Antares Vision Group (AVG) – a leading global provider of hardware and software Track & Trace solutions and a prominent player in inspection systems and smart data management for the life science, food & beverage, nutraceuticals and cosmetics sectors – will showcase a variety of its traceability and inspection solutions at Pack Expo, October 23-26 in Chicago. At Booth S-3756, the company will demonstrate its hardware and software solutions for a variety of sectors, including pharma, food & beverage, and cosmetics.

For one, AVG has made a series of enhancements to its state-of-the-art Global Tracking System software. Among other upgrades, the new version features tightened data integrity protection (DIP), and more easily integrates with off-brand Levels 1 & 2 serialization equipment – an agnosticism providing seamless aggregation. 

AV Group GTS receives and stores data, statistics, serialized codes, and audit trails. Capable of operating both on-premises and through the cloud, the system manages product recipes, associates printing layouts and assimilates camera formats based on specific products. It can store multiple recipes per production line – a sizable advantage for companies serving countries with disparate track & trace regulations.

Notably, AV Group GTS excels at Enterprise levels. It can receive serialization numbers from Level 4, or locally generate serial number pools independent of Level 4. The system can communicate with multiple Level 4-5 cloud systems, interfacing with both in-house brand owners and external contract manufacturing organizations.

All-in-One Combination Machines for Food & Beverage Inspection

Also on display at Pack Expo will be a model from AVG’s All-in-One equipment portfolio for food & beverage applications. The series incorporates multiple inspection controls into single machines, maximizing production space and manpower efficiencies while offering exemplary quality assurance. The combo units draw upon technology from AVG subsidiary FT System, as well as inspection controls specialist Pen-Tec.

Combinable features for the All-in-One series include regulatory compliance, container integrity, micro-leak and contaminants detection, weight control, and labeling/print verification for parameters such as expiration date and lot code. With these combination solutions, AVG aims to balance the often difficult-to-square needs for multi-faceted quality control and streamlined production optimization.  
Special Presentation on Fighting Cosmetics Counterfeiting

In addition, on October 25 at 2:00 PM on Innovation Stage 3 (N4585), Monica Coffano, Development Manager for Antares Vision Group, will present Using Supply Chain Traceability to Combat Cosmetics Counterfeiting. With counterfeit products costing the cosmetics industry over $5 billion each year, attendees can learn how supply chain traceability – an innovation that originated in the pharma industry – can protect manufacturers, brand owners, and consumers through unique digital identities that track products from raw materials to end-users.

Ms. Coffano will explore how unique identity codes not only fight counterfeiting but also empower brands through elevated transparency and efficiencies. Benefits include precise recall oversight, exacting product authentication, heightened consumer engagement and – per the industry’s biggest trend – improved sustainability management of ingredients, production practices and packaging.

Other AVG Solutions at Pack Exp

The new Print + Check 3TS is a carton serialization station integrating labeling and tamper evidence functionalities, and providing multi-side data printing and verification. The compact unit saves space compared with standalone single-task stations, and its precise inspection system checks labeling position, integrity and data correctness. Capable of handling up to 400 cartons per minute, the Print + Check 3TS also offers a built-in top/bottom tamper evident seal applicator for airplane or reverse tuck cartons.

Ideal for beverage applications, the IE4000 performs in-line quality control to ensure the proper placement and orientation of labels, including for the high-leverage wine and spirits sectors. In addition to these baseline parameters, the system also can incorporate inspection capabilities for barcode reading, batch code presence, data matrix, QR code viability, and label creases or tears.

About Antares Vision Group 

Antares Vision Group is an outstanding technology partner in digitalization and innovation for enterprises and institutions, guaranteeing the safety of products and people, business competitiveness and environmental protection. Antares Vision Group is a technological enabler of supply chain transparency and of sustainable transition, to protect business competitiveness and the uniqueness of each country. 

It provides a unique and comprehensive ecosystem of technologies to guarantee product quality (inspection systems and equipment) and end-to-end product traceability (from raw materials to production, from distribution to the consumer), with integrated data, production and supply chain management, also achieved through the application of artificial intelligence and the use of blockchains.

Antares Vision Group is active in the Life Science sector (pharmaceutical, biomedical devices and hospitals), in the beverage, food and cosmetics industries, and has potential in other sectors. The world leader in Track & Trace systems for pharmaceutical products, it provides the major global manufacturers (over 50% of the top 20 multinationals) and numerous government authorities with solutions to monitor their supply chains and validate product authenticity.

Listed since April 2019 on the Italian Stock Exchange in the AIM (Alternative Investment Market) segment, and from 14 May 2021 in the STAR segment of the MTA (Electronic equity market), Antares Vision Group recorded a turnover of Euro 162 million in 2020, operates in 60 countries, employs around 1000 people and has a consolidated network of over 40 international Partners. 

Further information please visit www.antaresvision.com and www.antaresvisiongroup.com.

Kevin Baudhuin advances to chairman and CEO, Laurin Darnell promoted to COO,
Joey Phister assumes role as president of Pregis Protective Products

 Pregis, a leading global manufacturer of flexible packaging and protective packaging solutions, today announced it is expanding its senior leadership roles, with Kevin Baudhuin adding the title of chairman in addition to his chief executive officer role, and Laurin Darnell promoted to chief operating officer.

These leadership changes will allow Pregis to continue driving long-term growth while maintaining continuity as it builds upon recent successes. Baudhuin will intensify his focus on strategic growth, M&A, and advancing the company’s ESG efforts. Darnell assumes responsibility for day-to-day business operations, leading the company’s global operations and maintaining its growth trajectory to double in size in the next few years.

Since taking over as CEO of Pregis in 2012, Baudhuin has led the company’s aggressive growth through strategic acquisitions and market expansions, He spearheaded the successful acquisition of 10 companies, and under his leadership, Pregis has tripled in size, far surpassing the $1 billion revenue mark. Since 2021, Pregis has opened 13 new facilities – 11 in the U.S. and two in Europe. Prior to taking over as CEO, Baudhuin was president of Pregis’ global protective packaging business. A strong advocate for environmental responsibility, Baudhuin plays a key role in developing a team-oriented company culture that strives to fulfill the Pregis Purpose to ‘Protect, Preserve, Inspyre.’ He was also the first CEO within the protective packaging industry to sign the Climate Pledge, a commitment to be a net carbon neutral company by 2040.

As the newly appointed COO, Darnell will lead the company’s business operations and execute its business strategy, managing P&L, driving manufacturing excellence with an emphasis on the customer experience, promoting talent development within the organization, and protecting the company’s culture. He will focus on performance and growth of all company divisions and implement strategies to steer the company towards its future vision. He joined Pregis in 2016, most recently serving as president of Pregis Protective Products. Prior to that, he served as president of Pregis Global Systems and Films and president of Pregis blown film and converting division. Darnell has been instrumental in building business success and transforming manufacturing operations to position Pregis as a leader in quality and innovation.

