Food and Beverage Manufacturing Top Stories - Articles - Page 153

Automation

China turns to robotics to solve labor shortage problems

With China's working-age population falling, labor costs are sky-rocketing, and robotics may be the solution

Wayne Labs, Senior Contributing Technical Editor

February 15, 2018

China has been a leader in mass production—with lots of manual labor— but coming shortages in China’s working-age population have experts concerned. In the past, labor was plentiful, and automation was not seen as a necessity.

Why choose polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) for conveyor belting?

PVDF is not a new material, but its properties make it a good choice for conveyor belting in the food and beverage industry.

Wayne Labs

February 13, 2018

PVDF is not new to the food and beverage industry; it’s been a material of choice for flow tubing, pumps and piping, flowmeters and nozzles for spray washing—anywhere harsh chemicals or beverages are concerned.

Blockchain technology a solution for supply chain traceback issues

Exclusive interview with IBM’s Bridget van Kralingen, senior vice president, IBM Industry Platforms

Wayne Labs

February 12, 2018

IBM has been working with food processors, retailers and supply chain stakeholders to improve traceback response times using open-source Blockchain technology.

The benefits of food safety management systems

Insights from processors and experts on why food safety management is especially essential in the food and beverage industry

Crystal Lindell

February 12, 2018

For many processors, using food safety software systems means finally getting rid of the rows of cabinets filled with Excel sheets and handwritten data. Some have been prompted to move recordkeeping and food safety management into the digital age by FSMA.

Food Packaging

How retail changes are affecting packaging

Mike Kresbach, Bemis North America, says food and beverage companies need to create packaging that works for C-stores, dollar stores and club.

Crystal Lindell

February 11, 2018

Mike Kresbach, Bemis North America, recently spoke about the changes happening at brick and mortar stores during The Packaging Conference in Orlando, Fla., and he offered insight into how food and beverage companies can respond with better packaging options.

Manufacturing News

Input requested for advanced manufacturing strategic plan

Government asks for help in developing National Strategic Plan for Advanced Manufacturing

Casey Laughman

February 8, 2018

The federal government is requesting input for the development of a National Strategic Plan for Advanced Manufacturing.

Food Safety

Almonds recalled due to undeclared wheat and soy

Wasabi almonds packaged in plain almond bag

Casey Laughman

February 8, 2018

Kanan Enterprises has announced a voluntary recall of almonds sold at ALDI stores due to the potential for undeclared wheat and soy.

Food and beverage mergers and acquisitions trends

M&A activity sheds light on consolidations in the dairy industry, growth in the alcohol space and expansions into cannabis-related packaged food and beverages.

Debra Schug

February 8, 2018

The top deal both globally and in the US was the UK-based Reckitt Benckiser Group's US$ 17.8 billion acquisition of US-based Mead Johnson & Company, the baby formula company.

Automation Series

Processors use technology to improve employee engagement

New tools are available for processors wanting to connect their workers, but to succeed, companies must have a business plan, transparent communications and a mindset for continuous improvement.

Wayne Labs

February 7, 2018

Before you look at technology solutions to motivate and engage your employees, you need first to evaluate your company’s workplace environment.

Portable devices grab moisture measurements anywhere

While fixed-location, on-line near-IR moisture sensors have been used for some time in several industries, a portable device lets you make spot checks in processes to see where problems are occurring.

Wayne Labs

February 4, 2018

A near-infrared (or NIR) handheld moisture meter can help locate a problem in your process without physically touching your product.