Advancements in Sustainable Food Packaging: Innovations in the EMEA Region
Food Pack Automation
The ultimate source for automation engineers in the food process and packaging sector.
Introduction:
The food packaging industry in the EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) region is witnessing a transformative phase marked by significant technological advancements and a heightened focus on sustainability. As global environmental concerns intensify and consumer preferences shift towards eco-friendly options, key industry players are innovating to meet these demands.
This market overview highlights how leading companies are pioneering solutions that not only adhere to stringent regulatory standards but also cater to the evolving needs of the market.
Sustainability is at the forefront of these innovations, driven by both regulatory pressures and a conscious consumer base increasingly opting for products with minimal environmental impact. The integration of cutting-edge technologies and sustainable materials in food packaging is crucial for reducing carbon footprints, enhancing resource efficiency, and ensuring the safety and quality of packaged foods.
This shift is being spearheaded by companies such as Versalis and Forever Plast, Bühler, Volpak and Lecta, Baumer, and Stora Enso, each contributing uniquely to the industry's evolution.
Versalis and Forever Plast are advancing the recycling of polymers to create sustainable food contact packaging, while Bühler and Flour Mills of Nigeria are focusing on improving food security through the industrial processing of local grains.
Volpak and Lecta are collaborating to test eco-friendly paper-based materials, and Baumer is enhancing precision in packaging with new sensor technologies. Stora Enso, on the other hand, is innovating in fiber treatment technologies to produce lighter, more efficient packaging materials. These efforts collectively illustrate a dynamic and forward-thinking approach to food packaging in the EMEA region, promising a future where sustainability and efficiency go hand in hand.
Versalis and Forever Plast Launch REFENCE Recycled Polymers for Food Packaging
Versalis, part of the Eni Group, and Forever Plast, a leader in post-consumer plastic recycling in Italy, have teamed up to launch REFENCE?, a range of recycled polymers designed specifically for food contact packaging.
This innovative product line is produced using NEWER? technology, which was developed at Versalis’ research facilities and industrialized at Forever Plast’s plants. REFENCE? meets rigorous EU and FDA regulations for food safety, reflecting a significant step forward in integrating recycled materials into food packaging.
The REFENCE? range is part of Versalis' Revive? portfolio and includes mechanically recycled materials suitable for applications such as yogurt pots and trays for meat and fish. The NEWER? technology ensures the purification of recycled polymers, making them compliant with the latest EU Regulation 1616/2022 and obtaining the Non-Objection Letter (NOL) from the FDA.
Adriano Alfani, CEO of Versalis, emphasizes that the company is committed to enhancing circularity in the plastic lifecycle and integrating these materials into national recycling chains. This collaboration with Forever Plast aims to extend the use of recycled materials into sectors demanding high sustainability and quality standards.
Bühler Opens Application Center for Local Grains in Nigeria Together with Flour Mills of Nigeria
In a landmark initiative, Bühler has partnered with Flour Mills of Nigeria (FMN) to open a state-of-the-art grains application center in Kano, Nigeria. This facility is dedicated to advancing the processing of local and ancient grains such as sorghum and millet, crucial for addressing food insecurity in Nigeria and across Africa.
The center will play a pivotal role in improving food value chains and developing new business opportunities through the industrial processing of these underutilized grains.
The Application & Training Center, equipped with pilot-scale production facilities and research labs, aims to elevate the processing of grains to meet high standards of efficiency and sustainability.
This initiative is not only intended to provide affordable nutrition but also to reduce dependency on imported grains, thereby strengthening local food security. Ali Hmayed, Head of Bühler’s Grain Processing Innovation Center, highlights the importance of local grains in providing nutritious, climate-resilient food options.
The center will offer training and development in collaboration with Bühler’s African Milling School, focusing on optimizing processing techniques and exploring innovative food processing solutions.
Volpak and Lecta Test Eco-Friendly Paper-Based Packaging Materials
Volpak and Lecta have embarked on a collaborative project to test and validate sustainable paper-based packaging materials. This partnership is driven by a shared commitment to addressing the growing demand for eco-friendly packaging solutions and aligning with circular economy principles.
