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January tightened the screws on food manufacturing compliance in Europe. UK HFSS advertising limits took effect, PFAS timelines for EU food-contact packaging hardened, and producer responsibility costs moved closer. Meanwhile, big bets on barrier materials, cocoa volatility, and coffee consolidation reset 2026 priorities.
Fazer’s new Lahti confectionery plant is taking shape around digital control. ITI Group has been selected to deliver the MES layer for the €400 million facility, covering recipe handling, performance monitoring, and full product genealogy.
Packaging codes are carrying more data and more operational weight. Domino has launched the Gx-Series PRO Printhead to help food manufacturers prepare for GS1 Digital Link and higher-volume 2D code printing.