11/10/2023

Purina calls on consumers to recycle pet food cans

The #PurinaRecyclesChallenge encourages pet owners to take aim at the recycling bin — rather than the trash can — when disposing of their used pet food cans. According to the Can Manufacturers Institute, the pet food industry utilizes roughly 7 million metal food cans annually. Approximately 25% of these are steel and typically used for dog food, and 75% are aluminum and normally used for cat food. While these cans are infinitely recyclable, there is ample room for improvement in their recycling rates, including among pet owners. An estimated 32% of American consumers recycle, according to the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) 2019 American Community Survey. The US Energy Information Administration claims the use of recycled aluminum cans to manufacture new cans requires 95% less energy than creating new cans from raw materials. 'We launched the #PurinaRecyclesChallenge to show just how easy it is to make an impact, and to help break down some of the barriers that keep people from recycling their pet food cans,' said Gopi Sandhu, vice president of environmental sustainability at Purina. 'Aluminum and steel are infinitely recyclable, and given the billions of cans produced in the United States each year, a seemingly small act of recycling can make a big difference.' The challenge invites pet owners to film a 'trick shot' of them banking a pet food can into the recycling bin and share on Instagram and/or TikTok with the hashtag #PurinaRecyclesChallenge. The company will donate $10 for every original post and $1 for every like, share or comment on those posts to The Recycling Partnership to support recycling education and infrastructure across the United States. The campaign will run through Dec. 15. Aside from this can recycling initiative, Purina has also committed to improving packaging sustainability across its entire portfolio. According to the company, almost 90% of its plastic packages used for pet food are designed to be recycled, a figure it hopes to increase to 95% by 2025. By Jordan Tyler - Pet Food Processing

18/07/2023

Pet Food Label Modernization is Coming Soon!

A final draft of the updated model regulations for pet food and specialty pet food was voted on by the executive committee and will be presented to the full membership on July 31st for a vote.  There are numerous changes to the regulations that will impact the labeling for all pet food, pet treats and specialty pet food and treats. Below is a discussion of some of the main changes that will impact your pet food label design. Please note that small and very small packages with a total printable area of 40 or 12 square inches or less respectively will have different layout requirements due to space constraints Changes to the front of the pack include the requirement for a verbatim intended use statement. This statement must be in the bottom ⅓ of the principal display panel and parallel to the bottom of the panel (front panel for packages that sit upright on the shelf and also on the bottom butt panel for packages that lay flat on the shelf), must be at least as large as the net quantity statement per FDA 16 CFR 500.21, must be in the same color and style font and on the same background color as the statement of net quantity and must be separated from the statement of net quantity and any other label material by the height of the 'N' above and below and by twice the width of the 'N' on either side.  Some examples of the verbatim intended use statements include:  'Complete Dog Food' for foods that are complete and balanced for all life stages, including growth of large size dogs. 'Complete Puppy Food' or 'Complete Food for Puppies' for growth products that include growth of large size dogs.  'Complete Food for Adult Cats' for adult maintenance cat foods. 'Complete Food for Puppies (<70 lb. as an adult)' for growth diets that are not appropriate for the growth of large size dogs. 'Complete Food for Dogs (except puppies >70 lb. as an adult)' for all life stages products that exclude the growth of large size dogs. Another major change is the replacement of the Guaranteed Analysis with a Pet Nutrition Facts section. This change was made to more closely align the nutritional information with the format on human food labels in order to help the consumer better understand what they are buying. The Pet Nutrition Facts is required to be included on all pet foods in a prominent place on the label (but not necessarily on the principal display panel). On most packages (except very small labels), this will be in a box set off by hairlines and will be all black or one-color type, printed on white or neutral background.  The heading 'Pet Nutrition Facts' will be centered in the top row of the box and must be twice the size of the other text in the box. The familiar household unit (cup, can, treat, etc) will be right justified in the next row and must include the weight in grams. A bold line must separate this information from the next row. Calorie content will appear in the next line of the box and will no longer be stated as kcal/kg. It must be stated in kcal/'familiar household unit' and will be left justified. If the calories are determined by a feeding study, the word '(fed)' will appear after the value. Maybe provide an example of a few familiar household units. Underneath the calorie content, indented text will appear indicating the calories from protein, fat and carbohydrates. The Modified Atwater formula is still the correct way to determine the calorie content.      Following the calorie content will be the guaranteed nutrient levels. Protein, Fat, Carbohydrates (calculated value), Total Dietary Fiber and Moisture are the required guarantees for every label. These will be expressed in % and also in grams/'familiar household unit.' If you don't have dietary fiber data for your recipes, now would be a good time to begin testing to obtain these values. If you have additional nutritional guarantees, they may be included similarly to today's labels. Essential guarantees must still follow the order of the AAFCO nutrient profiles and nonessential nutrient guarantees are listed following the last essential guarantee. The verbatim nutritional adequacy statement will still be required and must now live within the Pet Nutrition Facts box so that placement is consistent across all products. Feeding directions must be included on all labels and should be consistent with the intended use statement that is on the principal display panel. There are some other minor changes that may impact your labeling, but the information above captures the most impactful of the proposed updates to the regulations. The implementation workgroup is proposing 6 years for the timeline for labeling in the market to comply with the new regulations. Consumer outreach and education has been a top priority and as more brands launch compliant labels, pet parents will be looking for this new format. This could potentially become part of the buying decision for savvy pet parents. The North River Enterprises team is involved in several AAFCO workgroups helping to develop educational materials explaining the required changes once PFLM becomes a reality.  by Melissa Brookshire

22/05/2023

A world-class line in pet food industry

A constantly growing trend: Cats and dogs have become part of the family. But not only them. According to Euromonitor data, pet population in Italy at the end of 2021 accounted for 30 million fish, 13 million birds, 10 million cats and 9 million dogs. The lockdown period played its role while the industrial world didn't wait on the sidelines but, on the contrary, continued competing with an ever-larger offer that paid greater attention to petfood quality, packaging design, and communication. In this scenario, GPI – Geo Project Industries, with cemented know-how in robotics and packaging, developed a plant for a revolutionary governance of the production line: Every phase from depalletization to primary and secondary packaging, to palletization, to flexibly and efficaciously meets customer's requirements. A turnkey solution featuring easily openable/closable display boxes, for capacity of 500 piece/minute, that manages 4 different flavours that can be further increased to 6 and 8 by adding robot isles. Things do not change when it comes to pouches/doypacks, increasingly popular thanks to their utmost practicality and small size, and dry pet food boxes or pouches. GPI paper department designs the ideal packaging upon customer's requirements and grounding on three fundamental criteria: The best product protection, enticing aesthetics to conquer the purchaser, use of techniques and sustainable materials, such as cardboard, for higher respect of the planet and minimum impact on the environment. GPI management says 'We are close to our customers and their pets. When we meet our partners the first sentence is not 'Our machines operate this way' but rather 'What can our machines do for you?'. A tailored approach that has helped us grow in these years in terms of know-how, relationships, and markets.' GPI new machine – studied to guarantee a complete production cycle in the pet food industry – is likely to become an international one of a kind for its very high flexibility in production, and utmost customization upon the goals of the various players of the sector. by GPI Group

12/05/2023

Increasing the shelf live with innovative packaging technology

Connolly's Red Mills is an Irish family business founded in 1908. The company is divided into three divisions: pet food, agriculture, and the core business of horse feed. Red Mills specializes primarily in the feed of racehorses. "When we received inquiries for shipping around the world, we were restricted by the point of shelf live," says Joe Connolly, CEO of Connolly's Red Mills. "As the export business grew, so did the challenge of how to get beyond the island of Ireland. Since the climate in Ireland is damp, we had problems with the shelf life of the product when we went into warmer climates. STATEC BINDER was the company we were closest aligned with, so we discussed this challenge with Josef Lorger," continues Joe Connolly. "To be successful and offer your customers the perfect solution for packaging their products, you have to be flexible as a company, understand the customer's requirements, and be willing to offer customized solutions. This is exactly the strength of STATEC BINDER. That's why we accepted the challenging project from Red Mills to increase the shelf life of their products and started developing the bagging machine," explains Josef Lorger, Managing Director of STATEC BINDER. The SYSTEM-F, a vertical FFS packaging machine, was an excellent choice for further developing this particular challenge. The increased shelf life of the product was achieved by developing a special system that provides nitrogen fumigation during filling. Due to the nitrogen fumigation, the oxygen level in the filled bag is reduced to below 2%. By the additional air suction before closing, the filled and closed bag is perfectly shaped for an equally well-formed pallet. In addition to STATEC BINDER's developments, the bag film for Connolly's Red Mills has also been specially developed. The multi-layer film ensures that the vacuum in the filled bag is maintained and no oxygen enters. "STATEC BINDER's contribution to our company was unique and profound, more specifically in relation to the shelf life issues that we were facing in our export markets. This is where STATEC BINDER, who developed with us our unique NFMS (Nutrient Fresh Management System), has delivered the greatest benefit. Customers can now buy our products with a real shelf life of 26 months, and the products are now delivered across 76 countries," says Michael Connolly, Director of Business Development at Connolly's Red Mills. But it was not only the further development of the SYSTEM-F packaging machine that was a challenge in this project. Due to the limited space available in the existing warehouse, the high-level palletizer PRINCIPAL had no space in its standard version. For this reason, the PRINCIPAL was also adapted for Connolly's Red Mills. The filled bags from two packaging machines are conveyed to the palletizer. In the standard version, the bags would now be transported to an inclined infeed conveyor which is installed in front of the palletizer. However, as the space was too limited, the inclined infeed conveyor was installed underneath the PRINCIPAL. This means that the filled bags are now transported from behind via the inclined infeed conveyor upwards to the palletizer and fed to the palletizer via a tilting belt at the highest point. The bag then moves back into the palletizer and is turned into the correct position for the layer of pallets and pushed forward onto the loading plate. 'STATEC BINDER is delivering customized solutions to us since the beginning of our partnership. The solutions for real problems that really affected our business have facilitated the growth of this business to being 20 times bigger than it was in 1990,' says Michael Connolly. 'STATEC BINDER does an excellent job for us and brings us to markets worldwide,' adds Joe Connolly. You can find more information about the project HERE   By: Statec Binder Source: All Pet Food Magzine

28/04/2023

Updates to Pet food Labels: A long Time Coming!

