECTION

PROCESSING & AUTOMATION

18. Why efficient material handling is a crucial consideration for today’s food manufacturing businesses

What makes a Trailblazer? The judges’ thoughts

PACKAGING & LABELLING

By Hilton Campbell, UK MD, Interroll

19. Why Efficient Conveying Technology is Vital to Moder Food Manufacturing Are You Ready for the Retail Barcode Revolution?

Sarrina Crowley, Marketing Communications Manager, Mettler Toledo

Find us on LinkedIn

TWITTER:

Taking the Pressure Off Food and Beverage Manufacturing

Managing Contamination Risk Across the Food Production Line

WEBSITE:

@fdnetworkuk

Meeting the new packaging demands faced by food manufacturers

Ocean Spray® Cranberry Concentrates Deliver Superfruit Wellness Benefits, Bold Flavor, and Formulation Flexibility Manufacturers Need

PACKAGING & PROCESSING

COMPRESSED AIR TECHNOLOGY

GRAPHICS STUDIO:

RACHEL RILEY - Manager

FOOD PROCESSING & MANUFACTURING

20. Tennant Rubber - The Right Solution for Every Application 22. Why the right materials matter in food and beverage manufacturing

Baked to Grow: How DoughGirl Scaled Without Compromising Quality

EXPORT MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE

Software to simplify your export shipment processing for faster, easier and more accurate export documentation

News Network

General

New trade body CEO raises awareness of support for the safe use of industrial gases in the food and drink sector The national trade body representing members supplying compressed gases to the food and drink sector, has appointed a new CEO.

Graeme Craig has joined the British Compressed Gases Association as Chief Executive Officer, leading the national trade body’s operations across the UK. One of Graeme’s key actions in the role is to demonstrate to the food and drink sectors the relevance of the work BCGA and its members carry out in safety, standards, and best practice. Graeme said: “Governed strictly by food safety standards, industrial gases are critical to the food and drink sector, underpinning processes including carbonation, packaging, preservation, product aeration, and beverage dispensing.

“BCGA’s mission is to ensure safety in the use, storage, transportation and handling of these gases and the respected publications we produce

Tobermory Distillery brings together classic and limited-edition whiskies for Christmas 2026 This Christmas, Tobermory Distillery is bringing together four whiskies from its two house styles: the bright, unpeated character of Tobermory and the sweeter, smokier style of Ledaig. The Christmas 2026 range runs from the classic Tobermory 12 Year Old to limited releases from The Lores of Mull, a collection inspired by the island’s myths and legends. Tobermory 12 Year Old | £47 The distillery’s signature single malt, Tobermory 12 Year Old is the natural starting point for the range. Rich, fruity and unpeated, it has a bright, approachable character while still offering the depth expected from a single malt. That makes it an easy gift for someone discovering Tobermory, but equally suited to an established whisky drinker looking for a classic bottle from Mull. At £47, it is also the most accessible expression in the Christmas collection and a good introduction to Tobermory’s fruitier house style. Tobermory: The Whispers of Burg | The Lores of Mull Collection | £90 Ledaig: Ban-fhàidh’s Rebirth | The Lores of Mull Collection | £70 Ledaig Castaway | £65 Ledaig Castaway offers another expression of the distillery’s signature style. A marriage of rum and tequila cask maturation - the first of its kind for the brand - adds exotic depth to Ledaig’s peated profile. Sweet, smoky and robust, it is aimed at drinkers who already enjoy richer, more heavily flavoured whiskies and want something beyond the core range. To view the Tobermory and Ledaig collections, visit: https://tobermorydistillery.com or shop the range in Master of Malt, The Whisky Exchange or The Whisky Shop.

are key to supporting that. “The information includes codes of practice, guidance notes, technical reports and technical information sheets, as well as leaflets, safety alerts and industry information, all of which is free to download. “The BCGA’s Technical Sub Committees oversee their production, drawing on a wealth of experience and insight to offer safe practice information and technical support. “We’d strongly urge professionals in the food and drink industries to add this information, at Publications - BCGA to their resources.”

ANAVRIN Kitchen: A World of Flavour, Wrapped in a Samosa From Indian butter chicken to Mexican-inspired chipotle beans, ANAVRIN Kitchen is taking the humble samosa on an international journey. Based in Cambridge, the independent food business creates handmade gourmet samosas with a simple promise: air-fried, never deep-fried. Founder Lavanya Sarikonda balances a full-time career at a software company with motherhood and a growing food business. Evenings and weekends bring a different kind of creativity: preparing fillings, folding samosas and welcoming customers at local markets. ANAVRIN is “Nirvana” spelt backwards, capturing the pleasure and discovery Lavanya hopes to share through her food. The brand’s boardingpass theme invites customers on a culinary journey, with internationally inspired fillings turning each samosa into a new flavour destination. Butter chicken is a firm crowd favourite, while pesto chicken with mozzarella and spinach is especially popular with children. The menu also features comforting potato and peas, rich paneer butter masala, beef bologneseinspired samosas, and Mexican-inspired kidney beans with chipotle and chargrilled vegetables. Vegan, vegetarian and meat varieties invite families and friends to mix, share and discover their favourites. Alongside the samosas, ANAVRIN serves freshly prepared chicken dum biryani. Frozen samosas are also available for finishing in an oven or air fryer, making them convenient for meals, celebrations and entertaining. Frequently selling out at local markets, ANAVRIN has built an enthusiastic following through regular appearances at St Neots and Haslingfield. Customer conversations and encouraging feedback continue to shape the business. Features in the Cambridge Independent and Foodepedia have shared its story with a wider audience. Approaching its first anniversary this November, ANAVRIN is ready to explore new partnerships. Lavanya would love to hear from independent retailers, cafés, pubs, venues and corporate teams interested in stocking the samosas, arranging catering or collaborating on tasting events. From office lunches to Christmas gatherings, the range brings variety to a sharing menu. Complimentary tastings can be arranged for prospective business partners. Inspired by the response so far, Lavanya dreams of taking her handmade creations beyond Cambridge, inviting people across the globe to explore a world of flavours wrapped in a samosa. Good Food. Good Karma. Taste of Nirvana. www.anavrin.kitchen

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News Network

General

Remedy goes festive with limited-edition Merry Cherry No-sugar kombucha gives shoppers balance at Christmas – and gives retailers a seasonal reason to recruit new shoppers into better-for-you drinks.

Remedy, the UK’s number one kombucha brand, is bringing festive innovation to retail with the launch of Merry Cherry: a new limited-edition kombucha made for the season of festive indulgence.

Juicy cherry meets nostalgic notes of white chocolate, raspberry and biscuit, with a light fizz, no sugar and just five calories per serve. Merry cherry is long age brewed for 30 days and is naturally sugar-free, vegan and gluten-free. It’s available in a 700ml sharing bottle (RRP. £2.95) from Sainsbury’s, Ocado and online at remedydrinks.co.uk. Giving Back at Christmas Remedy has partnered with Social Bite for the launch, donating 10p from every bottle sold to the charity, which supports people experiencing homelessness and food poverty. Shoppers can make an additional donation via the QR code on pack.

