With a gap as short as 15 minutes between blowing and filling a PET bottle, producing containers of consistent quality is imperative. Container defects can cause serious and costly disruptions that can have a knock-on effect through the entire processing plant. [ + ]

Reducing the plastic component of the overall package is a great environmental initiative; however, in today’s competitive market the opportunity to save money in the actual packaging cost is very appealing.

As energy and raw materials become more expensive and consumers become more environmentally conscious, confectionery and snack manufacturers have to adjust. Their products now have to stand out from the crowd without extravagant packaging that drives up costs. Luckily, packaging producers and machine manufacturers can help with material-saving packaging solutions and more efficient production lines.

One of New Zealand's leading poultry processors has nominated Loscam as its preferred pallet provider. Turk's Poultry Farm has signed an agreement with Loscam for managed pooled pallets across the country. [ + ]

While the norm for many years has been for fruit and vegetable growers to put a simple UPC barcode on boxes of produce, these methods are no longer sufficient. Consumers and regulators demand that the entire supply chain be able to trace and account for where fresh produce is grown, where it is going and how long it remains at any point along the way. [ + ]

Aylesbury Walnuts is gearing up for an increase in production. The company chose Wyma's post-harvest equipment over French competitors to aid the process. [ + ]

In a climate of increasingly demanding customer expectations, how does a food business provide outstanding quality without hurting profit and growth? Businesses must focus not just on what they do but how they achieve their outcomes, says SAI Global. [ + ]

The low-calorie sugars mannitol and sorbitol have been used as a structuring agent to transform vegetable oils into semi-solid 'structured oils'. This technique could be used to provide alternatives to trans fats which have been linked to coronary artery disease, obesity and diabetes. [ + ]

Finnish dairy company Valio has increased its production capacity by 20% without increasing its energy consumption, simply by updating its spray-drier controls.

Key Technology has conducted several full-season trials with wineries in North America, Europe and Australia to verify the effectiveness of its VitiSort sorter for red wine grapes.

The A Darbo company creates jams made to centuries-old Austrian recipes. Despite its focus on the traditional, Darbo's processing practices are anything but. The company recently invested in a Viscofill from Krones to fill its premium product into jars.

When expanding its production facilities, Coega Dairy decided to use filling machine technology from SIG Combibloc. Since mid-2013, two CFA 312 filling machines have been in operation, packaging dairy products in combibloc Slimline aseptic carton packs.

Kez’s Kitchen has released Australia’s first ‘FODMAP Friendly’ certified range of cereals and snacks, helping IBS sufferers select breakfast and snack foods that will agree with them. [ + ]

Innovative packages are key in the fight against food loss and wastage. More effective barrier layers, germicidal films and freshness indicators help products keep for longer and halt consumers' throwaway mentality. However, despite these improvements, companies must keep a constant eye on process efficiency and costs.

If the Australian Government really wants to enhance its manufacturing base and create jobs and export markets, it should look at investing in upgrading and automating the food processing sector. [ + ]