When launching the multi-year, AAFCO-led, pet food label modernization effort, the association intended to provide consumers with easy-to-understand information on their pets' food packaging so that they could comprehend the nutritional benefits their pets gained from eating the food or treats and how to best feed their pets and store the remaining food. It sought to do this by creating alignment with the formatting of human food nutrition boxes, provide front-of-packaging pet nutrition cues for consumers, consider the development of handling and storage instructions, and change the analysis requirements for fiber. Industry, including many American Feed Industry Association members, has worked alongside state and federal regulators in the step-by-step process of developing new analysis requirements, packaging narrative and visual prompts to increase consumers' understanding of pet food labels.  For example, nutrition fact boxes, similar in format to what are used on human foods, will state the number of calories per common household unit, such as a cup or can of pet food. The updated facts box format will also include the actual amounts of protein, fat, dietary fiber and carbohydrates instead of the previously used minimum guarantees for protein, fat and crude fiber. These changes will support consumer selection of pet foods to best meet the needs of individual pets.  Pet food manufacturers will also have the opportunity to voluntarily use standardized icons to provide information about best practices for storing pet foods and common handling steps, such as hand washing and separating utensils for serving pet foods. They will also be asked to provide clear language on the lower third of the front of pet food packages to plainly state the intended uses of the food with statements, such as 'Complete food for adult dogs,' or 'Cat and kitten treats.'  By the end of 2024, we expect that some pet food labels may start to include the changes brought about by this herculean effort, but it will take many years before all manufacturers are able to be in full compliance with the required changes.   Educational materials are currently being developed to assist manufacturers, regulators, retailers and veterinarians in their different roles for the promotion and regulation of the new label formats and to assure consumer understanding of the increased information available for determining pet food choices.  So where does that leave us now? The changes passed the AAFCO Pet Food Committee and are awaiting a vote by the full AAFCO membership later this summer. The next big steps will include the demanding task of state-by-state approval of the AAFCO-sanctioned changes, industry adoption of the new label requirements, and retailer and consumer education about the revised labels. It has taken eight years to formalize the changes to pet food labels and now in 2023, a new shark has taken the stage. Move over Left Shark, it's all about 'Baby Shark' now.   by AFIA

27/04/2023

Automation trends in pet food packaging

By María Candelaria Carbajo

However, the packaging sector is the one perceiving the major opportunities and benefits of converting manual processes into mechanized ones.   The man's best friend: a market full of possibilities In this era of pet food driven by quality suitable for a humanized pet, the options on the market have never looked so aesthetic and never had such a promising future ahead of them. To be part of that bright future, packaging production companies are beginning to find alternatives to modernize their products and processes and adopt more sustainable and innovative approaches. Automation is undoubtedly the Queen of all technologies in test and deployment.   Packaging is also in demand Recent growth in changing and challenging demand for different packaging styles demonstrates that there is room for both rigid and flexible versions. Factors from increased ownership to pet humanization are spurring further diversification in products and packaging. 'General demand in pet food is rising at quite a high rate, but this is quite generally known. What is more interesting to us is the increased diversity',  Milou Jansen, Lan Handling Technologies.   Non-stop growth: automation in food packaging Automation in the food packaging process involves robotics for food material handling in the packaging process. Currently, most of the facilities of this type use complex machines throughout the assembly line, compared to a few years ago, when the man was the one in charge of these tasks.   Application in the pet food industry Today, there are robotic solutions for every task that makes up the packaging line, from simple pick and place to complex operations such as sealing or bag making.   Benefits of automation in food packaging Security Automated industrial robots increase workspace protection and safety, thus preventing worker injuries. In addition to reducing risk and proper machine maintenance, we can avoid system errors and breakdowns that can cause not only unforeseen expenses but also stop the production chain. Contamination The packaging stage presents a significant risk of biological, chemical, and physical contamination of food products (by foreign objects in the packaging materials, cleaning compounds, or dirty or broken packaging materials, for example). Using hygienic packaging methods that minimize human contact and other contamination sources is part of the automation benefits. Scalability The use of robotics in the food industry can increase production line productivity considerably, being able to process large volumes at an amazing speed and, at the same time, minimize the need for labor. Flexibility Robot performance and production can be adjusted according to each product requirement. Reduced costs By comparison, in the long run, manual canning is much more costly than automated canning, which requires less labor and little to no regular maintenance to avoid more costly breakages. Result consistency Since the packaging is done robotically, human error in operations, weighing, and precision is avoided. Full traceability Automated food packaging provides end-to-end traceability of the entire production line, providing accurate records of the facilities and processes a food product has gone through. Sustainability Automation can also be a step towards greater sustainability. Yes, machines require energy and raw materials, but by avoiding human error, waste is avoided in large quantities.   Automation trends in food packaging The demand for robotics in the food packaging sector is increasing dramatically, mainly because more and more manufacturers are realizing the convenience and efficiency that these machines provide, so they are adopting them to meet the growing demand. Let's know the most used variants currently: Pick and place Processed foods are often uniform in size and shape, making them easy to handle with a robotic gripper. Pick and place robots lift food products from one place and set them in another, even from a moving assembly line. With the simple action of picking and placing, they can identify, align and place the product simultaneously. The non-robotic alternative would be to use fixtures, which are inflexible to product changes and can take up a lot of space. Raw food packaging This process involves taking raw or processed food products and wrapping them, such as raw vegetables, fruits, seeds, grains, etc. This primary packaging technology specializes in these items generally using paper or polyethylene material that does not chemically react with food and is cost-effective. Depanning Baked or frozen products are mass-produced, and robots are needed to leave them ready for primary packaging. This process typically involves scooping up an entire tray of baked goods with a specialized demolding tool. Denesting This process is often carried out with demolding: the demolding robot takes an object stacked in "the nest" and places it where it belongs. Robots that do this do not deal directly with food but rather sort packaged items for delivery to the packing station to reduce downtime. Boxing Secondary packaging involves taking individually packaged products and grouping them into boxes or containers already sealed. These robots, known as boxing machines or case packers, can be used in a variety of secondary packaging applications, including delicate food handling. In addition, they are also usually in charge of assembling the boxes from cardboard sheets. Palletizing Palletizing systems are the last step in the food production and packaging line. It involves stacking boxes one on top of the other and preparing them for distribution and shipping. This is almost always a tertiary packaging method accomplished by collaborative robots.   The future of packaging automation is positive Food packaging has three main purposes: preserving products, providing information, and attracting consumers. Implementing a smart food packaging solution ensures that products are packaged in the most hygienic, informative, and attractive way possible. The packaging process is often your last checkpoint before your product leaves your production facility, so getting it right is essential, but not just for food safety reasons. Today, it is an instance of the production process that, if done correctly and robotically, can bring great benefits (instead of problems) to the company.   Source: All Pet Food Magazine

23/03/2023

STATEC BINDER GmbH: High-performance products for high-standard customers

With its flexible and customer-oriented packaging technology, the Austrian company is represented on the international market, placing itself among the leading suppliers of high-performance open-mouth bagging machines. The wide-ranging product portfolio offers customized solutions of the highest quality for products used in a variety of industries. The PRINCIPAC, CERTOPAC, ACROPAC, and CIRCUPAC open-mouth bagging systems are designed for polyethylene (PE), woven polypropylene (PP), and paper bags with a filling weight of 5 kg to 50 kg. The high-performance segment is complemented by the SYSTEM-T FFS (Form-Fill-Seal) machine for bag processing from tubular film and the SYSTEM-F vertical FFS machine for bag processing from the flat film. The broad product range of STATEC BINDER is rounded off by robotic, high-level, and portal palletizing systems. The PRINCIPAL-H, PRINCIPAL-R, and PRINCIPAL-P palletizers are characterized by their high efficiency and adaptability. High-performance net weighers and bag closing systems ensure precise weighing and dosing, as well as a secure closure of bags.   Meeting customer needs globally Starting from the food sector to the petrochemical industry – with over 1,700 machines installed worldwide, STATEC BINDER looks back on numerous positive references. The company counts small firms as well as large corporations, represented on all five continents, among its existing customer base. Thanks to proven technology as well as continuous developments and optimizations, STATEC BINDER serves as an internationally recognized partner to many. After 40 years of experience, the company stands for absolute reliability, characterized by precision and constant innovation.   Customer service as a success factor Customers all over the world put their trust in STATEC BINDER every day. Expert consulting services, a high level of service competence, and support for any concern provide reasons for this. Customer service is characterized by highly trained employees and online service with real-time support. The fullest satisfaction of the customers has the highest priority. STATEC BINDER stands for… High-performance bagging and palletizing of bulk goods Machines and systems of the highest quality Flexible and customer-oriented solutions Absolute reliability, innovation, and precision Global customer service More than 40 years of experience Over 1,700 machines installed worldwide   Further information can be found on STATEC BINDER WEBSITE Source: Statec Binder

16/03/2023

Introducing Statec Binder worldwide

For more than 20 years, Eximconsult has supported and advised clients in Latin America, finding the most appropriate solution for each client. They also provide post-sale support and hope to become a strategic partner. Therefore, we would like to introduce you to Mariano Weller, our representative for Latin America. Mariano has worked for 7 years at EXIMCONSULT, representative of STATEC BINDER for Latin America, and he tells us about this cooperation About Statec Binder  STATEC BINDER looks back on a long tradition. For more than 40 years, the company, which is based in Gleisdorf (Austria) near Graz, has been successfully applying its experience in packaging technology worldwide. Thanks to constant further development and optimization of proven technologies, STATEC BINDER has taken the lead with new, innovative packaging concepts and is thus considered one of the leading suppliers of high-performance open-mouth bagging machines. The name STATEC BINDER stands for absolute reliability coupled with precision. www.statecbinder.com https://www.statec-binder.com/en/ About EXIMCONSULT We are a group of professionals present in Latin America with more than 20 years of experience in bagging in open-mouth bags, FFS, palletizing, strapping, cold hooding (stretch hooding) and  (thermoshrinking) endorsed by renowned leading companies in the whole LATAM region. We are present with our clients from the most varied industries such as fertilizers, petrochemicals, sugar, ceramics, glass, household appliances, paper, animal feed and many others to help them find the best solution for their end-of-line packaging needs.www.exim-consult.com by All Pet Food  

10/03/2023

PAYPER CSA Open Mouth Bagging Solution

PAYPER was established in Spain in 1973, since then its clients, from multiple industries and especially from the PET FOOD sector, supported them with more than 450 projects with PAYPER technology in Latin America. From their headquarters in Mexico and Brazil, they offer a close service throughout the entire process: commercial, after-sales and spare parts. Among its countless solutions is the CSA automatic bagging machine, a modern and precise open-mouth bagging solution, suitable for the high standard requirements in the PET FOOD sector. It solutions adapts to the special conditions of each manufacturer: bag types, nature of the product and speed requirements.         PAYPER is definitively an experts in new generation of packaging lines for bulk solids. We invite you to LEARN MORE about their equipment and solutions.   By: All Pet Food    

03/01/2023

Special and nature-friendly packaging

Innovation, technology, quality, sustainability, and safety are the stars of its developments, where its main activity occurs in the Latin American and Brazilian pet food segments. Its product line includes the flat bottom Box Pouch, Stand up Pouch, Shape Pouch, and 4 seal formats. The main benefits of Soulpack packaging are: Its modern design, which enhances the product. Closure with Zipper or Velcro Ⓡ, which maintains food properties. Easy opening system that cuts straight. Handle to facilitate transportation. The pet food industry is a fast-growing segment, as is the change in pets' eating habits and their owners' behaviors. Soulpack invests in technology to accompany the market and maintain packaging efficiency and performance, but it does not stop thinking about its commitment to nature. Therefore, seeking excellence in packaging combined with sustainability is essential. Its processes are designed to avoid negative impacts on the environment. All development stages respect that value, from the correct usage of natural resources to the production inputs disposal. Soulpack's environmental management allows it to produce various packaging types with conscious resource usage. "We believe that sustainability is the future and, for this reason, we also have environmental initiatives through our packaging," says R&D Manager, Emerson Silva. Committed to this value, we have developed two new packages, presented at CIPAL 2022: 100% recyclable packaging with a high barrier Structure: PE + PE / Monomaterial Characteristics: High barrier against grease, humidity, and oxygen. Use: Human and animal food Format: Box Pouch, Stand-Up Pouch, 4 seals, and others Printing: flexography and gravure Accessories: laser cutting guide, internal zipper, front zipper, velcro, and others. Biodegradable packaging Structure: PE, PET, BOPP, KRAFT PAPER, and others Characteristics: Biodegradable containers, with technology that accelerates degradation converting the containers into humus for use in agriculture or in biogas to generate energy (according to ASTM 5511). Use: Human and animal food Format: Box Pouch, Stand-Up Pouch, and others Accessories: Laser cutting guide, internal zipper, front zipper, and others. Soulpack is proud to be a supplier of great clients that work to guarantee nutritious, formulated food to maintain animals' health and well-being. Contact us to find out more about Soulpack's special packaging, by WEB or EMAIL by Soulpack Source: All Pet Food 

