Takeaway packaging security is moving from workaround to engineered format. Westpak Group’s GrabLok linerless tamper-evident bag closure won the Innovation Gallery visitor vote at Packaging Innovations & Empack 2026, with Futamura’s compostable liquid sachet placing second.
Clinical data sharpen competition in premium infant formula ingredient markets. Arla Foods Ingredients says a six-month, triple-blind study in China found formula containing Lacprodan IF-3070 delivered growth trajectories comparable with a breastfed reference group and was well tolerated.
Hapman is promoting a feeder for precise ingredient dosing operations. The system is designed to improve control, reduce downtime, and support consistent handling across a wide range of bulk food materials.
Poorly designed drains remain a persistent contamination risk in plants. This contributed feature examines sanitary drainage design in food and beverage facilities, from layout and materials to installation details that affect hygiene, maintenance, and operational resilience.
Cellulose absorbent developer Elea & Lili has secured seed funding. The company will use €2.5 million to industrialise a biodegradable alternative to fossil-based absorbents used in hygiene and agricultural water-retention products.
Dennis Group is promoting phased facility planning for expansion projects. The design-build specialist says early decisions on utilities, site infrastructure, safety, and layout can reduce retrofit costs as food plants scale.
TraceGains is expanding its European presence through compliance-led industry events. The programme spans Berlin, Birmingham, Düsseldorf, and a UK customer forum, with food safety, supplier data, and faster NPD at its core.
A cheese-ripening inspection system built around AI, machine vision and mobile robotics is showing how dairies can push defect detection and traceability deeper into long-maturation processes without expanding manual inspection.
COPA-DATA is using interpack 2026 to press the case for modular, standards-based automation in packaging and process lines, with zenon demonstrations focused on data integrity, HMI flexibility and legacy integration.
Arla Foods Ingredients has extended its control at Felinfach by buying the neighbouring Sensient site, tightening control over industrial space and infrastructure at a Welsh ingredients base earmarked for long-term growth.