Exhibitors go all out for FoodTech Packtech

Exhibitors go all out for FoodTech Packtech

Foodtech Packtech is the premier food & beverage technology and packaging technology industry event. That’s no idle boast as the commitment from local and international exhibitors proves.

US-based NatureWorks LLC will be showcasing its Inge biopolymer, which is derived from an abundant 100 percent annually renewable plant resource instead of the traditional oil. “Carbon is captured in these plant resources, sequestered from the atmosphere during plant photosynthesis, and stored in the starch found in the grain of the plant,” says Rick Poynter. “The starch is then converted into natural sugars and NatureWorks uses these as Ingeo’s fundamental building block. Through a process of fermentation, separation and polymerization, the carbon and other elements in the natural sugars are transformed into Ingeo.

“Ingeo resins and fibres are a significant step towards a better future. Replacing petroleum with an annually renewable resource for the production of plastics and fibres reduces fossil fuel dependency and is a positive step toward carbon-neutral manufacturing and more sustainable processes and products. The production of Ingeo uses significantly less non-renewable energy, and generates significantly lower CO2 emissions when compared with all traditional oil-based polymers. Compared to PET, for example, Ingeo reduces fossil fuel usage by 47 percent and greenhouse gas emissions by 59 percent. Ingeo biopolymer is used to create a full and diverse range of finished consumer lifestyle goods including clothing, home wares, and personal care products as well as food packaging, appliances, auto parts, consumer electronics, and durable goods.”

A local manufacturer with a regular presence at Foodtech Packtech is Marlborough-based Cuddon Freeze Dry. From a start in the 60s, the company has built an international reputation for its equipment. “Vacuum freeze drying is a unique method of processing which removes 99% of moisture, resulting in a superior product which generally retains the colour, form and most importantly nutritional value,” says Robyn Cuddon. “Freeze Drying was developed during WW2 for the preservation of plasma and since been adapted for an amazing myriad of applications. Food processing, pharmaceutical and nutraceautical/health food production are prime examples along with the dairy industry, pet food, taxidermy and surprisingly, the disaster recovery removal of moisture from water damaged documents, books and art works and even exhumed artefacts like bones and ships timbers.

“Any product that contains moisture can be dried. It’s first frozen solid, then vacuum freeze drying removes the product moisture (ice) over a 24 hour cycle by a process called sublimation (vaporisation under a vacuum). The process is ideal for heat sensitive or complex products and makes for long term preservation. Unlike air drying, freeze drying produces a very consistent and even product that can be milled. Freeze dried product will maintain its bio-activity and is preferred for encapsulation due to the rapid reconstitution factor, for example vaccinations.”

Australian company J L Lennard will have a lot for visitors to see Foodtech Packtech 2012, including a next-generation x-ray system for contaminant detection and product inspection, an in-line process analyser, Versa checkweighers, fully-automated control of difficult products, and a breakthrough in signal processing technology says Tony DiNallo.

“We’ll be showing the benefits of the Thermo Scientific Xpert C400, a next-generation x-ray system for contaminant detection and product inspection. It combines high sensitivity with durability to meet food manufacturers’ needs for increased detection standards. At the same time it lowers the total cost of ownership for x-ray detection. It is a high performance, yet robust, machine that finds contaminants other systems miss, and it minimises those annoying false rejects. The Xpert C400 easily detects metal, glass, dense plastics and other contaminants in packaged food, and can also analyse an x-ray image to estimate weight, fill-and-count, and check that the correct objects are inside a packaged item.

“Other technology that sees through products is the Thermo Fisher Scientific’s eScan in-line process analyser,” says Tony. “Patented Guided Microwave Spectrometer (GMS) technology measures key product constituents and offers greater control of food quality and ensures optimal efficiency of each line. GMS enables eScan to ‘see through’ product and provide instant information about such key properties as fat, protein, moisture, oil, salt, brix, pH and acidity, letting manufacturers know if their content deviates from target set-points without having to stop the line, and without costly lab testing. It is ideal for analysing meat, pureed fruit and vegetables, seafood, dairy, snack foods, nut butters, confectionery, orange juice, pet food, ice cream, and margarine/butter/cheese - virtually any pump-able food product.

