Food and Drink Network UK 26.01

FOOD AND DRINK

ISSN: 20568355

NETWORK

TEKNOMEK Leading the way in hygienic design

Expert Partner in Hygienic Solutions

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Volume 26 • Issue 01 • foodanddrinknetwork-uk.co.uk

Leading the way in

hygienic design Trusted by professionals worldwide, Teknomek manufactures hygienic furniture and equipment tailored to the highest industry standards.

• Uncompromising quality & service • Innovative, easy-to-clean designs • Competitive pricing • Bespoke and customised solutions

Contact us today: teknomek.co.uk +44 (0)1603 381 177

Diverclean Sonic

The Technology Transforming Open Plant Cleaning Turn to page 22 to discover the technology behind it.

divercleansonic-calculator.diversey.com

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EDITORIAL:

VOLUME 26 • ISSUE 01 Produced in Europe’s Food Town

Brands2life Brazen PR

Marketpoint recall

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Panpathic Communications Marbles PR

Sharp Relations

Sweet Freedom Think B2B

The Lowdown

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KIMBERLEY READ (Advertisement Sales Manager) JOANNE MURPHY

NEWS NETWORK

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PACKAGING INNOVATIONS & EMPACK 2026

SPECIALIST VIEW

Beyond the Barcode Traceability, Technology, and the Future of UK Food Introduction

ACCOUNTS & ADMINISTRATION: AMANDA WALMSLEY EVELYN WOOLSTON

GRAPHICS STUDIO:

RACHEL RILEY - Manager

From Consultants to Systems Integrators: How to Choose Partners Who Deliver Is AI Finally the Silver Bullet for Performance Improvement?

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LEADERS IN LOGISTICS SUMMIT

New Year’s Evolution: Packaging industry experts look ahead to 2026

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Major Retailers Confirm Attendance at Leaders in Logistics Summit 2026

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FOOD AND DRINK

Europe’s leading e-commerce logistics event heads to Brussels on 17-18 March 2026, with a strong showing from the retail sector as operations teams seek new partnerships and innovations to address growing delivery pressures.

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HYGIENE & SANITATION

Diverclean Sonic The Technology Transforming Open Plant Cleaning

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PACKAGING

WEBSITE:

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INDUSTRY OUTLOOK / YEAR AHEAD

2026 F&B PREDICTIONS

Tetra Pak launches world-first paperbased barrier for juice packaging with García Carrión and advances new packaging material development

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PACKAGING TECHNOLOGY

CONSUMER TRENDS

PLANT POWER How a Vegetarian or Vegan Diet Can Support Eye Health This Veganuary

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FOOD WASTE & SUPPLY CHAIN EFFICIENCY

NETWORK UK

2026 F&B predictions from Pete Gillett, CEO, Marketpoint Recall

Copyright © 2026 All Rights Reserved.

With recall volumes climbing and regulators tightening expectations, 2026 is shaping up to be a year of rapid change for the food and drink sector.

DataLase launches revolutionary label-free clear-to-white coating for plastic bottles

$540 billion global food waste bill exposed for 2026

News Network

General

NUT-FREE hazelnut-style indulgence with NO palm oil, NO refined sugar and lower calories than leading brands Veganuary launch – available exclusively at Asda | RRP: £3.35

This Veganuary, Sweet Freedom is bringing something new to the chocolate spread aisle with the launch of CHOC POT Hazelnot – a rich, creamy, hazelnutstyle chocolate spread with no nuts, no palm oil and no refined sugar. Launching exclusively at Asda this January, it’s designed for shoppers making more plantbased choices without giving up indulgence.

Despite its familiar chocolate-hazelnut taste, CHOC POT Hazelnot is completely nut-free and made in a nut-free factory, making it ideal for households avoiding nuts. It delivers the flavour and texture people love, without compromise.

Naturally sweetened with fruit, including apple and carob, CHOC POT Hazelnot contains no artificial sweeteners and just 15 calories per teaspoon. This makes it a lighter alternative to traditional chocolate spreads, while still feeling like a treat. It’s perfect spread on toast, stirred into porridge, drizzled over pancakes or enjoyed straight from the spoon.

Combilift’s 100,000th Forklift Raises €100,000 for Global Children’s Charity Global materials handling leader Combilift has celebrated a major manufacturing milestone by transforming its 100,000th forklift into a powerful force for good, raising and donating €100,000 to the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund to support children in crisis worldwide.

Co-founder Deborah Pyner says: “CHOC POT Hazelnot has been a real labour of love. We wanted to recreate that classic hazelnut-chocolate experience in a way that’s totally nut-free, natural and a little bit lighter. Launching it for Veganuary with Asda felt like the perfect moment.”

CHOC POT Hazelnot joins Sweet Freedom’s award-winning CHOC POT range, alongside Original and Caramel varieties, all plant-based, fruit-sweetened and made without palm oil or refined sugar.

Following its Veganuary debut at Asda, CHOC POT Hazelnot will later become available via www.sweetfreedom.co.uk.

Tetra Pak launches Integrated Heat Pump system to Electrify Pasteurization and Cut Energy Use

by Up to 77% New Tetra Pak® Integrated Heat Pump system delivers combined heating and cooling to pasteurization, enabling up to 77% energy savings while reducing CO₂ emissions and operating costs.

Tetra Pak today announces the expansion of its Factory Sustainable Solutions portfolio with its new Tetra Pak® Integrated Heat Pump system for pasteurizers, designed to help food and beverage (F&B) producers reduce energy use and cut costs.

To mark the production of its 100,000th forklift, Combilift launched its largestever worldwide competition, offering the exclusive 100,000th “Golden Prize” multidirectional Combi-CBE. All proceeds raised were donated to UNICEF Ireland’s Children’s Emergency Fund.

The campaign generated €56,500 in ticket sales, and at a cheque presentation ceremony, Combilift announced it had topped up the total contribution to an impressive €100,000, underlining the company’s long-standing commitment to corporate social responsibility.

Speaking at the handover, Combilift CEO and Co-Founder Martin McVicar said:

“This campaign was designed not only to celebrate a major manufacturing achievement for Combilift, but also to make a meaningful difference beyond the factory floor. By supporting UNICEF, we are supporting one of the world’s most effective humanitarian organisations and helping children who need it most.”

The cheque was formally presented by Martin McVicar to Owen Buckley, UNICEF Ireland’s Head of Corporate Partnerships, and Michaela Plunkett, Business Development Manager, in Monaghan.

Owen Buckley welcomed the donation, saying:

“As we enter the winter season, our priority is ensuring children affected by war and natural disasters have access to warm clothing, safe shelter and continued education. This generous contribution from Combilift will help UNICEF respond quickly to urgent needs.”

The Golden Forklift was first unveiled at the IMHX Exhibition in the UK before embarking on a European trade show tour, attracting strong international interest and reflecting Combilift’s global customer base and shared commitment to positive social impact.

For more information, please visit: https://combilift.com/win-a-truck/ UNICEF does not endorse any company, brand, product or service.

02 | foodanddrinknetwork-uk.co.uk

Pasteurization is a critical process for food safety and quality, but traditional systems are energy-intensive, typically relying on fossil fuels for heating and electrical chillers for cooling. As F&B producers seek to improve efficiency and sustainability, optimising energy use in this process offers a clear path to reducing both costs and emissions through smarter heat recovery and reuse.

The new Tetra Pak® Integrated Heat Pump system builds on the company’s existing pasteurization technology by introducing a high-efficiency electric heat pump that recovers and reuses heat from the pasteurization process. For every 1 kWh of electricity used, the system can recover up to 2 kWh of otherwise wasted heat – making it up to three times more efficient than a traditional boiler.

By combining heating and cooling in one integrated solution, the system also optimises energy use across the pasteurization process. It upgrades low-temperature waste heat to higher temperatures and generates ice water for cooling. This dual function helps lower total energy consumption and operating costs1, while supporting producers in reducing reliance on fossil fuels and exposure to volatile energy prices.

F&B producers operating large scale pasteurization processes, such as fruit juice, chilled milk, cheese and ambient milk pre-treatment pasteurization, stand to achieve substantial savings. A typical dairy production line, for example, could reduce energy consumption for pasteurization by up to 77%, making operating expense (OPEX) savings of up to €230,000/year and reducing CO2 emissions by up to 650 tonnes/year.

Nicole Uvenbeck, Director Factory Sustainable Solutions and OEM Components at Tetra Pak, comments: “Food and beverage producers need smarter ways to reduce energy use without compromising performance. The new heat pump system delivers up to three times the efficiency of conventional boilers, recovering 2 kWh of heat for every 1 kWh of electricity. By combining deep processing expertise with a global network, we work closely with customers to select the right solution and ensure seamless integration into their operations, supporting their shift toward more resilient, energy-efficient production.”

More information about Tetra Pak is available at tetrapak.com

Expert Partner in Hygienic Solutions

Leading the way in

hygienic design Trusted by professionals worldwide, Teknomek manufactures hygienic furniture and equipment tailored to the highest industry standards.

• Uncompromising quality & service • Innovative, easy-to-clean designs • Competitive pricing • Bespoke and customised solutions

Contact us today: teknomek.co.uk +44 (0)1603 381 177

foodanddrinknetwork-uk.co.uk | 03

News Network

General

HeyLO! launches UK-first lupin flour Low-Carb and High Protein Crackerbreads for the January reset Leeds-based bakery brand HeyLO! is kicking off 2026 with the launch of a UK first – Lupin flour-based, low-carb, high Protein Crackerbreads.

Timed to land at the height of the January reset, the launch taps into growing demand for smarter everyday swaps as shoppers look to cut carbs and boost protein, without sacrificing taste, texture or enjoyment.

The Crackerbreads are made using lupin flour, a naturally low-carb, highprotein ingredient, aligning with the rapidly growing demand for protein-led snacks that support satiety, metabolic health and blood sugar control alongside carbohydrate reduction.

Launching on the brand’s webshop, the new Crackerbreads are designed for snacking, light lunches, grazing and protein-forward plates, offering a true cracker texture that sets them apart in a category often criticised for being dense, dry and overly seeded.