EDEKA expands logistics automation at meat-processing facility with AI-powered robots from KNAPP

The AI-supported robots pick individual meat products fully automatically © KNAPP/ Niederwieser

The EDEKA NORDfrische facility in Lüttow-Valluhn © KNAPP/ Niederwieser

German supermarket group EDEKA is expanding the automated logistics solution at its meat-processing facility with two Pick-it-Easy Robots from KNAPP. The AI-powered robots improve the efficiency, flexibility and resilience of the retailer’s supply chain, laying the foundation for future growth. EDEKA’s NORDfrische distribution centre in Lüttow-Valluhn, east of Hamburg, features an automated logistics system supplied by KNAPP back in 2019. The processing facility supplies around 650 stores with some 2,500 fresh meat, sausage and deli meat products every day. Now the system has been expanded with the integration of two robots that operate 24/7 to pick individual items fully automatically, relieving employees from physically strenuous tasks. Reliable fulfilment Thanks to their AI-supported image-processing systems and intelligent picking technology, the Pick-it-Easy Robots recognise and handle a wide variety of fresh meat products reliably. With a performance of around 450 picks per robot per hour, the solution supports fulfilment that is efficient, scalable and available around the clock. The robots also perform other steps in the picking process, such as scanning barcodes and recording the weight of each item. In this way, they reduce manual tasks and further improve process quality. “Despite our large range of products, we are able to pick a wide variety of items efficiently with the Pick-it-Easy Robot,” says Matthias Biermann, Managing Director of the EDEKA NORDfrische facility. “At the same time, we can ensure 24/7 picking if necessary and take the strain off our employees.” Future-proof solutions “The Pick-it-Easy Robot increases our independence and strengthens our supply chain resilience,” Biermann concludes. “We can pick 24/7 at all times, regardless of external influences. That’s an important factor for the future of our company.” KNAPP UK Tel: 01865 965 000 | www.knapp.com

Santino Luciano, newly appointed Managing Director UK & Europe says: “Christmas is one of the biggest moments of the year for retailers to create excitement and give shoppers a reason to buy something different. Merry Cherry is our answer: a genuinely festive, no-sugar kombucha in a format built for sharing. When people are over-indulging, it’s a great way to bring a little balance.”

To find out more about Remedy, visit remedydrinks.co.uk Or follow the story on Instagram @remedydrinks and on TikTok @remedydrinks

HECK! targets meal solutions growth with Easy Mince launch New range rolls into Tesco, Asda and Ocado as brand expands beyond core meat products

HECK! is expanding beyond its core sausage, burger and meatball offer with the launch of a new Easy Mince range, marking the brand’s move into the growing mealtime solutions space and targeting shoppers looking to create popular family dishes with less preparation. Rolling out at Tesco, Asda and Ocado this month, the range comprises three ready-to-cook products designed to give time-pressed cooks a head start on three favourite family midweek meals: spaghetti Bolognese, cottage pie and chilli con carne. Easy Beef & Pork Bolognese, Easy Beef Cottage Pie and Easy Chicken Chilli Con Carne (£6 / 500g) bridge the gap between raw mince and ready meals. Each combines pre-prepared, seasoned meat and vegetables with just a couple of additional store cupboard ingredients needed to complete the dish, offering a convenient shortcut without losing the flexibility and experience of home cooking. HECK! co-founder Jamie Keeble says: “Mince is one of the most versatile and cost-effective proteins, but shoppers still need to decide what to make with it and then buy, prepare and measure everything else. With Easy Mince, we’re giving consumers a head start on meals they already know and love, helping remove the hassle from midweek cooking without sacrificing the experience of making dinner from scratch.” The Easy Mince range: Easy Chicken Chilli Con Carne Mince: A lighter twist on a traditional family favourite, combining lean chicken breast and thigh with red pepper, kidney beans, onion, seasoning and spices to provide a quick route to a wholesome chilli. 500g / £6 / Asda and Ocado. Easy Beef & Pork Bolognese Mince: Takes the guesswork out of making one of Britain’s best-loved midweek dinners, combining seasoned beef and pork with lentils, tomato and herbs for a rich, authentic flavour. 500g / £6 / Tesco, Asda and Ocado. Easy Beef Cottage Pie Mince: A short cut to a comfort food classic, combining lean British beef with peas, carrots, onion, tomato puree and seasoning, to create a rich, flavour-packed filling. 500g / £6 / Tesco.

foodanddrinknetwork.co.uk | 03

Ocean Spray

Ocean Spray® Cranberry Concentrates Deliver Superfruit Wellness Benefits, Bold Flavor, and Formulation Flexibility Manufacturers Need Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc., the agricultural cooperative owned by approximately 700 family farmers, is showcasing how its 100%-fruit cranberry concentrates help beverage manufacturers meet growing consumer demand for products that deliver both great taste and functional benefits. With their bold flavor, vibrant natural color, and science-backed credentials, cranberry concentrates offer a versatile solution for creating beverages that resonate with today’s health-conscious consumers. Multi-System Support Backed by Science

Metabolic and Gut Health

Urinary Tract Health

Whether brands choose to spotlight a specific health benefit or the full spectrum of cranberry’s functional advantages, Ocean Spray® Cranberry Concentrates provide a unique combination of science-backed attributes that resonate with today’s health-conscious consumers.

As consumers seek beverages that deliver meaningful health benefits without compromising on clean, simple labels, formulators are increasingly turning to ingredients that provide multiple advantages in a single package. Cranberry concentrate stands apart as a true superfruit ingredient, offering a broad spectrum of benefits: One of the cranberry’s most widely recognized benefits is its role in supporting urinary tract health. This reputation is well supported by science. Cranberry concentrates contain bioactive phytonutrients, including proanthocyanidins (PACs), which research has shown can help prevent bacteria such as E. coli from adhering to the urinary tract. However, urinary tract support is just one of the many functional advantages offered by Ocean Spray® Cranberry Concentrates.

Nutrients & Heart Healthy Nutrients

In addition to PACs, cranberry concentrates contain a variety of nutrients that align with consumer health priorities, including vitamins, minerals, and gut-friendly oligosaccharides, which are non-digestible carbohydrates. Research also suggests that beverages made with cranberry concentrate may support cardiovascular health by helping improve blood pressure, reduce blood lipid levels, and decrease markers of inflammation.

Polyphenol Antioxidants

Cranberry concentrates are also a natural source of polyphenol antioxidants. Diets rich in polyphenols have been associated with overall wellness and enhanced antioxidant activity. These antioxidant compounds contribute to the broad health profile consumers increasingly seek from functional foods and beverages.

Metabolic health and weight management remain key consumer priorities, and cranberry concentrates offer benefits in these areas as well. Naturally low in sugar, cranberry concentrate has also been associated with beneficial effects on gut microbiome balance. Together, these attributes can support digestive health and broader metabolic wellness.

A Powerful Opportunity for Modern Beverage Innovation

As consumers continue to seek products that deliver functional benefits, cranberry concentrates offer a compelling solution. By combining flavor, functionality, and science-backed benefits, they enable manufacturers to create beverages that help consumers feel resilient, balanced, and ready to take on the demands of daily life. Request a sample or learn more at: www.oceanspray.com/ingredients-concentrates.

About Ocean Spray® Ingredients

Ocean Spray® Ingredients offers a variety of cranberry solutions including Sweetened Dried Cranberries (whole, sliced, diced, double diced), BerryFusions® Dried Fruits, frozen cranberries, cranberry puree, cranberry concentrate, and cranberry seeds. The Ocean Spray Ingredients portfolio offers striking color and texture, works well with both sweet and savory flavors, provides a cost-effective solution vs. other dried fruit, and delivers nutritional benefits today’s consumers are seeking.

SCAN TO WATCH

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Ingredients

Cranberry Concentrate FOR BETTER BEVERAGES

Cran-tastic Goodness in Every Drop SUPERFRUIT POWER

Provides nutrients and bioactives including vitamin C, fiber, minerals, and polyphenols

GREAT TASTE

Refreshing, full-bodied flavor that delights

BLENDS WELL

Pairs perfectly with other fruits for versatile and delicious combinations

NATURAL COLOR

Bright eye-catching hue that adds visual appeal and vibrancy

SUSTAINABLY GROWN. INNOVATION READY. Fuel your next beverage launch with Ocean Spray® Ingredients, where bold flavor meets trusted expertise. As part of a vibrant agricultural cooperative of nearly 700 family farms across the U.S., Canada, and Chile, we bring deep-rooted cranberry knowledge and impactful consumer insights to your innovation funnel. Plus, we’re proud to be the first fruit cooperative globally to earn sustainably grown verification, a testament to our commitment to people and planet.

ONE INGREDIENT. ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES. From energizing smoothies to soothing teas, cranberry concentrate brings bold flavor and nutrients to every sip.