Joey Phister has been promoted to president of Pregis Protective Products as Darnell moves into his new position as COO. With Pregis for nearly 20 years, Phister most recently served as vice president of sales, overseeing the North American sales activity, and driving sales revenue for the protective product segments. He joined Pregis in 2003 in sales and quickly advanced through the organization as a regional and national sales leader with cross functional experience in product and channel management.

“This evolution in our leadership team structure will continue to position Pregis for continued growth while allowing us to provide consistency and continuity as we deliver on the expectations of our customers, employees, suppliers, financial sponsors, and other key stakeholders,” said Kevin Baudhuin. “I’m pleased to have Laurin take on the COO role and bring his leadership and experience to make a strong impact on our organization as we advance our vision and continue building the Pregis brand and doubling the size of the business.”

Pregis is a leading provider of innovative flexible packaging and protective packaging materials and systems solutions. With a history spanning more than 50 years, the company currently operates 32 locations in North America and six in Europe, employing over 3,000 people.

About Pregis
Pregis LLC is a customer-driven solutions provider of innovative flexible packaging, protective packaging materials, equipment systems and surface protection. As a material neutral company, Pregis works with its customers to find the right solution to solve their business challenges. Pregis is dedicated to minimizing impact on the environment by developing products which protect against damage, are designed for circularity, and preserve natural resources. The company serves a wide variety of consumer and industrial market segments including food, pharmaceutical, healthcare, medical devices, agricultural, e-commerce, retail, automotive, transportation, furniture, electronics, building, construction, and military/aerospace. For more information, visit www.pregis.com and www.pregiseu.com.
 

As one of the global leaders in inks, coatings and adhesives for packaging and labelling applications, UFlex treads on the path of continuous development and delivery of pioneering products for the packaging industry. The Chemicals Business of UFlex has recently acquired a patent for ‘Solvent free pigmented adhesive and a process for its preparation’ (Patent No 406417). With this patent, the Chemicals business of UFlex has once again demonstrated its commitment to 'Harvesting Innovation.' 

This patent has been awarded to UFlex by the Government of India in accordance with the provisions of the Patents Act, 1970 for a period of 20 years. UFlex proudly adds this patent to develop innovative and sustainable solution to its growing list of leading-edge products.  

The present disclosure relates to a two component adhesive composition and the process for its preparation. The adhesive composition of the present disclosure is solvent-free and works well on existing solvent less lamination machines.  It helps reduce the use of white ink, thus significantly reducing costs. The process for the preparation of the adhesive composition is simple, efficient, solvent-free and environment friendly.  

Presence of high content of volatile organic solvents in solvent-based conventional adhesives is detrimental to the environment and is energy intensive, thereby increasing overall costs. With the development of this solvent free white adhesive, the customer gets the freedom to be green and cost-effective at the same time.  

Advantages of the patented solvent-free pigmented white adhesive:  
The adhesive will help achieve higher machine speeds ranging from 300-350 meters per minute, leading to higher productivity with excellent machinability on existing solvent-less lamination machines. This development will cut down the requirement of white ink coating on printed substrates, thereby presenting substantial cost savings. Solvent-free pigmented white adhesive offers excellent wettability, offer enhanced wettability on metallized substrates and improves the look of the packaging. Development of Solvent-free pigmented white adhesive consumes less power and significantly reduces application costs.  The fast decay of primary aromatic amines makes it highly environment friendly and sustainable.  

On acquiring the adhesive patent, Rajesh Bhasin, Jt. President, UFlex Chemicals stated, “Continuously developing cost-effective and value-added solutions for the packaging industry is integral to our business. Our research team has been continuously working most diligently to outperform our own set benchmarks. This patent is another feather in the cap of UFlex Chemicals, and once again demonstrates our capability to align with client needs while promoting sustainability. I am thrilled that a cost effective and a versatile solvent-free white adhesive is now a reality we will be able to deliver.” 

Brands can be highlighted with distinctive visibility as it considerably improves flexible film performance allowing for higher visual appeal in applications. The product is already being marketed globally and is garnering good demand from customers.  
 

About UFlex Chemicals Business:
The UFlex Chemicals Business that was incorporated in 1994 and headquartered in Noida, is a leading provider of flexible packaging Inks, water-based, solvent-less and solvent-based adhesives and specialty UV & LED Coatings with the full range of UV and LED inks/ coatings for sheetfed offset, letterpress & narrow web application serving customers across the globe. Its state-of-the-art R&D center is NABL (ISO/IEC 17025:2017), accredited & recognized by The Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. Noida and Jammu plants are accredited with several certificates—such as ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, ISO 45001:2018, ISO 50001:2018, and ISO 31000:2018. The verticals' prime focus remains on developing sustainable technology, customized products, food-safe toluene-free compliant inks per IS 15495:2020 and providing on-site support. 
 

Ardagh Group S.A., (inclusive of Ardagh Metal Packaging and Ardagh Glass Packaging) and its renewable energy partners Eneco and Zoncoalitie are delighted to announce the start of construction for three on-site solar projects in the Netherlands.

The solar installations will supply renewable on-site generated electricity to Ardagh’s Dongen, Moerdijk and Oss facilities and are part of Ardagh’s strategy to use 100% renewable electricity by 2030.

The Netherlands is the first country where Ardagh will supply all of its production facilities with on-site generated sustainable energy via large-scale solar energy installations, with plans to further roll out the technology with local energy partners across all regions.

Adam Koehler, Global Renewable Energy Programme Manager at Ardagh Group comments, “It’s an exciting time for Ardagh’s renewable energy programme. These state-of-the-art solar installations will supply renewable electricity to all of our metal and glass facilities across the Netherlands, which will make a significant impact in reducing our carbon footprint.”

Ardagh used independent solar energy specialist Zoncoalitie to conduct an extensive technical commercial and feasibility assessment, plus a tender and award process, selecting Eneco to deliver the Netherlands installations.

Ardagh is delighted to partner with Eneco, a leading energy company with its own plan to become climate neutral by 2035 in its own activities and the energy it supplies to customers. Approximately 24,700 panels will be installed across the three locations and will soon be able to generate approximately 12,677 MWh of renewable electricity each year.

In 2020, Ardagh launched its Renewable Energy Programme to implement its strategy and oversee its renewable electricity activities. The company’s strategy is built on a combination of on-site, near-site and off-site renewable electricity projects. In Europe, five on-site solar projects (in the Netherlands, Irvine, Scotland and Dublin, Ireland) will replace 15,000 MWh of electricity consumption from the grid, while avoiding the release of 6,050 tons of carbon emissions per year. This represents 1% of Ardagh’s total electricity consumption in this region.