20/12/2022

Packaging variety is not an issue… if you have the right solution

The majority of pet owners will tell you that their pet is considered a member of the family; but it is only relatively recently that this familial status has been reflected in the way we feed them. Go back 10-15 years and all you would find on supermarket shelves would be a limited number of food varieties in standard 400g tins, with multipacks all containing the same variety. Fast forward to the present day and it is fair to say that the pet food industry has undergone a renaissance. Owners are now spoiled for choice as they face walls of exotic flavours, made from premium healthy ingredients, prepared (it appears) by Michelin-starred chefs, packaged in innovative containers and backed by multi-million Euro advertising campaigns. This incredible level of variety and product differentiation maybe good for the owners (and of course their pets), but it creates a logistical nightmare for the producers' manufacturing and packaging operations. Not only do they have to cater for a wider choice of flavours and packaging formats, but they also have to create mixed packaging arrays that deliver the all-important dietary variety. 'It's a pain point,' explains Wim Kruikemeijer, Area Manager Northern Europe and Global Petfood Manager at Cama Group. 'Many people no longer want to feed their cats or dogs the same flavour every day, so there has been an incredible pull from the market for greater variation. This is good for the animals too, as it delivers greater dietary variety. As a result of this, many of the premium pet food suppliers are looking to mix flavours and then package them in shelf-ready cartons – with as many as six flavours in each carton. If this is undertaken manually, it is an incredibly labour-intensive task." 'There has also been a major shift away from the typical 400g tin,' he adds. 'The humanisation of pet food has resulted in more premium-look-and-feel packaging – on a par with human food packaging – with single-portion servings of fresher food gaining significant headway in this crowded market. Compounding these widely varying demands is a growing decline in plastic acceptance, which is seeing a move back to metal and recyclable packaging, albeit in varying sizes. Manufacturers have certainly got interesting times ahead and, as a result, so do the packaging technology companies.' In a typical wet pet food operation, the meat is prepared, sterilised and packaged before being quarantined for up to a week to catch any quality issues before going to market. After the quarantine period all the flavours are collected, mixed offline and then packed into secondary cartons and boxes. This secondary packaging is either fully automated, semi-automated or, in many cases, completely manual. 'For one plant we support, the first step towards their wider automation was a semi-manual process for creating and closing the cartons,' Kruikemeijer explains, 'but this is just one example of the way that companies can move towards automatic packaging processes. Our technology allows companies to match their aspirations and take gradual steps; it totally depends on the customer and how they want to achieve their automation levels.' Cama is in the perfect position to help pet food companies – both large and small – to realise greater efficiencies through the automation of packaging operations. 'We've been supporting this industry for over 15 year now,' Kruikemeijer elaborates. 'We have helped many companies across the globe absorb the impact of changing market dynamics. We've seen the natural progression of packaging, starting with cans, onto trays, into pouches and now back to cans again. We've also addressed the multi-flavour issue thanks to tightly integrated and highly flexible automation infrastructures and in-house-develop robotic pick-and-place systems. Indeed, this industry is not unlike the coffee industry, in which we are a market leader, with its huge variety of packaging concepts." 'The pet food industry – like the many other sectors we serve – is always laying down packaging challenges that centre around the need for flexibility coupled to efficiency,' he adds. 'We are in a fortunate (and deliberate) position in that we invest at least 5% of our turnover in research and development, and it is this investment that helps us help our customers. Cama also has a unique portfolio of technologies that covers the breadth of packaging concepts and packaging formats. Thanks to this spread, we can offer best-fit solutions, rather than a compromise based on a limited offering. In fact in many cases we suggest two or three packaging concepts and then work with the customer to define the strategy and technology that fits their needs precisely." From a technology perspective, Cama's Breakthrough Generation (BTG) solutions are setting the standard in secondary packaging. The BTG approach comprises modular, scalable frameworks that offer easy entry and access, coupled to a hygienic machine design. Within this framework, contemporary automation solutions, including advanced rotary and linear servo technology, can be tightly coupled to in-house-developed robotics, to deliver the all-important flexibility and adaptability required by modern packaging operations. 'Cama, as a company, is highly flexible and offers the capability and mindset to think outside the box, not just as a machine manufacturer,' Kruikemeijer explains. 'We're more and more thinking like a line-side operator or maintenance engineer, imagining how we can make our machines even easier to use and maintain. We are capable of listening very carefully to the customer and what keeps them awake. This is part of our uniqueness. Sometimes you need to learn from the customer and then think almost like a child. 'Is it too complicated?', 'Can we make it simpler?' and 'How do we keep it practical?' 'We have multiple successes under our belts, from some of the world's leading brands… and lots of small local ones too,' Kruikemeijer concludes. 'They all have the same challenges, just on a different scale. The future will centre around sustainability and this will be compounded by shorter product lifecycles, so flexibility is paramount if an end user is to get the best possible return from their automation investment. The whole of industry is undergoing the same type of paradigm shift, and we see it as a personal responsibility to make sure our customers can all stay ahead of the game.'   By: Cama Group

21/10/2022

Middleby Acquires CP Packaging, Expands Offerings in Packaging Innovation

Based in Appleton, Wisconsin, CP Packaging has annual sales of approximately $15 million.'C tomers with industry leading sanitation, faster production throughput and reduced operating costs. This acquisition further expands upon our ability to provide customers with integrated full-line solutions, while significantly strengthening the packaging equipment offerings in our food processing portfolio,' said Tim FitzGerald, Middleby CEO. 'There are meaningful synergies amongst our packaging brands and our food processing platform, as we leverage our long-standing customer relationships, established global distribution and manufacturing capabilities.' The Middleby Corporation is a global leader in the foodservice industry. The company develops and manufactures a broad line of solutions used in commercial foodservice, food processing, and residential kitchens. Supporting the company's pursuit of the most sophisticated innovation, the state-of-the-art Middleby Innovation Kitchens showcases and demonstrates the most advanced Middleby solutions. In 2022 Middleby was named a World's Best Employer by Forbes and is a proud philanthropic partner to organizations addressing food insecurity. For more information on Middleby and the company's brands please visit www.middleby.com . For more information on CP Packaging and its advanced packaging technologies is available at cppac.com. Contact: Darcy Bretz, Director of Corporate Communications

25/07/2022

Premier Tech invests $33M for the construction of a new facility in Montgomery

Through this major investment, Premier Tech Systems and Automation is creating its headquarters for the United States, strengthening its presence in America, and therefore reconfirms its commitment toward its customers and the American market.  The construction of this 165 000-square-foot facility began early spring 2022 and will further improve the overall experience for American customers — through the design and manufacturing of innovative end-of-line packaging and palletizing solutions that help increase capacity and optimize manufacturing facilities in the nutrition, industrial, organic and agriculture market sectors. This stronger American presence will enhance the customer experience, easing project execution through proximity for on-site visits and factory acceptance tests. This bright, clean, and safe new installation will include air conditioning and a technical floor allowing equipment to be fully tested according to the actual production parameters required by customers. There will also be an innovation, research and development area as well as a training centre. This facility will serve as a customer solutions hub for the American market, as well as a spare parts distribution centre, which will accelerate the delivery of spare parts for customers in the US. The operations will start gradually as of March 2023 and the moving will be completed at thebeginning of the summer.  'The design of our new facility will allow an increase in production capacity that will sustain our future growth. It will also allow us to better serve the American market,' according to André Noreau, president and chief executive officer of Premier Tech Systems and Automation. 'Team members will have a world-class manufacturing environment and this new construction will become the cornerstone of equipment manufacturing and customer solutions in the United States.'     'We are grateful for a global company like Premier Tech who has committed to invest in Montgomery and deepen their roots with innovative end-of-line packaging and the creation of new jobs for our community,' said Montgomery Mayor Steven L. Reed. Since the launch of the modernization plan in 2020, 55 jobs have been created and 78 have been secured at the current Montgomery site — for a total of 133 production and office team members. The configuration of this new facility could foster further investments that would help double the workforce by 2028. 'We are so honored that Premier Tech has expanded since selecting Montgomery as one of their homes in 28 countries all over the world,' said Montgomery Chamber Chair Cedric Campbell. 'Partnership and teamwork are key to this kind of economic growth, and we are grateful for the impact this kind of investment will have on the entire region.' 'We are proud to welcome Premier Tech to its newest facility in Montgomery County. Its investment showcases that Montgomery is on the world stage for innovation and technology,' said County Commission Chair Doug Singleton.  This construction in Montgomery aligns with Premier Tech's commitment to modernize its installations in the United States to enhance the customer experience across the country, strengthen its local footprint by creating jobs and support its growth. Another 12-million-dollar investment is underway for a manufacturing infrastructure project in Salt Lake City as part of this installation modernization initiative.  by All Pet Food

07/06/2022

What´s behind the bags for our loved dog, cat or horse?

But there is a lot more behind it. The process alone, from filling the animal food bags to the actual delivery of the goods can be very extensive. At STATEC BINDER, we know perfectly what it means, when it comes to packaging and palletizing - because that is exactly our daily business. With over 40 years of experience in the field of packaging and palletizing technology and over 1,600 successfully installed machines worldwide, we can confidently say that we provide our customers with the best possible know-how and advice. For many customers, weighing, packing, sealing, and delivering their actual goods on a pallet is a very complex process, especially when it comes to working with a high number of bags per hour. But with your reliable partner STATEC BINDER at your side, this section of the production process will be successful. Our wide product portfolio allows us to meet the needs of our customers in a variety of industries while also offering an excellent customer service program. On the one hand, there is the PRINCIPAC, one of the world´s fastest bagging machines with up to 2,000 bags per hour; and on the other hand, the CERTOPAC, which is ideal for bagging animal feed up to 1,500 bags per hour. The ACROPAC model was developed by STATEC BINDER for small and medium-sized operations with lower production capacities and is suitable for bagging up to 600 bags per hour. Our high-performance palletizer PRINCIPAL-H, with a capacity of up 2,400 bags per hour, completes an all-round high-quality and efficient palletizing process with a nice and stable layer pattern. With our robotic palletizer PRINIPAL-R, of a high-tech version, up to 1,400 bags or boxes per hour can be achieved. With STATEC BINDER, you stay on the sunny side - because as a reliable partner, we faithfully support our customers even after the systems have been installed. With the 1-6-11 program, we have made it our promise that our customers will receive excellent after-sales support. Perfectly coordinated service appointments and spare parts deliveries, customer training, the Remote Maintenance System & Support, and always being at the state-of-the-art through optimization & modernization round off our customer service. At STATEC BINDER, we place great emphasis on customer-oriented solutions, excellent advice, flexibility, and know-how. Together with our customers, we look for custom-fit solutions for their circumstances and their products. As an international packaging and palletizing specialist based in Austria, we are here for our customersaround the globe. Are you interested? You can find more information about our product portfolio or our company HERE By Statec Binder Source : All Pet Food 

05/05/2022

Think Plastic Brazil – A window to the world of Packaging

Undoubtedly, an event to take into account for the food industry, and above all for all of us who are immersed in the growing pet food industry. Upon arrival at the event, we were kindly hosted  by Gabriel Rajão, Public Relations of Think Plastic Brazil , who introduced us to several very interesting Brazilian companies involved on  the packaging of different types of feeds & foods, but the pet food segment was the star of its portfolio of packaging solutions The new intelligent and sustainable solutions were the focus of the scene and the members of every company spent some time to explain us about it. The All Pet Food team took advantage of the visit to learn about Think Plastic Brazil, which is defined as a non-profit organization that aims to bring Brazilian companies that transform plastic to different international markets, being packaging one of the items they work the most  in different areas, being the segments of Animal Feed and Pet food of greatest importance and strength That´s why All Pet Food  interviewed Carlos Moreira Planning and Projects Manager of Think Plastic Brazil, who invited the entire audience to participate in the World Plastic Connection Summit to be held from 7-10 November 2022, where there will be an emphasis on the pet food sector, in both the Brazilian and Argentine markets On the other hand, Cristina Sacramento, Market Development Specialist at Think Plastic Brazil, gives us a brief reference to the organization and opens a window for all pet food and feed producers to look into the  different packaging alternatives depending on their needs and type of product We invite you to enjoy the inteviews by: All Pet Food