Whether blended into juices, stirred into cocktails and mocktails, or added to functional shots, it’s a smart ingredient that adapts to today’s most popular beverage formats and can be part of a daily wellness routine. foodanddrinknetwork.co.uk | 05

Malaysian Palm Oil Council Familiarisation Visit / Forum 2026

Malaysia’s Palm Oil Industry:

Balancing Growth, Innovation and Sustainability As global demand for palm oil continues, Malaysia faces the challenge of maintaining its position as a leading producer while addressing growing environmental concerns. A two-day familiarisation visit and the Malaysian Palm Oil Forum 2026 provided an opportunity to explore how the industry is responding through innovation, responsible cultivation and a greater emphasis on sustainability. The story of Malaysia’s palm oil industry began far from Southeast Asia. Originally native to West Africa, the oil palm was introduced to Malaysia during the nineteenth century as an ornamental plant. Its commercial potential was eventually recognised, with Henri Fauconnier pioneering plantation cultivation in 1917. Today, Malaysia is the world’s second-largest palm oil producer, supplying an extensive range of products and derivatives to international markets. The fruit provides two distinct oils: palm oil extracted from its fibrous outer flesh and palm kernel oil obtained from the seed. Their different properties make them valuable ingredients across food manufacturing and numerous other industries.

Extensive land use can contribute to soil degradation, erosion and pressure on natural habitats, particularly where forests have been cleared or agricultural land is poorly managed. Finding ways to improve productivity without further environmental damage is therefore increasingly important, whilst combating solistalgia.

With international trade relationships changing and environmental expectations increasing, maintaining competitiveness requires more than production capacity alone. This was a central theme of the Malaysian Palm Oil Forum 2026, held under the banner Sustainable Growth in the Era of Geopolitical Realignment. International journalists were invited by the Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) to attend the forum and participate in a familiarisation visit, gaining insight into the industry’s efforts to improve sustainability, traceability and technological development. Established to promote Malaysian palm oil internationally, MPOC plays an important role in communicating industry developments and supporting responsible production. However, the environmental challenges associated with large-scale cultivation remain significant.

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One approach involves supporting smallholder farmers through improved agricultural practices, training and technology. Smaller farming operations can benefit from coordinated cultivation, improved soil management and techniques such as biochar application, which may help maintain soil quality and improve long-term productivity.

Palm Oil Industry

Certification and traceability are equally important. By strengthening records of land use, encouraging responsible cultivation and providing assistance to smaller producers, the industry aims to improve accountability throughout the supply chain. Organisations such as Wild Asia are also contributing through programmes that support smallholders and encourage more environmentally responsible farming. Innovation extends beyond cultivation. FGV Holdings Berhad demonstrates how research and development can support greater efficiency and product diversification. Alongside established consumer brands such as SAJI cooking oil, its operations encompass oleochemicals, biodiesel and opportunities to convert plantation waste into renewable energy.

Environmental conservation remains another critical consideration. Across Peninsular Malaysia, species including the Malayan tiger, Asian elephant and mainland clouded leopard face pressures from habitat loss and fragmentation. On Borneo, orangutans, Sunda clouded leopards and Bornean pygmy elephants highlight the importance of protecting forest ecosystems. Conservation initiatives involving MPOC and its affiliates aim to support biodiversity protection and more responsible land management. Meanwhile, recurring forest fires and the resulting haze affecting parts of Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia underline the wider regional consequences of environmental degradation.

Palm oil’s versatility remains one of its greatest commercial strengths. It is widely used in biscuits, chocolate, instant noodles, chilli oil, lipstick, mayonnaise and cooking oils, providing manufacturers with a functional and adaptable ingredient. Its applications also extend into biodiesel production, offering an alternative feedstock for renewable fuel, although questions surrounding land use and overall environmental impact remain important.

Under the leadership of Chairman Dato’ Carl Bek-Nielsen and Chief Executive Officer Ms Belvinder Sron, MPOC continues to promote an industry seeking to balance commercial growth with increasing expectations for environmental responsibility. The two-day visit highlighted both the importance of palm oil to Malaysia’s economy and the considerable work still required. Ultimately, the industry’s future will depend not simply on how much it produces, but on how effectively it can demonstrate that economic progress, innovation and environmental protection can coexist.

SCAN HERE TO WATCH HIGHLIGHTS:

MPOC/MPOF Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 2026

Research into palm-derived compounds is opening further possibilities. Tocotrienols, naturally occurring forms of vitamin E, have attracted scientific interest for their potential antioxidant properties and possible health applications, although further research is needed to establish their benefits.

Food and Drink Network would like to thank the Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) and its affiliates for their hospitality and for organising the Malaysian Palm Oil Familiarisation Visit for Journalists and MPOC Forum 2026. Special thanks go to Nur Najiah Harun, our representative throughout the visit, for her assistance and support.

foodanddrinknetwork-uk.co.uk | 07

Are You Ready for the Retail Barcode Revolution? Discover How GS1 Digital Link Unlocks Brand Power on the Factory Floor An article by Roy Green, Harford Control Ltd. November 2026 Following successful exhibitions at both PPMA Show and Anuga FoodTec India, the Harford Control team has returned with a clear takeaway from discussions with manufacturing leaders worldwide: the global shift to GS1 barcode serialisation is moving faster than most packaging lines are prepared for. From Birmingham to Mumbai, food, beverage, and FMCG manufacturers are realising that the migration to GS1 barcodes isn’t merely a supply chain mandate. It represents the biggest evolution in packaging and brand technology for half a century.

50 Years of the UPC-EAN: The End of an Era For over five decades, the standard linear 1D barcode (UPC/EAN) has served as the foundational workhorse for global commerce, retail checkout, and basic inventory tracking. While revolutionary for its time, the traditional

08 | foodanddrinknetwork.co.uk

1D barcode is structurally limited. It functions purely as a lookup key, a static string of digits pointing to a price in a checkout database for example, or a stock reference. Classic UPC includes: GS1 Company Prefix + Item Reference + Check Digit This simple string tells a point-of-sale scanner what the item is, but nothing about when it was made, where it came from, or how safe it is to consume. As modern supply chains and consumer expectations evolve, this simple setup has hit the buffers.

The Next Generation: Modern 2D QR Codes with GS1 Digital Link Enter the GS1 Digital Link. By embedding GS1 syntax into a standard web URL structure and delivering it via a high-density 2D QR code, a single scan transforms packaging into a dynamic, multi-dimensional gateway. Modern GS1 Digital Link includes: GTIN (Includes UPC Data) + Product URL + Product Variant & Serial Numbers + Manufacturing Batch & Lot Code + Production, Sell by & Expiration Dates.

Instead of requiring separate QR codes for marketing campaigns, 1D barcodes for POS checkout, and DataMatrix codes for warehouse tracking, a single GS1-compliant 2D QR code does it all.

Unlocking Consumer Engagement By linking physical packaging directly to web resources, brands gain unprecedented opportunities for direct-to-consumer interaction: • Real-Time Transparency: Instantly display allergen information, dietary certifications, nutritional values, and carbon footprint metrics. • Interactive Marketing: Launch targeted loyalty programs, recipe suggestions, and promotional campaigns without altering physical artwork. • Anti-Counterfeiting & Authenticity: Allow consumers to verify product provenance and genuine batch origination directly via their smartphones.

Specialist View

Harford Control Ltd.

Brand Challenges & Opportunities While the business opportunities are vast, transitioning to dynamic 2D barcodes presents real operational hurdles for brand managers and packaging directors alike.

Brand Opportunities

Operational Challenges

Enhanced Consumer Engagement: One scan connects shoppers to rich digital media, recipes, and brand stories.

High Data Complexity: Shifting from static artwork to dynamic, line level data printing increases error potential.

Precision Recalls: Target specific bad batches instantly without pulling entire product lines off retail shelves.

Strict Print Quality Standards: Dense 2D QR codes require flawless print contrast; even minor ink smudges can render packs unscannable.

Dynamic Shelf-Life Control: Prevent sales of expired goods automatically at checkout and manage dynamic markdowns.

Line Speed & OEE Impact: Inadequate inline camera inspection systems slow production or cause false rejections.