The innovative semi-solid film has an enhanced yield and opacity compared with solid white films.

Innovia Films has developed a high yield, semi-solid, glossy white BOPP film, Rayoface™ JB.  This 47 micron film, designed for pressure sensitive labelling (PSL) applications, combines some of the advantages of cavitated and solid films into a semi-solid film. JB47 has a coating receptive surface to allow customers to add their own printable topcoat and has EU and FDA food compliance.

Rayoface™ JB is particularly suitable for use within a wide range of market segments such as Household and Personal Care, Food and Beverage, and other consumer packaged goods sectors.

Produced at Innovia Films Poland, on their advanced technology 5-layer BOPP line, JB is a superior performance product. Compared to a solid white film it has much better opacity and higher yield. The glossy film surface has excellent

compatibility to top-coatings and PSL adhesives and importantly also has EU and  FDA food contact compliance.

Stephen Weber, Key Account Director, explains “The semi-solid nature of JB47 means it has some of the advantages of a cavitated film whilst still behaving closer to a solid film.  It has the glossy white, high opacity appearance of a cavitated film and a higher yield than a solid white film. Combined these features make JB47 an aesthetically and economically attractive film.”

Rayoface™ JB is available now, so to find out more, contact your local Innovia Films Sales Manager or email labels@innoviafilms.com

New infrastructure increases capacity by 20%, enhances efficiencies, shortens lead times and improves overall quality

for prominent paperboard packaging provider

Keystone Folding Box Co., a designer and manufacturer of paperboard packaging solutions, has completed a two-year, $5 million upgrade to its manufacturing facility in Newark, New Jersey. Comprising several sophisticated new production machines, the infrastructure investment increases the company’s output capacity by approximately 20% while also enhancing efficiency, reducing lead times and improving overall product quality. Keystone Folding Box Co. will be showcasing various paperboard solutions from its portfolio at Pack Expo Booth W-13047, October 23-26 in Chicago.

For Keystone, the new equipment spans the production process from initial infeed to end-of-line quality control. Concerning the former, the company has added a new RMGT 9702 five-color LED UV printing press. With a maximum paper size of 650x965mm and featuring broad heavy stock capabilities, the technologically advanced machine marks Keystone’s fourth printing press.

For post-press operations, Keystone also has added a state-of-the-art die-cutter. Its new Bobst Mastercut 106PER is among the most highly automated and ergonomic die-cutters on the market, delivering fast, uninterrupted production and exceptionally short set-up times while yielding superb finished product quality. Keystone also has incorporated a Bobst Masterfold 75, a servo-driven high-speed folder/gluer with automatic case packing capabilities.

Finally, Keystone has enhanced its quality assurance operations with a customized, high-speed optical inspection system. The setup includes a Chameleon Finishing Systems conveyer with two eye-C 8k cameras that efficiently yet exactingly inspect both sides of printed cartons and wallet cards for correct graphics, color, barcodes and other relevant markers. Equipped with automatic out-of-spec rejection, the system offers zero visual defect capabilities in critical areas.

The upgrades will have an immediate impact on Keystone’s two most popular product series. The company’s Key-Pak® Child-Resistant blister card is an attractive solution for both study drug in clinical trials and retail prescription pharmaceutical products. Comprising up to 75% less plastic than bottles or amber vials, Key-Pak® has a highest-possible F=1 child-resistance rating while also offering premium senior-friendliness. Its novel, back-side “zipper” design provides for safe, clean, simple removal of each dose, while its broad, flat surface gives ample room for usage instructions or drug information.

Keystone also offers a comprehensive line of secondary blister packages made from recyclable and compostable paperboard. Its Ecoslide Series of blister packs features a safety feature that provides f=1 child-resistance while eliminating the need for two-step “peel/push-through foil,” which many consumers find difficult to open. Including Ecoslide-OTC™ for over-the counter medicines as well as its signature Ecoslide-RXÒ pack for prescription drugs, the sustainable package platform reduces the amount disposable plastic needed for both peel/push CR blisters or plastic bottles.

About Keystone Folding Box Co.

While Keystone continues to be a leader in the manufacturing and design of paperboard packaging, they are also a design center and source for non-paperboard packaging components. To learn more about Keystone Folding Box Company, please contact Ward Smith at Keystone Folding Box Company, at (513) 871-4747, ward.smith@keyboxco.com or visit www.keyboxco.com.

Archroma, a global leader in specialty chemicals towards sustainable solutions, today announced that its ground-breaking Appretan® NTR range based on 30% renewable raw material can now be applied to impart barrier properties to selected types of food packaging.

Consumers are increasingly frowning upon being served their favorite street foods or fast foods in polystyrene or plastic based boxes and wrappings. Paper-based packaging can offer a much more sustainable alternative if they are not lined with a plastic film which can make them unsuitable for recycling and composting. The solution is to carefully select paper coatings and barriers solutions which are fit for purpose and that are designed to make food packaging both safe for food contact and more recyclable.

Archroma is well known for its innovations and sustainable solution systems aimed at helping packaging & paper manufacturers to optimize productivity and/or create value in their markets. Just a few months ago the company launched Cartaseal® VWAF, a PFC-free and ammonia-free* barrier for odorless paper-based food packaging, as well as in 2019, a ground-breaking binder, Appretan® NTR, made with 30% active content based on natural, renewable raw materials, designed for use in nonwoven articles such as tea bags and coffee filters.

In line with the principles of “The Archroma Way to a Sustainable World: Safe, efficient, enhanced, it’s our nature”, the paper & packaging R&D experts of Archroma decided to explore the properties of Appretan® NTR for paper-based packaging applications.

They investigated a new specific application aimed at providing a more sustainable barrier option for general food packaging used with a short contact time, such as burger or sandwich paper wraps.

The Appretan® NTR range is made with over 30% renewable raw material component, allowing the reduced use of fossil fuel based resources without compromising on the needed performance of water, oil and grease resistance. It is a more sustainably responsible option for packaging manufacturers and food retailers willing to help tackle the impacts of our food consumption habits.

The Appretan® NTR range is therefore at the core of NATURE BITES, a barrier system just launched by Archroma. In this new system, Appretan® NTR can be combined with Cartacoat® primers suitable for food contact that will seal the paper surface for further increased performance.

“Consumers are increasingly questioning how products are made, and expecting them to be harmless for themselves and their loved ones, and the planet”, comments Andy Bell, Head of Competence Center Paper Chemicals, who adds: “That is why it is critical that major food and beverage brands and retailers have a close look at their packaging supplier, and ensure that they work only with leaders in sustainable innovations such as Archroma. Appretan® NTR and the NATURE BITES system illustrate once again the commitment of Archroma to drive sustainable innovation in everything we do. Because it’s our nature.”