16/03/2022

Why the Future of Sustainable Packaging in Pet Is Bright

Attendees benefitted from speakers, workshops, tools and collaborative sessions, all designed to help the pet industry take greater strides toward decreasing its overall waste footprint. Danielle Jezienicki, director of sustainability of Grove Collaborative, a San Francisco-based retailer of sustainable home solutions, gave the keynote for the event, which was held Feb. 22-24. At her company, which has been a certified B Corp. since 2014, they've asked themselves questions like: What does it mean to be a sustainable company? How can we measure whether our business is a force for good? Grove Collaborative is currently 100 percent plastic neutral, meaning every time a consumer receives plastic from them, they remove the same amount of ocean- and nature-bound plastic waste from the environment. Yet the company has set a bolder goal: to be 100 percent plastic free by 2025. Jezienicki shared her company's roadmap for reaching this goal, admitting that they are not yet entirely sure how they will become plastic free. 'If you know how to reach your goal, it's not ambitious enough,' she said. Jezienicki said she believes sometimes companies hesitate to commit to ambitious sustainability objectives because they don't immediately have all of the answers. She encouraged attendees to ask themselves: 'Where can your products be a force for positive impact?' Cherish Morrison, senior category manager, Mud Bay Brands and sustainability, said she appreciates the opportunity to hear from other companies, and especially those outside the pet industry, about the strides they have made as well as the challenges they have faced. 'Grove Collaborative has set a high bar, which many of us attending found very inspiring,' Morrison said. Mud Bay, which has 60 stores and counting in Washington and Oregon, was part of PSC's Flex Forward pilot program. Flex Forward was launched in partnership with Earth Animal, Pet Food Experts and almost 200 independent pet retailers. The pilot program for the in-store recycling of plastic pet food and treat bags ended in February 2021 and collected more than 8,000 pounds of packaging. PSC has been conducting recycling trials and, in mid-February this year, received its feasibility report back from sustainability focused consulting firm Circular Matters. The report included full feasibility of all recycling systems/options, financial modeling, environmental impact modeling and supplier interviews. Melissa Bauer, director of strategic initiatives and sustainability for PSC, said they will be diving further into the report soon, and she offered attendees a glimpse of the findings, including some exciting numbers. Bauer said that, with participation from independent and large specialty pet retailers, Flex Forward could potentially collect 4.5 million-plus pounds of pet food and treat packaging annually. The pilot program was very well received by staff and customers at Mud Bay. 'It was a great opportunity to help the PSC guide our industry on what is a reasonable path forward, greater recycling options for current packaging or optimizing our current recycling resources by using better packaging materials (that are easier to recycle) and by reducing our packaging overall,' Morrison said. 'If the Flex Forward program is made available as a permanent program, it will have the support of our company and our customers.' In addition to the progress made with its Flex Forward program, PSC had more big news to share with attendees. PSC announced Packaging Pledge, an initiative aimed at encouraging companies to adopt sustainable packaging by 2025. 'We are very excited to be moving the pet industry forward with a clear and aligned sustainable packaging initiative, developed in collaboration with many industry experts,' Bauer said. 'This ensures we are all on the same path and share the same goals. Although each company's packaging situation is unique, the overall goal will be to move the pet industry to 100 percent recyclable, refillable or compostable packaging by 2025. PSC will serve as a partner to all signatories and provide the support and tools they need to reach their packaging commitments.' Pledge enrollment will officially be open in July, but PSC is interested in launching with a few first followers, and companies can reach out to PSC for more information. For many, the workshops were a highlight of UnPacked, giving event participants greater awareness of the resources that are available to help them develop effective plastic packaging strategies. 'After attending the Plastics IQ Demo workshop, I learned all about the free tool they offer to help with packaging transitions,' Morrison said. 'This brought a tremendous sense of relief knowing that such a tool exists to help us meet our packaging reduction and improvement goals.' Learning about available tools was also beneficial to Christine Mallier, sustainability and community relations manager for manufacturer Petcurean Pet Nutrition in Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada. 'I enjoyed the sessions around new tools and technology for making science-based decisions and goals for sustainable packaging,' Mallier said. 'This science-based approach completely aligns with Petcurean's approach to pet food. We've already implemented some of these sustainable packaging options—such as our Tetra Pak cartons for our wet food collection—and are excited to expand upon this for existing and future packaging decisions.' The event also featured sessions on packaging-related legislation in Europe and North America. 'I look forward to taking some of the key learnings, such as the sessions on EPR (extended producer responsibility) legislation and the impact in the USA and Europe, and implementing them into the work I do at Petcurean,' Mallier said. The Future of Packaging in Pet The success of this year's UnPacked, which had nearly 350 registrants, is a positive indication for the future of sustainability in the pet industry. PSC was formed in 2013, and since then, packaging has risen to become one of the top sustainability priorities of the industry, Bauer reported. 'First, we saw packaging strategies focused on reducing packaging, or lightweighting,' she said. 'In the last 12 months, we [have seen] momentum significantly gaining towards recyclable packaging, and we're starting to see really exciting movement as brands and retailers begin to explore opportunities for refillable or bulk solutions. We hope that companies that want to be part of this movement will join us and receive the support and resources they need through the PSC Packaging Pledge.' Next year, Bauer added, the organization looks forward to hosting a 10-year anniversary party to celebrate the accomplishments of its sustainable business community and 'the incredible advancements of sustainability at large within the pet industry.' by Carrie Brenner -PPN

19/11/2021

Soulpack is recognized with a gold trophy in a prestigious Brazilian packaging award

Soulpack Team: On the left Alexandre Silva, center Emerson Silva, on the right Caio Schlickmann.   Since 2001, the ABRE Award (Brazilian Packaging Association) has established and recognizes the innovations of Brazilian packaging in a dynamic industry that works tirelessly and has as a strategy the improvement of its packaging either through materials science, manufacturing and printing technology, design for a better experience and functionality, and the pursuit of efficiency and sustainability. In this year of 2021, 362 packages were entered. Of these, 70 were awarded and Soulpack received the gold trophy in the market category. There are several criteria that each package presents to be a winner, always pointing to how it impacts innovation and the development of the sector. The package builds bridges, accesses, messages, value and impact. Innovation for the packaging industry is its way of positioning itself and transforming itself with society, in line with its development and the evolution of its purpose. Soulpack, leader in Box Pouch, develops packaging with technological differentials, among them, the laser cutting guide system, with internal zipper. The award-winning package combined the matte finish with a design associated with the color of the kraft paper and visual identity referring to the sustainability of food production, through certifications, to the manufacture of containers produced in green PE, sugar cane, thus satisfying the needs of its customers. Sustainability is already a cross-cutting issue in the sector, it is no longer a technical term, an area within the company, but it is a pillar of business development. It is also no longer about which is the best material, but which is the best solution for people, for companies and society, fulfilling functions that range from protection, security, to the expiration date, which plays an important role. in question sustainable. In terms of quality, safety, resistance and printing, the packaging to use is the Box Pouch. Soulpack's sustainable products are developed with high-quality raw material and have better resistance to ensure the useful life of the product. They have barriers that ensure smoothness, and crunchy texture, aroma and protect against mites, fungi and others. They take up less space in transport, logistics and storage. Functionality in addition to ergonomics and structure, practical opening and closing system, with an internal zipper that maintains the properties of the food after being opened and a sustainable appeal, the Box Pouch packaging draws the attention of tutors who also care about the environment environment. In addition, it incorporates the desire for a life with healthier habits, including pets. Therefore, the combination of an innovative and sustainable packaging, combined with a line of products with natural ingredients and exclusive certificates, guarantee a unique option in the gondola and in the pet food market as a whole. In addition, seeking excellence in packaging, combined with sustainability, our processes are designed not to harm the environment. We respect all stages of development, correctly using natural resources until the correct disposal of production inputs. Soulpack's environmental management makes it possible to produce different types of packaging with the conscious use of resources.   Learn about some of these practices - Planting and cultivation of 350 native tree seedlings to add to nature, reducing the environmental impact in an entire area and in the surroundings of Soulpack; - System for collecting and using rainwater for various processes, with emphasis on the fire prevention system. In addition, the search to maintain high water efficiency for personal and productive use; - Own generation of sustainable solar energy through photovoltaic panels; - Reuse of chips for the manufacture of tiles, siding and ecological ridges, plastics, reducing the impact on the environment, by 100%, in the production of industrial waste. He thought of Box Pouch. He thought Soulpack!   Source: All Pet Food

15/10/2021

JBT Proseal: Meeting the pet food quality challenge

A recent report from Transparency Market Research has predicted a CAGR of 6% in the global pet food market over the next decade, reaching an expected value of US$168.3 billion by 2029. Increasing consumer demand for premium quality products has led manufacturers to use high quality materials and ingredients while streamlining  production techniques and processes, with the corresponding need for appropriate quality packaging to reflect this premium image. The comprehensive Proseal tray sealer range has the flexibility to perform in a wide range of disciplines, including Gas Flush Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP), Vacuum MAP with lid control and Skin Packaging. In particular, the company's advanced sealing systems ensure absolute control and integrity of the seal between the lid and the tray, a vital requirement for applications that incorporate a substantial controlled-retortion-process or other High Pressure sterilization processes after sealing.  The tray sealers also include several Proseal-developed features that help to maximize performance, reliability and efficiency, such as the company's pioneering Eseal® energy saving technology, ifilm™ intelligent film monitoring, and ProTect™ RFID access login system that provides full audit trail visibility and layered security. In addition, Proseal's AP60 linear conveyor tray sealing system is able to provide bespoke automated solutions for high speed applications and demanding production conditions, based around individual customer production processes and requirements. Among the system's many features, the length and width of the indexing conveyor can be customized to accommodate de-nesting and filling requirements. Full or partial vacuum systems can be incorporated to enable post seal processes such as retort or High Pressure Processing (HPP), and X-ray inspection systems and checkweighers can be included after sealing for enhanced quality control. The AP60 also offers seamless integration with third party process equipment including depositors, multihead weighing applications and CIP systems with sealing speeds of up to 240 packs per minute. Furthermore, Proseal's AP60 benefits from shared technology across the Proseal machinery range. Options can be specified and retro-engineered, allowing a more flexible approach to each distinct application. All Proseal machines offer a user-friendly interface and easy to maintain design, with a rugged and hygienic food industry approved construction geared to full washdown protection. "As the pet food market continues to expand, we are keen to provide solutions for companies requiring a significant upscale in their production of core products in new packaging formats, which can be met on one machinery platform," says Tony Burgess, Head of Sales and Control Systems, Proseal. "The flexibility of our technology and the wide variety of machines available, including fully integrated conveyor systems, mean we can offer a full turnkey production line solution which is key for this particular market. We are delighted that our expertise can help companies to achieve a point of differentiation in the competitive pet food sector."   Learn more about Proseal's packaging solutions.   Source: JBT Corporation