Founded in Leeds in 2022, HeyLO! was created by Heidi Normanton after her own low-carb journey highlighted a clear gap in the market for bakery products that delivered on both nutrition and taste.

Unlike many low-carb crackers currently on the market, which rely heavily on seeds and are frequently described by consumers as “bird-food like”, HeyLO!’s Crackerbreads deliver a clean, crisp snap closer to a traditional cracker, removing one of the biggest barriers to repeat purchase in the category.

Available online: https://weareheylo.com/products/low-carb-high-protein-crackerbre ads?srsltid=AfmBOoqGLCTHVdd77sjDhLESpQhawQuzoYCtmSS-E7V WRrEip8qBBn1X&variant=56471812178303

555 Amanda Appoints New UK General Manager

Introducing VitClear nootropic drinks, tailored to support specific health goals through easy-toconsume supplementation

Seafood supplier, 555 Amanda has named Gavin McLean as its new UK General Manager, leading a newly established UK entity for the Denmarkbased seafood specialist.

The appointment signals a strengthened commitment to the UK market and follows increased demand from chefs, manufacturers, and the fish and chip sector for the company’s awardwinning sustainable seafood.

Gavin has supported 555 Amanda as a sales consultant over the past two years; this move will see him taking on a much bigger role in driving the success of the company in the UK. He brings extensive experience helping scaling businesses to overcome market barriers, secure major retail listings, and build distinctive, enduring brands. A specialist in commercial strategy and growth planning, he will accelerate 555 Amanda’s expansion across fish and chip shops, food manufacturers, wholesalers and food service channels.

Gavin will report to Lars Fey, Export Director for Insula the parent company to 555 Amanda, bringing the responsibility for UK sales closer to home.

Stephen Minall will help to drive UK sales as Non-Executive Director capability for the new UK division. An investor and director of Moving Food Ltd, Minall has helped launch dozens of food concepts into the UK retail and catering sectors.

Gavin McLean, UK General Manager, comments: “We’re delighted to start 2026 with a dedicated UK operation for 555 Amanda. This structure will enable faster growth and give customers stronger local support. It will give us the capability to accelerate 555 Amanda’s expansion across fish and chip shops, food manufacturers, wholesalers and food service channels.

“In 2025, 555 Amanda’s ASC certified Salmon Roulade won ‘Best New Ingredient’ at the 2025 Sammies (the British Sandwich & Food to Go Industry Awards) along with ‘Food Service Product of the Year’ at the 2024 QFAs (Quality Food Awards). Additionally, we launched the UK Fish & Chip Shop Content Creator Awards, driving UGC content across our platforms. We plan to build on this momentum throughout 2026 and beyond.”

For trade samples, pricing and wholesale enquiries, please contact: Gavin McLean – gavin.mclean@555amanda.co.uk Find us at: www.555amanda.co.uk

04 | foodanddrinknetwork-uk.co.uk

Introducing VitClear, a UK company offering nootropic drinks, tailored for brain health, gut health and active health. Each delicious drink is designed to support specific health goals through easy-toconsume supplementation.

Whilst serving as a firefighter, VitClear founder Ralph Burrows noticed a common need for convenient, on-the-go hydration that delivered essential vitamins and minerals. More importantly, he saw the need for drinks that targeted key areas of the body; brain, gut and active health.

Determined to bring this idea to life, Ralph teamed up with leading scientists and formulators to find a smarter way to stay refreshed, replenished, and keep alert without resorting to caffeine.

The result was VitClear - tasty, healthy sodas that provide simple, accessible, comprehensive vitamin and mineral supplementation. The sodas are enhanced with time-tested nootropics, supported by scientific research to support brain health, gut health and active health.

All three products are naturally low in sugar, contain only natural extracts and are naturally sweetened. They also include no artificial additives, preservatives, colours or flavours.

While VitClear helps you care for your body, it also helps care for the planet.

VitClear is an Earth Positive Business, meaning they are conscious of the impact they have on the planet and are actively supporting accredited climate action to leave it better than they find it.

For more information on the drinks and company go to: https://vitclear.com RRP: £35.88 for 12 cans.

Harford Control Ltd.

Digital Transformation We Help Factories

Get Real-time Actionable Data Harford Manufacturing Execution Systems help factories remove paperwork on the shop floor and provide real-time shop floor control, production scheduling and end-to-end traceability, allowing you to quickly identify and address production problems. Reliably track every stage of your unique process with 100% traceability.

Weight Control & Quality & Compliance Autocoding & OEE & Productivity Giveaway Reduction in Real Time Label Verification Monitoring

Feed AI & Machine Learning

Energy & Labour Tracking

Why Choose Harford?

We have more than 55 years’ experience gained through helping manufacturers with digital transformation, ensuring consistent quality compliance and improving performance. Our customers include Diageo, Unilever, Charlie Bigham’s, Müller, Sofina Foods, Church & Dwight and many more.

Connected Worker

LIMS & Material Tracking

Get In Touch +44 (0)1225 764461 info@harfordcontrol.com www.harfordcontrol.com Explore Harford Solutions and request a demo

foodanddrinknetwork-uk.co.uk | 05

Specialist View

From Consultants to Systems Integrators: How to Choose Partners Who Deliver Is AI Finally the Silver Bullet for Performance Improvement?

An article By Roy Green, Harford Control Ltd. January 2026 Now you have researched your long established contacts and had a good look on Google to see what’s/who’s new….who might at last have that silver bullet so many have been looking for?

‘You had a look at TPM, OEE, Real Time Performance Improvement, IOTT, Digital Transformation and now AI’ They all promise a lot, some even deliver a lot, but there is often something missing.

Surely AI is now that silver bullet we have all been waiting for!

Well, other considerations come rapidly to the fore: Are you looking for a Consultant, or a Systems Integrator, or both?

Consultants: The Good, the Bad, and the Truly Helpful Looking for a Consultant can be a risky business as there are so many ready to take your money as they ‘borrow your

06 | foodanddrinknetwork-uk.co.uk

watch to tell you the time’, I realise this is a very well-worn cliché, but plenty of consultants are similar to many solicitors in that they are not interested in providing you with a reliable fix or a lasting solution. Their whole business strategy is dependent upon keeping YOU dependent. The good ones, however, will always work with you to do what’s necessary to make you independent and themselves redundant. They do exist, and we can provide names and introductions upon request.

The good ones will train your own teams in the new routines and procedures so well that when they leave site and their contract ends, the continuous improvement they helped you set in motion, continues and even begins to feel natural.

Harford Control Ltd.

Systems Integrators: So Many Choices, So Little Clarity Maybe you will decide that the Consultant route is too risky and you decide instead to continue your Google search to find a good Systems Integrator.

That’s when it starts to get even more complicated. What do you use as your search heading? You might start with one of those mentioned earlier or something else, but you will almost certainly find hundreds of potential suppliers. Search for OEE and you’ll find thousands! Why so many players? Basically, the easier the software, the more players. OEE alone, for example, is a very easy calculation taken, in its simplest form, from only three metrics, but because of the hype surrounding OEE, suppliers are keen to jump on the bandwagon, and potential buyers want to believe that the ‘Lowest Cost’ option will be just as effective as any other offering.

Then, when you decide upon a software suite, do you also choose integrated hardware or attempt to run the new software on existing hardware, alongside many other applications?

So many options! It shouldn’t be at all surprising, therefore, to learn that 75% of computerisation programmes fail or fail to achieve the benefits expected of them.

•

•

Find Someone with a long track record of performance improvement, across the industry.

Make sure they fully understand your application and can quote not only for your current needs but can scale up with you as your needs change (future proofing).

•

Ensure that they have the capacity to train, mentor and support both the software and hardware that they supply in a timely and efficient manner.

•

If they claim the system reports in real time but they are running on your own hardware, ask how this is possible, when you already have so many other applications running on your hardware (desktop).

How to Improve Your Odds of Success So, how do you increase your chances of success in your chosen options?

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Ask how they will help you gain the necessary buy-in from your operational personnel and whether they have access to consultants skilled in the transference of knowledge and the cultural change usually required at all levels.

If they claim the system caters for ‘paperless quality’ ask how they differentiate between Yes/No Qualitative questions and more sophisticated Quantitative questions that often have targets, control limits and action prompts.

A Final Thought One thing to keep constantly in mind is ‘It doesn’t matter how much technology you are able to buy; far more important is, ‘how much technology will you effectively use?’

‘Our job is not to predict the future, but to make it less surprising’ Jeff Winter, “All we are doing is looking at the timeline, from the moment the customer gives us an order to the point when we collect the cash. And we are reducing the timeline by reducing the non-value adding wastes” Taiichi Ohno, Toyota At Harford, we have built our business during the past 58 years by helping many clients make the best choices to show the fastest Return on Investment (ROI).

We have no doubt that we can help you achieve your objectives with less risk and the fastest ROI.

Harford Control… Your partner in Cost Effective Continuous Improvement.

Call 01225 764461 or contact info@harfordcontrol.com

The above questions are by no means exhaustive, but should help you to reduce the selection down to a worthy few, making your final selection much easier. Most of all, be careful and on the look-out for any company who offers all of the above for an unrealistically low price.

foodanddrinknetwork-uk.co.uk | 07

Exhibitions

Leaders in Logistics Summit

Major Retailers Confirm Attendance at Leaders in Logistics Summit 2026 Europe’s leading e-commerce logistics event heads to Brussels on 17-18 March 2026, with a strong showing from the retail sector as operations teams seek new partnerships and innovations to address growing delivery pressures.

Leaders in Logistics Summit has confirmed speakers from B&Q, Currys, Decathlon, IKEA, JD Sports, and Wayfair, alongside senior representatives from major logistics service providers including DHL Supply Chain, GXO Logistics, Arvato, Royal Mail, and PostNL. The event brings together retail logistics professionals with carriers, 3PLs, and postal operators to address shared challenges around warehousing & fulfilment, distribution, and last mile delivery.

