Latest headlines

Packaging

Creating packaging for elderly consumers

Selig Group’s John Brown talks about creating liners that the elderly can easily remove.

March 14, 2017

With an ever increasing aging population living independent lives for longer, there are increasing challenge of creating packaging that is secure and hermetically sealed, yet is also easy-to-open for consumers who are elderly.

Coffee capsules

RPC Bebo’s news compostable coffee capsules retain quality

Capsule material is able to be industrially composted while still delivering long-term protection of the contents.

Crystal Lindell

March 14, 2017

With single-serve drink systems continuing to grow in popularity, there is an increasing requirement to balance the demand for capsules with sustainable packaging solutions.

TECH FLASH

ABB sells first American-made robot

Factory in Michigan begins production with material handling robot

Casey Laughman

March 14, 2017

The first ABB robot made in the United States has been sold, marking a milestone in ABB’s U.S.-based robot production.

Recalls

Managing recalls: How data collection helps companies

Regulatory and consumer trends drive track and trace adoption

Jorge Izquierdo

March 8, 2017

The tremendous amount of resources that go into bringing a product to market can be eclipsed by the costs of an unforeseen recall.

Food Safety

FSMA requirements for small to mid-sized businesses clarified

PMMI’s FSMA consultant dishes out advice to companies that might be lagging in compliance

Debra Schug

March 6, 2017

The Food Safety Modernization Act’s preventative controls rule went into effect this past fall for large CPG food and beverage companies. Most in the industry understand the new rules are focused on prevention of food safety hazards, but that doesn’t mean everyone is at the same level of comprehension and compliance.

Sustainable Winemaking

GE pilot project uses recycled rainwater for wine production

University of California Davis, Winesecrets also on board with project

Casey Laughman

March 3, 2017

A pilot project in California is using captured rainwater to supply wash water for winemaking, saving thousands of gallons of freshwater per day.

Hostess Liquidation

Hostess assets, real estate to be liquidated

Sale to include equipment from 2012 liquidation

Casey Laughman

March 1, 2017

The remaining assets and factories of the original Hostess Brands will be auctioned off throughout the month of March.

Ready Pac Foods Inc. recalls chicken salads because of possible Listeria contamination

Company recalls about 60,000 lbs. of Puro Picante Blazin’ Hot salad items.

Crystal Lindell

February 28, 2017

There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products.

Regulatory Watch

USDA announces revision of Nutrition Facts label for meat and poultry

The amendment will bring nutrition labels in line with the recent changes finalized by the FDA.

February 28, 2017

The FDA-approved changes to nutrition labels are based on the most recent dietary recommendations.

Automation

Automation’s role in future food factories

Jorge Izquierdo

February 28, 2017

In a recent food processing market research report by PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, 50 percent of food manufacturers indicated that operational improvements involving automation would receive the most attention over the next three to five years.