03/08/2021

Pet Food Packaging: all the solutions

Dry Pet Food packaging can be carried out using:   an open mouth bagging machine a vertical packaging machine a big bag packaging machine   Pet food packaging machines: which one to choose? The ideal packaging machine depends on: the bag type the bag size the production requirements (capacity and speed) Pet Food bagging machine for preformed bags: Automatic open-mouth bagging machines are used for packaging Pet Food in medium or large bags. The IABA series is designed for medium production capacities with bags of 5 to 30 kg, and consists of: IABA 600 S: up to 10 BPM IABA 800 S: up to 15 BPM UNIVERSAL 1200: up to 20 BPM. Ideal for medium to high production capacities. featuring high packaging speeds and a wide range of packable formats. IABA 600 D: up to 30 BPM. Automatic bagging machine with double filling station. Ideal for high production capacities.   These bagging machines can fill flat or folding preformed bags The MF POUCH 3000 bagging machine is used for: High production capacities High levels of flexibility in terms of bag type and size Small sizes (from 300 g to 5 kg)     The MF POUCH 3000 is recommended for those with particular packaging aesthetic requirements. The bags can be of different types, with various closures, and can be graphically customised. Semi-automatic Big Bag bagging machine The semi-automatic big bag bagging machine is used for sizes ranging from 500 to 2000 kg. It can be equipped with a net weight or gross weight scale. The net weight MF Big Bag PN Pet Food bagging machine is ideal for medium to high production capacities. The gross weight MF Big Bag PL bagging machine is ideal for medium production capacities.   Complete Pet Food packaging systems In many cases, the market demands aren't limited to a packaging system alone. MF TECNO offers comprehensive Pet Food packaging systems. Our product range includes conveyor systems, scales, bagging machines, palletisers, and wrapping machines. The shrinkwrappers and boxing machines fall within the category of secondary packaging systems. The following image shows a complete 20 BPM system with 10 kg bags, consisting of: a Tipping Bucket Elevator an MF 54 vertical packaging machine an MF PRC 1000 6-Column Palletiser an MF WRAP 35 rotating platform wrapping machine   Pet Food Production   Not only packaging, but pet food production as well. Our group company MIAL has been building animal feed and pet food extrusion plants for over 50 years.           Source: MF TECNO

13/04/2021

New Product - PAYPER presents new high-output FFS bagger

PAYPER has recently launched a new FFS bagging machine capable of filling up to 2,600 bags/hour. This bag filler, which is now the highest performing member of the FFS ASSAC-family, is called U20. It handles bags from 5 to 50 kg and works with tubular PE or Aluminium roll film with PE laminate and is especially suitable for bulk solids in granules. The ASSAC-U20 is specially designed for free flowing products such as plastic pellets, fertilizer prills, etc. Common demands when bagging this kind of products are output capacity, precision and reliability and the U20 meets all three. Five decades of experience and collaboration with the industry make PAYPER a trustworthy partner. Any new project is developed in close cooperation with the client and is tailor-made to suit each individual need. The ASSAC U20 is a flexible bagging solution that can be adapted to different requirements by adding modules such as Automatic roll film change; ATEX certification; Anti-corrosion kit; Cleaning system; Corner sealing system for optimal bag shape or a Movable platform. Additionally, a Metal-detector, Check-weigher or Ink-printer can be added to the line to customize the entire system for the user. Read more HERE   ASSAC-U20. PAYPER's newest FFS bagging machine – 2,600 bags/h   Bagging-line with PAYPER's new FFS bagger, 'ASSAC-U20' with a capacity of 2,600 bags/h. Features automatic roll film changer, metal detector and check weigher.   Automatic film roll changer fitted to PAYPER's new FFS bagging machine 'ASSAC-U20'.   PAYPER's high-speed FFS Bagging System, 'ASSAC-U20' with automatic film roll changer.   Fuente: Payper

26/03/2021

Trends and Challenges in Pet Food and Treat Packaging

As consumers shop for their pets, food and treat packaging can make or break their purchasing decisions. That's because packaging provides immediate and often visible evidence of a company's efforts to improve food safety, appeal to current consumer demands, and create a more sustainable future. Find out the food and treat trends that are driving changes and challenges in packaging. Sample packs for snacking The rise of snacking among consumers is carrying over to their pets. Many owners are still working from home in some capacity, so they're able to spoil their pets with snack breaks or use treats to keep pets occupied during conference calls. More time at home also means more time to sample new products. But owners may prefer not to buy a large package of a particular treat if they aren't sure about the product's safety or palatability. They might also be looking for ways to offer their pets more variety. Treat manufacturers can help with the decision process by bundling together different types of chews or treats for pets to try, or they can package individual items in small, sample-sized packaging. These formats are easy for owners to grab-and-go while at the store, and they're perfect for dropping into gift packages and subscription boxes. Smaller batches, single servings It's not just the treats that are getting single-serve, convenient packaging — pet food manufacturers are beginning to package pet food in smaller portions. It's common for manufacturers to package wet, fresh, and frozen food in individual pouches, but now brands like Purina are doing the same with kibble. For pet owners, smaller package sizes have many advantages: Preventing obesity: Owners who struggle with how much to feed their pets can benefit from purchasing pre-portioned food. Maintaining freshness: Buying a 25-lb bag of food for a 5-lb dog may seem more cost-effective, but not if the food spoils and goes to waste. In general, it's best to use up dry food within about a month of opening, and small batches make it easier for owners to do so. Packing for adventures: Small packages are easy to pack up and take along when going on a hike or road trip with pets. There's likely to be a growing demand for smaller portions as consumers plan to include their pets in post-pandemic travel. Premium quality and safety More than 40% of dog and cat owners buy premium pet food. And a premium quality product deserves premium quality packaging to protect and preserve the contents. Clear, colorful designs and features that make the packaging easy to open and use also indicate to consumers that they're buying a premium product. However, about half of pet owners who buy premium pet food are unhappy that they can't properly close the bag after opening. Pet food stays fresh longer if stored in its original packaging. But if the bag gets damaged while opening or pet owners struggle to reseal it between feedings, they risk compromising freshness by leaving it open or pouring the food into a separate container. So developing packaging that's not only easy to carry and open but reliably resealable is a key focus area for manufacturers, especially for premium products. Sustainability Sustainability continues to be an influencer of consumer behavior, even when it comes to pet care. Three-fourths of pet owners say environmental issues have swayed their pet care purchases and decisions, including (for 40%) what food they feed their pets. And nearly 75% of pet food purchasers say they feel more positively about brands that take steps to make packaging more sustainable. The challenge for manufacturers is that sustainability often conflicts with other packaging trends. Environmentally-friendly packaging materials may not deliver optimal quality, durability, and food safety features. And smaller or single-serve packaging may add to the waste problem rather than solving it. One solution is to continue to improve package recyclability, provide clear recycling instructions, for consumers, and encourage participation in recycling programs. Last year, Pet Sustainability Coalition, Earth Animal, and Petfood Experts launched the Flex Forward program to do just that. The goal of the program is to find ways to break down flexible pet food packaging and reuse it to develop other types of pet products, like beds and toys. Through a return-to-retail program, retailers collected well over 5,000 lbs of used pet food and treat packaging for this purpose. Another solution is to switch to reusable packaging, Open Farm is taking the lead on this, as the first pet food company to partner with Loop. Consumers can order the brand's food in stainless steel tins, which they return after use for cleaning and refilling. Free at-home pickup makes it easier for consumers to do their part. Pet care trends may shift again as the pandemic passes, but demands for convenience, safety, and sustainability are likely to shape pet food packaging for years to come. Source: Global Pets Source: Food Industry Executive

29/12/2020

Increasing the Shelf Life with Innovative Packaging Technology

Since 1990 Connolly's Red Mills has been packaging horse and pet food with STATEC BINDER machines. At that time, STATEC BINDER was still integrated into Binder+Co AG. The years went by and Connolly's Red Mills grew and therefore also required further packaging and palletizing systems. As the company grew bigger, more and more products were exported. At this stage, Connolly's Red Mills faced a unique problem: the shelf life of horse feed was limited to a few months. So how could the shelf life be increased? The solution was found together with STATEC BINDER: Nitrogen fumigation during filling. Connolly's Red Mills is an Irish family business, founded in 1908. The company is divided into three divisions: pet food, agriculture and the core business horse feed. Red Mills specializes primarily in the feed of racehorses. 'When we received inquiries for shipping around the world, we were restricted by the shelf life of our products,' says Joe Connolly, CEO Connolly's Red Mills. 'As the export business grew, so did the challenge of how to get beyond the island of Ireland. Since the climate in Ireland is damp, we struggled with the shelf life of the product when we went into warmer climates. STATEC BINDER was the company we were closest aligned with, so we discussed this challenge with Josef Lorger,' continues Joe Connolly. 'To be successful and to offer your customers the perfect solution for the packaging of their products, you have to be flexible as a company, understand the customer's individual requirements and most importantly, you have to be willing to offer customized solutions. This is exactly the strength of STATEC BINDER. That's why we accepted the challenging project from Red Mills to increase the shelf life of their products and started developing the bagging machine,' explains Josef Lorger, Managing Director STATEC BINDER. The SYSTEM-F, a vertical FFS packaging machine, was an excellent choice in the development of a solution for this particular challenge. The increased shelf life of the product was achieved by developing a special system that provides nitrogen fumigation during filling. Due to the nitrogen fumigation, the oxygen level in the filled bag is reduced, and thereby the shelf-life is increased. Through additional air suction before closing, the filled and closed bag is perfectly shaped for an equally well-formed pallet. In addition to STATEC BINDER's developments, the bag film for Connolly's Red Mills has also been specially developed. The multi-layer film ensures that the vacuum in the filled bag is maintained and that no oxygen can enter. 'STATEC BINDER's contribution to our company was unique and profound. More specifically concerning the shelf life issues that we were facing in our export markets. This is where the STATEC BINDER team, who helped us to develop our unique NFMS (Nutrient Fresh Management System), has delivered the greatest benefit. Customers can now buy our products with a real shelf life of 26 months and the products are now delivered across 76 countries,' says Michael Connolly, Director Business Development Connolly's Red Mills. But it was not only the further development of the SYSTEM-F packaging machine that was a challenge in this project. Due to only limited space available in the existing warehouse, the high-level palletizer PRINCIPAL-H did not fit into the available space in its standard version. For this reason, the PRINCIPAL-H was also adapted for Connolly's Red Mills. The filled bags from two packaging machines are conveyed to the palletizer     In the standard version, the bags would be transported to an inclined infeed conveyor which is normally installed in front of the palletizer. However, as the space was too limited, the inclined infeed conveyor was installed underneath the PRINCIPAL-H. This means that the filled bags are now transported from behind via the inclined infeed conveyor upwards to the palletizer and are fed to the palletizer via a tilting belt at the highest point. The bag then moves back onto the palletizer and is turned into the correct position for the layer of pallets and pushed forward onto the loading plate. 'STATEC BINDER does an excellent job for us and gives us access to markets worldwide', adds Joe Connolly. by All Extruded
 