How Harford Control Helps You Lead the Shift Navigating the transition from simple 1D linear codes to high-density, dynamic GS1 Digital Link 2D codes requires total control over your packaging line. That’s where Harford Control steps in. As demonstrated live at PPMA and Anuga FoodTec India, our end-to-end Manufacturing Execution System (MES) eliminates the risk of 2D migration across three core pillars: 1. Automated Data Orchestration (Autocoding) Harford’s Autocoding system connects your line printers directly to your central ERP or specification database. Dynamic batch numbers, serial digits, and shelf-life logic are automatically compiled into the correct GS1 Digital Link syntax, eliminating manual operator entry errors entirely. 2. 100% Inline 2D Vision Verification Our vision systems scan and validate

every single 2D barcode on the line in real time. Harford checks both data accuracy (matching the printed string against master data) and print quality grading (ensuring readability at retail checkout and by consumer smartphones). Defective packs are ejected automatically before leaving your site. 3. Integrated Line Protection & OEE Optimisation Rather than treating coding as an isolated step, Harford integrates vision inspection directly with overall line performance metrics. If an inkjet printer drifts out of tolerance or runs out of ink, operators are instantly alerted with root cause feedback, protecting product compliance without sacrificing line efficiency.

Don’t let coding complexity compromise your line efficiency.

Talk to the Harford Control team today to discover how our integrated Autocoding and Inline Inspection solutions future-proof your packaging operations for the GS1 Digital Link. Website: www.harfordcontrol.com Email: info@harfordcontrol.com Phone: +44 (0) 1225 764461

Ready to Upgrade Your Packaging Lines? Whether you met us in Birmingham or Mumbai or are reviewing your GS1 compliance roadmap from your factory floor, the clock is ticking toward full 2D retail adoption.

foodanddrinknetwork.co.uk | 09

Specialist View

Harford Control Ltd.

The GS1 Barcode Revolution Classic 1D Barcode

GS1 Barcode

GS1 Company Prefix Item Reference Check Digit

Full Traceability Stop Retail Fines Automated Expiry Control Targeted Recalls D2C Digital Connection

GTIN (incl. UPC data) Product URL Product Variant Serial Numbers Batch & Lot Code Production, Sell by & Expiration Dates

THE CLOCK IS TICKING. Let Harford Control help with your GS1 barcode migration. Don’t let a labelling error or a traceability gap threaten your future. Move beyond simple compliance toward operational excellence with Harford Control.

Talk to a GS1 Specialist +44 (0)1225 764461 info@harfordcontrol.com www.harfordcontrol.com

10 | foodanddrinknetwork.co.uk

PPMA Show® 2026

Exhibitions

The PPMA Show® 2026 hailed a hit by visitors with bookings underway for brand-new, reimagined 2027 event The PPMA Show® 2026 has closed to superb feedback from visitors, while organisers Automate UK have reported an enthusiastic response to the comprehensive, co-located event taking its place next year.

The UK’s biggest processing and packaging machinery, robotics and industrial vision event took place at the NEC, Birmingham, from 22-24 September, showcasing more than 350 exhibitors and 1,500 brands alongside an extensive programme of innovation and expertise from guest speakers. Automate UK Chief Operating Officer Scott McKenna said the team was thrilled with feedback from exhibitors and visitors during the Show’s 39th year, and proud to have created an environment that inspired new generations, engaged industry professionals and showcased the next phase of innovation. As expected, keynote addresses from Dr Kevin Fong, Jeremy Schwartz and Martin McCourt generated record attendance, while the seminar programme also attracted strong visitor engagement throughout the three-day event.

The Show also provided the official platform to launch Automate UK Week, the organisation’s first combined exhibition, taking place from 28-30 September 2027. Marking 40 years of Automate UK hosting leading industrial automation events, Automate UK Week will bring its award-winning PPMA and UK Automation Shows together under one roof, creating an integrated, future-focused event reflecting the industry’s evolving needs. Taking place across two halls at the NEC, the event will cover every aspect influencing the industry, from traditional manufacturing, processing and packaging applications to AMRs, warehouse automation, logistics systems and the enabling technologies surrounding them, supporting Automate UK’s commitment to showcasing innovation, developing connections and supporting growth across the sector. Scott said Automate UK Week had been in development for a long time and that discussions with exhibitors and visitors during PPMA Show® 2026 had generated an extremely positive response. A significant number of exhibitors have already taken advantage of early-bird booking rates to secure prime positions at the new event, demonstrating early industry support for the reimagined format. By co-locating its flagship shows to create a ‘super-show’, Automate UK aims to establish a one-stop shop for industrial automation in the UK, enabling exhibitors and visitors to maximise their experience and achieve the best possible return on investment. Automate UK Week will take place in Halls 1 and 5 at the NEC, Birmingham, from 28-30 September 2027. For further details and to book, visit: https://www.automate-uk.com/what-wedo/events-exhibitions/automate-uk-week-2027/ foodanddrinknetwork-uk.co.uk | 11

Exhibitions

Keymac Packaging Systems

CARTONING EXPERTS. SLEEVING SPECIALISTS.

Keymac Packaging Systems design, manufacture and service a full line of primary packaging machines aimed at the food and non-food industries worldwide.

Automatic Sleeving

End Load Cartoning

Top Load Cartoning

Custom / Ancillary Equipment

A range of fully automatic and compact Sleevers developed for the ready meals, fresh produce and chilled foods industries.

A range of end load cartoners with both semi-automatic and fully automatic product loading options.

Top load carton forming and closing machines for the confectionary, bakery and frozen food industries.

We also offer custom conveyor and product handling design and manufacturing services.

Designed and manufactured in the UK & USA for worldwide markets

Keymac Packaging Systems Ltd 28b Burnett Business Park, Gypsy Lane, Keynsham, Bristol BS31 2ED, UK +44 (0) 1179 865417 | sales@keymac.co.uk www.keymac.co.uk 12 | foodanddrinknetwork.co.uk

Sustainability

Envirovue

Preparing for mandatory digital waste tracking: How organisations can turn compliance into sustainability, efficiency and profitability gains The way businesses across the UK manage waste is changing as the UK government moves towards heightened environmental responsibility and transparency. This October, the UK government began rolling out its mandatory digital waste tracking initiative, requiring companies to record their waste movements throughout the supply chain. Recycling and sustainability can no longer be approached as an optional extra. Growing environmental scrutiny and tightening regulation is forcing businesses to take a more proactive approach. Against a backdrop of increasing waste crime and illegal dumping, mandatory waste tracking will replace an outdated method of waste management that can be easily manipulated with a system that gives real time updates and leaves a digital trail. Emma Cooke, Operations Manager at tech-specialist firm Envirovue, discusses how organisations can be more prepared for mandatory digital waste tracking and the impact of digitisation on sustainability, compliance, profitability and efficiency. The sustainability challenge facing modern operations The UK generates around 40 million tonnes of waste, accounting for more than 13 percent of national emissions1, meaning that the need for smarter and more circular waste strategies is urgent. Many organisations generate significant volumes of waste, general office waste, by product waste and various operational waste depending on the sector or type of business. Those that can demonstrate strong environmental credentials are better positioned to secure high-value contracts and maintain long-term competitiveness. Yet sustainability initiatives are often perceived as costly and complex to implement, with unclear returns. In reality, some of the most effective gains come from better visibility and incremental change. In a 2026 report the UK government recorded that there was a nine percent increase in fly-tipping incidents in England in 2024/25, rising from 1.15 million incidentws in 2023/24 to 1.26 million incidents2. This legislation has the potential to address illegal dumping and waste crimes by creating greater transparency for waste management. All businesses handling waste, from the producer to sorting facilities will have clear roles and responsibilities streamlining the waste management process and making it easier to track. Implementing waste tracking The UK Government’s digital waste tracking initiative represents a significant step towards greater transparency and accountability. By capturing accurate, real-time data on where waste originates, how it is transported and where it ends up, how it is recycled, organisations can identify inefficiencies, reduce environmental impact and optimise resource use.