Key agenda items include optimising retailer-LSP relationships, balancing in-house versus outsourced operations, and leveraging emerging technologies.

“The retail presence at this year’s summit reflects the growing recognition that logistics innovation requires genuine collaboration across the supply chain,” says Tristan Hipper, Senior Producer at Leaders in Logistics. “Food and drink retailers, in particular, are facing unique challenges around cold chain management and fresh product delivery that benefit from these cross-ecosystem conversations.”

08 | foodanddrinknetwork-uk.co.uk

Food and drink sector attendees already registered include teams from Just Eat, Ocado Group, and HelloFresh, alongside operations professionals from Amazon’s grocery division.

With registration now open, retail operations teams are encouraged to secure their places early for what has become a key fixture in the European logistics calendar.

Food & Drink Network UK Magazine EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT Secure your passes: Christian Lloyd, Head of Retailer Relations, Leaders in Logistics clloyd@marketforcelive.com Learn more: https://leaders-in-logistics.com/events/summit/

2026 F&B Predictions

2026 F&B PREDICTIONS from Pete Gillett, CEO, Marketpoint Recall With recall volumes climbing and regulators tightening expectations, 2026 is shaping up to be a year of rapid change for the food and drink sector. From AI-driven decision-making to the end of paper notices, here are the trends set to reshape the recall landscape.

1. AI as the recall cost engine “In 2026 AI will move from ‘nice to have’ to the engine room of recalls across food and drink. A single UK food recall can cost millions once you account for withdrawals, rework, wastage, logistics and call handling. If AI can take just 30 to 50 per cent of the manual handling, call volumes and paperwork out of that process, the saving for large brands is measured in many millions of pounds a year, not loose change. The big shift next year will be leaders asking a very simple question before they sign off a recall plan: ‘Show me where the AI is or show me where the money is going to be wasted.’”

2. Recalls are ripe for a reset “In the first months of 2025 more than 180 UK recalls were issued across food, electronics, cosmetics and children’s products, with individual events costing brands millions.

2026 will be the year operations teams finally treat recalls as a permanent feature of doing business and invest in modern infrastructure rather than hoping the next incident will somehow be the last.”

3. The year of the ‘unknown’ customer “Food and drink brands still struggle to reach customers who buy through convenience stores, discounters and mixed baskets where no registration trail exists. Looking ahead to next year, brands will start to use connected data, QR journeys and AI triage to turn anonymous buyers into known

contacts they can actually reach and prove action against.

The real competitive edge will be who can find more of the right people, faster, when something goes wrong.”

4. No excuses in a world of always-on recalls “Food safety pressure continues to rise. UK food recalls increased again in 2024 and affected more products per incident than in the previous year. At the same time the national Product Safety Database continues to record more than 2,000 unsafe product notifications a year which shapes the expectations regulators have of food manufacturers and retailers. In 2026, ‘we did our best with emails and a PDF’ will not cut it. Tech savvy consumers expect to be identified, contacted and kept informed through digital journeys they can trust, and law firms will expect clients to arrive with a defensible, data rich recall record as standard, not as a nice surprise.”

5. The death of the paper notice “Many F&B businesses still rely on posters at tills, in store printouts and online notices that customers rarely see. That is an analogue response to a digital scale safety problem. With rising recall volumes and higher scrutiny, a paper notice pinned up in a store will start to look negligent.

The brands that win will be the ones that treat recalls like a live customer journey, with AI, comms and analytics all working together in a single, recall ready system.” foodanddrinknetwork-uk.co.uk | 09

Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026

New Year’s Evolution:

Packaging industry experts look ahead to 2026 The New Year is often a time for reflection – but in the packaging industry, the focus is firmly on the future. Ahead of a hotly anticipated Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026 showcase, key industry figures discussed their hopes, expectations, and predictions for the year ahead.

2026 is set to be another hugely consequential year for packaging businesses. Between the stratospheric rise of AI technology, continued legislative change, and increasing costs across the world, there is certainly no shortage of challenges for the industry to contend with.

Shows like Packaging Innovations & Empack, which returns to the Birmingham NEC on 11 & 12 February, will be central to overcoming those challenges, bringing together the very best and brightest of the global packaging industry under one roof. With another blockbuster event on the horizon, professionals from across the world spoke about the talking points that they expect to see unpacked on the show floor – and throughout the year.

Mike Revell, Executive Chair of The Foodservice Packaging Association:

With Year 2 illustrative disposal fees published by PackUK and regulatory refinements underway, businesses that have invested in robust data systems and thoughtful material choices will be better positioned to manage cost volatility and compliance risk. Our Regulatory and Compliance Committee will continue to work towards a level playing field and hold free riders to account through our Primary Authority Partnership.

Packaging tax reform and the upcoming increase in Plastic Packaging Tax rates from April will further accelerate demand for high-quality recycled content and alternative substrates. This provides a clear economic incentive to innovate, but also requires careful technical evaluation to ensure food safety, functionality, and end-of-life outcomes are not compromised.

Developments in EU packaging rules and global sustainability agendas, including tightened green claims and evolving plastics policy, will influence supply chains and customer expectations. Even for UK-focused businesses, alignment with international norms and transparent claims practices is increasingly becoming a commercial imperative as well as a regulatory one. The FPA remains committed to supporting our members through these changes, advocating for workable policy, and promoting innovation. To this end, we are very much looking forward to Packaging Innovations & Empack at the NEC in February and to joining our members exhibiting within the Foodservice Packaging Zone.

Emma Verkaik, CEO of BCMPA:

As we move into 2026, the UK foodservice packaging sector finds itself at a pivotal moment of transition, innovation and accountability. Our members are now fully living with extended producer responsibility (EPR), and this year we expect broader integration of data accuracy, material transparency and evidence-based practice.

10 | foodanddrinknetwork-uk.co.uk

As we enter 2026, community remains at the heart of the BCMPA’s work. With more than 200 members operating across nine distinct sectors, the BCMPA is the association for contract manufacturing, packing, fulfilment and logistics and brings together businesses and represents many different types of businesses offering a range of services and with different specialisms across 9 product sectors, from food – drink – personal care, chemical – nutraceutical – pet care and more…, yet each of them face many of the same pressures, from labour availability and rising costs to regulatory change and EPR. What unites them is their ability to provide invaluable support to brands looking for outsourcing support, a complex, service-led proposition that relies on trust,

Exhibitions

collaboration, and long-term partnership. Through open dialogue, shared experience, and active engagement, the BCMPA community continues to strengthen its collective voice.

The role of the BCMPA is not simply to represent the sector, but to guide and connect. Many brands and product owners arrive unsure of exactly what they need, whether that is a niche contract packing capability, third-party sourcing support, or technical advice on machinery and processes. By providing a platform for members to raise awareness of their services and by maintaining a visible, approachable industry presence, the BCMPA helps businesses find the right 3rd-party support and navigate the complexities of the search process. This reflects a broader shift within the sector itself.

Where relationships were once largely transactional, the emphasis is now firmly on value, resilience, and partnership. The wider packaging industry increasingly recognises the integral role of co-packers and fulfilment specialists in supporting agile supply chains and carbon reduction. Third-party outsourcing is now seen as a strategic enabler rather than a cost-saving exercise.

In 2026, the BCMPA will build on this momentum with initiatives to support SMEs and celebrate the value of 3rd-party suppliers.

The Contract Pack and Fulfilment Show, co-located with Packaging Innovations and Empack at the NEC Birmingham on 11 & 12 February, will see the debut of Pitch the Co-Packers, a Dragons’ Den-style competition that gives scalable product concepts direct access to industry expertise. The association will also maintain a strong presence at key trade events, including Making Nutraceuticals, CHEMUK, London Packaging Week, and White Label World Expo. The BCMPA Conference returns on 31 March and 1 April at the Oxford Belfry, bringing industry leaders together to address the most pressing issues shaping the sector, including EPR, regulatory change, cybersecurity, digitalisation, and the role of technology in addressing ongoing labour challenges.

Flexibility has never been more important. Brands are operating in an environment shaped by disruption, rapid shifts in demand, and the need to respond quickly, whether to global supply chain pressures or sudden growth driven by consumer trends. UK contract manufacturers, packers, and fulfilment specialists continue to demonstrate their value by combining human expertise with incremental technological advances. This delivers agility and the reassurance that many growing brands cannot achieve on their own.

2026 is a year for the BCMPA community to be more vocal, more connected, and more influential in shaping the future of the sector. By working together, sharing knowledge, and championing the value of third-party outsourcing, the community will be better placed to turn today’s challenges into long-term opportunities.

Thomas Glendinning, Managing Director of Sovereign Labelling Machines: Productivity and sustainability have historically been treated as competing priorities, but today they are viewed as two sides of the same coin. From the development of recyclable mono-material plastics and greater use of fibre-based packaging solutions to highly automated manufacturing lines that maximise uptime and strip waste out of production, all have a part to play in helping the label and packaging industry improve its performance and remain suitable in the worlds of today and tomorrow.

This underscores how robust, flexible, and future-ready labelling and sleeving technology is critical for brands, co-packers, and contract manufacturers across FMCG, beverages, personal care, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and more. Businesses that win will be those that treat labelling and sleeving as a strategic capability that touches productivity, compliance, brand value, and total cost of ownership (TCO).

At one end of the spectrum are those seeking fully integrated, turnkey labelling and sleeving solutions. They want a comprehensive platform from a partner who can expertly engineer and support the complete workflow: bespoke and modular, from infeed, conveying, application, inspection, tamper evidence, to outfeed. The integration of third-party solutions adds another layer of depth and complexity.

Such requirements have shaped multiple projects that we’ve fulfilled this year and ensured we have been able to support our customers with the most sophisticated labelling and sleeving needs.

At the other end of the spectrum, there are many brands and co-packers seeking straightforward, functional, and cost-efficient systems that are tailored to their needs and can label and sleeve jars, cans, bottles, and other containers precisely, at high speed, and at the highest quality.