28/12/2020

The Scoop on Storing Pet Food

If you're like most pet owners, you buy a bag of pet food, open it, and pour it into a container for storage.  But it turns out that this common practice may make your pet's food less nutritious and potentially expose your pet to health risks. Ideal storage conditions Hopefully, you've learned a lot from your vet and you carefully (and objectively) select the best food for your pet.  But what you do after you buy the food is an important part of keeping your pet healthy and safe, and providing her with the best possible nutrition.  Dry and canned pet food should be stored indoors in cool temperatures (ideally, keeping the temperature under 80˚F) with low humidity.  When exposed to high temperatures or humidity, fats in pet foods can become rancid and nutrients in the food can break down.  High temperature and humidity also provide the perfect environment for mold and bacteria to thrive.  Pet food shouldn't get too cold either, so avoid storing pet food outdoors where freezing temperatures are possible. Tip: Store pet food inside in a dry and cool area. Extreme heat, cold, and humidity can affect the quality, safety, and nutritional value of the food. Use the bag's protection Ideally, dry food should be stored in its original bag. Many manufacturers put a lot of research into packaging and test the shelf life of the food in the original packaging.  Not only can the bags help to minimize pests and other contamination, but they can also help protect the nutrients in the food from breaking down.  In addition, all the critical information you need about the food is located on the label (UPC code, 'best by' date, etc – see below). Tip: Lose the air!  After feeding, squeeze out as much as much air as possible from the bag and close it securely using the bag's seal, a bag clip, or tape.  Exposure of dry pet food to air causes nutrients to break down faster and can expose the food to bacteria in the environment. In case of emergency In addition to improving storage, keeping food in its original bag also allows quick access to crucial information in the event of a recall or foodborne illness.  This includes the manufacturer and exact product, the UPC code, lot number, and 'best by' date. Tip: If you don't store your pet's food in its original bag, record the manufacturer, exact product name, UPC code, lot number, and 'best by' date each time you begin a new bag of food.  This information can be cut out from the label and filed or written down and taped to the storage container.  You can also take a photo of these key areas of the label so they're stored on your phone. Pets: Keep out! It's best to store the food in its original bag with the entire bag placed in an airtight container.  If your pet gets into his own food and overeats or gets into the food intended for another pet, he could get very sick.  If putting the entire bag in the airtight container is not feasible, keep the bag tightly sealed (see above) and out of your pet's reach. Tip: Some pets are particularly dedicated and resourceful at opening food storage bins so you may need to invest in an extra secure dog-proof container or store the food in a room that your pet can't get access to. Avoid pests Insects, rodents, and other pests can get into your pet's food.  Keeping your pet's food in an airtight container helps to keep pests out of it (in addition to hungry pets!).  In addition, store the food off the floor to minimize pests. Tip: If you pour your pet food into another container, be sure the food in that container has been completely used up before adding new food.  Wash and completely dry the container between new bags. Storage mites In addition to bacterial or rodent visitors, dry food can become contaminated with storage mites.  This can occur when pet food is stored open to the air but these sneaky little critters can also invade through defective seals in pet food bags.  They grow well in foods rich in protein- and fat-rich foods, so most pet foods provide perfect conditions. Tip: Pet foods contaminated with storage mites can cause allergies in dogs and cats, one of the many reasons pets can be incorrectly diagnosed with food allergies (true food allergies are very uncommon). Canned food Canned food also needs to be stored properly.  Generally, storage temperatures for canned food are similar to those for dry food (40-80˚F).  Avoid letting canned food freeze as it can affect the taste, texture, and nutritional value of the food. Tip: Once you open a can of pet food, refrigerate any unused food immediately.  Once opened – even if refrigerated – canned food should be discarded after 72 hours. How long can you use it? Unopened pet food should be used before the 'best buy' date on the label.  How long your pet food stays fresh after you open it depends many factors, including how you store it.  To keep it as fresh and nutritious as possible, once you open a new bag of pet food, I recommend using it within 2-3 months.  If your food bags last longer, I recommend buying the food in smaller bags.  While these times and storage recommendations provide general guidelines, you can also contact the manufacturer of your pet's food  – some have done extensive research on optimal storage conditions and shelf life testing for their individual products. Tip: Recommended storage times after opening and 'best by' dates can vary with by manufacturer and for individual products (for example, diets high in fish oil will usually have a shorter shelf life).  Check the 'best by' date on your pet's bag of food to ensure you're feeding your pet the safest, freshest, and most nutritious food possible. by Clinical Nutrition

23/11/2020

How to communicate through packaging in the Pet Food Industry?

Trends in pet food and treats have driven innovation in pet food packaging, given that, beyond the type of packaging in which the food arrives, owners increasingly focus on the philosophy and values with which they the company works. In this article we will talk about how and why packaging can be used to communicate the values and good practices of a brand, to attract more consumers. Which is the current context? The present growth of the pets place in the family and in their owners lives leads to greater attention to both the nutritional quality of the food and the packaging in which it is consumed by pets. Consequently, the humanization of pets has a greater demand on the entire industry chain that feeds them. Today, flexible packaging and bags lead the market for dry food and treats. In the case of wet food, although we see more and more presentations like the previous one, cans are still the main type of packaging for this type of food. Why is packaging so important? The truth is that packaging plays a predominant role when it comes to conquer new users. When a person makes a purchase, it is not only because of the ingredients or the nutritional quality of the product, but also because the way it is packaged. Due to this trend of humanizing pets, their owners look for in pet food the same thing in their own food: quality, circular economy, design and practicality. The first impression on a product is formed in the first seven seconds, and 55% of that impression is determined by its appearance. Given the competition and the rise of new market demands, manufacturers are in search of both materials and packaging systems that are versatile and efficient to be able to adapt to the new requirements of it. How to use packaging as a marketing strategy? Pet food manufacturers have been in a process of optimizing and improving the quality of their food for a long time at the request of consumers. Consequently, they must also rethink their marketing strategies to communicate better these changes, to generate a positive impact on customers and potential consumers. From a communication point of view, the food packaging plays a significant role when it comes to inform and, mainly, educate buyers about the benefits and advantages of the changes and improvements implemented, both in the food as in the production chain. This is why, among other things, packaging that stands out from the competition will make the person's gaze go directly to that sector of the display shelf. In this way, you already have a point of advantage, because you have made a first impression before the rest of the offer. Tell us what you think about packaging in the pet food industry. Would you add any other tips to improve it? We read you. By: All Pet Food

06/11/2020

How to Read a Pet Food Label

Pet food labels are full of information related to the product's nutrition, ingredients, the life stage of the pet it's formulated for, and more. In fact, a pet food label is regulated under both state and federal law, and some of this information helps regulators as they review label claims and register products at the state level. However, there are still plenty of details that pet owners can review as they determine what food to provide for their cat or dog. But what does all of this information mean and how can it help inform shoppers? Let's break it down: Complete and Balanced Complete and Balanced pet food includes the more than 40 nutrients identified by veterinary researchers as essential to pet health. The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) sets standards for the levels of nutrients that need to be in pet food and how it is shown on the label.  A pet food labeled as 'complete and balanced' means that it provides those nutrients at the proper levels. Life Stage Pet food may be formulated for different Life Stages, from puppies and kittens, who need additional energy to help fuel their development, to adult cats and dogs, and all life stages. As previously mentioned, 'complete and balanced' means total nutrition for a specific life stage. The nutritional needs of a growing puppy or kitten are different than the needs of a pregnant, or adult dog or cat. For example, the nutrient profiles for puppies and kittens include a higher protein and fat minimum. Look for the intended life stage on the package, which can typically be found on the front of the package or in the Nutritional Adequacy Statement. Many foods are labeled for 'All Life Stages' which means it meets all of the nutrient requirements for both growth & reproduction and adult maintenance as listed in the AAFCO Nutrient Profiles. Nutritional Adequacy Statement Pet food labels will have a Nutritional Adequacy Statement, also called a 'nutrition claim.' This verifies whether a pet food is formulated to provide complete and balanced nutrition (as defined by AAFCO), if so, for what life stage, and how that determination was made. This claim can be reviewed by the state regulators who register a pet food product in their state. It's important to note that some pet food products, such as types of food toppers and mix-in products, may not be necessary to maintain pet health, nor are they meant to replace a pet food providing complete and balanced nutrition. Regardless, these types of foods must meet FDA requirements for safety and their label will also include a statement that it's intended to supplement a diet. Guaranteed Analysis The Guaranteed Analysis (GA) reflects the minimum or maximum amounts of certain nutrients. The GA provides product information to regulators who review each label for compliance with nutrient requirements and voluntary label claims. The GA also provides information that can help inform consumers on the levels of at least four nutrients: protein, fat, fiber and moisture. Additional nutrients must be included in the GA if a product label makes a claim that mentions a specific nutrient, such as calcium for strong teeth and bones. Remember, when comparing dry vs. wet pet food labels, the Guaranteed Analysis may look quite different due to the food's moisture content. Learn more about Guaranteed Analysis here, including how it's calculated. Ingredients and Other Options Pet food makers choose from a range of ingredients when formulating a recipe with the nutrition listed above. Ingredients may be used for their nutritional content, digestibility, tastiness to the pet, and many other considerations. All ingredients used must be listed on the product label, including special vitamins or minerals, and listed using technical names as defined by regulators. For example, shoppers may see 'chemical sounding' names such as Thiamine mononitrate or Pyridoxine hydrochloride, which are commonly known as Vitamins B1 and B6. Pet owners have a variety of options available to them, such as dry, wet, organic, limited ingredient, and more! Click through to read more as we help explain some of these options. by Pet Food Institute

27/10/2020

Full line Bagging and Palletizing Solution that Fulfills Future Needs

ACA, one of Argentina's main Pet food Manufacturers, decided to install new technology in their production line, as the old manual bagging system had become a bottleneck in the production line. The company has a wide variety of extruded products with kibble sizes ranging from 2.0 mm diameter up to 16.0 mm diameter x 26 mm long, with an ethereal extract from 4.0% up to 30.0%. The bag-types are numerous as well: Open mouth paper bags and open mouth plastic bags with or without micro-perforation, with 4 seams, pillow type or laminated with metal. The production rate of the new system should be capable of reaching 1.000 bags of 15 kg per hour. Further, it should be easy to switch between different bag sizes, from 8 to 30 kg and between different closure systems such as heat sealing, stitching and sew-through tape closure. ACA investigated the market and visited different installations and finally decided on PAYPER for several reasons: Precise, well-functioning, and accurate machines that would fulfill future needs. PAYPER has representation in Argentina and technical service in Brazil. Together ACA and PAYPER designed the new end-of-line solution, assuring that all the demands were taken into consideration. Requirements to the new End of Line solution: Precision and accuracy The capacity of 1.000 bags/h Ability to work with a variety of kibbles Must handle different bag materials and sizes The system comprises a CSA-105 open-mouth bagging machine and a TOPLOAD palletizer. Mr.  Roberto Chunco, Head of ACA's Feed Plant in front of the high capacity automatic palletizier 'The commissioning of the installation was handled in a very professional way with thorough training of the operators. Whenever we have needed PAYPER`s After Sales Service the response has been optimal. Since the installation in May 2017, the bagging line has proved its worth. The goal of manufacturing has been fulfilled, we have obtained the expected savings, and the presentation and the finishing of the bag are of top-quality, ready for retail. ' Mr. Roberto Chunco, Head of the Feed Plant. 'The replacement, in addition to automating allowed us significant cost savings and improvements in the final presentations of our products.' Mr Walter Brignoli, General Manager of the Feed Factory. 'One of the greatest satisfactions is the precision of the weighing and dosing system and the speed with which it is done' Mr José Sejas, End of Line Coordinator, Responsible for operation and maintenance. by Bulk Inside

15/10/2020

European Packaging Supplier Opens New Technical Center in Germany

Coveris opens new technical center for flexible packaging solutions Coveris, a European flexible packaging solutions provider, announced July 2 the opening of its new Pack Innovation Centre in Halle, Germany. The company aims to innovate, educate and validate its flexible packaging solutions at the new technical center. The facility, which spans more than 4,300 square feet, features the company's state-of-the-art packaging equipment, including a thermoformer, tray-sealer and its form-fill-seal systems applicable for a variety of industries, including pet food and treats. 'The Pack Innovation Centre is a perfect reflection of our commitment to the world of packaging,' said Jakob A. Mosser, chief executive officer of Coveris. 'The centre has been designed to add value through all steps of packaging development, from raw material selection to a circular economy logic. 'In addition, it brings great value to our customers as they can conduct trials on original, industrial packaging machines without blocking their own production,' Mosser continued. 'It gives us an exciting opportunity to join forces with our customers and work with them on designing the packaging of the future.' Cross-functional training sessions, workshops and product trials will also be conducted at the Pack Innovation Centre. The technical center complements Coveris's Pack Positive Centre in Leeds, United Kingdom, which was established in March 2019 to serve a similar purpose of product development, equipment training and education, with an emphasis on packaging sustainability. Coveris offers a variety of premade flexible pouches, bags and films, as well as roll stock materials, for pet food and treat packaging applications. The Vienna-based company operates 26 production facilities across Europe. By Jordan Tyler Source: Coveris