About Archroma

Archroma is a global, diversified provider of specialty chemicals serving the branded and performance textiles, packaging and paper, and coatings, adhesives and sealants markets. Headquartered in Pratteln, Switzerland, Archroma operates in over 100 countries, with 2,800 employees located in 31 countries and with 24 production sites. Archroma is passionate about delivering leading and innovative solutions, enhancing people’s lives and respecting the planet. The company is committed to the principles of "The Archroma Way to a Sustainable World: Safe, Efficient, Enhanced. It's our nature!"; an approach reflected in its innovations, world-class quality standards, high service levels and cost-efficiency.

• Mondi collaborated with leading Norwegian pet food manufacturer Felleskjøpet to switch to recyclable high-barrier packaging for the relaunch of its Appetitt premium brand.
• Mondi’s FlexiBag Recyclable will be used to pack and protect dry dog and cat food.
• The mono-material bags are recyclable in Norwegian plastic recycling streams and contribute to a circular economy.

Mondi, a global leader in packaging and paper, has developed a recyclable high-barrier packaging solution for Norwegian pet food manufacturer Felleskjøpet, that keeps material in circulation and avoids waste.

Felleskjøpet is using Mondi’s FlexiBag Recyclable, a pre-made mono-material polyethylene (PE) bag, for the relaunch of its Appetitt range of dry cat and dog foods. It will replace the previous unrecyclable multi-layer solution, delivering packaging that is designed for recycling, according to CEFLEX D4ACE guidelines, and is recyclable in existing Norwegian plastic recycling streams.

Mondi’s FlexiBag Recyclable provides excellent product protection and preserves the premium pet food, thanks to its high barrier material. A slider enables easy opening and closing for the bigger bags to ensure long-lasting freshness, while a handle allows for convenient transportation. FlexiBag Recyclable has excellent print qualities that guarantee good visibility on-shelf and can communicate all product and recycling information clearly.

Pal Wikstrom, Sales Manager Nordic Consumer Flexibles, Mondi, says: “This partnership was all about designing appealing packaging for the Appetitt pet food, meeting the consumer needs of convenience and product protection, as well as helping Felleskjøpet meet its sustainability goals. It meant working together closely and asking all the necessary questions at each stage of the manufacturing process to deliver a solution that works for the customer, the product, the planet – and of course the pets.”

Hege Rosenhaug, Product and Development Manager Pet Food, Felleskjøpet, adds: “Our relaunched Appetitt range packed in FlexiBag Recyclable will be available in stores from October. The pet food is delivered in its best condition, it is both protected and kept fresh by the new packaging. This is an important step in our journey towards being a more environmentally responsible organisation.”

FlexiBag Recyclable will be presented at Mondi’s booth 04:21 in hall D at this year´s ScanPack packaging fair, taking place from 4 to 7 October in Gothenburg, Sweden.

About Mondi

Mondi is a global leader in packaging and paper, contributing to a better world by making innovative solutions that are sustainable by design. Our business is integrated across the value chain – from managing forests and producing pulp, paper and films, to developing and manufacturing sustainable consumer and industrial packaging solutions using paper where possible, plastic when useful. Sustainability is at the centre of our strategy, with our ambitious commitments to 2030 focused on circular driven solutions, created by empowered people, taking action on climate.

In 2021, Mondi had revenues of €7.0 billion and underlying EBITDA of €1.2 billion from continuing operations, and employed 21,000 people worldwide. Mondi has a premium listing on the London Stock Exchange (MNDI), where the Group is a FTSE100 constituent, and also has a secondary listing on the JSE Limited (MNP).

www.mondigroup.com

About Felleskjøpet

Felleskjøpet is a cooperative owned by more than 41,000 farmers, and is the primary supplier of operational assets and technology to the Norwegian agricultural industry. With a turnover of 18.7 billion NOK, Felleskjøpet Agri has 4,107 employees. Felleskjøpet's business also includes property management, bread and baked goods, equipment for parks and facilities, as well as food and appliances for pets. Felleskjøpet is the market regulator for grain, and a purchasing and sales cooperative for its members. Felleskjøpet's purpose is a short and long term contribution to strengthening its members' finances in the agricultural business.

CHICAGO—Plastics executives embraced climate solutions at a major industry conference here last week and said they we

Acquisition strengthens company’s position in the high-end spirits segment and French wine market

Berlin Packaging, the world's largest Hybrid Packaging Supplier® , announced today the acquisition of DiscoGlass, a leading supplier in the high-end spirits industry with a strong reputation in Cognac. The acquisition improves Berlin Packaging’s position for European premium spirits and wine.

Founded in 1998, DiscoGlass is a family-owned business located in southwest France in Merpins, the heart of the cognac region. The company has evolved from a traditional packaging wholesaler to a full-service supplier with strong design expertise.

“This acquisition is a unique opportunity to expand our position in the high-end spirits and wine markets. DiscoGlass’s knowledge of cognac and local wine industries will complement Berlin Packaging’s considerable expertise in these key market segments,” said Paolo Recrosio, CEO of Berlin Packaging EMEA

"Joining Berlin Packaging marks the start of a new chapter for us. Our expertise goes far beyond offering excellent packaging to our customers. We also provide a full range of high-quality services. I believe Berlin Packaging’s hybrid supplier model and commitment to customer satisfaction is a great fit for us,” said Emmanuel Ring, CEO of DiscoGlass.

“Targeted acquisitions such as DiscoGlass are a key component of our European growth strategy. I’m thrilled to welcome DiscoGlass to Berlin Packaging and look forward to everything we will achieve together,” said Bill Hayes, Global CEO and President of Berlin Packaging.

DiscoGlass is the 6th acquisition Berlin Packaging has completed in EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) in 2022 and 9th acquisition completed globally in 2022.

All employees and locations for this acquisition will be retained

About Berlin Packaging

Berlin Packaging is the world's largest Hybrid Packaging Supplier® of glass, plastic, and metal containers and closures. The company supplies billions of items annually along with package design, financing, consulting, warehousing, and logistics services for customers across all industries. Berlin Packaging brings together the best of manufacturing, distribution, and income-adding service providers. Its mission is to increase the net income of its customers through packaging products and services.

3D Neopac, a global provider of tube packaging for cosmetics and health care, and part of the Hoffmann Neopac Group in Switzerland, has received a Star Award from the Indian Flexible Packaging & Folding Carton Manufacturers Association (IFCA). For the 2022 competition, 3D Neopac was recognized in the Innovation – Environment-friendly” category for a locally-sourced, post-consumer recycled (PCR) tube for India-based personal care products provider Arata.

