Category: Topics
-
Commercial acreage is giving high-protein chickpeas an industrial foothold now. NuCicer and Stricks Ag are moving a new chickpea variety into scaled production for food ingredient applications.
-
Cocoa-free ingredients are moving deeper into mainstream confectionery manufacturing now. Nestlé Germany is launching a ChoViva-based Choco Crossies extension as branded alternatives gain industrial traction.
-
End-of-line automation suppliers are widening machine options before interpack 2026. Somic is expanding its portfolio with new machine series and handling technologies aimed at faster, simpler secondary packaging.
-
University research has intensified scrutiny of plastic contact materials globally. Derby scientists found repeated microplastic exposure damaged lab-grown liver microtissues, adding new pressure to packaging safety debates around chronic, low-level ingestion.
-
Xaar and Polipress are scaling digital embellishment for wine labels. More than 20 Versatex printbars are installed in Italy, enabling tactile varnish, cold-foil effects, and high-opacity whites at printing and converting stages, integrated with label press and finishing workflows.
-
Autopack has commissioned an automated sauce filling and capping line. The five-machine system at P&B (Foods) Ltd handles 250 ml to 1 L packs in glass or plastic, runs at up to 100 cpm, and combines a rotary unscrambler, 12-head piston filler, dual cappers, and multi-format labelling.
-
KP Snacks has begun consulting on closing its Uttoxeter site. The proposal follows plans to discontinue Tyrrells vegetable crisps, with the plant currently manufacturing the brand’s non-potato lines.
-
Iran has imposed an indefinite ban on agri-food exports nationwide. The restriction took effect 3 March, and applies to all food and agricultural products until further notice.
-
Derby researchers found packaging microplastics can disrupt human liver function. Lab-grown “mini livers” exposed to repeated low doses showed cell death, inflammation, and impaired function in a study using plastics common in food packaging.
-
BCMPA will stage its 2026 outsourcing conference in April, Oxfordshire. Extended Producer Responsibility, cyber security, automation, and economic pressures are set to dominate a one-day programme, with an optional networking dinner the evening before.