Emma Cooke

OPERATIONS MANAGER ENVIROVUE

Envirovue’s cloud-based portal enables businesses to bring together all waste data and management routes into a single, central system. This ensures waste is handled appropriately and disposed of in full compliance with regulations. By accurately identifying and segregating different waste types, each stream can be managed and processed in line with its specific requirements. One example is Oadby Plastics, one of the UK’s largest independent plastics suppliers, which has significantly strengthened its sustainability performance through a targeted waste tracking strategy. Working in partnership with Envirovue since August 2024, the company has implemented a robust system to monitor, manage and minimise waste across its production processes and facilities. The results have been substantial, with Oadby Plastics having achieved 99 percent landfill diversion and reached carbon neutral waste status, while also putting more than 1,100 tonnes of production waste back into the supply chain since the start of 2023. Crucially, the introduction of detailed waste visibility has enabled the business to identify inefficiencies within its CNC manufacturing processes, a traditionally waste-intensive area, and take targeted action to improve material yield and reduce unnecessary loss. This example demonstrates how combining digital waste tracking can not only assist business with complying with the digital waste tracking mandate but also with practical operational changes can turn sustainability from a perceived cost into improved efficiency, supporting wider compliance and strengthening environmental credentials at the same time. Prioritising people and process Technology alone cannot deliver meaningful change without engagement from employees, supported by clear processes and shared accountability. Education plays a critical role and teams must understand the importance of correct waste segregation and be equipped with the knowledge to identify and handle different materials appropriately. Training in waste identification, handling procedures and compliance requirements is essential. Looking ahead As regulatory expectations increase, waste tracking and targeted digital tools offer a scalable pathway to more sustainable operations. By starting small, focusing on high-impact areas and using data intelligently, organisations can demonstrate measurable progress without significant upfront investment — turning sustainability from a challenge into a strategic advantage. To find out more about Envirovue, please visit: envirovue.io

Sources: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/uk-waste-data/uk-statistics-on-waste https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/fly-tipping-statistics-for-england/fly-tipping-statistics-for-england-2024-to-2025?

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Compressed Air Technology

Taking the Pressure Off Food and Beverage Manufacturing With energy costs, sustainability targets and production efficiency continuing to influence investment decisions, food and beverage manufacturers are looking more closely at the systems supporting their operations. Compressed air is one area where relatively small adjustments can deliver meaningful improvements in performance, operating costs and environmental impact. Compressed air plays an essential role across food and beverage production, powering everything from pneumatic equipment and automated handling systems to packaging machinery, filling lines and process control. Despite its importance, it can also be one of the more energy-intensive utilities within a manufacturing facility, particularly when systems are operating at unnecessarily high pressures. For manufacturers working to reduce energy consumption without compromising productivity, understanding how compressed air is generated, distributed and used is becoming increasingly important. Excessive pressure, undetected leaks and inefficient equipment can all contribute to unnecessary energy expenditure, often without any obvious impact on day-to-day production. Reducing operating pressure to the level actually required by individual applications can help address these inefficiencies. Rather than maintaining a consistently high pressure throughout a facility, a more considered approach allows manufacturers to match air supply to operational demand. This can reduce wasted energy while supporting reliable equipment performance. However, improving efficiency is not simply about lowering pressure. Modern manufacturing environments increasingly benefit from intelligent monitoring technologies that provide greater visibility of compressed air consumption and system behaviour. By monitoring pressure, flow and temperature, manufacturers can gain a clearer understanding of how their equipment performs under different production conditions.

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This information can also support a shift towards condition-based maintenance. Instead of relying entirely on scheduled inspections or responding when equipment fails, maintenance teams can use operational data to identify developing issues before they result in costly interruptions.

Sta

Sw ope

For food and beverage producers, where production schedules are often demanding and unplanned downtime can have significant consequences, this ability to anticipate maintenance requirements offers considerable value. It can help protect productivity, reduce unnecessary interventions and support more consistent manufacturing operations. Digital connectivity is also creating opportunities for greater control, allowing compressed air systems to respond more effectively to changing production requirements. During periods of reduced activity, equipment can be managed to limit unnecessary consumption, helping manufacturers avoid wasting energy when full operating capacity is not required. As the industry continues to balance commercial pressures with environmental responsibilities, compressed air efficiency deserves greater attention. Combining appropriate pressure management with intelligent monitoring and proactive maintenance provides a practical route towards lower operating costs, improved reliability and more sustainable production. For manufacturers, the opportunity lies not necessarily in producing more compressed air, but in making better use of what is already available.

CMY

AMS Advert - New Branding.pdf

Standby regulator

Switch pessure between operation and standby

24/06/2025

12:52

Residual pressure relief valve

Secondary air supply or shut-off (exhaust) switching

Air management hub

Flow rate, pressure and temperature sensing communication function

Wireless adapter

Air Management System Series AMS 20/30/40/60 Sustainability – Condition Based Maintenance Digitalization

CMY

3 Benefits in 1 Solution Sustainability Benefit Reduce or shut off air pressure automatically during short or prolonged non-production stoppages, reducing the cost of compressed air by up to 40%, and the CO2 emissions generated by up to 29% by the compressors. Condition-Based Maintenance Benefit The Pressure, Flow, and Temperature data can establish baseline conditions for machines, enabling predictive maintenance to reduce operating costs. Digitalisation Benefit The AMS High resolution data enables better management of your machines, and remote control for use in Dark Factories. SMC.UK

Call 01908 563888 or email: sales.gb@smc.com SMC - more than just pneumatics

www.smc.uk

Mettler Toledo

Managing Contamination Risk Across the Food Production Line

Sarrina Crowley, Marketing Communications Manager, Mettler Toledo On a modern production line, contamination risks are not confined to a single checkpoint. They can enter from incoming ingredients, develop during processing, or appear at final packaging. Managing those risks depends not just on having inspection equipment in place, but on how effectively detection is applied, monitored and maintained within everyday operations. Processing stages can introduce additional risks. Equipment wear, such as broken components, can generate contaminants during production, while existing contaminants may become smaller or less dense. Inspection before and after processing helps manage these risks more effectively. End-of-line inspection provides a final check before products leave the facility and can identify contaminants introduced during packaging or sealing. However, relying only on this stage may limit detection sensitivity and increase waste. A balanced approach often involves multiple CCPs across the line.

Choosing the right inspection technology Selecting the appropriate inspection technology is critical. Metal detection and x-ray inspection are widely used, but each has different strengths and limitations depending on the product, process, packaging format and application. In practice, this requires a structured approach that combines the right inspection technologies with clearly defined processes, regular verification and accurate record-keeping. Central to this is the identification of Critical Control Points (CCPs), where contamination risks can be most effectively monitored and controlled. These points vary depending on the product, processing method and packaging format, meaning each production line requires a tailored strategy based on where hazards are most likely to occur and where detection will be most effective.

Identifying risk across the production process The first step is a detailed hazard analysis as part of a Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) plan. This involves mapping the full production flow and identifying where physical contaminants such as metal fragments, glass, bone, or dense plastics could be introduced. In many cases, the highest risk occurs at the start of production. Raw materials may contain foreign bodies introduced during harvesting, handling, or transport. Detecting contaminants at this stage allows them to be removed before further value is added and helps protect downstream equipment from damage.

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Metal detection is effective for identifying ferrous, non-ferrous, and stainless-steel contaminants. The technology performs well with unpackaged products or those in non-metallic packaging, and can also be used in vertical applications, including freefalling products such as powders and granules. However, product characteristics such as moisture or salt content can affect sensitivity.

Metal Detection

X-ray inspection offers broader detection capability, identifying physical contaminants such as metal, glass, bone, stone, and dense plastics. It is also suitable for a range of packaging types and can carry out additional quality checks, including verifying fill levels, identifying missing components, and detecting product trapped in seals. However, detection performance depends on differences in density between the contaminant and the product, meaning some lower-density contaminants can be more difficult to detect. In many cases, combining both technologies across different CCPs provides the most robust solution.

Moving beyond installation to consistent performance Installing inspection equipment is only the starting point. Systems must be correctly configured, validated, and regularly verified to maintain performance over time. Factors such as product density, packaging format, and production conditions all influence detection capability. Without proper setup and validation, systems may operate below expected performance levels, increasing the risk of missed contaminants or unnecessary product rejection. Industry standards and audit frameworks require more than the presence of equipment. They require evidence that systems are operating as intended, including defined critical limits, routine performance checks, and documented procedures. Common causes of non-conformance are often linked to how systems are used rather than the technology itself, such as testing outside normal production conditions or incomplete recordkeeping.