What unites these solutions is a focus on TCO. For all customers, the right financing structure, robust build quality, and a clear upgrade path are just as important as the purchase price. The conversations in 2025 have been far more strategic, looking at lifecycle costs, uptime, training requirements, and integration with upstream and downstream equipment.

Mark Stephenson, business development manager, packaging and inkjet business at Fujifilm Europe: More and more I hear how businesses are becoming increasingly riskaverse as they gather, and are possibly distracted by, mountains of data and analysis. Decisions are delayed and whole projects are abandoned for lack of clarity as we all drown in a sea of unreliable forecasts and projections.

Depressing, isn’t it?

My goal for 2026 is to present ever more compelling arguments that remove any doubt, telling relatable customer stories that say far more than data tables or industry forecasts.

This is the year of print and packaging in the real world.

Are we talking directly to our customers or have we settled for relationships by proxy of emailed documents, shared links and executive summaries?

This is the time for us to lift our eyes from Excel, Tableau and the weekly dashboard and do business face to face, eye to eye, B2B. Catherine Conway, Policy Lead, GoUnpackaged: 2026 is the year that retailers, brands, and government need to step up on reuse. Now that Extended Producer Responsibility fees are increasing costs for unsustainable packaging, the obvious answer for many products and use cases is reuse. Evidence shows that the switch to well designed reusable packaging will lower overall system costs and EPR fees, as well as dramatically reduce the environmental impacts of packaging in the form of lower carbon emissions, less virgin resource use, and less waste.

With the Reuse Packaging Partnership’s commitment by 9 leading UK retailers to implement an interoperable ‘buy anywhere, return anywhere’ reusable packaging system across multiple retailers and brands by 2030, and WRAP’s new Packaging Pact , it’s time for leading businesses to turn their words into action and put us on the transition to a meaningful level of reusable packaging for consumers to access. Research shows that over three quarters (77%) of consumers want to see all retailers offer reusable, refillable, and returnable packaging long-term. This will take time to implement so 2026 must be the year we start. >>> foodanddrinknetwork-uk.co.uk | 11

Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11...

Andrew Wakeley, Market Development Manager at Taghleef: Looking ahead to 2026, the UK flexible packaging market faces both challenge and transformation. Persistent economic pressures—including high energy costs and the ongoing impact of the Plastic Packaging Tax—are pushing companies to prioritize long-term material performance and reliability over short-term savings. EPR is a key driver, with producer fees increasingly expected to reflect packaging recyclability, assessed through the Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM). Action on circularity and credible recycled-content claims is no longer optional, and the launch of the UK Packaging Pact in April 2026 will provide further structure, setting measurable targets to optimise packaging, scale reuse and refill systems, support circular infrastructure investment, and harmonise data for better traceability and reporting.

Commercially, flexibility, speed, and the ability to manage smaller, diversified runs will be critical. Companies that can deliver practical, sustainable packaging solutions while maintaining efficiency will be best placed to succeed in a cost-conscious, fast-moving, and increasingly sustainability-driven market.

As a films manufacturer, our role is to guide customers through these complex material choices, ensuring their packaging is fit for purpose, compliant, and fully aligned with the evolving regulatory landscape.

Adam Herriott, CRWM MCIWM, Senior Specialist, WRAP:

WRAP and one another through the UK Packaging Pact to improve packaging design, use data to guide decisions, and keep circularity at the centre of the system.

Shaun Wild, Sales Director at Sheard Packaging: Looking ahead to 2026, we hope the packaging industry continues to focus on creating real value for customers, not just through materials or cost, but by improving performance across the wider supply chain. That means thinking more carefully about how packaging is designed and specified, and recognising that the best outcomes come from close collaboration between manufacturers and customers from the outset.

As an industry, we’d love to see the strong partnerships that already exist continue to grow. When manufacturers and customers work closely together, even small, well-considered changes to a box can make a big difference, from sustainability and efficiency, through to handling, transport, and storage costs. People remain central to that progress. A lot of the real progress we see comes from sitting down with customers and asking a few simple questions about how their packaging is actually used. Often, it’s the small changes that make the biggest difference.

We’re looking forward to being at Packaging Innovations as a chance to have those conversations directly with customers, sharing ideas, discussing challenges and showing how small changes can deliver real impact across their whole supply chain. From our own perspective, 2026 is about continuing to grow in the right way and showing up for our customers. Strengthening relationships, investing in our people and capabilities, and supporting both existing and new customers with packaging that genuinely works for their supply chain.

Charlotte Davies (PISEP, AssocMCIWM), Senior Consultant – Resource Efficiency & Circularity & Rob Lewis, International Compliance Manager at Beyondly: The future of packaging will be shaped by data, innovation, and collaboration. Comprehensive data collection is becoming nonnegotiable, and businesses must establish baselines, track progress, and measure performance across their packaging portfolios.

Companies that build strong data systems and engage suppliers early will adapt more easily to changing EPR and sustainability regulations. Robust data systems will underpin best-practice reporting, helping companies demonstrate accountability while gaining a competitive advantage through proactive compliance and transparency.

2026 should mark a shift from disruption to discipline in the UK packaging system. With pEPR beginning to reshape cost signals, Simpler Recycling improving consistency across collections, and the UK Packaging Pact launching this spring, the direction of travel is becoming clearer and more stable than it has been for some time. The real risk now is moving too fast and locking in decisions before the system has fully settled. Incremental optimisation, aligning formats with real UK infrastructure, streamlining portfolios, and designing for where the system is going rather than where it was, is likely to deliver better outcomes than rapid format switching driven by short-term pressure. My wish for the year ahead is that businesses continue to work collaboratively with 12 | foodanddrinknetwork-uk.co.uk

As regulations tighten, costs increase, and environmental expectations grow, the sector will need to continue to move up the waste hierarchy, prioritising waste prevention and reuse.

Future strategies will likely emphasise innovative reuse solutions, with packaging designed for circularity and minimal waste. Wider developments such as the inclusion of waste incineration within the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) will further drive the need for recyclable or reusable materials to further mitigate waste management costs. In addition to this, a collaborative supply chain will be essential, leveraging tools like digital product passports to enhance transparency and traceability.

Success will require a cross-functional approach, aligning sustainability, packaging design, marketing, and supplier expertise.

By integrating environmental goals with functionality from the design stage, producers can meet both regulatory demands and consumer expectations, creating packaging that protects the product while minimising environmental impact.

Exhibitions

Andy Sweetman, Sales & Marketing Director – EMEA, Futamura UK:

Lucy Bosten, Head of Marketing & Communications at Carlton Packaging: As we step into 2026, the print and packaging industry is doing more than moving toward sustainability; it’s redefining what responsible packaging looks like in everyday use. What once felt largely driven by customer pressure is now firmly built into business thinking and innovation.

At Carlton, we’re seeing a clear move away from simply switching materials, towards designing smarter, more circular packaging that works harder across sustainability, efficiency, and performance. The focus is on long-term impact, and it’s an exciting time to be part of shaping what the future of packaging looks like.

Nicholas Mockett, Packaging Corporate Finance / Mergers & Acquisitions Partner with Moorgate Capital:

As we enter 2026, we sense a growing realisation that the packaging waste challenge demands a more holistic approach than just recycling on its own. The initial form of the UK’s EPR RAM system placed too strong an emphasis on recycling mainstream polymers and not enough on the role that novel polymers can play in providing end of life options especially in applications where conventional recycling is impractical; applications such as fruit and veg labels, tea and coffee pods, packaging contaminated by food residues, sachets and small format confectionery wrappers.

As UK producers of renewable and compostable flexible films, under the NatureFlex trade-name, we therefore welcome the latest proposals from PackUK that start to recognise the potential of the socalled ‘other’ category with an enhanced base fee.

Mike Banister, CEO of Hunter Luxury: Over the last few years, political change and economic pressure have combined to push sustainability down the priority list in some areas. My hope for 2026 is that the industry does not allow hard-earned leadership in sustainability to fall by the wayside. I want us all to refocus on what really matters in the long term – and to remember why it matters.

Jane Struk, Creative Director at ARD agency: Looking towards 2026, at ARD we believe the focus will shift towards designing packaging that works better for people.

Accessibility, clarity and smart material choices will matter as much as aesthetics.

The real challenge will be creating packaging that feels intuitive and responsible, while still being distinctive and desirable.

Ultimately, success will come from understanding real consumer needs and translating them into meaningful design decisions.

On 2nd of January 2026 the FTSE 100 reached an all-time high of 10,000 (the index started on 3rd January 1984 at 1,000).

This followed a recordbreaking year for the FTSE 100 in 2025, during which it closed at an all-time high 41 times and delivered its best performance since 2009, rising by 21.5%.

Prima facie that sounds like good news if you have a (vested) interest in the health of the UK economy. However, around 70% to 80% of the revenue of FTSE 100 companies comes from outside the UK. The FTSE250 was up less than 9% during 2025 and this is more representative of UK economy as the constituents’ revenue which comes from UK is over 40%.

Even so, the market pushing up these indices by 20% or 9% is quite remarkable given the political situation, globally and here in UK. But this does not necessarily mean all segments of the economy are performing strongly, the increase could be due to expectations about the future and a flight of capital from other markets which have more turmoil.

What of those expectations? Talking with packaging clients in almost every continent of the globe, including those with Multi-National footprints, 2025 was generally soft. Even in the food markets consumers’ expenditure has been subdued. But 2025 was a difficult year to get a read on. Trump tariffs (or threat of ) caused rushes to supply into USA which brought forward demand for goods, and therefore packaging. This may well have washed out.

Looking at valuation multiples of publicly listed packaging companies (those on a stock exchange) an important metric in packaging is Enterprise Value to Earnings Before Interest Tax Depreciation & Amortisation. With recent packaging M&A, we have fewer companies still listed on the London Stock Exchange, the recent PLC deal was DS Smith being taken over by International Paper. But looking at international EV/EBITDA multiples for 10 of the largest global packaging companies, only 1 is trading on a higher EV/EBITDA than last year. >>> foodanddrinknetwork-uk.co.uk | 13

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When M&A deals are undertaken, buyers typically mark-to-market when negotiating value. So, if you are a vendor, this may not be the best news, but if you are embarking on a growth-throughacquisition-strategy you may be licking your lips.