For its styling hair gel containing organic flaxseed, Arata uses an eco-designed tube with PCR material in the sleeve. The PCR material in the beauty tube derives from collected and recycled household waste in India. The supplier pays close attention to segregation, washing, and extrusion to guarantee the best possible quality rHDPE material. At 3D Neopac, this material is sandwiched between virgin layers without product contact.

IFCA’s annual award ceremony in September recognizes excellence in creativity, design, development, and innovation in flexible packaging solutions.

“We’ve had a terrific experience with a great team at 3D Neopac to bring this project to fruition,” said Dhruv Basin, Co-Founder of Arata. “We are delighted to be recognized for our collaborative achievement to reduce waste in India – and to reuse valuable resources in our beauty tubes.”

“Our team has been working on sustainable tube solutions for the past two years,” said Anant Gadre, Managing Director of 3D Neopac India. This fall, we’re incredibly proud to launch a series of recycled and recyclable tube solutions that fit India and EU requirements for cosmetics packaging."

About 3D Neopac

3D Neopac is a subsidiary of Hoffmann Neopac, a privately-owned company, headquartered in Thun, Switzerland. The group produces high-quality metal and plastic packaging in six locations: HOFFMANN tins in Thun and in Holland; Polyfoil® and plastic tubes with NEOPAC in Switzerland, Hungary and the US; plastic tubes and SpringTubes with 3D Neopac in India. Its longstanding customers include internationally active pharmaceutical, cosmetics and consumer goods manufacturers in the European, North American and Asian markets.

Including its new production facility in the United States, the group employs around 1,250 employees and has a capacity of 1.3 billion tubes. The company is dedicated to sustainability in both its manufacturing processes and corporate culture, including a dedicated eco-conscious packaging portfolio.

Prototype comprises 35% PCR content, per goals proposed for EU Directive on Packaging & Packaging Waste; Saperatec set to open its first 
non-chemical, multi-layer delamination recycling plant in 2023.

Dessau, Germany – Saperatec GmbH, a developer of recycling processes for composite packaging comprised of various materials, will debut a fully circular flexible packaging prototype based on its groundbreaking multi-layer delamination technique at the K Fair Trade Show, October 19-26 in Düsseldorf. At Hall 9, Stand D17 – a booth shared with prominent machinery manufacturer Pla.to GmbH – Saperatec engineers will showcase and discuss a detergent package which, at 35% post-consumer recycled content (PCR), meets goals proposed for the pending EU Directive on Packaging & Packaging Waste.

Among the first consumer flexible packaging materials made from post-consumer packaging waste, the prototype is produced in collaboration with two prominent partners: Germany-based packaging film supplier Wentus – whose mono-polyethylene flexible packaging design allows for easy recyclability – and adhesives, sealants and functional coatings provider Henkel, which supplies the package’s recycling-optimized adhesive. Notably, Henkel also made a significant investment in Saperatec in 2019, which has helped make the forthcoming plant a reality. Currently marketed by Wentus as Wentoplex® Pure R, the marketing design recently received 18 of 20 points from Germany-based recycling alliance Interseroh.

The prototype is made possible by a promising new technology: Saperatec’s extended mechanical recycling process for thin-layer composite materials, which results in virgin-similar recyclates. A two-layer design made entirely from polyethylene (PE), its inner sealing layer comprises more than 50% PCR rLDPE from beverage carton waste. Its outer layer is printed with less than 50% surface coverage, and laminated with Henkel‘s optimized adhesive for recyclability. Overall, the packaging will contain at least 35% PCR rLDPE – in line with the proposed recommendations for the EU Directive regarding non-food packaging.

A new approach to an old problem

Of the more than 140 million tons of plastics packaging waste produced globally each year, a significant portion comprises composite packaging, which consists of a combination of materials. Such packaging has posed sizable obstacles to recycling efforts, as separating composite packaging into its various origin materials has been technologically challenging and, even when successful, unsustainable due to the need for non-ecofriendly chemicals.

Saperatec’s novel approach results in recycled materials that can replace virgin raw materials in numerous applications, including film or foil-based packaging. Importantly, the process adds no contaminants to recycled polymers, and all chemicals used in the process comply with EU food contact regulations. Its technique is applicable for composite packaging comprised of various combinations of plastic, metal, and glass.

With the technology extensively tested in materials science labs and near-industrial pilot environments, Saperatec is currently building its first recycling plant for composite packaging in Dessau, Germany. In 2023, the facility will commence commercial operations with an initial goal of processing about 18,000 tons of packaging waste per year.

Saperatec’s composite packaging recycling brings the potential to separate and reintegrate a wide variety of substrates into the packaging stream. Initially, Saperatec will focus on composite flexible packaging materials and tube packaging with aluminum foil barriers, as well as plastics and aluminum from beverage cartons. Beyond that, Saperatec‘s technology opens the door for future recyclability solutions in a wide range of composite packaging.

Importantly, Saperatec’s recycling process is sustainability-minded. The hot-wash separation fluids utilized are water-based and solvent-free, and are reused more than 30 times in the process. Any and all materials employed during packaging recycling are listed for food contact materials without specific migration limit, per European regulations.

About Saperatec GmbH

Saperatec develops wet-mechanical recycling processes for thin-layer composite materials made of plastic, metal and glass. At its site in Dessau in Saxony-Anhalt, the company is building its first recycling plant for composite packaging made of plastic, aluminum and paper.

Beginning in 2023, approximately 18,000 tons of packaging waste will be processed at Saperatec’s facility every year, resulting in high-quality, reusable aluminum and plastic recyclates. Through technology advancements, the company aims to make important contributions to improving the sustainability of high-performance composite materials.

For more information, visit www.saperatec.de/en.

About Wentus

"Think. Create. Protect." This is the guiding principle under which, Based in Höxter, Germany, Wentus GmbH develops and produces flexible packaging solutions to protect products in the food and consumer goods industries. Founded in 1965, the company employs around 280 people and operates a robust R&D department to consistently develop new solutions that combine maximum product protection, specialized sustainability and enhanced efficiency, as well as optimising processes and technologies.

Wentus’ flat hierarchies and completely in-house production chain enable the expedited solutions, including high-tech skin films, addressing a wide range of requirements. The company has internal and representative sales teams in the DACH region, Benelux, France and the UK. More information at www.wentus.de.
 

About Henkel

Henkel operates globally with a well-balanced and diversified portfolio. The company holds leading positions with its three business units in both industrial and consumer businesses thanks to strong brands, innovations and technologies. Henkel Adhesive Technologies is the global leader in the adhesives market – across all industry segments worldwide. In its Laundry & Home Care and Beauty Care businesses, Henkel holds leading positions in many markets and categories around the world.