24/09/2020

Market Trends that are Changing the Way we Package Pet Food

Humanisation of pets is more relevant than ever, and as owners expect only the best for their pets, new packaging innovations are needed to be able to unite convenience, freshness, and sustainability. The human experience for pets In 2020, as new generations become pet owners and emerging markets are treating pets more like part of the family, the humanisation of pets across all generations is here to stay. According to Euromonitor, pets are benefitting from more spending on their health and happiness. However, even though pets may seem like members of the family, they still need their owners to open the packaging for them. Leaders in the packaging industry are thinking of new ways that packaging of the future can be more convenient through easier resealable functionalities, shapes and sizes. Sustainable packaging preferred Owners are scrutinising the ingredients inside the bag to make sure their pets are eating only the best. So, optimal readability of nutritional information on the package, opening convenience and freshness are a growing demand among consumers in the US, according to the Premium Pet Packaging survey. Yet, as demand around reducing plastic packaging increases, consumers are looking for more sustainable and recyclable solutions and packaging that is appealing, to make the pet food more distinguishable. Thus, the packaging may contribute in positioning the food as more premium. In the same study, one in three pet owners claimed they would switch to a brand that offers a more sustainable package and 75% of customers said that they would be more favourable to a brand if it offered sustainable options. Latest snacks in latest packaging As humans treat their furry friends more like people, treats and snacks are a growing way to entertain pets and keep them happy. So, the latest packaging offerings have zippers that reclose to maintain freshness, come in sizes that fit every shape and treat type, and provide protection on the go. Together with a creative strategic agency, Mondi developed a design thinking approach to create a new breed of innovative and sustainable pet food packaging solutions. These options optimise manufacturing efficiency without compromising on the look and feel of the product. Mondi's mission is to provide high-quality packaging in pet food that is sustainable by design. by William Kuecker 
 

11/08/2020

Is it possible to create a 100% Recyclable Packaging?

The oceans receive about 8 million tons of garbage each year. At the same time, knowledge about climate change and the impact (positive and negative) that we generate on the environment has made both companies and individuals worry and occupy themselves with how to reduce the damage they cause to our planet. As we mentioned in the previous article, sustainability and organic are a trend in the Pet Food Industry (and in general, too!). Therefore, in this article we bring you the information you need about packaging and packaging of pet food and sustainability. Is it possible to make a 100% biodegradable wrap / package? Is it economically affordable? What obstacles exist today to achieve it? Will the demand for my products increase? Worth it? We will tell you about it in this article. All of us who are participants in this industry have a role and a responsibility to implement actions to reduce waste, reuse and recycle materials and products, to the extent that our business allows it, to create a more sustainable chain. The increased awareness and involvement of pet owners regarding sustainability and caring for the environment forces the pet food packaging industry to look for more ecological alternatives. What do the referring voices say? Latricia Fry, from Constantia Flexibles, one of the most important flexible packaging companies, affirms that in North America there are already companies that promise to be 100% recyclable or sustainable by 2022 or 2025, and that, consequently, the company she represents has noticed an exponential increase in the order for more sustainable and environmentally friendly packaging. Sean Riley, from the Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies (PMMI), says that pressure and the social demand for more sustainable pet food have led packaging manufacturers to seek options to reduce waste from their production chain and packages. Similarly, it ensures that consumption is leaning towards companies that use good production practices for the environment. Likewise, the research firm Mintel underlines the importance of packaging in the sustainable life cycle of a product, which is why, like food, they should incorporate bio-based materials and increase the incentive to recycle said packaging. How does this sector of the industry receive sustainability? The global reality is that sustainability involves costly and highly innovative processes, and even so, if implemented, there would continue to be cons in terms of the environmental footprint. In addition, companies participating in the pet food production chain have to analyze the impact from several angles; Regarding packaging, they would also have to improve the packages used in the logistics of shipping and distribution of products, trying to choose cardboard boxes and avoid plastic or plastic wrap or covers. What are the main obstacles within the industry? As we already told you, one of the main obstacles in the implementation of more sustainable materials and chains is the cost involved in the implementation of new processes that adapt to the standards of caring for the environment. The second major challenge for producers and manufacturers is the need to find packaging that is safe to maintain the quality and condition of different types of food and candy, and that, in turn, is more sustainable. What solutions are being considered in the medium term? The pioneering companies in implementing more sustainable systems and materials (located mainly in the United States) have begun to develop and implement several alternatives: Some choose to replace polyethylene plastic (made from fossil fuels like oil or natural gas) with green polyethylene - a bio-based plastic made from Brazilian sugar cane. The use of this polyethylene has an extra advantage: the cultivation of this sugar cane uses carbon dioxide and releases oxygen, thus reducing greenhouse gas emissions and reducing its carbon footprint.     Another alternative towards sustainability is the generation of flexible packaging that is 100% recyclable in pinch, folding and flat bottom formats.     The Constantia Flexibles company has developed an aluminum packaging system with a water-based coating that eliminates the emission of volatile organic compounds. In this way, they would be recyclable in the aluminum recycling chain. How does the context influence the sustainability of the industry? While it is true that each sector and industry must rethink itself in terms of the footprint and negative impact it generates on the environment, it is also undeniable to affirm that any change and transformation that is implemented impacts and depends on other sectors and / or or related industries. With regard to recycling, the key, beyond the pet food packaging manufacturers' improvement intentions, is how local municipalities manage and report on their own recycling chain. Another challenge to create a sustainable system within which packaging can be recycled to a circle of economy and profitability: there must be someone willing to buy the material to use it to make new products. Currently, in Latin America, only 14% of the population has recycling habits. Within the formal and corporate sector, only 2.2% of companies recycle products and materials. Also, most of the few people who recycle say they do not have recycling points or containers for recyclables near their home.   These numbers, unfortunately, only demotivate and dismiss the idea of ​​investing in research and machinery to develop more sustainable packages. The most effective solution for the current situation in our country is to educate. Below, we tell you why. What can be done right now? Currently, there are two solutions that are positioned as the preferred among producers; even so, they are still far from perfect: One option is to develop a reusable and refillable container or container. It would be truly sustainable in a circular recycling economy, in which recycled items are reused and recycled over and over again. Its main disadvantage is that, in the short term, it is a rather expensive implementation and the infrastructure and machinery that is used mostly today is not capable of doing it. The second option is to design post-consumer polyethylene recycling programs. However, the challenges of a new adapted packaging design and the fact that it perpetuates the use of plastics demotivate companies. But not everything is negative. There are some actions that can be implemented now, and can lead the way to a more sustainable industry and packaging. So what can be done TODAY for a more sustainable packaging? There are some good practices that can be implemented in our current situation and context to the production chain of packaging for pet food, among them:     Increase the recycled content used in the production of packaging and packaging.     Use larger containers and boost bulk purchasing to reduce waste and garbage.     Prioritize packaging made, to a greater extent, of cardboard, and secondly, of aluminum.     Carry out communication and awareness campaigns about the importance of recycling and how it should be done. This last point is essential: when it comes to recyclable packaging (or any object), education is key. People need information and resources on how to recycle and why it is so important to do so, as well as everything that goes into achieving more sustainable packaging. Manufacturers of packaging for pet food that seek to walk the path to sustainability should focus on communicating it through the labels of their products, as well as through their social networks and web pages. In conclusion Recyclable packaging seems to be a great solution to reduce the negative impact of the pet food industry, but it requires a joint effort by the sector and the corresponding municipalities. For sure, starting a strategic communication and dissemination plan is a good alternative for all companies in the industry that want to start this transformation but do not yet have the necessary infrastructure or investment to materialize it in all their products. Tell us what is your point of view in relation to this, we are interested in knowing it! Author: All Extruded

14/05/2020

Premier Tech and Bühler Joint Venture Evolved into a Global Partnership

Premier Tech and Bühler Group are now taking their strategic cooperation two steps further. What started with a close collaboration in August 2019, evolved into a Joint Venture in China and ultimately grew to a global partnership for bulk packaging Global Partnership - Serving the World with high-end packaging solutions This new global partnership will allow Bühler to access Premier Tech's leading technologies in bagging and palletizing either directly through Premier Tech's facilities for the high-end food feed and grain markets, worldwide, or through the newly created PT-Bühler joint venture in China, serving China and the emerging markets with cost-effective packaging. By leveraging our joint product portfolio, we will extend our commercial offer and better support you with the latest equipment best suited for your market.   'The Global Partnership will serve customers worldwide by building on Premier Tech's recognized know-how in the field of automated packaging technologies while making full use of Bühler's strong international sales and service network,' says André Noreau, CEO of Premier Tech's Systems and Automation business. Premier Tech and Bühler are bringing their cooperation to new heights by offering adapted state-of-the-art packaging solutions around the globe. PT-Bühler - Joint Venture covering needs in China and emerging markets After entering our strategic cooperation last year, Premier Tech and Bülher have worked closely together in the interest of forming a 50/50 joint venture in China that will officially start on July 1, 2020. The aim of the joint venture is to develop and market new cost-effective packaging solutions based on Premier Tech's bagging expertise. Operating in Wuxi, China, PT-Bühler will focus on serving the food and feed markets in China, and emerging markets moving towards cost-effective automation. 
 
'Customers will benefit from significantly more efficient, and even more accurate and food safe packaging solutions thanks to automation technologies developed by PT-Bühler,' says Johannes Wick, CEO of Bühler's Grains & Food business Attracting talents from both companies, PT-Bühler will benefit from Premier Tech superior packaging expertise and technological leadership in this field, whereas Bühler's contributes with its know-how of high-quality manufacturing and supply chain management in China as well as its digital solutions. Both Premier Tech and Bühler will offer the joint venture's solutions in their respective markets, with Premier Tech focusing on standalone solutions, and Bühler on turnkey plants. We are committed to work together in order to make for the best the customer experiences while fully addressing their needs and complement each other in all cases where Bühler and Premier Tech will both be involved in any specific projects.  by All Extruded

13/04/2020

PAYPER - Brand new Office in Bangkok

PAYPER has just opened its 6th subsidiary, this time in Bangkok, Thailand. The new branch, PAYPER Asia Pacific, will service all clients in the Far East and Pacific regions. 'The increasing demand for bagging and palletizing solutions in this area, has made us establish a branch to attend directly to all sales and service matters in the region,' says PAYPER's sales director Mr Jacky Fricker. 'It is with great enthusiasm that we open our new office here. It underlines PAYPER's will to be near the client to quickly attend to any sales or service query he may have. We want to shorten the lines of communication with our clients, and we believe that establishing ourselves directly in the region is the best way to meet our customers' expectations.' Mr Piti Lertbusayanukul has been appointed as Field Sales Manager in the new subsidiary. He will be the daily leader of the subsidiary and coordinate all sales and service actions in the area. He can be reached directly on e-mail: [email protected]  by Payper

06/02/2020

Will new food Label laws affect Pet Food in Chile, Mexico?

