World's best food packaging technology on show

World's best food, beverage and packaging technology on show

In just a few weeks time, Auckland's ASB Showgrounds will be a hive of activity as some of the most impressive technology available to the food, beverage and packaging industries goes on show, says Foodtech Packtech's Vanessa White.

"It's only every two years that this premier industry event is held, and each time it gets more impressive, as does the technology on show. Foodtech Packtech is a business tool integral to the success of many companies, particularly during tough times when a competitive edge can make a massive difference. Both the Packaging Council and New Zealand Institute of Food Science and Technology endorse the event because of the great value it offers their members. Everyone involved in food, beverage or packaging needs to diary time for a visit between 12 and 14 October, especially as entry is free, plus if you pre-register you go in the draw to win an amazing Full Day Fishing Adventure for 6 people, valued at $1500."

Apart from the key attraction of around 170 industry suppliers from all over the world, the seminar series is highly anticipated.

"There are six different free seminars presented by 21 experts from industry and academia over the three days," says Vanessa. "There's something for everyone. Topics are Food innovation and trends, Intelligent product development, Quality improvements, Careers, Production, and Greening your business. There is nowhere else where you can see the latest technology and take advantage of professional development under one roof, in just a few days, at no cost."

Under the one (albeit very large) roof will be those local and international exhibitors, many offering exclusive show-only deals, on-site access to experts, hands-on trials of working equipment, and software demonstrations. Among these is German IT solutions company CSB-System International, which combines in-depth industry know-how with cutting-edge software technology in its business IT solutions, says Andre Muehlberger.

"Visitors to our stand will be able to see and try for themselves our software solutions that are tailored to the meat, dairy, beverage and retail sectors, as well as logistics and enterprise resource planning (ERP) software. Our pre-defined solutions cover end-to-end processes and are also highly customisable. In addition, other parts of the business are integrated, from procurement right through to sales. There are huge advantages to every part of an enterprise. Process flows can be streamlined, customer relationships managed, information on materials and goods integrated, and so much more.

"As a leading international company, we're well aware that New Zealand companies are among the world's best in food and beverage. That's why we've invested in New Zealand and have committed to being a part of Foodtech Packtech."

Innovative software is something that isn't the domain of overseas business. New Zealand company Locatingus.com will also be at Foodtech Packtech.

Phillippa Hrstich says the Wellington-based company has clients throughout the world and is growing at 200% per annum. "We have a unique visitor/contractor/staff presence management system and evacuation software tool called WhosOnLocation, used by both corporate and government clients. Visitors to our stand will be able to see it in action. This revolutionary kiwi solution has transformed the way organisations manage visitor and contractor presence. It also manages post evacuation verification and complies with ACC and health and safety regulations. Users can verify people's safety after an evacuation, let you know who and where your visitors are, who and where your contractors are and whether they are approved to be on site, who needs assistance in an evacuation, and much more."

While software is essential in every business these days, just as important is the physical equipment that lets you effectively manage the product which the computer is checking, tracking and measuring. Garry Nash of Milford IBC says food processing equipment has become more efficient in recent years, and as a result manufacturing companies need to find new ways to optimise the output of this equipment through the use of reusable bulk packaging.

"Recognising this need Milford IBC has continued the expansion of a range of folding IBC containers for use in dry goods and liquids processing. The liquids box is known as the Milford Quadbox and incorporates many features to improve efficiency as well as safety for the operator. Installing the liner bag is quick and easy, thanks to improved access to the IBC.

"Our Milford Hopper dry goods bulk container features many attributes to improve the functionality and durability of the container, including a half fold front gate to assist with filling or emptying of the folding bulk container and a chute fitted to the rear gate to allow low level controlled emptying of flowable product such as grains, cereals and powders."

Zorex Distributors Ltd has represented Schoeller Arca Systems (SAS) for the past ten years in Australasia, says Gary Watkin. "We are very excited at the release of the latest version of the world-leading Combo285 IBC.

"SAS is a world leader in the design and manufacture of reusable recyclable packaging.
The Combo 285 DD received The World Juice Innovation Award, which recognizes the most outstanding contribution to the juice industry over the last year. Innovation is the key driver of growth in the juice industry. In recent years the number of new products coming on to the market has increased dramatically, with expanding ranges of NFC drinks, smoothies, soy and dairy blends, one shot drinks, probiotic juices as well as a wide range of new fruits and flavors.

"The Combo285DD IBC is used by major world hire companies in Europe and USA for the storage and transportation of all food products in liquid or powder forms. Reusable packaging in the form of Combo285 DD reduces packaging waste while offering the highest standards for safety that is used in critical hygiene zones within food manufacturing plants.

Visitors to will be able to see several models of these innovative IBCs and talk with one of Schoeller Arca Systems most experienced technical managers with over thirty years experience in reusable Packaging, Albert Leitermeier."

Kevin Malpas of Advance Boiler Services says visitors can discover the advantage offered by the only fin tube machine in New Zealand producing round fin-on tube for air heat exchangers. "Most businesses have some form of heating requirement and boilers are the main source. Visitors to Foodtech Packtech can get an insight into our services and discuss plant upgrades including conversion of their boilers to unattended operation, as well as find out about boiler servicing and energy efficiency improvements.

"Everyone visiting our stand will not only have steam generation experts to answer all inquiries but will have the opportunity to win an iPad."

As well as heat, another given for every business is storage - particularly shelving. And there's a lot more to it than most people realise. Kevin Gallagher of SAFCO Shelving says there are many things to consider other than just price.

"SAFCO EZ shelving solutions are constructed with a strong steel core wrapped in polypropylene. It has the strength and robustness of steel coupled with a modular design and ease of cleaning that makes it the best solution for cool rooms, freezers and dry stores.

"New World Otaki's compliance officer, Jane Henderson, says our shelving is: 'Not only very strong but, being plastic coated, is very easy to keep clean. You can also mix and match it to suit the size of the room. We have some awkward corners, but we were able to choose the right sizes to fit the space we had. The shelves also have varying depths, which is also very useful'."

Foodtech Packtech has a strong focus on packaging. Another of the companies that exhibitors will benefit from seeing is Phoenix Wrapping Australasia Ltd. Rajah Arumugam says the company is a world leader in stretch wrapping technology.

"With our association with Phoenix technology design and manufacturing, we offer a full range of semi- and fully automatic stretch wrapping equipment with 23 different models. Phoenix has many patents and extraordinary solutions such as the pre-stretch system delivering the highest film savings. These extra ordinary solutions are featured as standard even on economy models."
Foodtech Packtech is an industry event endorsed by the Packaging Council and the New Zealand Institute of Food Science and Technology. Foodtech Packtech is the only place where more than 170 New Zealand and overseas exhibitors gather. It also offers access to seminars and business networking opportunities.

Foodtech Packtech is a trade-only event with free entry, and runs from 12 to 14 October at the ASB Showgrounds in Auckland. Visitors can register online at http://www.foodtechpacktech.co.nz/

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