“Metal detection has also got better, with a breakthrough in signal processing technology that enables detection of smaller-diameter metals in products – without creating unwanted false rejects – than ever before. Thermo Scientific’s Intellitrack XR software affords the highest level of protection for manufacturers and consumers, and is now a standard feature on its family of APEX metal detectors, which are sold and serviced in Australasia through JL Lennard.

“Versa checkweighers are popular worldwide because of their accuracy, speed, ease-of-use and versatility. Their modular design and quick release-and-disconnect capabilities mean easier maintenance and greater uptime. Another weighing technology visitors can find more about is Multipond weighers. Sticky products such as fresh or marinated meat, poultry and fish are difficult to handle, which normally results in them being weighed manually. But Multipond has developed a special stepped profile for the feed trays and central distribution cone of its standard multi-head weighing machines that enables fully-automated control of difficult products. This simple yet effective solution is gentle on the product, and the profile is easy to clean. The patented profile minimises the contact surface between the product and the cone and/or the feed tray surface, which leads to lower product adhesion. The product is not exposed to any additional mechanical influences, except for the usual vibration from the feed trays.”

Khalid Saou of France’s Lagarde says it is the inventor and the worldwide leader in the manufacture and commercialisation of steam and air retorts, and is the first autoclave manufacturer to be absolutely committed to sustainable development. “Lagarde offers customers a thermal treatment solution (sterilisation, pasteurization or cooking) suitable to their needs regardless their products and packages. The list includes raw or processed fruits and vegetables, meat and meat-based products, raw milk and dairy products, fish and sea food, ready meals, baby food, pet food and more. Package types include tin or aluminium cans, glass jars, plastic bottles, pouches, carton boxes, plastic trays and so on.”

Hach Pacific will have all its new products at Foodtech Packtech 2012 says Sally-Anne Port-Louis. “Hach Pacific provides customers with access to the largest offering and highest quality of lab and process water analytics as well as outstanding service and application support. Hach Pacific also supplies other products including leak detection and pipe and cable location equipment, which can be easily bundled with water quality analytics. We are proud to bring you more than 60 years of water analytics leadership in product innovation, service and support.”

Formula Foods Instrumentation will also have some of the latest technology on the market to show. “PBI-Dansensor has developed a revolutionary new ‘smart’ gas mixer for Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP),” says Bob Olayo. “The MAP Mix Provectus uses an entirely new operating principle to produce a remarkably compact, powerful, versatile and easy-to-use gas mixing system. The MAP Mix Provectus can be coupled to PBI-Dansensor’s latest gas analyser, MAP Check 3, to provide constant monitoring and automatic adjustment of mixture and flow to achieve maximum efficiency.

“The launch of MAP Mix Provectus coincides with the unveiling of PBI-Dansensor’s latest gas analyser, MAP Check 3. This has a new 5 inch colour touch screen for easy use, and excellent connectivity for data logging and control through USB, Ethernet and Modbus TCP and is delivered with PC software. MAP Check 3 allows the operator to combine monitoring of gas content on a vertical or horizontal flow packaging machine with real time control of package flushing via an advanced GasSave function. For most manufacturers, this could translate into a 20–50% decrease in gas consumption.

“We believe that these two new products will increase a MAP packaging line’s quality and efficiency substantially – especially if they are used together.”

NHP Electrical Engineering Products has more than four decades of electrical and engineering industry excellence, and driven by a team of over 1000 quality personnel. It is a market leader because it provides customers ‘what you want, when, where and how you want it’.

“We have tailored a complete range of products, services and total value solutions for the market. From automation and process control, energy management, drive control, power protection, enclosure systems, and safety, NHP can customise industry specific value solutions for this industry’s specific application needs,” Alanna Dunne. “At NHP, we have the knowledge and expertise required when dealing with the food and beverage environment and manufacturing process, to help you in all aspects of your application. Be it the front/wet area that deals with the raw ingredients or the dry end where the packaging of product takes place, we have the complete range of product, solutions and services tailored to this important market to get the job done.