A new processed food labeling law in Mexico could follow one in Chile that's being applied to pet food, too. In October 2019, Mexico approved a new law for processed food labeling. If it follows the same progression as similar regulations in another Latin American country – Chile – the new law could eventually impact pet food, too. This type of legislation was quite debated and long-awaited Mexico, as the country has silently climbed to become the most overweight and obese country in the world. Human obesity is costing millions of dollars in Mexico and nearly 200,000 deaths annually for ailments related to overweight, such as diabetes, cancer and heart diseases. The new labeling will include graphical warnings on the packaging, highlighting excess sodium, sugars, calories, trans fats and saturated fats. The only countries in the region with similar regulations are Chile, Peru and Ecuador. Thus, it represents a major transformation for the local packaged food industry, at least in terms of explicit admonitory information. In this regard, it is worth analyzing how the new policy could eventually affect the labeling of pet food products in Mexico. If there is a relationship between processed human foods and pet foods at all, it is convenient to sketch out the likely impacts. Chile took the first step The so-called pet humanization trend is impacting the pet food industry in Latin America, as it is changing the perception that pet owners have toward ingredients and overall pet nutrition. In this context, Chile is the first country trying to apply its food labeling legislation to pet food products. In June 2019, the local congress initiated a process aiming to regulate labeling on pet foods. The initiative seeks to disclose key information on the contents of pet food products currently distributed in the country, in the same way human foods bear such information. This means that, if approved, Chilean pet food product labeling will likely include legends like 'high-calorie product' or 'high in fat content.' The Chilean initiative is supported by local scientific research, arguing, for example, that 'from the 33 commercial dog food products in the local market, only 12% satisfy the nutritional requirements from AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials).' Inspiration for new pet food products in Mexico? As the healthy-labeling trend continues to permeate the Mexican processed food industry, consumers will likely start to ask for similar information for pet food products. With increasing obesity and overweight as major public health issues, not only for people but also for pets, it is foreseeable that the local pet food industry takes next steps toward a new generation of products. by Iván Franco

16/12/2019

Complete and Balanced: A closer Look at Pet Food Labels

What does it mean that my pet's food is 'complete and balanced?' Most commercial pet foods are formulated to be 'complete and balanced," '100% complete' or 'scientifically balanced.' All these phrases mean the same thing: the pet food has been formulated to meet a recognized standard of minimum and maximum nutrients that a pet requires at the claimed 'life stage' on the pet food package. The official standard for dog and cat foods in the U.S. is established by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) through expert committees composed of veterinarians, companion animal nutritionists from academia, members of the animal food industry and the FDA. The basis for the committees is to review all current and pending nutritional information for specific companion animals. The committees recommend minimum and maximum nutrient levels that should be formulated to ensure a safe and correct diet for each stage of life. Essential nutrients versus non-essential nutrients in pet foods There are both essential and non-essential nutrients that animal scientists have identified for the dog and cat, and these vary from 42 to 48 essential nutrients depending on whether we are looking at a kitten or puppy versus a senior cat or dog. Non-essential nutrients are those that the pet can produce within its body from the foods it eats and are not needed on a daily basis. Essential nutrients are those that the pet needs daily to maintain a healthy life, and these nutrients are specified in the AAFCO Dog and Cat Nutrient Profiles. The sources of these required nutrients come from the ingredients and supplements (vitamins and minerals) that make up the recipe of the selected pet food. These ingredients are required to be listed in a descending order of inclusion amount under a section titled 'ingredient listing,' which is usually found on the back or side panel of the pet food package. The names of the ingredients listed follow terms used by the FDA and AAFCO in their regulatory rules and guidelines. Balanced food depends on age and type of pet To ensure that a pet food is complete and balanced, it must meet the minimum nutrient levels for the claimed life stage of the pet at the time of feeding. There are several stages of life, each with small changes or additional nutrients that are part of the requirements. For example, since a puppy requires a higher level of protein and energy, fat levels are listed in the label guarantee because fat is an excellent source of energy needed for ensuring proper growth. Some minerals might be shown in the guarantee because they are important. Calcium and phosphorus are needed for the building of strong bones, but in large breed puppies, excess levels could cause structural problems. Likewise, kittens have a higher protein requirement than puppies and need different levels of vitamins and minerals for their growth compared to an adult cat. Complete and balanced pet food also means that proper levels of 'crude protein' (an animal feed term) are available for the pet, with higher levels required for reproduction, lactation and growth. Protein is made up of many amino acids, which are components of tissues, hormones and other metabolic functions of the body, so AAFCO lists amounts for essential amino acids that must be supplied on a daily basis. Fat is another essential nutrient that is listed as 'crude fat'; however, like crude protein, fat has components of essential fatty acids that are required on a daily basis, such as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Vitamins and minerals can be found in the individual ingredients. However, due to processing, such as grinding, cooking, drying and storage, some of these vitamins and minerals can change or lose their bioavailability, so fortification of the diet for essential vitamins and some minerals is required. Premium pet foods typically include proteinated trace minerals due to their higher bioavailability. ike human food, pets need some fiber and carbohydrates in their diets. Even dogs have shown that they need some carbohydrates on a routine basis, and as evolution of the dog has occurred, they have developed genes that allow them to digest carbohydrates. Cats have the ability to handle a moderate level of carbohydrates in their diet quite well. Fiber plays a significant role in helping pets control the passage rate of their food in their digestive tract. With cats, it helps limit hairball formations. You will see in the AAFCO requirements that crude fiber must be listed on the label in the section titled 'Guaranteed Analysis,' which shows the amount of fiber and other carbohydrate fractions found in the diet. Even though AAFCO has not set any minimum or maximum levels on crude fiber in the nutrient profiles, this nutrient, which has many components, such as sugars, ligands and starches, helps maintains the balance of a complete diet. Next time you are in the pet food aisle, check those labels to ensure your pet's food is truly complete and balanced. by All Extruded

04/09/2019

Buhler and Premier Tech to Form a Strategic Cooperation

Swiss Bühler Group and Premier Tech from Canada, announced the formation of a strategic cooperation for industrial flexible packaging solutions.  Both companies agreed to build a design and manufacturing center in China. 'Combining the portfolio and expertise of Premier Tech and Bühler will enable future packaging solutions which are significantly more efficient, accurate and food safe by using automation technologies', says Johannes Wick, CEO of Bühler's Grains & Food business.  'The two companies are complementing each other in a perfect way with Bühler's strong footprint and market position in China and Premier Tech's recognized know-how in the field of automated packaging technologies,' says André Noreau, CEO of Premier Tech's Systems and Automation business. In grain processing, packaging is the last step before transporting flour to bakeries and other food processors, rice to distributors or pellets to farms. In many cases – especially in developing countries – the bagging operation is still done manually. This is not only inefficient, costly, and slow, but also implies a certain variation of weight and therefore a higher give away of the packaged goods. Palletizing solutions are increasingly important to allow for efficient warehousing solutions. The market and technology leading companies – Premier Tech in packaging and Bühler in grain and food processing – are now establishing this strategic cooperation to meet these market demands and create new cost-effective packaging solutions. Bühler brings its know-how of high-quality manufacturing and supply chain management in China as well as its digital solutions, whereas Premier Tech contributes with its superior packaging expertise and technological leadership in this field. In bringing these competencies together, the strategic cooperation will develop automated, food safe and accurate bagging and palletizing solutions. The strategic cooperation will allow Bühler to provide better turnkey projects with competitive packaging solutions from China while continuing to deliver high-end products such as Bühler's bagging station Maia from its own manufacturing network in Europe.  At the same time, Bühler will continue to design and market their proven weighing portfolio (since scales such as Tubex are not part of the agreement) and further improve its digital services allowing for full transparency and traceablity. Premier Tech will gain better access to the Chinese market by using the cost-effective and modern packaging solutions arising from the strategic cooperation, or by combining them to its internationally renowned CHRONOS technology portfolio in weighing, bagging, and palletizing. This strategic cooperation is planned to result in a joint venture for design and manufacturing during 2020, with Bühler focusing on sales of turnkey plants around the world, and Premier Tech on packaging systems in China. Both companies will continue to sell their products through their existing channels. About Premier Tech Making a difference, this is what we are all about at Premier Tech. One team driven by the shared passion to deliver solutions that we better the lives of people, businesses and communities. At Premier Tech, People and Technologies connect in lasting, transformative ways, giving life to products and services that help feed, protect and improve our world. We are committed to creating sustainable solutions that help bring beautiful gardens to life, increase crop yields, improve the efficiency of manufacturing facilities, treat and recycle water, and much more as we keep innovating. For more than 95 years, Premier Tech has been growing internationally, driven by the collective power of its 4 500 team members in 27 countries. Backed by a quarter-century-long track record of solid growth, Premier Tech today records sales of nearly CAD 1.0 billion. About Bühler Billions of people come into contact with Bühler technologies to cover their basic needs for food and mobility every day. Two billion people each day enjoy foods produced on Bühler equipment; and one billion people travel in vehicles manufactured with parts produced with our machinery.  Countless people wear eye glasses, use smart phones, and read newspapers and magazines, all of which depend on Bühler process technologies and solutions. Having this global relevance, we are in a unique position to turn today's global challenges into sustainable business. We want every human being to have access to healthy food. We want to do our part to protect the climate with energy-efficient cars, buildings, and machinery.  Our motto is creating 'innovations for a better world.' Bühler invests up to 5% of turnover into research and development. In 2018, over 13,000 employees generated a turnover of CHF 3.3 billion. As a Swiss family-owned company, Bühler is active in 140 countries around the world and operates a global network of 30 production sites. by All Extruded

14/01/2019

Packaging Coating Market to reach $4 billion value

The growing consumer shift toward convenience products has increasingly impacted the developments in packaging coating. The growing demand for better packaging to fulfill wide range of needs, such as aesthetics, branding, and functional, in various end-use industries has proportionately shaped the contours of the global packaging coating market. The growing consumer shift toward convenience products and ready-to-eat food products has increasingly impacted the developments in packaging coating for the food and beverages industry applications. The growth is catalyzed by the advent of packaging coatings that can meet the needs of good adhesion to different substrates, has better chemical resistance, and resist well thermoactivation, among various functions. Furthermore, the rising demand for external and internal protective packaging that can meet the needs of consumer aesthetics is also propelling the expansion of the packaging coating market. Such aspects include higher shelf appeal and brand differentiation for packaged food and beverages products.  The global packaging coating market is projected to expand at modest CAGR of 5.5% during 2017–2022 and will cross a valuation of $4 billion by the end of this period. The rapid strides being made by functional packaging has considerably impacted the dynamics of the packaging coating market. Over the past few years, acrylic among various packaging coating types has been garnering popularity as an advanced functional packaging coating. The coating type in the packaging coating market is witnessing substantial demand in several end-use industries in the packaging coating market, owing to its attractive properties. Some of beneficial characteristics of acrylic coating pertain to the ease of application, advanced heat- and water- resistance, and print receptivity. These features are especially vital for consumers in the food and beverages packaging and construction packaging industries. Recent advances in chemistries related to their cross-linking properties have significantly enhanced the water-resistance performance, thus boosting the packaging coating market. Acrylic type packaging coating is anticipated to garner higher sales volumes than all other types in the global packaging coating market. By the end of 2022, the segment is estimated to reach worth of over US$400 Mn. However, fluoropolymer segment is expected to expand at relatively higher CAGR during the assessment period in the packaging coating market. Recent advancements witnessed in the food packaging technology are opening new, exciting avenues for formulators of packaging coating. The integration of coil and sheet coating technology with food and beverages packaging has substantially added to the revenue in the packaging coating market. The coating technology is expected to gain popularity in the coming years. The estimated valuation of the segment in 2017 is US$700 Mn by 2017 end. However, the technology the demand for which is expected to rise at the most rapid CAGR is the spray coating and roll coating segment. The extensive use of flexible plastics in various end-use industries is a crucial factor offering a robust impetus to the expansion of the packaging coating market. The flexible plastic segment estimated valuation crossed US$200 Mn by 2017 end. However, among the key packaging types in the global packaging coating market, the demand for liquid carton segment is projected to expand at the most attractive CAGR during 2017–2022. Numerous prominent players in the packaging coating market are substantially spending on research and development programs to develop advanced formulations. Several players are pursuing elaborate testing of their products to enhance the performance of their products in the packaging coating market. Some of the leading players operating in the packaging coating market are Axalta Coating Systems, DuPont, Solvay S.A., Nippon paint, Kansai Paints, Evonik Industries, BASF SE, Sherwin Williams, AkzoNobel, and PPG Industries. Source: Pet Food Industries