Supporting compliance through structured processes Maintaining compliance depends on embedding inspection into daily production routines, including validation, regular verification, and ongoing monitoring. Modern inspection systems support these processes through guided workflows, automated test routines, and integrated reporting. These features help reduce the potential for human error and make it easier to maintain consistent standards across production lines. Accurate record-keeping is a key part of this. Digital data capture removes reliance on manual documentation and supports audit readiness by making information easier to retrieve and review. At the same time, controlled access and traceable system changes help maintain process integrity.

Building a stronger food safety culture Technology alone cannot deliver consistent food safety. It must be supported by well-trained personnel and clear procedures. Professional installation and start-up support from the equipment manufacturer can help systems perform as intended from day one, while operator training gives teams the knowledge and confidence to use them correctly. Operators need to understand how inspection systems work, how to carry out valid tests, and how to respond when issues arise. Automation can support this by guiding users through testing procedures and highlighting deviations, but it must be used correctly and supported by a culture that prioritises food safety.

A practical, risk-based approach Effective contamination detection depends on a structured, risk-based approach that combines the right inspection technologies with consistent process control and operational discipline. By identifying the right CCPs and maintaining clear validation, verification and monitoring procedures, manufacturers can manage risks earlier and maintain consistent product quality as part of everyday production.

For more information, click here or visit www.mt.com/pi-contam-eguide-pr

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Processing & Automation

Interroll

Why efficient material handling is a crucial consideration for today’s food manufacturing businesses By Hilton Campbell, UK MD, Interroll For food manufacturers, meeting growing customer demand while maintaining quality requires greater efficiency and productivity across operations. According to research by the Food and Drink Federation, almost two-thirds of UK food and drink manufacturers are looking to improve on workplace efficiency and productivity. This is prompting a growing number of businesses to consider automating their material handling processes. However, for manufacturers in a sector where there can be no compromise around standards of food hygiene, choosing a system that is fit for purpose is vital. With this in mind, it’s essential for operators to choose suitable conveyor systems that aid their business in complying with cleaning and hygiene standards, as well help to avoid further operational hazards when handling food materials. Specifically designed systems and modular conveyor platforms like Interroll’s MCP CleanLine are therefore built with a focus on solving these cleaning and hygiene challenges currently faced by the vast majority of UK food manufactures.

With a modular stainless steel conveyor platform, the CleanLine is explicitly optimised for easy cleaning and washdown environments. The sealed designs on the roller conveyors help to prevent contamination and maximise water-efficiency and reduce the risk of microbial build-up during cleaning. The MCP CleanLine also offers zero pressure accumulation functionality to optimise energy use and reduce waste. In practice, this creates a simple, streamlined solution that guarantees hygiene across material handling processes and for manufacturing businesses who admit to struggling with cleaning and hygiene challenges, choosing suitable conveyor systems will result in better-quality products, less waste from contamination risks, and smaller energy costs.

Discover more on MCP CleanLine and get in touch with our experts

MCP CleanLine. Easy-to-clean conveying for packaged food. Interroll’s solution for connecting packaging and endof-line processes with modularity, precision, and zero compromises. At the heart of packaging lines, MCP CleanLine delivers efficient and reliable transport of packaged food products, trays and containers. Its easy-to-clean stainless steel construction, Zero Pressure Accumulation (ZPA) technology and 24V RollerDrive ensure gentle handling, simplified cleaning and reduced energy consumption. From packaging to palletizing, without interruption

Up to 50% energy savings

Cleanable stainless steel design for simplified maintenance

Modular, scalable, easy to integrate

ZPA: no contact between products in transit

Our Customer Promise: Quality, Speed, Simplicity. 18 | foodanddrinknetwork.co.uk

interroll.com

Processing & Automation

WHY EFFICIENT CONVEYING TECHNOLOGY IS VITAL TO MODERN FOOD MANUFACTURING

As food and beverage manufacturers face increasing pressure to improve productivity, maintain high hygiene standards and manage operating costs, efficient material handling is becoming an essential consideration across production and packaging operations.

With manufacturers continually seeking ways to increase output without compromising product quality or safety, the role of conveying technology is evolving. Modern conveyor systems are no longer simply responsible for transporting products between processes; they are increasingly important in supporting efficient, reliable and flexible production environments.

Hygiene remains a priority In food manufacturing, maintaining strict hygiene standards is fundamental. Equipment must be designed to minimise contamination risks while allowing effective cleaning, particularly in environments where frequent washdowns are required. Hygienically designed conveyor systems can help address these challenges through stainless steel construction, sealed components and accessible designs that reduce areas where debris and bacteria could accumulate. By simplifying cleaning procedures and improving accessibility, manufacturers can reduce the time required for sanitation while supporting consistent food safety standards. Water-efficient cleaning is another important consideration, particularly as businesses look to reduce resource consumption across their operations.

equipment operates only when required, limiting energy use and unnecessary product contact. Reliability is equally important. Conveyor systems designed with fewer exposed components and reduced maintenance requirements can help minimise disruption, allowing production lines to maintain consistent throughput.

Flexibility for changing production demands As manufacturers respond to changing consumer preferences, product formats and production volumes, flexibility is becoming another important consideration. Modular conveyor platforms offer opportunities to adapt production layouts without extensive equipment replacement. Individual sections can be configured, extended or modified to accommodate changing operational requirements, helping manufacturers respond more effectively to evolving demands. This adaptability can also support improved product flow between processing and packaging stages, reducing bottlenecks and enabling more efficient use of available production capacity.

Alongside hygiene, manufacturers are increasingly focused on improving energy efficiency and minimising unplanned downtime.

Ultimately, effective material handling depends on balancing hygiene, energy efficiency, reliability and flexibility. As the industry continues to invest in automation and smarter production technologies, conveyor systems designed around these priorities will play an increasingly important role.

Advances in conveyor and drive technology are helping operators achieve more controlled product movement while reducing unnecessary energy consumption. Integrated drive systems and intelligent accumulation functions, for example, can help ensure

For food and beverage manufacturers, selecting the right conveying technology is therefore not simply a question of moving products efficiently, but of creating safer, more productive and resilient operations for the future.

Improving efficiency and reducing downtime

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Tennant Rubber

The Right Solution for Every Application Tennant Rubber Ltd is a family run business with over 50 years of experience in the Rubber Industry. There is little doubt that the demands of supplying to the Food Industry have changed beyond recognition over the last twenty years. We are fortunate here at Tennant Rubber, to be involved at all stages of food production, from agricultural plant, processing machinery, food delivery and packaging. And despite the increased automation that has been the inevitable outcome of the drive to reduce costs, there remains a need to provide bespoke solutions to match the requirements of the various regulatory bodies with the needs of the manufacturer to keep plant running. Many food manufacturers have sought to increase the variety of product that they are able to offer to the market. This may mean, for instance that a hygienic hose we have designed for a sandwich spread that is high in fat, may be required to run a more acidic fruit-based sauce. The same applies further down the line to the various seals, gaskets and wear parts that lie hidden and often unregarded. Whilst a one-solution-fits-all option, may not always be possible, identifying the limiting factors such as temperature, pressure, abrasion, flexibility and CIP requirements, mean that we can explore the possibilities of the full range of compound mixes available to us.

We have noticed a trend over the last 10 years to move to FKM and FPM solutions for instance. Whilst these can often provide an excellent solution in terms of chemical and thermal resistance, they don’t always provide the mechanical strengths of other polymers. A good NBR can knock a cheap FKM into a cocked hat, in the right conditions. Tennant Rubber prides itself in providing a strong onsite presence, whether it is with the original equipment manufacturer, the end user or one of the many third-party procurement companies we have strong relationships with. Seeing the application can only benefit the understanding of the specific process being used, but it also adds to our knowledge of food production in general. We use this philosophy throughout all the markets we have a presence in, from Quarries and Mines to Locomotive manufacturing. It is certainly the main attribute in our continued success over the last 75 years.

A good understanding can create a high performance.