Moreover, the sector continues to attract interest from financial institutions, including private equity, as overall, the packaging market continues to grow in most territories. Some end-market segments are even more attractive, typically pharmaceutical, healthcare, and personal care.

Given the number of large cap packaging transactions undertaken in the last year or two, we expect a wave of consolidation as the next tiers of packaging industry players seek to expand to compete with the industry leaders. In industrial economic theory, this should lead to better conduct and hence better margins. Something to look forward to in 2026 and beyond.

However, in light of the news of the USA imprisoning Nicolas Maduro, it is clear we can expect political instability in 2026 with concomitant impacts on economies and markets. We shall see how the markets open on Monday 5th January. The good news is, on the whole, consumers don’t stop eating, drinking, and brushing their teeth, which all require packaging.

Gregory Bentley, SBFE Packaging Director and SMEE Director at iconic Japanese multinational manufacturer Suntory: As we enter 2026, the packaging industry faces a critical juncture driven by regulatory changes and evolving consumer expectations.

This puts the industry in a moment where adaptation becomes just as important as innovation. The sector’s readiness for Deposit Return Systems (DRS) reflects our commitment to circularity, with schemes expanding across Europe, including the UK. We are aligning operations and supply chains to boost recycling rates and ensure smooth implementation.

hearts and minds. We look at the market landscape, where everyone else is selling the same thing but slightly different, and say, ‘you have a licence to own this space that doesn’t feel occupied.’

Some categories can be chaotic as everyone is saying the same things.

But for those more ambitious brands, we should talk about what’s after. In the current economic climate, a lot of people don’t have time for that – it’s all hands-on-deck in the here and now. But from time to time, people look ahead to the beyond the next few years or the next decade. 2030 is getting close from a launch pipeline point of view. And if you’re linking things together, then you’ve got that licence to really get ahead and be a leader in your domain.

If I’m being realistic, 80% of your focus must be on what’s next. This helps develop a coherence. No consumer will follow a brand that’s zig-zagging. However, just a little imagination beyond your next launch goes a long way.

Robin Buisseret, Artwork Automation Specialist - Founder & CEO at r.stream: Looking ahead to 2026, the packaging industry is on the cusp of a fundamental shift, as the newest and most powerful technologies begin to transform packaging processes in ways we have never seen before.

What feels experimental today will rapidly become operational, forcing the industry to rethink not just how packaging is produced, but how quickly and intelligently it can respond to changing market demands.

A key priority within this transformation will be the democratisation of AI, making advanced tools accessible to brands that need to increase speed to market for packaging artworks without compromising quality or control. By 2026, the first genuinely practical and scalable AI use cases in packaging artwork creation will begin to emerge, moving beyond theory and pilots into real world application, and setting a new benchmark for efficiency, agility and creative possibility across the sector.

The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) brings both challenges and opportunities, requiring harmonized standards and collaboration to meet ambitious goals for recyclability, reusability, and reduced environmental impact. Legislative uncertainty—such as France’s evolving single-use plastics rules—demands agility and close engagement with policymakers. At Suntory Beverage & Food Europe we are working toward 100% sustainable plastic packaging by 2030. Our transition to 100% rPET for our major brands in France and for the Ribena brand packaging in GB&I shows how this shift is already taking place.

Amy Hooper, Head of Innovation at Biffa:

Consumers remain central to our strategy. We must balance convenience and performance with lighter, sustainable packaging through innovation in design, materials, and end-of-life solutions meeting regulations while inspiring positive behaviour change. Guided by our Japanese principles of Gemba, which means being close to real everyday moments, and Seikatsusha which recognises people as whole individuals shaped by their values and routines, we are getting insights into how packaging is handled, used, and disposed of, allowing us to design solutions that fit evolving behaviours.

I think the value chain needs to come together on the legislation that’s been introduced this year and is coming in next year to make sure that we’re all pointing in the same direction. There’s been a lot of talk about reuse this year, a lot of research coming out - but I’d want to see that concrete steps are made in 2026 to get reuse into a commercially scalable solution in the UK, not just spoken about.

Finally, developing and empowering the next generation of packaging professionals is vital. Their creativity and expertise will drive progress, ensuring packaging continues to deliver value and sustainability in a rapidly changing world.

Kelly Dawson, Co-founder and Strategy Partner at specialist innovation agency Studio Every: Our perspective is always, ‘have we delivered something that’s going to create a competitive edge in the future?’ Call it differentiation, disruption, call it what you like – it’s got to stand out, show up, and win 14 | foodanddrinknetwork-uk.co.uk

We want to make sure that recycled content is used more than it is currently and that it’s cheaper than virgin content. Our plastics recycling industry is struggling. And that’s not great for the circular economy, right? I’d love to see much more of a push towards people using grounded terminology for where their packaging is at. Is it genuinely recyclable or not? Using the right words for that—less confusion there in terms of advertising.

I’d like to add a bit about consumer perceptions—consumer confusion and the terminology used on packaging. We as an industry and value chain have all been trying to wrap our heads around, ‘What does simpler recycling mean? What does EPR mean?’ The next step, which needs to start next year, is how we communicate with the public about what these changes mean for them, so that their behaviours follow as well. But also, we need to crack down on terminology around biodegradable and compostable, and people claiming things about recyclability that aren’t actually true.

I would love it if the focus for the new year is on keeping some of the expertise and capability that we have within the UK strong, especially in the plastics recycling industry — if that falls through in the UK, that would be a huge loss to something we had managed to keep here.

Exhibitions

Luke Wilson, Managing Director of Face Progressive Printed Packaging:

Rising cost pressures, labour challenges, and increasing regulatory complexity mean that packaging performance will be judged not just on sustainability credentials, but on how reliably it supports supply chains end to end.

For us at VPK, the focus is on consistency, resilience, and value creation. Brands are looking for partners who can help them reduce complexity, improve logistics efficiency, and maintain strong shelf presence, all while meeting evolving environmental expectations. That puts greater emphasis on smart design, robust materials, and closer collaboration between packaging, operations, and logistics teams.

We also see a growing opportunity for corrugated packaging to play a more strategic role, not only as a transport solution, but as a contributor to brand recognition and operational efficiency. The year ahead will be about doing the fundamentals exceptionally well, while helping customers adapt to a more demanding and fast-moving market.

Yaseed Chaumoo, MD of Deepnest by Greyparrot:

As we head into 2026, I believe the print and packaging industry stands at a defining moment. The year ahead will demand more clarity, more courage and more collaboration than ever before - however, it also presents enormous opportunity for those prepared to lead with purpose.

My hope for 2026 is that sustainability finally moves beyond rhetoric and into genuinely intelligent execution. Brands no longer want packaging that simply claims to be sustainable; they want solutions that are provably ecological, commercially viable and creatively uncompromising.

Our ambition is to solve complex challenges and create the most compelling packaging possible - without asking brands to choose between responsibility and impact.

One of my key priorities is elevating packaging to its rightful place as a highly strategic brand storytelling tool. As digital saturation continues to grow, physical packaging has a renewed power to captivate, connect and create unforgettable moments.

In 2026, I expect we’ll see progressive brands invest more deeply in impactful design, colour, decoration and storytelling - using the power of print to forge genuine emotional connections with consumers across global markets.

I also predict a shift in how authority is defined in our industry. The most trusted partners will not be those offering the loudest claims, but those able to guide brands confidently through complexity. From the unsexy compliance and supply chain transparency aspects, through to the more sexy structural packaging design, innovation and execution stages.

Ultimately, 2026 must be the year the industry proves it can move faster, think smarter, design better and be more creative than ever.

For brands, for consumers and for the planet.

That’s the future we’re building towards, and one I’m genuinely excited to help shape.

Adam Platts, Sales & Marketing Director, VPK Packaging UK & Ireland: In 2026, we expect the packaging industry to continue moving beyond incremental change and into more fundamental transformation.

2026 will be the first year that packaging performance at the sorting line shows up directly on brand P&Ls.In the UK and EU, the era of ‘theoretically recyclable’ packaging is ending. From 2026, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) start to link fees and obligations to how packaging actually behaves in the waste system, not just what’s printed on the back of pack.

Recyclability will determine whether a format sits in a green, amber or red fe band – and therefore whether it is cheap or expensive to put on the market. For FMCG and CPG leaders, this is no longer a compliance footnote. It is about controlling three things at once: packaging costs, climate impact and competitiveness. Brands that move early to design for real-world sortability will pay less in EPR, face fewer regulatory shocks and be better positioned with retailers and consumers. Those that don’t will be subsidising everyone else.

For the first time, we also have the data infrastructure to treat these as hard business decisions, not green hunches. In 2025, AI from Deepnest

by Greyparrot analysed 43.5 billion individual packaging items moving through real sorting plants. This is the first dataset that shows, at scale, how packaging truly performs – not in guidelines or lab tests, but on actual conveyor belts.The results are sobering. Nearly one in five packs still fails to make it into a recyclable output stream. The worst performers are formats brands already suspect but haven’t been able to quantify: black plastics, metallised films, EPS and low-grade fibres.

The best performers – clear PET bottles, white dairy tubs, corrugated board, aluminium – consistently deliver high capture and clean material streams.Crucially, this isn’t just a story about bottles and cans. In health and personal care categories, where portfolios are full of sachets, pumps, tubes and shrink-wrapped packs, our work with leading brands shows that many “recyclable” designs underperform badly once they hit the line. Without intervention, a material share of today’s portfolio is on course for the red end of modulated fee scales from 2026 onwards.

This creates a new kind of C-suite question for 2026: ‘What happens to our EPR bill, and our effective packaging margin, if we redesign 10%, 20%, 30% of our portfolio for real-world sortability?’

Deepnest’s role is to answer that question with evidence.