Founded in 1876, Henkel looks back on more than 140 years of success. In 2021, Henkel reported sales of more than 20 billion euros. The company employs about 53,000 people globally – a passionate and highly diverse team, united by a strong company culture, a common purpose, and shared values. As a recognized leader in sustainability, Henkel holds top positions in many international indices and rankings. Henkel’s preferred shares are listed in the German stock index DAX. For more information, please visit www.henkel.com.

ITC Limited, one of India’s leading multi-business conglomerates and an exemplar in sustainability, is making significant contributions to the Swachh Bharat mission by rapidly scaling up its integrated waste management and sustainable packaging initiatives.

“We at ITC are immensely proud to be able to contribute meaningfully to the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of a Swachh Bharat through large-scale solid waste management interventions. The Company has deployed the principles of circular economy to implement scalable, sustainable and replicable models of waste management, besides investing in cutting-edge innovation in the area of sustainable packaging that substitutes single-use plastic,” said Mr. S Sivakumar, Group Head, Sustainability, Agri and IT, ITC Ltd.

Solid waste management: Through its multi-dimensional efforts, ITC went past plastic neutrality in 2021-22. It collected and sustainably managed more than 54,000 tons of plastic waste across 35 states and Union Territories in India. ITC’s flagship community-based programme, ‘Well Being Out of Waste’ or ITC WOW has an outreach of over 4.6 million households, 5.2 million school children and over 2000 corporates since its inception. The benefits of ITC’s integrated programme are many – they prevent waste from reaching landfills, improve supply chain efficiencies, encourage innovation and create jobs, another critical national need.

The Company also runs a separate community-driven programme of decentralised solid waste management in 10 states, covering 14.6 lakh households. Under this programme, it also builds capacity of municipalities and panchayats on implementation of waste management practices that reduces the amount of waste reaching landfills significantly. In addition to the existing 10 PPPs in solid waste management, the company has also recently collaborated with the   Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Government of India’s initiative with India Sanitation Council to create 35 “lighthouse” villages demonstrating best practices on Solid and Liquid waste management across 17 districts in 10 states. ITC has also spearheaded a first of its kind multi-layered plastic (MLP) collection and recycling program in Pune leveraging the R&D expertise resident within the ITC Life Sciences and Technology Centre. Another unique effort, ITC’s Green Temple initiative, is a closed loop waste management model that processes waste generated in places of worship and provides biogas to temple kitchens and compost for gardens.

Sanitation: ITC also runs an extensive sanitation programme that has led to the construction of 39,400 individual Household Toilets (IHHTs), leading to 100% of project catchments becoming Open Defecation Free. The programme has also enabled construction of 112 community toilets and over 2,000 toilet blocks in schools which are now being sustained and maintained by the community, with women and girl children being the key beneficiaries

Sustainable packaging: ITC’s Paperboards and Packaging Businesses are actively engaged in developing and promoting sustainable packaging solutions on the laminated board and moulded fibre platforms to substitute single-use plastics. Innovative packaging offerings include the recyclable ‘Filo’ series, the biodegradable ‘Omega’ series, ‘Bioseal’, ‘Oxyblock’ as well as ‘Germ free coating’, a solution for microbial free packaging. These solutions are increasingly being used by Quick Service Restaurants, food & beverages as well as takeaway segments, amongst others. ITC’s Personal Care brands such as Vivel and Fiama are also leveraging ITC’s sustainable packaging expertise. For example, Fiama Shower Gel bottles are now made with 30% Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) material.

As part of ITC’s bold Sustainability 2.0 agenda driven by Chairman, Mr Sanjiv Puri, ITC will endeavour to ensure that 100% of packaging is reusable, recyclable, compostable or biodegradable over the next decade.

ITC, over the decades, has demonstrated pioneering environmental stewardship efforts through an array of large-scale sustainability initiatives including water conservation, afforestation, biodiversity management, development of green buildings, increasing use of renewable energy, as well as adopting a 360-degree circular economy model.  It holds the distinction of being the only company in the world to be carbon positive, water positive, and solid waste recycling positive for more than a decade

Wolfertschwenden, 01 October 2022 - On 1 October 2022 Michael Lang is assuming the managing directorship of TVI Entwicklung und Produktion GmbH. As the successor to Alois Allgaier, Mr Lang is planning to further expand the machine range, digitalisation and expertise in automation at the MULTIVAC subsidiary, in order to meet the growing demand from the food industry for turnkey solutions.

“In Michael Lang we have an experienced manager with many years of service within the MULTIVAC Group, who is taking over the leadership of our subsidiary, TVI Entwicklung und Produktion GmbH,” says Christian Traumann, Group President of MULTIVAC. After completing his engineering studies in precision mechanics, Michael Lang initially held various management positions in the machine construction industry. Following successful completion of his MBA (Master in Business Administration), Michael Lang, who is today 56 years of age, joined MULTIVAC in June 2007 as Head of the Automation Technology Business Unit. He later became Vice President of the newly formed Systems branch of the company. In 2020 he became Executive Vice President of Technology within the new Food, Medical & Consumer Solutions (FMCS) Business Unit. “We are delighted, that Mr Lang has taken up this challenge, and we wish him much success in his new role,” says Christian Traumann.

It is the declared aim of Michael Lang to drive forward the further growth of TVI

“In recent years we have experienced a massive increase in the demand for automation solutions from the food industry,” says Michael Lang. “For that reason we will continue to expand TVI's machine range and develop new automation solutions - with sophisticated sensor systems, higher-level machine controls and intelligent software.” An area, in which Michael Lang has great experience. Since he arrived at MULTIVAC, the engineer and manager has been largely responsible for the development and expansion of the range of automated solutions.

TVI Managing Director, Alois Allgaier, goes into retirement
 

Michael Lang is the successor to Alois Allgaier, who as current Manager Director of TVI Entwicklung und Produktion GmbH is now taking retirement. Alois Allgaier joined the company at the Wolfertschwenden site in January 2003, when he became Head of the Control Technology department. Subsequently as Head of the Technology Synergy Team, he made an important contribution to the integration of the TVI subsidiary, which was acquired in 2017. In July 2018 Alois Allgaier became Managing Director of TVI. “We would like to thank Alois Allgaier for his many years of successful work and commitment to MULTIVAC, particularly for his contribution as Managing Director of TVI,” says Christian Traumann. “We bid Mr Allgaier farewell to a well-deserved retirement, and wish him the very best for the future.”