Whilst our first responsibility in designing any polymerbased solution, is always to ensure that we meet the exacting standards of whichever regulatory body is being used, it is equally important for us to provide a product that is both durable and able to meet the mechanical requirements of the application. High-Performance Rubber Components don’t necessarily need to be high cost. It is a matter of understanding all the operating parameters and matching them to the correct compound.

“High-Performance Rubber Components don’t necessarily need to be high cost.”

T 0115 985 2300 E sales@tennantrubber.co.uk W www.tennantrubber.co.uk

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Food Processing & Manufacturing

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Food Processing & Manufacturing

Why the right materials matter in food and beverage manufacturing As food and beverage manufacturers face increasing pressure to improve productivity, reduce operating costs and maintain stringent hygiene standards, the importance of selecting the right materials and components for processing equipment is becoming increasingly apparent.

From sealing and conveying to packaging and product handling, rubber and polymer components play an essential role throughout manufacturing operations. While often overlooked, these materials can have a significant impact on equipment reliability, product safety and overall production performance.

Meeting demanding production requirements

The correct choice of rubber or polymer compound can also help prevent deterioration, cracking and material breakdown, reducing the potential for contamination and extending component service life. As cleaning procedures become more demanding, manufacturers must balance chemical resistance, durability and flexibility to ensure equipment continues to perform reliably.

Food and beverage processing environments place considerable demands on machinery and its components. Equipment is frequently exposed to temperature fluctuations, moisture, cleaning chemicals and continuous mechanical stress, making material selection an important consideration.

Supporting efficiency through material innovation

Seals, gaskets, hoses and other flexible components must be capable of withstanding these conditions while maintaining their performance over time. Selecting materials that are unsuitable for a particular application can lead to premature wear, equipment failures and unplanned downtime.

High-performance compounds can offer improved resistance to abrasion, heat and chemicals, while specialist formulations allow components to meet specific mechanical and operational requirements.

With manufacturers increasingly focused on maximising equipment availability, ensuring components are fit for purpose can help reduce maintenance requirements and support more consistent production.

Hygiene and compliance remain essential Maintaining food safety standards remains a priority across the industry, particularly as manufacturers look to improve cleaning efficiency and minimise contamination risks. Materials used in food-contact applications must meet relevant regulatory requirements while offering resistance to the cleaning agents and operating conditions encountered during production. 22 | foodanddrinknetwork.co.uk

Advances in rubber and polymer technology are providing manufacturers with greater opportunities to specify materials suited to individual applications.

However, achieving reliable performance does not always mean selecting the most expensive material. Understanding the conditions in which a component will operate is essential to identifying a practical and cost-effective solution. Factors including temperature, pressure, chemical exposure and mechanical movement all influence material suitability. With production lines becoming increasingly automated, even relatively small components can have a considerable influence on overall efficiency. Ultimately, effective material selection is about more than individual component performance. By prioritising durability, hygiene and application suitability, food and beverage manufacturers can minimise disruption, improve equipment longevity and create more reliable, cost-efficient production environments.

GEA

Packaging & Processing

Meeting the new packaging demands faced by food manufacturers Manufacturers today face constant pressure: rising energy costs, stricter food safety rules, a shortage of skilled operators, and demands for recyclable packaging. Every minute of downtime affects yield, every missealed bag becomes waste, and every inefficiency cuts into your sustainability credibility. Vertical packaging is no longer about speed alone – it’s about how fast you can reliably produce sellable, sustainable bags.

Addressing the key drivers 1. Productivity and efficiency True performance in a modern packaging line is measured in sellable bags per hour, not theoretical peak speeds. The GEA SmartPacker C-Pro’s SmartMotion™ system automatically calculates optimal speed and motion for each product recipe, maintaining consistent output from the first bag to the last. With a 99.75% seal integrity rate and up to 200 bags per minute, the result is fewer rejects and more uptime. Its reinforced mechanical core is engineered for 99% availability to ensure the line keeps running under 24/7 production conditions.

2. Smarter, predictable operations The SmartPacker C-Pro’s entirely new software architecture runs on open standards like OPC-UA, ensuring both secure connectivity and ease of integration with other factory systems. Through GEA InsightPartner, operators get realtime dashboards, predictive alerts, and remote assistance. In practice, that means shorter troubleshooting times, lower service costs, and zero uncertainty on the shop floor.

Value in action Manufacturers need measurable operational gains: fewer stoppages, reduced product loss, substantial energy and material cost savings. The SmartPacker C-Pro delivers a futureproof investment combining high productivity, low TCO, and readiness for sustainable packaging mandates. It isn’t just a faster bagger – the SmartPacker C-Pro is a smarter production partner engineered for the evolving food manufacturing landscape. For producers balancing efficiency, agility, and sustainability, it’s the clearest path to packaging productivity you can trust. The GEA SmartPacker C-Pro will be launched at InterPom in Belgium on 29 November 2026. Following that, manufacturers are invited to test the machine at our XLAB test centre in Wallau, Germany. For more information about how the SmartPacker C-Pro can benefit your business, contact our experts at FHTUK@gea.com and on +44 1908 513500.

3. Lower energy, less waste Designed for lifetime efficiency, the SmartPacker C-Pro reduces energy consumption per bag, handles recyclable monomaterial and paper-based films, and minimizes waste through optimized motion control and consistent sealing. Its hygienic angled-frame design speeds up cleaning cycles and prevents residue buildup, saving both water and detergent.

4. Operator-centric design The SmartPacker C-Pro advanced HMI is intuitive and multilingual, guiding operators step by step with clear visual cues. Reduced manual checks, faster changeovers, and remote service connectivity help address the food sector’s ongoing labour scarcity while improving job satisfaction on the line.

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Packaging Innovations & Empack

What makes a Trailblazer? The judges’ thoughts What separates someone who excels at their job from a genuine Trailblazer? Four judges of the Future Trailblazer Awards explore why fresh thinking, curiosity and the ability to inspire change can matter more than experience or groundbreaking invention.

There is a temptation, when we talk about trailblazers, to picture the inventor. The person who tears up the rulebook, creates something nobody has seen before and leaves everyone else wondering why they did not think of it first.

Sometimes the breakthrough is seeing something everybody else has become accustomed to.

Jude Allan has a rather broader definition.

That becomes particularly important when judging people near the beginning of their careers. Comparing an emerging professional with somebody who has spent 20 years accumulating expertise would miss the point. The more interesting question is what their early achievements reveal about what they might do next.

As Managing Director of OPRL, the On-Pack Recycling Label, Allan works in an area where packaging, recycling and consumer communication meet. Yet when asked what makes emerging talent stand out, her answer has less to do with a particular technical discipline than with how somebody approaches the work. “Interest, enthusiasm, drive, storytelling!” That final quality is worth dwelling on. Allan recalls being particularly impressed by emerging professionals who arrived in packaging with a fresh perspective, got on with doing their jobs exceptionally well and then began talking about what they had learned because they wanted others to benefit from it. Nor, Allan argues, does a Trailblazer necessarily have to invent something. “A future trailblazer can be someone who comes into an existing process but also looks at it afresh and transforms it in a way that keeps the purpose but transforms the activities to make it more efficient and effective.” That distinction matters. Packaging is an industry full of established processes, mature technologies and accumulated expertise, but that does not mean the best way of doing something has already been found. Indeed, Allan says Future Trailblazer entries repeatedly demonstrate what can happen when somebody gets to grips with an existing role and then has the curiosity and drive to ask whether part of it could work better.

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Potential before polish

“At the beginning of someone’s career we are not looking for them to have all of the skills that they will need,” Allan says. “We are looking for someone who is curious and articulate and who wants to understand and be involved in making things happen.” Jo Stephenson, Managing Director of Think B2B Marketing, draws a similar distinction between somebody performing exceptionally well and somebody demonstrating the potential to influence what happens next. “Genuine trailblazers have more than excellent performance – they seek out challenges to solve, have a natural curiosity and are absolutely focused on learning.” For Stephenson, that potential becomes visible in the way people behave. They take initiative, challenge assumptions constructively and bring energy to projects that might otherwise continue unchanged. What distinguishes them is not simply an impressive result but the attitude that produced it. “It’s not maverick behaviour but a genuine need to improve things around them.” Fiona Dobson, Lead Packaging and Print Manager at Asda

Industry Insights

Brand, believes the distinction also lies in the reach of someone’s contribution. Excellence within an established role is one thing, but a Trailblazer creates improvements that influence how other people work. “Trailblazers spot opportunities, influence change beyond their immediate role, and leave a lasting impact on their team, function, or business.” That ability to influence others also depends on how effectively someone communicates. For Stephenson, it is one of the most consistently overlooked qualities in emerging packaging talent.

have the right person already there – just maybe not in the role that can make the biggest impact.” Macqueen has seen people make that transition mid-career and go on to make a meaningful impact in packaging. Some, he points out, have subsequently become Future Trailblazer Award winners.