Against the backdrop of the UK’s ambition to lead in AI deployment, this creates a unique opportunity for UK-headquartered brands to lead globally on AI-enabled packaging strategy: using real-world data, not lab claims, as the basis for capital allocation and design.2025 showed that packaging ambition and reality are still far apart. 2026 will be the year where brands that design for the sorting line lock in an >>> foodanddrinknetwork-uk.co.uk | 15

Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15...

advantage – in cost, in resilience and in access to markets – and those that don’t start to feel it in their invoices.

Pierre-Yves Paslier, Co-founder of Notpla: I’d say 2026 is the year natural polymers will become a standalone category on the market, especially for food service packaging. It’s not only Notpla’s seaweed boxes in the market that are so exciting, but other players like Xampla’s green peas and Traceless corn are making their first steps out of the lab and into the hands of consumers. We see that as a good thing!

I also believe 2026 marks a real turning point in how the industry recognises the health implications of microplastics. The evidence is now linking everyday packaging materials to microplastic exposure through food and drink, with evidenced impact on our “brains, balls, and babies”. What’s striking is that this issue polls consistently well across the political and cultural spectrum. In an increasingly polarised world, protecting human health is something people can still agree on.

As that consensus strengthens, we’re seeing brands’ desire to move decisively towards materials that are safe by design, rather than relying on complex chemistries to manage risk, fundamentally reshaping how we define decency and responsibility in packaging.

Jude Pullen, Creative Technologist, Designer & Chartered Engineer: As we move into 2026, the most meaningful shift in packaging innovation is not the emergence of new technology, but the way existing tools, particularly AI, are being applied with greater maturity and restraint. Rather than chasing disruption for its own sake, the

focus is increasingly on practical optimisation that improves everyday human workflows. In my work with RS Group, using NVIDIA technology, this took the form of ‘Relaxed Tetris Packing’: simple AI-driven recommendations that help packers fit more items into a box without specialist skills or extra time. The intent was never to replace people, but to make their jobs easier while reducing waste and costs. That convergence of human benefit, environmental gain, and commercial value feels genuinely different as we look ahead to 2026.

Regulation is accelerating this shift from experimentation to action.

The EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, particularly limits on void fill - and will force companies to rethink how efficiently goods are shipped. While some categories will move towards padded mailers, boxes will remain essential for heavier or fragile items, making optimisation unavoidable. This is where AI excels by addressing the ‘low-hanging fruit’, outperforming inexperienced packers and delivering consistent gains at scale. What began as an ‘art of the possible’ exploration now aligns directly with regulatory timelines, illustrating how early, ethical experimentation can evolve into a strategic advantage rather than last-minute compliance.

By 2026, AI’s role in packaging will be firmly embedded in optimisation, not creative replacement. It works best on known systems with known variables, from packing efficiency to material usage, while humans remain essential for judgement, creativity and navigating uncertainty.

The organisations best positioned for this future are those running small, low-risk pilots that educate teams and de-risk decisions, rather than reacting in panic when regulation bites. In this context, the real innovation is not smarter algorithms, but a more human approach to technological change, one that values trust, participation, and ‘good enough’ progress over perfection.

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16 | foodanddrinknetwork-uk.co.uk

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Packaging

Tetra Pak

Tetra Pak launches world-first paper-based barrier for juice packaging with García Carrión and advances new packaging material development Tetra Pak, in collaboration with García Carrión, today unveiled the first-ever use of its paper-based barrier technology for juice packaging. This innovation in sustainable food packaging solutions marks a significant step towards reducing reliance on fossil-based materials, with the new packaging material now being rolled out across multiple markets.

World-first aseptic carton with paper-based barrier for the juice category Tetra Pak, together with leading Spanish beverage producer García Carrión, has launched the Tetra Brik® Aseptic 200 ml Slim Leaf carton featuring a paper-based barrier for juice, under the flagship Don Simón brand. This is the first juice portion pack globally to use the innovative barrier and the first such package available in Spain.

Made with up to 80% paper, the packaging reinforces its sustainability credentials. The combination of the paper-based barrier with plant-based polymers used in the packaging material coatings, pushes the renewable content to a remarkable 92%, while reducing the carbon footprint by 43% compared with an aseptic package that uses aluminium foil layer and fossil-based polymers, as verified by the Carbon Trust1.

“We are proud to lead the way in sustainable packaging for the juice category. For more than 135 years, García Carrión has been committed to responsible innovation and respect for the environment,” said Don José García Carrión, President of García Carrión. “This innovation supports our mission to reduce environmental impact while offering high-quality products to our consumers”, added Fala Corujo, Vice President of García Carrión.

For García Carrión, this packaging solution represents a new industrial application of its 360° Sustainability Strategy, recognised with the Factories of the Future Award 2024 for Excellence in Sustainability and Circular Economy.

Tatiana Liceti, Executive Vice President, Packaging Solutions at Tetra Pak commented: “This launch represents a significant step in our journey towards fully renewable

and recyclable packaging. By working closely with our customers, we’re proving that sustainable innovation can scale across markets and categories, while ensuring packaging retains its functionality and quality.”

What is the paper-based barrier?

Tetra Pak’s paper-based barrier is a breakthrough in aseptic carton design. It replaces the traditional aluminium foil layer with a renewable, paper-based barrier, promoting the shift from a fossil-based material to a low-carbon, renewable alternative and reducing package’s carbon footprint. Together with other layers in the packaging, the paper-based barrier protects against oxygen, light, moisture and bacteria ensuring food safety is not compromised, and shelf life is comparable to packages with the aluminium foil layer. Aseptic cartons with a new paper-based barrier can be collected, sorted, and recycled where recycling infrastructure is in place, at scale. The new paper-based barrier is expected to deliver additional benefits downstream for recycling infrastructure efficiency. These include maximising the recovery of paper content from the recycling process of carton packages, while ensuring high-quality fibre and non-fibre fractions.

Tetra Pak’s paper-based barrier technology is part of its broader ambition to create the world’s most sustainable food package – one that is paper-based, made solely from responsibly sourced renewable or recycled materials, has the lowest possible carbon footprint and is fully recyclable2.

Tetra Pak’s aseptic beverage carton with a paper-based barrier was launched in collaboration with a dairy company in Portugal in 2023. It was recognised as a groundbreaking innovation in sustainable packaging, receiving the “Resource Efficiency” award at the Sustainable Packaging News Awards 2024. foodanddrinknetwork-uk.co.uk | 17

Packaging Technology

DataLase

DataLase launches revolutionary label-free clear-to-white coating for plastic bottles As brands worldwide accelerate the move towards label-free packaging to reduce waste, improve recyclability and meet tightening sustainability targets, DataLase, the global leader in laser printing solutions, has introduced a revolutionary clear-to-white coating for plastic bottles.

The new solution provides an alternative to traditional labels, eliminating filmic and paper materials while delivering full labelequivalent functionality. The coating enables brands to significantly reduce packaging without compromising performance or visual impact.

information, regulatory content, brand logos and date/lot codes.

Every bottle can be customised or personalised instantly, without delaying production, allowing brands to tailor messaging, serialisation, or promotional content on a unit-by-unit basis.

Designed for integration into high-speed bottling lines with spraycoating units, the innovative DataLase coating is suitable for PET, PP and PC bottles and optimised for beverage, personal care and pharmaceutical applications. Once applied, the bottle surface can be laser-imaged using CO₂, fibre, or UV lasers, producing a high-opacity white image on a clear background with exceptional clarity. This process eliminates the need for inks, labels, or other consumables during imaging and guarantees consistent, laser-sharp print quality at production speed. The technology offers full label-equivalent functionality, enabling connectivity through QR codes, nutritional

Commenting on the launch, Ally Grant, CTO at DataLase, said: “Brands are under increasing pressure to reduce packaging waste while maintaining the functionality and quality consumers expect. Our label-free coating enables both. By removing inks, films and paper labels entirely, we’re not only helping manufacturers cut material use and simplify their operations, but also enabling a level of flexibility and personalisation that traditional labelling can’t match. It’s a genuinely transformative step forward for sustainable bottle decoration and one that aligns perfectly with the industry’s environmental goals.”

Beyond image quality, the coating allows manufacturers to significantly reduce SKUs, improve equipment uptime and lower warehousing costs, creating meaningful operational advantages. By removing traditional label stocks from the supply chain, it simplifies sourcing, decreases environmental impact and streamlines the overall packaging process. With no paper or plastic label waste generated, recyclability improves and waste management requirements are reduced. The coating itself is heat, water, scuff and rub-resistant, ensuring durability throughout distribution. Formulated to comply with regulations for non-direct food contact packaging, it aligns with modern packaging and product safety standards.

The combined advantages, including label-free decoration, elimination of consumables, customisation options, reduced packaging waste, and simplified end-of-life processing, make DataLase’s label-free clear-towhite coating a powerful solution for brands looking to minimise their environmental impact while improving production efficiency.

For more information, visit DataLase.com.

18 | foodanddrinknetwork-uk.co.uk

Industry Outlook / Year Ahead

BEYOND THE BARCODE

Traceability, Technology, and the Future of UK Food Introduction 2026 is shaping up to be a defining year for the food industry, with a wave of regulatory tightening and higher expectations around traceability, labelling accuracy, and safety.

Recent food safety scandals and labelling mistakes have put businesses under the microscope, driving home the high stakes of getting it right.

Regulators and major retailers are increasingly insisting on accurate, accessible digital records for every product’s journey from farm to fork. At the same time, consumers are demanding greater transparency about where their food comes from and what’s in it. For food and drink manufacturers, the challenge heading into 2026 is not just what is changing – it’s how to stay compliant and competitive amid fast-changing rules without drowning in administration. The good news is that with the right systems and proactive approach, tighter compliance can become an opportunity to strengthen efficiency, build brand trust, and drive innovation rather than a bureaucratic burden.

The High Stakes of Traceability and Labelling Several high-profile incidents in the past decade have underscored why robust traceability and precise labelling are non-negotiable. The 2013 “Horsegate” scandal – where horse meat was illegally passed off as beef across Europe – famously shook consumer confidence and cost companies millions.