About TVI

TVI is a leading manufacturer of portioning machines and complete portioning lines, and it has been part of the MULTIVAC Group since 2017. The product range comprises efficient and needs-based solutions for tempering, freezing, pressing, portioning and automating, as well as for winding grill sticks and producing kebab skewers. Customers benefit from MULTIVAC's global sales and service network, as well as from its extensive expertise in automation and lines. A comprehensive service and high level of accessibility guarantee maximum availability for all installed machines. More than 1,000 sales advisors and service technicians throughout the world use their know-how and experience to the benefit of our customers. More information can be found on: www.tvi-gmbh.de

Stevanato Group S.p.A. (NYSE: STVN), a global provider of drug containment and delivery and diagnostic solutions for the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and life science industries, will be exhibiting at four major international trade shows during the fall season to present its products and services for CMOs, CDMOs and pharma companies.

In the U.S., Stevanato Group will exhibit on October 18-19 at PDA Universe Of Pre-filled Syringes and Devices in Palm Springs, October 23-26 at Pack Expo in Chicago, and October 24-25 at PODD in Boston; in Europe, from November 1-3, Stevanato Group will be at CPhI Worldwide in Frankfurt.

Stevanato Group will present its integrated offering, including the latest developments in the drug containment solutions business, updates to the contract manufacturing and proprietary drug delivery devices offering, and opportunities related to Pharma 4.0 for its manufacturing equipment segment.

Events Highlights:

- at PDA Universe of Pre-filled Syringes and Devices, Stevanato Group will present its integrated capabilities to offer contract manufacturing services for devices;

- at Pack Expo, there will be a live demo of Stevanato Group's high-speed auto-injector assembly line; visitors will also be involved in the latest innovations and applications for digitization and pharma 4.0;

- at PODD, the Group will delve into its recent collaboration with Owen Mumford for the Aidaptus® single-use auto-injector, explaining the technology behind this innovative device and how it can adapt to dry-fill volumes and primary containers;

- at CPhI Worldwide, Stevanato Group, together with Gerresheimer AG, will officially launch the Ready-To-Use vial solution, recently presented to the press and based on Stevanato Group's market-leading EZ-fill® technology.

About Stevanato Group
Founded in 1949, Stevanato Group is a leading global provider of drug containment, drug delivery and diagnostic solutions to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and life sciences industries. The Group delivers an integrated, end-to-end portfolio of products, processes and services that address customer needs across the entire drug life cycle at each of the development, clinical and commercial stages. Stevanato Group’s core capabilities in scientific research and development, its commitment to technical innovation and its engineering excellence are central to its ability to offer value added solutions to clients. To learn more, visit: www.stevanatogroup.com.

Einar® 611 plant-based food-grade anti-fog additive prevents the condensation of moisture on the inside of film packaging at low concentration levels and improves the sustainability of PE film formulations.

Palsgaard, a leader in plant-based additives for the plastics industry, has announced that its

Einar® 611 bio-based anti-fog surfactant has been successfully specified by a major Korean supplier of food-grade polyethylene (PE) film solutions. The customer had been looking for a cold anti-fog additive that would effectively protect the packaged food from spoilage by preventing the formation of condensation droplets on the inside of the film. At the same time, the surfactant had to eliminate regulatory concerns with regard to its chemistry and provide superior functional performance at cost-effectively low concentration.

“The importance of food packaging and its role is ever-changing, from the mere protection of food items from the outside in nice packaging to concerns about food safety and product shelf life,” says Ulrik Aunskjaer, Global Business Director for Bio-Specialty Polymer Additives at Palsgaard. “Our plant-based Einar® 611 anti-fog has proven itself a perfect choice in this PE film application to minimize the risk of moisture accumulating in small reservoirs on the inner surface of the packaging film, where bacteria could grow and then drop down and spoil the food.”

In an iterative sampling process focused on the customer’s specifications and needs, comprehensive experimental and trial data was shared between the partners to optimize and validate the film solution. In this process, Palsgaard’s Polymer Application Centre in Denmark provided valuable support in assessing the right concentration level of Einar® 611 in this cold anti-fog application and helping the customers accelerate the time-to-market of the new PE food packaging film.

As a renewable polyglycerol ester made from vegetable oils that are not competing with food or feed sources, Einar® 611 has been developed as a highly effective replacement for conventional anti-fog chemistries, such as glycerol monooleate or sorbitan esters, in demanding PE film formulations designed for sensitive food packaging. With anti-fog performance matching or exceeding that of non-vegetable fossil-based incumbents, it delivers excellent results in LDPE and LLDPE as well as coextruded and laminated PE film at low loading levels (typically 0.2% to 0.4%) for both cold-fog and hot-fog applications. Moreover, it has proven itself as an ideal additive in PE masterbatches and shows no adverse effects on the mechanical, optical or barrier properties of the film, while offering high heat resistance and low volatility. The bio-based anti-fog surfactant is available in paste form.

From a perspective of food safety, the long-lasting anti-fog performance of Einar® 611 can also make a significant contribution to the reduction of food waste by preserving its freshness. The additive supports the clear view on the packaged product, which promotes its consumer appeal over a longer shelf-life, and meets all global food-contact standards, including kosher and halal. In addition, like all of Palsgaard’s plant-based polymer additives, Einar® 611 anti-fog exhibits a superior sustainability profile across the entire value chain from production to processing. Produced in fully CO2-neutral factories, it helps PE film manufacturers, masterbatch makers and processors minimize their Scope 3 emissions[1] and mitigate fossil depletion.

In the meantime, along with expanding its production capacities, Palsgaard continues investing in its own Scope 1 and Scope 2 carbon-neutral production processes. At Juelsminde in Denmark, the company is building a biogas plant which will be using wastewater from Palsgaard, is expected to become operational in early 2023 and will cover 10% of the required gas supply on-site. Another project scheduled to commence in spring 2023 is the construction of a 60-acres solar power plant with an annual capacity of 60 GWh, generating sufficient renewable electricity to power all future capacity expansions currently planned at Juelsminde.

These investments complement Palsgaard’s current expansions at the Juelsminde site, including a state-of-the-art spray tower to go on-stream in 2023 and multiple new reaction, distillation and esterification facilities to be completed in 2024.

Visit Palsgaard at K 2022 in Düsselsdorf from October 19 through 26 in Hall 7, Level 1, Booth D20 to learn more about all these activities and discuss the sustainable benefits and superior performance of the company’s plant-based polymer additives for your business.

About Palsgaard A/S

Palsgaard is a world leader in plant-based emulsifiers and polymer additives for the global food, packaging and plastics industries. Since its founder Einar Viggo Schou invented the modern plant-based food emulsifier in 1917, the company has provided advanced industry know-how and innovation to an increasingly diversified customer base. From application centres around the world, Palsgaard’s experienced technologists support brand owners and manufacturers in optimising their sustainability by the use of natural, renewable ingredients and additives to mitigate their carbon footprint.