Emerging talent does not necessarily mean young talent. Sometimes the next person capable of changing packaging has already spent years becoming exceptionally good at something else.

“Someone can have tremendous academic, creative, scientific or engineering skills for example, but if they can’t communicate well – bring the people around them with them on the journey of improvement or change – then projects fail and they fail.”

Making a difference before you realise it

Learning to deal with ambiguity

Asked what exceptional people routinely underestimate about their own work, Allan’s answer is immediate: “The difference that they are making!”

As the challenges facing packaging become more complex, the qualities these judges describe are likely to matter more than ever. For Peter Macqueen, who works in packaging education and apprenticeships at Sheffield Hallam University, one capability in particular deserves greater attention: dealing with ambiguity. “We are working in an era of shifting sands, moving goalposts and every other cliché for change that you can imagine.” For the next generation, knowing the answer may therefore matter less than knowing what to do when there is no obvious answer. “Being able to scan the horizon, and make choices informed by data and factual, measurable evidence is going to be more crucial than ever.” For Dobson, navigating what she describes as a “once-in-ageneration transformation” will demand more than adaptability. The next generation will need a broader understanding of sustainability, materials science and regulatory compliance. “The most successful professionals will be curious, adaptable and they won’t just respond to change, they will lead it!” Macqueen’s emphasis on navigating uncertainty finds an interesting counterpart in Stephenson’s view of commercial judgement. She believes one of the most important capabilities for the next generation will be getting “above the noise” and identifying the opportunities that genuinely matter to a business, rather than reacting instinctively to every new trend or challenge.

The Trailblazer you already employ Talent spotting is often associated with graduates, apprentices and new recruits. Macqueen thinks that definition is too narrow. Through Sheffield Hallam’s packaging apprenticeship, he has spent the past seven years helping people already established in their careers move into packaging roles, and believes organisations routinely underestimate the talent sitting elsewhere within their own businesses. “We often think of talent spotting in the context of recruiting new graduates or fresh prospects – but many organisations

There is another obstacle to finding Trailblazers: some of the best candidates may not recognise themselves as one.

Allan knows something about the difference that confidence from somebody else can make. Looking back at someone who helped accelerate her own career, what she remembers is not simply the advice they gave her but what they recognised. “That I knew more than I realised, that I didn’t need to start with ‘I think’ when I’m saying something that I knew! They showed me that they had confidence in me, which enabled me to have more confidence in myself.” For Allan, that recognition also serves a wider purpose. Asked what she would change about the way packaging identifies, develops and celebrates emerging talent, she comes back to storytelling. “Tell their stories to make them feel seen and valued and to attract others to an industry that cares about its people.” For Dobson, however, the challenge begins even earlier, with people who have yet to consider packaging as a career at all. “I believe that the majority of individuals still ‘fall’ into a career in packaging, or rather, they aren’t aware of it as a career choice.” She wants the industry to take greater collective responsibility for communicating the diversity of opportunities available, making packaging a career people actively choose rather than one they discover by accident. That makes recognising emerging talent about more than celebrating individual achievement. The Future Trailblazer Awards, part of Packaging Innovations & Empack, can recognise what somebody has already achieved, but the more interesting story is what that recognition might unlock next: greater confidence, a larger opportunity, another person seeing a career they had never previously considered, or an organisation realising that the talent it needs may already be sitting somewhere unexpected within the business. What matters is the difference they make. And sometimes the hardest part is making sure we notice it.

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National Flexible

Baked to Grow: How DoughGirl Scaled Without Compromising Quality When DoughGirl’s indulgent cookie pies and gourmet cookies began attracting nationwide attention, demand quickly followed. Founded by husband-wife duo Emma & Stuart Colclough, the business was built on Emma’s (THE DoughGirl) lifelong passion for baking. From an early age, Emma enjoyed creating cakes and sweet treats alongside her mum, developing a love for transforming simple ingredients into indulgent products. What began as a hobby evolved into a business venture, and DoughGirl launched in January 2025. Since then, the Lincolnshire bakery has experienced remarkable growth, expanding from a local favourite into a nationwide brand and community of cookie lovers, while remaining committed to handcrafting every product at its bakery. From mixing and baking through to the finishing touches, DoughGirl’s cookies, cookie pies and sweet treats continue to be made with the same love, care and attention that inspired the business from the very beginning. Using premium ingredients with the finest chocolate and real butter, each cookie is perfectly balanced for the ultimate indulgence, before being freshly baked and delivered straight to your door. Driven by a loyal customer following and a reputation for indulgent flavours, the company continues to innovate, combining classic favourites with bold new creations that keep consumers coming back for more. However, this amazing growth came with a new challenge. DoughGirl’s products are designed to create a premium customer experience, whether purchased as a gift, delivered for a special occasion or enjoyed as an everyday treat. Ensuring those products arrived in perfect condition was becoming increasingly

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Packaging & Labelling

important as volumes increased and parcels travelled longer distances through national delivery networks. They needed a packaging solution that would help maintain freshness, protect product quality and support the brand’s reputation for delivering exceptional baked goods directly to consumers. This is where National Flexible came in, working with the DoughGirl team to understand the product, the production process and the challenges associated with shipping premium baked goods across the UK. By taking a collaborative approach, both companies were able to evaluate the specific requirements of the application, which included excellent product protection, strong seal integrity, good machinability, high clarity, shelf appeal, lightweight (but durable), and extended shelf life – all whilst still being cost effective. For DoughGirl, product protection was critical. The company’s range includes filled cookie pies, decorated cookies and handcrafted bakery products that need to retain their appearance and freshness from the moment they leave the bakery until they reach the customer. Any compromise in quality during transit could impact the consumer experience and, ultimately, the brand itself. Working together, National Flexible provided a film solution designed to provide the barrier properties required to help protect these premium products throughout the supply chain.

The film supports freshness retention while providing the durability needed to withstand modern fulfilment and delivery processes. The project highlights the value of early supplier involvement and technical collaboration. By understanding DoughGirl’s ambitions and operational requirements, National Flexible was able to recommend a solution tailored to the application rather than forcing the application to fit an existing product. This partnership-first approach ensured that packaging performance aligned with DoughGirl’s growth plans while giving the bakery confidence that product quality would be maintained as order volumes increased. As DoughGirl continues to expand its production capabilities and invest in future growth, packaging remains a crucial part of the customer journey. The bakery’s success relies not only on producing exceptional products but on ensuring those products reach consumers exactly as intended. By combining DoughGirl’s product expertise with National Flexible’s technical knowledge of flexible packaging materials, the two businesses created a solution focused on protecting product quality, supporting operational efficiency and enhancing the end-user experience.

“As our business has grown, maintaining product quality during delivery has become vital to our customer experience. National Flexible took the time to understand our products and recommend a packaging solution that gave us confidence as we expanded nationwide.” Emma, DoughGirl. In today’s competitive food and bakery sector, packaging has a vital role to play in delivering brand promises. The partnership between DoughGirl and National Flexible demonstrates that when manufacturers and packaging specialists work together from the outset, the result is more than just a packaging film. It is a packaging solution that protects products, supports business growth and helps ensure every customer receives the premium experience they expect from the DoughGirl brand. To place an order, please visit www.doughgirl.co.uk, or to find out more about these delicious DoughGirl treats, you can email customerservices@doughgirl.co.uk. For help with your packaging requirements, please contact marketing@nationalflexible.net or call their team on 01274 68 55 66.

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