Breaking News on Food and Beverage in Asia Pacific

News in brief

Bosch streamlines packaging businesses

10-Apr-2009 - Bosch Packaging Technology has reorganised its packaging and processing businesses.

Bioplastic switch for Easter egg packaging to power 350,000 homes

09-Apr-2009 - Switching Easter egg packaging to a biodegradable plastic made from corn starch could save enough energy to power 350,000 homes, claims a developer of a corn-based plastic.

Packagers seek water-pack alternatives amidst bottle gloom

06-Apr-2009 - Environmental criticisms over the impact of bottling mineral water is expected to lead to stagnant growth in the segment over the coming year, potentially forcing manufacturers to rethink their packaging, suggests new research.

Supplier offers space age sorting for vegetable safety

03-Apr-2009 - Buhler Sortex claims that it can provide vegetable processors with satellite inspired sorting equipment that distinguishes between the textures of desirable and foreign materials during packaging.

New robotic technology offers greater orientation and reach, claims TM Robotics

25-Mar-2009 - FoodProductionDaily.com caught up with Ryan Guthrie of TM Robotics to discuss the company's new six axis model and its particular applications for the food industry.

Campaign aims to stop GDA inclusion in labelling law

13-Mar-2009 - A campaign that strongly opposes the inclusion of GDA-type nutritional labelling in the proposed new food information legislation has been launched by a consortium of health and industry groups in Denmark.

Aluminium drink cans: Fifty years on and still going strong?

10-Mar-2009 - As the aluminium beverage can reaches its fiftieth anniversary this year, brewer Molson Coors says it expects the packaging to remain central to its global operations in the future, despite growing competition in the market.

Bacteria under threat with new packaging device – study

05-Mar-2009 - Researchers claim to have discovered a method to eliminate bacteria in packaged foods such as spinach and tomatoes, a process that could reduce the number of food-borne outbreaks linked to the produce.

Weekly comment

Twitter could leave bitter taste in Pepsi’s mouth

02-Mar-2009 - “The new cartons stink.” Customer responses to new product developments seldom come clearer or more direct than that.

Packaging minimisation not enough, says DuPont

26-Feb-2009 - Rethinking package design as well as the materials used is the key to eliminating packaging waste through either recycling or recovery using methods like incineration, argues DuPont.

Dispatches from FDF labelling debate

What consumers make of food labels

18-Feb-2009 - Recent research has shed new light on how consumers understand food labels - and use them to inform their shopping decisions. But questions still remain over what will make them switch to healthier food choices.

New ruling in Cadbury’s battle for the colour purple

06-Feb-2009 - Cadbury has lost its latest attempt to defend the use of its distinctive colour purple as a court has dismissed the first stage of its appeal.

Kellogg tests compact cereal box

27-Jan-2009 - Cereal giant Kellogg is testing a space-saving cereal box that the firm says could “redefine” the cereal aisle.

Coca-Cola sued over health claims

15-Jan-2009 - A lawsuit has been filed against The Coca-Cola Company over allegations that it made deceptive and unsubstantiated claims about its Glaceau vitaminwater beverages.

Alfa Laval seeks to adjust to weaker market

12-Jan-2009 - Swedish engineering group Alfa Laval is set to cut jobs due to what it describes as a decline in market demand, with order bookings reduced by six per cent in the fourth quarter.

Can steel meet the sustainability challenge?

08-Dec-2008 - Philippe Wolper, managing director, APEAL, outlines the green properties of steel for food and drink packaging.

Nano-based polymer could enhance bioplastics and adhesives

25-Nov-2008 - A new process involving the layering of a polymer with silica-based nanoparticles has the potential to enhance the properties of pressure sensitive adhesive labels, water-borne coatings and biodegradable materials, claims a UK research team.

Aseptic line goes global after market testing phase

25-Nov-2008 - The Tetra Pak A3/Flex for the Tetra Gemina Aseptic range of packaging targeted at juice and milk-based products is now available to customers worldwide, according to the company.

Pack design: A secret weapon in uncertain times – report

27-Oct-2008 - As beverage makers struggle in the current financial downturn, innovative packaging designs could play a major role in boosting brand identity and performance, says a new report.

US study claims BPA induces chemotherapy resistance

09-Oct-2008 - A new US study shows that the exposure to Bisphenol A (BPA), the chemical compound used in the linings of metal food and beverage cans and baby bottles, may reduce the efficacy of chemotherapy treatments.

Aluminum foil in juice packaging extends shelf life, says study

07-Oct-2008 - Spanish researchers evaluated four different containers for the storage of mandarin juice and found that carton containers with an inner layer of aluminium foil best ensure the quality of the product.

RFID temperature logger could enhance cold chain quality control

06-Oct-2008 - A new programmable temperature logger can identify problems incurred with produce during cold chain storage and transit, thus providing an improved quality control system for food manufacturers, says Caen RFID.

New system aims to boost ‘Made in China’ brand

01-Oct-2008 - A new online traceability system for Chinese ingredients and products will provide quick and accurate information for food companies, consumers and regulators, claims it developers.

Functional straw deal targets probiotic juice boost

17-Sep-2008 - A leading packager is spying a global roll-out for a new development in straws that it claims can grant an additional probiotic boost to juices and dairy beverages.