Ardagh Glass Packaging – Europe (AGP-Europe) has collaborated with B&B Studio and Belvoir Farm to create a new glass bottle design for Belvoir Farm’s new range of sophisticated, non-alcoholic Botanical Sodas.

The new design is a fully recyclable 500ml flint glass bottle that contains 45% recycled glass and has a reduced weight of just 380g. Its tall, slender profile features a short neck that curves into the tall, slender bottle profile, creating a retro shape with shelf stand-out.

The design team at AGP-Europe used their digital in-house embossing technique to create the bottle’s design details, which maintains the integrity of the glass, protecting the carbonated drink inside. The ‘Belvoir Farm’ branding is embossed around the shoulder and a recessed band around the base of the bottle contains the embossed text ‘CRAFTED WITH BOTANICALS’.  

The large, beautifully art-worked labels add to the appeal to consumers, who are now enjoying these low-sugar, full taste drinks in increasing numbers.

The fully recyclable glass bottles are in keeping with Belvoir Farm’s sustainability commitments and are filled in the company’s solar-powered bottling hall which generates up to one third of their electricity requirements.

The Belvoir Farm Botanical Sodas bottle is a finalist in two packaging industry awards.

ALUMINUM, the world's leading trade fair for the material and its industry, opened its doors today. After four years and two cancellations due to the pandemic, the industry has longed for this moment. The trade fair, which is also celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, more than met expectations with 720 exhibitors from over 50 countries. With a completely revised concept, it is breaking new ground. This year, ALUMINUM is primarily dedicated to decarbonization and sustainability. The aluminum industry is in an unprecedented transformation process and will change fundamentally in the coming years. The companies show the path they have already taken with their products and innovations.

Rob van Gils, President of Aluminum Germany, emphasised: “We are delighted to finally be back at ALUMINUM. Especially in the time of the energy crisis, in which everything is at stake for many companies, ALUMINUM offers a platform to stand together and - even if it is not easy at the moment - sets a sign of confidence. Aluminum is and remains the enabler for the realization of the European Green Deal. We are part of the solution.”

Conference moves to the center of the trade fair

For the first time, the conference will take place on all three days of the fair. With this logical step, the trade fair is even better positioned in terms of organization and content - the conference is a must for every expert from the industry. The program includes the hot topics of sustainability, mobility, additive manufacturing and building & construction. In Hall 3, decision-makers from business, industry and politics as well as from think tanks and NGOs come together at the conference and share their views on industry and materials. This enables an even more intensive dialogue and helps to sharpen the view in order to successfully master the upcoming tasks.

ALUMINUM 2022 will take place from September 27th to 29th at the exhibition center in Düsseldorf.

Mettler-Toledo Product Inspection today launches its most advanced x-ray inspection technology to date, delivering a remarkable leap forward in the ability to detect low density contaminants in packaged food products. The new technology will help food manufacturers avoid product recalls, reduce unnecessary product waste costs and enhance product integrity and brand protection.  

State-of-the-art Mettler-Toledo DXD and DXD+ dual energy detector technology is optimised for identifying foreign bodies such as calcified bone, low-mineral glass, rubber and some plastics. These types of contaminants are traditionally hard to detect within the ‘cluttered’ or ‘noisy’ x-ray images generated by overlapping and multi-textured products such as packs of pasta, chicken breasts, sausages and frozen potato-based goods.  

Such applications are a perfect match for DXD and DXD+ advanced detector technology, in conjunction with intuitive new Mettler-Toledo Advanced Material Discrimination software tools. The software helps to separate and remove the prominent material of the food product within the x-ray image, revealing the presence of any lower density contaminants. As a result of the accuracy and reliability of DXD and DXD+ detection, food manufacturers can be more confident that their products are safe for consumers, and that they will benefit from reduced False Reject Rates and product waste, helping to deliver a fast return on investment.  

The outstanding performance of this cutting-edge technology has been shown in tests conducted by Mettler-Toledo, in which a range of different foreign bodies were hidden in 650g packs of chicken breasts. The table below illustrates these results: 

Detection of low-density contaminants was even more graphically illustrated in tests using a 500g bag of pasta: 

It must be noted that the test results are dependent on individual applications. The test results presented above are for guidance purposes only.  

The advanced detector technology is available in two versions, giving customers two levels of dual energy x-ray performance: 

• DXD: enhanced x-ray performance at a competitive price; can operate in the same environments as single energy solutions and can be used with line speeds typically up to 100 m/minute. 
   
• DXD+: premium detector technology for the most challenging applications; collects more data about the product being inspected, and advanced image analysis software provides clearer images with much higher resolution; DXD+ can be used with line speeds typically up to 45 m/minute. 

“This is truly cutting-edge technology, that meets a real demand in the market for x-ray inspection capable of detecting low-density contaminants in a wide range of packaged food products,” said Gareth Jones, Head of Engineering for Mettler-Toledo Product Inspection. “DXD and DXD+ provide unprecedented levels of detection in the most challenging applications our customers face. The benefits are both economic and reputational: they can better protect the integrity of their products and their brand, while also reducing cost and wastage through improved False Reject Rates and less product throwaway.” 

DXD and DXD+ dual energy detectors can now be specified with new purchases of Mettler-Toledo X35 x-ray systems. Only a small amount of extra operator training is required due to automatic job set-up and the similarities between the Advanced Material Discrimination software and the ContamPlus™ software that is familiar to existing Mettler-Toledo x-ray users.  

Mettler-Toledo is offering exclusive personalised consultations to prospective users of this latest technology either on a 1:1 basis at its Royston facility or virtually. The consultations will include live testing with customers’ actual products, as well as the opportunity to engage with leading experts in the x-ray inspection field. 
 

About METTLER TOLEDO 

METTLER TOLEDO is a leading global manufacturer of precision instruments and a service provider. The company ranks highly in a number of market segments and is a global market leader in many areas. METTLER TOLEDO is one of the largest providers of weighing systems and analysis instruments for use in laboratories and in-line measurement within demanding industrial and food production processes. 

The Product Inspection division of METTLER TOLEDO is one of the leading providers within the field of automated inspection technology. The division includes the following brands: Safeline metal detection and X-ray inspection, Garvens and Hi-Speed checkweighers, and CI-Vision and PCE Track & Trace. The product inspection solutions improve manufacturers’ process efficiency and help them comply with industry standards and regulations. METTLER TOLEDO systems ensure consistently higher product quality, helping protect both consumers as well as the reputation of manufacturers and their products and brands. 

For more information, please visit: www.mt.com/pi-pr