“As authorised distributors for Rockwell Automation and their Allen-Bradley products throughout New Zealand, NHP is partnered with the leading global provider of industrial automation solutions and switchgear components.”

Marilyn Davy says Eriez Magnetics manufactures a range of products suitable for use in the food industry for removal or detection of ferrous and nonferrous metal contaminants, to controlled feeding of many products. “Magnetic separators are important to ensure ferrous metal contaminants are removed from the product flow during manufacture and packing of food products. Powerful permanent rare earth magnetic elements are fitted into stainless steel grate or plate magnets which recover large to fine ferrous particles often introduced during the food manufacturing process.

“When the contaminant is nonferrous, for example, stainless steel or aluminium, then a metal detector is the answer. When metal passes through the specially designed electrical field a signal is produced and sent to a controller. This signal can be used to sound an alarm or flashing light, automatically activate a reject discharge system, turn off the equipment or send a signal to the control room.

“Eriez utilises a patented Hi-Vi magnetic drive circuit in our vibratory feeders which provides a simple yet powerful solution for controlled feed rates of even difficult materials. These can include from fine materials to bulky chunks. Controlled feed rates are achieved by using a compact variable transformer to alter the AC current going to the feeder drive.”

Good packaging is vital for both food safety and sales, and the sector features strongly at Foodtech Packtech 2012. Phil Etheridge of Apex Printing & Packaging Engineering Ltd says it is the only company in New Zealand to fully design and manufacture complete labelling systems. “It is our sole mission to make the best, most cost effective and reliable labelling machines possible. We look at each project and create the designs and equipment that specifically suit the desired application. Our equipment is made from high grade stainless steel, and has the unique feature of being able to be handed either left to right or vice versa. The electrics, bearings, sensors and many other parts are readily available throughout New Zealand, a particular design feature to minimise any possible machinery downtime – no more waiting for parts to come in from overseas, which can take weeks.”

Jenkins Group is another exhibitor that will be providing visitors with new options and great ideas. “Jenkins is continuously pushing the limits with technology and investment,” says Cherie Chappell. “A dedicated team ensures we stay up to date with the latest innovations in label technology including the worldwide introduction of quick response (QR) and snap codes. Connecting with the end user is increasingly important, and you can do this many ways. Interactive packaging is becoming increasingly appealing to the everyday consumer. Packaging design is not all about visual appearance. Texture can add an alternative dimension and leave you with a lasting impression. Textured inks give definition, create an exciting feel and add an element of interest to the design.

“Traditional print uses embossing to add dimension and is still available today. The use of gloss and matt varnishes can promote design and add layers along with interest to labels. The range of foils available is extensive including a pattern selection with holographic imagery that we are very excited to work with. Jenkins Group is continuing to manufacture an increasingly high number of emerging design labels using texture, foils and varnish to give label design an on-going point of difference.”

Nichole Caple of VEMAG says the company has an outstanding reputation among food manufacturers worldwide. “We sell, service and support a wide range of food processing and packaging machinery across Australia and New Zealand. With our selection of exclusive machinery partnerships we have the ability to offer any company an equipment solution, whether it is a standalone processing option or a complete production line from processing to packaging.

“We’re very excited about the new Variovac Primus. It features hygienic design, easy machine operation, sophisticated operation and is extremely sturdy. Variovac packaging machines stand out from the competition with patented technical refinements that simplify the handling and operation. But we see ourselves not just as an engineering company, but also see our strength in application technology. Also, in the development for new products, we support our customers with many years of experience.”

Foodtech Packtech is a trade-only event with free entry for those who register online at www.foodtechpacktech.co.nz. One lucky visitor will win a $65,000 Ford Territory TS AWD vehicle just by having their visitor badge scanned at the Ford stand. Foodtech Packtech is on at the ASB Showgrounds in Auckland from 25 to 27 September.

ENDS

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