More recently, in 2023, a UK food processor was caught mixing rotting, imported pork with fresh British meat and selling it as UK-sourced. This industrial-scale fraud, now under criminal investigation, has drawn comparisons to Horsegate and raised fresh alarm about gaps in oversight. The British Retail

Consortium responded by emphasising that strict supply chain controls, including detailed traceability records, are needed to make sure fraud is avoided and products are… as described.

In an era of economic pressures, the head of the UK Food Standards Agency warned that the risk of food fraud only increases, making it “vital everyone involved in the food chain works to ensure that food is safe and what it says it is.”

It’s not only intentional fraud that poses risks – simple labelling errors can have serious consequences for public health and brand reputation. Allergen mislabelling is a prime example. The tragic death of teenager Natasha Ednan-Laperouse in 2016 due to an undeclared allergen in a baguette led to “Natasha’s Law,” which since 2021 mandates full ingredient and allergen labels on fresh foods prepared for direct sale. Yet allergen labelling mistakes remain a widespread problem. In the first half of 2025, 35% of all food product recalls in the UK were triggered by allergen labelling errors, making this the single biggest cause of recalls. Nearly 150 recalls were issued in just six months, a worrisome uptick from previous years. A food industry report noted that “labelling governance is still the industry’s weakest control” – meaning many companies lack adequate processes to ensure labels are correct, consistent and up-to-date.

Common failures include poor change control when recipes or ingredients change, data not being updated in time, and insufficient verification on packaging lines. >>> foodanddrinknetwork-uk.co.uk | 19

Industry Outlook / Year Ahead continued from page 05...

Each of these issues is solvable with more discipline and the right tools – in the expert’s words, with “a single source of truth” for product data across the supply chain.

Even beyond safety, accuracy in labelling affects consumer trust every day. Shoppers expect honest information about what they buy, from nutritional content to country of origin. Consumer advocacy groups have flagged misleading origin labels – for example, packaging adorned with a Union Jack and “Made in Britain” that, on closer inspection, admits to containing imported meat. In a 2024 survey, two-thirds of UK consumers said it’s important to know the origin of their fresh produce, and over half want origin information even for processed foods. Such findings have prodded authorities into action: the government has consulted on stricter origin labelling to improve transparency.

In short, there is mounting pressure on food businesses to ensure everything on the label is truthful and clear, both to comply with the law and to meet customer expectations.

Tech Innovations Transforming Food Traceability Fortunately, the industry is not tackling these challenges emptyhanded. A range of emerging technologies is revolutionising how food is tracked and monitored, making it easier to assure traceability and safety at every step. Blockchain has moved from buzzword to practical tool for end-to-end supply chain transparency. By recording each transaction or movement of a food item on a tamper-proof digital ledger, blockchain allows any stakeholder – from a supermarket to a consumer with a smartphone – to instantly verify a product’s journey and provenance. Early adopters have reported remarkable improvements. For instance, Walmart trialled a blockchain-based traceability system for mangoes that cut the time needed to trace the fruit’s origin from seven days to just 2.2 seconds. In Europe, retail giants like Carrefour have implemented blockchain to track products like chicken and milk, giving shoppers access to detailed farm-to-store data and sharply reducing the potential for fraud or error. These examples show how decentralised ledgers can make recalls faster and more precise, and counterfeit or mislabelled goods easier to spot.

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are also proving to be game-changers. AI can churn through vast datasets from production lines, sensors, and audits to detect anomalies or patterns humans might miss. This means issues like a spike in temperature in a refrigerated truck or a subtle discrepancy in ingredient sourcing can be flagged in real time. Machine-vision systems (often coupled with AI) are being used on packing lines to automatically verify that the correct labels are applied to each product – a safety net against human error when thousands of items are being packaged at speed. AI-driven analytics can even predict risks before they happen, by learning to recognise signals of potential contamination or quality issues and enabling preventive actions. In one estimate, integrating technologies like blockchain, AI and IoT (Internet of Things) sensors for traceability can reduce supply chain fraud by up to 30% and improve operational efficiency by 25%.

The Internet of Things itself is playing a pivotal role in food safety enhancements. Tiny IoT devices – from RFID tags and QR codes to advanced environmental sensors – are now being attached to food shipments and even individual packages. These devices continuously monitor conditions like temperature, humidity, and time in transit. For cold chain products (like dairy, meat, 20 | foodanddrinknetwork-uk.co.uk

and vaccines), IoT sensors can immediately alert suppliers if a container becomes too warm or if a seal is broken, so that corrective action can be taken before a product becomes unsafe. By logging every environmental condition a food item experiences, IoT creates a living record that not only helps prevent spoilage but also contributes to traceability data. For example, if a batch of salad leaves shows signs of E. coli, a cloud-based IoT tracking platform can instantly identify which farm it came from, which truck carried it, and which stores received it – enabling a targeted recall in hours. This level of visibility was science fiction a generation ago; today it’s increasingly within reach even for mid-sized producers as costs of sensors drop. Overall, these technologies are converging to support the food industry’s shift from reactive to proactive food safety – identifying issues at the earliest possible stage or preventing them outright, rather than scrambling after an incident has already spread.

UK Regulations and Compliance: A Moving Target The regulatory landscape in the UK is evolving to keep pace with these challenges and innovations. While there isn’t one single “big bang” law overhaul in 2026 for traceability, a series of rules and guidance updates are raising the bar for compliance. The overarching trend is clear: authorities want better data and more accountability from farm to fork. Under the UK’s General Food Law (retained from EU regulation), businesses have long been required to be able to trace ingredients and products one step back and one step forward in the supply chain. Now, both regulators and major retail customers expect far more granular traceability – essentially, being able to produce the full story of a product’s life within seconds, not days. This expectation is driven in part by technology’s capabilities and partly by impatience with past failures. As one industry blog noted, retailers, auditors and government inspectors are all tightening standards on origin tracking, batch coding, and digital record-keeping.

Increasingly, “if it’s not documented, it didn’t happen” is the mantra. Companies are being pushed to maintain fully auditable digital records for every batch, ingredient, and production run, such that any anomaly can be traced and proven with evidence on demand.

Several specific regulatory changes are hitting in late 2025 and 2026. For example, January 2026 will see new UK Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) rules come into force, requiring food and drink manufacturers to report detailed data on their packaging and pay higher fees for packaging that isn’t easily recyclable. While EPR is aimed at sustainability, it ties into traceability because businesses must accurately track materials and weights for every product’s packaging – effectively treating packaging data with the same rigour as ingredient data. Such reporting obligations make it clear that robust data management systems are now a necessity, not a luxury. In a different vein, the UK’s long-planned restrictions on advertising “less healthy” foods (HFSS – high fat, sugar, salt products) also kick in from January 2026. Manufacturers will have to have precise nutritional information to classify which of their products are caught by the ad bans. This indirectly relates to labelling accuracy: mislabel a product’s nutrition profile and you could fall foul of advertising law or retailer listing requirements.

On the food safety front specifically, regulators are updating guidance and stepping up enforcement. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has been refining how food businesses must

Industry Outlook / Year Ahead

provide allergen information (as with Natasha’s Law) and is exploring new measures like “Owen’s Law”, a proposed rule that would mandate written allergen info on restaurant menus. Trading Standards and Environmental Health officers, who police labelling on the ground, have been active in cracking down on misleading claims. It was reported in 2024 that post-Brexit rules may require labels stating “Not for EU” on all meat and dairy products sold in Great Britain, to distinguish them from goods that meet EU export standards.

This has caused some consternation among producers due to added cost, but it exemplifies how intricate and ever-changing labelling compliance can be. Food companies operating internationally must also keep an eye on global regulations – for instance, the United States is rolling out a Food Traceability Final Rule (under the FDA’s FSMA 204) by 2026, compelling importers and domestic firms alike to maintain enhanced digital traceability records for certain high-risk foods. A UK exporter sending products abroad might need to align with these requirements as well. The overall direction is unmistakable: whether by national law, international rule, or customer expectation, the margin for error in traceability and

labelling is vanishing. Compliance management now demands agility and foresight – businesses must anticipate new rules on the horizon and invest early in the systems, training, and audits to meet them.

References

https://www.hellenic.co.uk/blogs/food-manufacturing-regulations-what-changesare-coming-in-2026/ https://www.foodmanufacture.co.uk/Article/2025/02/10/uk-food-recall-trendsand-lessons-from-2024/ https://sciencex.com/wire-news/510638957/keeping-it-real-the-hidden-battleagainst-fake-food.html https://foodindustryexecutive.com/2024/11/2025-food-industry-tech-trends-aiand-supply-chain-solutions-lead-investment-priorities/ https://www.innovationforum.co.uk/articles/the-future-of-food-what-you-need-toknow-for-2025 https://www.cleanlabelingredients.com/insights/newsletter/edition-15-a-2025regulatory-outlook-six-key-changes-set-to-impact-the-food-industry/ https://www.hellenic.co.uk/case-studies/pork-poultry-manufacturer/

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Hygiene & Sanitation

Diversey UK

Diverclean Sonic

The Technology Transforming Open Plant Cleaning The Food Processing sector faces many challenges. Increasingly scarce resources, rising costs, supply chain issues, and growing customer sustainability expectations are testing operations to the limit.

Cleaning procedures have always incorporated lengthy soil removal rinse steps. Open Plant Cleaning (OPC) is often viewed as a competing combination of unavoidable necessity, as maintaining hygiene compliance and protecting against product contamination is critical for food safety, or as inflexible downtime based on outdated methods.

A Revolution in Time and Cleaning Efficiency Diverclean Sonic is a revolutionary pre-cleaning step that transforms decades of traditional OPC practices. It reduces time-consuming pre-rinsing with rapid soil, helping to reduce production downtime and drive cleaning efficiency to deliver significant savings: Time (Cleaning)

Up to 35% savings

Water and Wastewater

Up to 20% savings in each

Energy

Chemicals

Up to 20% savings in compressed air and temperature Up to 20% savings

Eliminating the need for hot water heating, results in lower energy costs and CO₂ emissions.

