Westfalia Fruit, a global leader in the avocado industry with a legacy spanning over 75 years, is proud to announce its collaboration with AgroSustain, a pioneering agri-tech company focused on sustainable crop protection. The partnership marks a significant step forward in maintaining quality, reducing food loss and chemical residues across the fresh produce supply chain.

Discussions between Westfalia Fruit and AgroSustain began in 2022, where both companies explored the potential of AgroSustain’s edible coating, Afondo, to extend the shelf-life of avocados. Over the last three years, initial trials have been conducted in Colombia, Chile, and Peru, with treated fruit shipped to Westfalia’s operations in Germany and France.

Current trials focus on avocados and limes, with Afondo demonstrating a reduction in post-harvest fungicide use by at least 50% and a significant decrease in supply chain waste. The coating is compatible with existing machinery, and if planned in advance should result in minimal disruption on packing lines.

Following several years of successful trials, Westfalia has now began commercial trials with selected customers, with the opportunity to expand into additional markets. Customers have shown strong interest in solutions that do not affect flavour and significantly reduce food loss and chemical residues. Westfalia is committed to ensuring alignment and meet customer expectations through extensive and thorough testing.

“Westfalia is proud to be at the forefront of innovation in the avocado sector,” says Andrew Mitchell, Head of Innovation at Westfalia Fruit. “Our collaboration with AgroSustain reflects our shared commitment to sustainability and delivering high-quality produce to our customers. One of the benefits of the Afondo coating is its flexibility, we are able to incorporate into our existing operations as an option for customers who are impressed by its results. In a dynamic market we believe Afondo delivers better value and results than other coatings available on the market and will shortly be extending trials to other European markets.”

AgroSustain is equally enthusiastic about the partnership. “Working with Westfalia has been a collaborative and inspiring journey,” said Olga Dubey, CEO AgroSustain. “Together, we are optimizing supply chain integration and preparing to launch a bio-coating for organic crops in the near future.”

Afondo’s proven efficacy across a wide range of crops—including passion fruit, mangoes, citrus, nectarines, and cherries—opens new opportunities for both local and international growers and distributors to extend shelf-life while reducing reliance on chemical treatments.

MONTRÉAL, Oct. 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Saputo will release its fiscal 2026 second quarter results on Thursday, November 6, 2025. A press release will be issued after markets close and a conference call is scheduled on Friday, November 7, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. (Eastern Time) to discuss the Company’s results. The speakers will be Mr. Carl Colizza, President and CEO, and Mr. Maxime Therrien, CFO and Secretary.

To participate:

• Webcast: A live webcast of the event can be accessed using this .
  Presentation slides will be included in the webcast and can also be accessed in the “Investors” section of Saputo’s website (), under “Calendar of Events”.

• Conference line: 1-800-715-9871; Conference ID: 2614619
  Please dial in five minutes before the call.

Replay of the conference call and webcast presentation
For those unable to join, the webcast presentation will be archived on Saputo’s website () in the “Investors” section, under “Calendar of Events”.

, a manufacturer and distributor of impulse heat sealing components and supplies, highlights thepanel mount impulse heat seal controller, specifically built with the high response and precise control needed for sealing the wide variety of polymeric films used in contemporary packaging. The robust PIREG-545 offers precise temperature regulation up to 500˚C and features programmable control for heat and cool timing, as well as a preheat capability. The controller prevents temperature overshoot, can seal films requiring a cooling phase, and provides decreased time for heating to sealing temperature.

The PIREG-545 impulse heat sealer is highly advantageous in the food and beverage manufacturing market because it creates airtight, tamper-evident seals that preserve product freshness and extend shelf life. Its precise temperature control ensures consistent sealing of various packaging materials, including plastic films and pouches, which is essential for maintaining the quality and safety of food products. The sealer's rapid operation, a testament to its efficiency, also enhances production efficiency, helping manufacturers meet high-volume demands while adhering to strict hygiene and safety standards.

With a temperature range of 0°- 500°C and voltage ratings of 115 to 400 volts alternating current (VAC), combined with an analog output of the actual temperature for remote display that provides feedback to a programmable logic controller (PLC), the PIREG-545 is ideal for sealing high temp films. For large heat seal bands, the PIREG-545 can be equipped with an optional booster that provides power ratings up to 15 kilovolt-amperes (kVA). Its high response time enables more cycles per minute.

Offering simple operation and control of the sealing process, the PIREG-545 provides repeatable quality of the impulse heat seals under any condition and increased machine capacity, as well as extended heat-sealing band and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) coating life. 

The PIREG-545 comes equipped with a full set of terminals for connection to a PLC and can be controlled entirely by a PLC, or run in standalone mode for applications operated without a PLC. It includes two programmable relays, which allows programming and connection to such external devices as air cylinder solenoids. Available alarms and error diagnostics can quickly identify and address faults. The digital display ensures easy monitoring and adjustment of sealing parameters.

A wide range of compatible accessories and peripheral devices can be added that enable the PIREG-545 temperature controller to be optimally adapted to each specific heat-sealing application and plant design and operating philosophy.

For more information, contact info@tossheatseal.com or visit .

Richmond, B.C. (Oct. 14, 2025) — October is known as the month to recognize the work done in manufacturing facilities across the province — from food processing to cabinet and window production to metal fabrication, textiles, and beyond. At the same time, WorkSafeBC is drawing attention to manufacturing as a high-risk industry, and the need for employers to ensure health and safety systems are in place to protect workers.

Over the past five years, the serious injury rate in manufacturing has been 44 per cent higher than the average across all industries in B.C. During that time, more than 26,000 manufacturing workers lost time from work due to injury, including over 4,300 serious injuries.

The most common types of accidents were overexertion, being struck by or against objects, falls on the same level, and getting caught in machinery or equipment.

“Preventing injuries in manufacturing requires more than awareness — employers need to proactively identify hazards and put controls in place to protect workers,” said Todd McDonald, Head of Prevention Services at WorkSafeBC. “Involving workers in this process, and ensuring ongoing training and supervision, is also critical.”

High risk hazards

Given the high risk of injury in manufacturing, WorkSafeBC conducted over 7,700 inspections in the sector last year. These inspections focused on common high-risk activities, such as working with energized or moving machinery, which can lead to workers being caught in equipment, and performing physically demanding or repetitive tasks, which increase the risk of musculoskeletal injuries.

Another concern for manufacturers is combustible dust, which can pose serious explosions and fire hazards if not properly managed. This hazard exists in wood products, plastics, food, rubber, textile, and metal manufacturing. New occupational health and safety regulations are expected to take effect as early as 2026, and will require employers to test, assess, and control dust hazards, reinforcing the importance of good housekeeping and hazard recognition.

For more information about promoting workplace safety in the manufacturing sector, visit