Lecta, known for its expertise in specialty papers, has developed barrier products suitable for various packaging applications, including flow packs and wrapping materials.
The collaboration focuses on integrating Lecta’s innovative papers into Volpak’s existing packaging machinery. This effort aims to ensure that these eco-friendly materials can be effectively utilized in real-world applications.
The joint project includes extensive testing at Volpak’s Pouch Lab, where the materials are evaluated for their machinability and durability. The project’s goal is to ensure that the new papers meet operational requirements while contributing to a reduction in environmental impact. The tests will help refine the materials and prepare them for commercial use, addressing both regulatory pressures and consumer preferences for sustainable packaging.
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Baumer Expands the Toolbox with Precision of 1 Micron for Packaging Industries
Baumer has expanded its portfolio of edge measurement sensors with the introduction of the OE60 and OE40 models, along with the smart 2D profile sensors of the OX series. These new additions set new standards in automated edge measurement, offering high precision and reliability for various applications in the packaging industry.
The OE60 sensor, in particular, stands out for its ability to achieve edge measurements with a repeat accuracy of 1 μm, making it the most precise sensor in its class. It operates effectively at distances up to 100 mm and integrates directly into control systems via the Modbus RTU protocol, eliminating the need for additional controller units.
The OE40 sensor, designed for compact installations, is ideal for measuring edge positions on thin transparent films, such as those used in packaging seals.
Baumer’s new sensors are particularly suited for battery cell production, where precise web edge measurements are crucial for ensuring product quality.
The OE60’s short response time and high precision contribute to enhanced product safety and performance. In the packaging industry, the OE40’s capabilities ensure reliable edge detection on transparent materials, improving process stability and efficiency.
Stora Enso's Technological Innovations in Food Packaging
Stora Enso is setting new benchmarks in food packaging with the launch of its advanced production line at the Oulu Mill in northern Finland. The new line is designed to produce high-quality food and beverage packaging materials using renewable fibers, incorporating cutting-edge technologies for greater resource efficiency and reduced environmental impact.
A key innovation is Stora Enso’s FiberLight TecTM fiber treatment technology, which enhances material efficiency by creating lighter boards with excellent strength and stiffness properties.
This technology reduces the amount of raw material needed, resulting in lower carbon emissions and improved sustainability. The new Performa Nova folding carton, produced using this technology, exemplifies the benefits of lighter, more efficient packaging.
In addition to fiber treatment innovations, Stora Enso has invested heavily in making the production line at the Oulu Mill highly resource-efficient. The state-of-the-art facility features advanced heat recovery systems and optimized production processes, ensuring low CO2 emissions and minimal water usage.
The new production line will deliver lightweight, high-quality renewable and recyclable food packaging materials, reinforcing Stora Enso’s commitment to sustainability and efficiency in the packaging sector.
Conclusion :
The advancements highlighted in this overview underscore a pivotal shift in the food packaging industry across the EMEA region, driven by technological innovations and a heightened focus on sustainability. Companies like Versalis and Forever Plast are setting new benchmarks in recycling with REFENCE?, showcasing how recycled polymers can meet rigorous food safety standards.
Bühler and Flour Mills of Nigeria are addressing food insecurity with a dedicated grains application center, emphasizing the critical role of local grains in enhancing food security and developing sustainable food value chains. Meanwhile, Volpak and Lecta are at the forefront of sustainable packaging solutions, exploring the integration of eco-friendly paper-based materials into existing systems to meet consumer demand and regulatory requirements.
Baumer’s new edge measurement sensors exemplify the precision needed in advanced manufacturing processes, ensuring high-quality outputs across various industries. Lastly, Stora Enso’s investment in renewable packaging materials and state-of-the-art production technologies highlights a commitment to reducing environmental impact while maintaining high standards of efficiency and quality.
These developments reflect a broader industry trend towards integrating sustainability into core business practices, driven by both regulatory pressures and shifting consumer preferences.
As the industry continues to evolve, these innovations will play a crucial role in shaping the future of food packaging, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient global supply chain. The commitment to leveraging advanced technologies and sustainable practices will not only address immediate environmental challenges but also position companies for long-term success in a rapidly changing market landscape.