Diverclean Sonic is also highly effective at ambient temperatures, improving operator safety by reducing visibility issues through condensation and fogging, while minimizing overhead condensation-related downtime between production runs.

Rapid turnaround is essential, making time the golden parameter.

With labour making up 65% of OPC costs, reducing cleaning time directly impacts efficiency and cost savings. Diverclean Sonic achieves its goals without impacting cleaning performance, sacrificing food safety, or by any trade-off with hygiene.

Removing the Most Stubborn Soils Diverclean Sonic is engineered to meet the specific demands of the industry, in particular for high soil processing plants, poultry processors, and fish processing plants, where it’s extremely effective in cleaning oily soils and deposits of protein, fat and tallow.

In the UK, two leading meat processors have experienced exceptional results by implementing the Diverclean Sonic PreClean procedure. In both cases substantial time and resource savings have been achieved, whilst ATP swabbing following the complete cleaning process, consistently demonstrated superior performance compared to previous methods, which involved additional detergent and rinsing.

Meanwhile, a fish processing company looked to decrease cleaning time and improve the working environment (humidity was too high) at the start of production in its German-based North Sea Fish Processing Plant. Despite typically stubborn soils, Diverclean Sonic proved very effective in the removal of fat and oil without extensive pre-rinsing. The plant was also visibly cleaner after the detergent step compared with the existing detergent.

These consistent improvements in cleaning efficiency and effectiveness, reflect Diverclean Sonic’s ability to deliver outstanding hygiene standards, while significantly optimizing operational processes.

Find out what you can save by using our Diverclean Sonic Calculator: https://divercleansonic-calculator.diversey.com/ 22 | foodanddrinknetwork-uk.co.uk

Consumer Trends

PLANT POWER… HOW A VEGETARIAN OR VEGAN DIET CAN SUPPORT EYE HEALTH THIS VEGANUARY

• Experts highlight the link between plant-based diets and visual wellbeing • Nutrient-rich vegetables, legumes and plant fats contribute to healthy eye function • Optical Express experts share six plant-based foods to boost eye health With Veganuary approaching, eye care specialists are highlighting how vegetarian and vegan diets can help support eye health – thanks to essential nutrients found in everyday plant-based foods.

Plant-based diets are typically rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds. These foods provide a wide range of antioxidants, vitamins and healthy fats that support the structures of the eye and help protect cells from oxidative stress.

Six plant-based foods that support eye health 1. Leafy green vegetables Spinach, kale and similar greens contain lutein and zeaxanthin – carotenoids that support the macula and help protect retinal cells.

Experts at Optical Express say interest in the link between nutrition and eye health is growing, yet many people remain unaware that everyday food choices can play an important role in maintaining long-term visual comfort and function.

2. Brightly coloured vegetables Carrots, sweet potatoes and peppers provide beta carotene, which the body converts into vitamin A, essential for maintaining normal vision.

Vegetarian and vegan diets commonly provide key nutrients such as vitamin C, beta carotene, lutein and zeaxanthin. These compounds support the retina and macula and are frequently recommended by eye health professionals.

3. Fruits rich in vitamin C Citrus fruits and berries contain antioxidants that support blood vessel health within the eyes.

Many plant-based foods also contain omega-3 fatty acids, which contribute to tear film stability and can help support eye surface comfort.

Dr Stephen Hannan, Clinical Services Director at Optical Express, said: “A vegetarian or vegan diet can provide many of the nutrients associated with healthy vision, provided it includes a good variety of foods.

“Leafy greens, colourful vegetables, legumes and seeds all play a role in supporting healthy eye function.

4. Legumes Beans, lentils and chickpeas provide zinc and plant compounds that support normal vitamin metabolism and overall cell health.

5. Nuts and seeds Walnuts, flaxseed and chia seeds contain plant-based omega fats that contribute to tear film quality and eye comfort.

6. Whole grains Whole grains support overall nutritional balance and help deliver a steady supply of nutrients important for eye health.

“While no diet can prevent all eye conditions, making informed food choices can contribute positively to overall eye health.

Optical Express encourages everyone taking part in Veganuary to view diet as one part of a wider eye care routine, alongside UV protection, regular screen breaks and attending routine eye examinations.

“Routine eye examinations also remain essential, as they allow for early detection of changes and personalised advice.”

Free, life-transformational vision correction consultations and eye examinations are available to book at www.opticalexpress.co.uk. foodanddrinknetwork-uk.co.uk| 23

Food Waste & Supply Chain Efficiency

$540 billion global food waste bill exposed for 2026

• Economists estimate the cost of food waste across a business’ supply chain (processing to retail) to be equivalent to 33% of total revenue on average

• A lack of visibility is compounding issues, with 61% of retail and supply chain leaders saying that they do not have full view of food waste across the supply chain

• Transit remains a major blind spot across the supply chain, with 56% stating a lack of understanding of where waste happens when food is being transported

• Meat is the most challenging area and is projected to cost $94 billion in 2026, nearly a fifth of the total economic cost of food waste ($540bn)

• The 2025 holiday season exposed the need for action, with 67% of retail leaders saying that meat waste would hit margins harder than before very Dennison (NYSE:AVY) — As businesses return from 2025’s holiday trading season, new data has revealed that food waste continues to erode margins and is one of the most costly, yet hidden, challenges in the global retail supply chain.

This is according to the Making the Invisible Visible: Unlocking the Hidden Value of Food Waste to Drive Growth and Profitability report, published today by Avery Dennison, a global materials science and digital identification solutions company. Independent modeling warns that the economic cost of food waste across the global supply chain is forecast to reach $540 billion by 20261, up from $526 billion last year.

The data highlights how leaders are consistently challenged at various points throughout the supply chain and most specifically across perishables. When asked to identify the three most difficult categories for waste, half pointed to meat (50%), 45% cited produce, and 28% mentioned baked goods. Over half (51%) of business leaders said that inventory management and overstocking contribute significantly to food waste within their operations. Tackling this will require a combination of solutions, including item-level inventory visibility, demand forecasting and real-time shelf-life management.

In addition, the report findings show that, on average, food waste costs are equivalent to 33% of total revenues in the food retail supply chain annually from post-farm up to the point-of-sale.

Transit remains a connecting thread between the different perishable categories, with 56% of companies reporting that they do not have a clear understanding of how much food waste happens when goods are being transported.

Extensive research involving 3,500 global food retailers and supply chain leaders reveals that, despite growing awareness, 61% of businesses say they still lack full visibility into where food waste occurs across their operations. Limited influence over the most waste-intensive areas of the supply chain is a common challenge, highlighting the urgent need for targeted innovation and cross-supply chain collaboration.

If current trends continue, the cumulative cost of food waste from 2025 to 2030 is expected to reach $3.4 trillion2, coinciding with the 2030 deadline for the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 12.3, which aims to halve global food waste3. Despite this goal, the report uncovered that over a quarter (27%) of leaders said that they would not meet the 2030 deadline.

24 | foodanddrinknetwork-uk.co.uk

Julie Vargas, VP/GM, Enterprise Intelligent Labels Growth at Avery Dennison, says: “Food waste has become an accepted cost of doing business, but it doesn’t have to be. Innovation exists today to help overcome the complexity of food waste by unlocking new possibilities and transforming a historic operating cost into measurable value across the global retail supply chain.

For retailers, pressures presented by economic volatility, poor adaptability to market-related shocks and difficulty adjusting to shifting consumer demands are exacerbating systemic food waste issues. Almost three quarters (74%) of retailers admit inflation is making it harder than ever to predict demand for fresh meat and 73% report a rising demand amongst consumers for smaller meat portions or alternatives.

“The retail ecosystem is changing, but not enough retailers are changing with it. The biggest challenge is what we can’t see. From transit to shelf, blind spots are silently eroding margins. With the right innovation, we can turn this loss into measurable value and shift the conversation on food waste, from being purely seen as a sustainability issue, into a business critical one.

This is about unlocking efficiency and growth across the entire supply chain.”

Michael Colarossi, vice president, head of enterprise sustainability, Avery Dennison, adds: “For too long, food waste has been positioned almost exclusively as a sustainability and societal issue. We must recognize it as the business opportunity it truly is. In fact, over seven in ten (73%) business leaders told us that they see tackling food waste as a growth opportunity. That’s why the $540 billion in lost value should be a clear call to action for the food retail supply chain to cut waste and boost efficiencies.

Only by uncovering the blind spots in the chain can we take meaningful steps to reduce loss, build resilience and create lasting value for both businesses and the planet.”

A high cost challenge intensified by the holiday season Meat has emerged as one of the most difficult categories for waste management, with 72% of supply chain leaders citing it as their biggest challenge4. Given its high unit cost in grocery and food retail, even small reductions in waste can deliver significant financial gains. Economic modeling forecasts meat waste to amount to $94 billion in lost output across the global supply chain in 2026, almost one fifth of the total cumulative loss across the year, with fresh produce closely behind at $88 billion.

Just ahead of peak season trading results are announced, Avery Dennison found that over two thirds of businesses (67%) were predicting that meat waste during the holiday season was expected to noticeably reduce their margins and that managing this issue over one of the busiest times of the year had become a bigger operational concern than before (69%).

To explore steps that supply chain, grocery and CPG leaders can take to tackle food waste, download the report. https://www.averydennison.com/en/home/unlocking-foodwaste-value-report.html?utm_source=press-release&utm_ medium=organic&utm_campaign=food-waste References: [1] Avery Dennison commissioned the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr) to understand the financial value of food waste. The economists expressed financial costs in GVA terms.

[2] The cumulative total of food waste in GVA from 2025 - 2030, as calculated by the Cebr and accounting for food inflation forecasts (generated with an understanding of outlook indicators from the World Bank and IMF that include population and living standards).

[3] UN SDG 12.3 https://globalgoals.org/goals/12-responsible-consumption-and-production/ [4] Of those businesses who handle meat

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