Tuttlingen (Germany), 14^th November 2024 – The direct marketing of agricultural products is experiencing a strong upturn. Dairy products from the region, in particular, are becoming increasingly popular as more and more consumers are paying closer attention to sustainability, quality and regionality. This is a real opportunity for local dairies and cooperatives to position themselves in the market and to serve the growing need for proximity between producers and consumers.

The Puracenter dairy in the Swiss town of Lenzerheide perfectly captures the spirit of the times – and demonstrates how successful direct marketing can be. 90% of the milk delivered is certified organic, and a large share of the milk comes from local farmers living within no more than 5 kilometres of the dairy.

Combining heritage and innovation

The dairy farmers of the Swiss Vaz/Obervaz region founded the Milk Producers’ Cooperative (DE = Milchproduzentengenossenschaft or MPG) back in the 1920s. In 1996, the cooperative took over a grocery store and began processing the regional milk itself. In the same year, MPG founded Puracenter and entered into a partnership with SPAR Handels AG. This collaboration made it possible to maintain and expand small shops under Puracenter’s management and offer local products in the ‘SPAR supermarket’. Moreover, the purchase of the manufactured dairy products was guaranteed.

Growth and state-of-the-art production

In 1996, the Puracenter dairy produced its first pasteurised milk. In the following years, the dairy’s turnover and production capacities doubled. In 2011, a new dairy plant and an administrative building were opened. Today, Puracenter produces not only pasteurised milk but also high-quality cheese specialities, yoghurts, butter and cheese fondues – always under the ‘regionality and quality’ maxim.

The challenges facing smaller dairies

A willingness to market directly and the interaction between farmers, dairies, retailers and consumers are decisive for success. Nonetheless, small businesses face similar challenges to large companies: strict hygiene regulations, packaging and coding all have to be adhered to. Carlo Wasescha, Deputy Managing Director of Puracenter, highlights: “Although we’re a small company, our product diversity calls for a large number of technical processes. And the coding & marking of our products plays a key role. In this area, we have been partnering very successfully with LEIBINGER for several years. We started with a printer for coding and dating our milk packaging. Later, we added further printing solutions for other dairy products.”

LEIBINGER printers: Ideal for the dairy industry

LEIBINGER industrial printers are ideally suited to meet the specific requirements of both small and large dairies. The printers work reliably in damp production environments as well as with frequent, intensive cleaning cycles – without experiencing any issues. Depending on the model, LEIBINGER printers are equipped with protection classes IP54, IP56 and IP66, and are built to withstand harsh production conditions.

Puracenter uses for its product marking both smaller printing solutions such as the JET2 NEO for the semi-automatic filling of yoghurt pots, as well as the IQJET, the most powerful printer for fully automatic filling of milk cartons, made from 100% renewable raw materials. A special food ink is used in both printers. This meets the requirements of the EU and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for printing on food packaging.

For Puracenter, print speed was not a critical factor. For dairy bottling plants with higher demands, LEIBINGER offers the JET Rapid, a high-speed printer that reaches up to 806 m/min.

Absolute reliability and easy handling

A further advantage of LEIBINGER printers is their outstanding availability. Even after long breaks or during seasonal use, they print immediately in the usual quality – made possible by the specially engineered, fully automatic nozzle sealing technology, also known as Sealtronic technology, which is built into all LEIBINGER printers. In the case of the new IQJET printer, the cutting-edge nozzle sealing system has been further enhanced with smart ink management, known as IQPRINT technology

Chris Altthaler, Production Manager at Puracenter, praises the printers’ exceptional reliability: “We never run into any problems when production begins. Everything works immediately and the print quality is always consistently high. Customer service is very responsive and very accommodating if questions arise. I was especially impressed by how smoothy our new IQJET printer runs – it performs flawlessly. To make adjustments, I simply insert a USB stick, send the data by email to the support team at LEIBINGER and they quickly send me their evaluations. The purchase process was also straightforward. The advice we were given was excellent and the products are described superbly. By the time we made our decision, we knew we had selected the right printers to meet our specific needs. Overall, we are extremely impressed with the seamless interaction of service and technology – which is why we will be choosing LEIBINGER again and again.”

Thanks to the decision in favour of LEIBINGER, those in charge at Puracenter can focus entirely on their main tasks, while the printers ensure reliable, smooth coding & marking.

Why LEIBINGER is the best first choice

LEIBINGER printers are an obvious and excellent choice for dairies of all sizes. Their robustness, ease of use, high availability and low operating costs make them ideal for coding & marking in the dairy industry. From small direct marketers to large dairy enterprises, every company will find the right marking system to suit their specific needs.

If you would like to find out more about the inks and printers in the LEIBINGER portfolio, you can simply visit the LEIBINGER website for detailed information: www.leibinger-group.com

Chicago, Il., Nov. 6, 2024 – The largest packaging and processing show of the year, PACK EXPO International, wrapped up today with significant crowds throughout its four-day stint at McCormick Place in Chicago. Produced by PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, the show brought together 48,000 attendees and 29,500 exhibitor personnel, reaching 77,500 in total attendance. International attendance increased 19% over 2022. 

A record number of 2,700 exhibitors occupied 1.32 million net square feet of space, making PACK EXPO International the largest show in its history and the biggest event at McCormick Place this year.  

"PACK EXPO International 2024 has truly raised the bar for what an industry event can achieve," says Jim Pittas, president and CEO, PMMI. "This show has not only grown in scale but also in substance, attracting attendees and exhibitors from every corner of the industry.  The connections made here are invaluable, reinforcing PACK EXPO’s role as an unmatched platform for innovation, collaboration, and progress across the packaging and processing landscape."

The show has grown significantly year over year with a 10% increase in exhibit space and 24% increase in number of exhibitors from PACK EXPO International 2022. “All across the board, our numbers have increased. Exhibitors continue to showcase top innovations, and attendees are flocking to see the latest solutions to their manufacturing challenges,” says Laura Thompson, vice president of trade shows at PMMI. “It’s not just the size of our show which draws people in – it’s the quality.”

With seven pavilions tailored to meet industry demands, new show features like Sustainability Central and Emerging Brands Central, and show resources to help attendees plan their days, attendees found value throughout the show.

“I am a packaging engineer in the pharma space, and I love coming to PACK EXPO International to network and find new packaging materials – it’s an amazing show,” says Rachel Hark, packaging engineer, Catalent Pharma Solutions (Kansas City, MO). “I’m especially focused on finding packaging solutions that are also good for the earth. I have attended PACK EXPO shows about ten times and love the app! It has really helped me map out what I have to do while onsite and not feel overwhelmed.”  

“We came to PACK EXPO International looking for conveyors and other solutions that can help improve our operations. The show is great. A lot of people and a lot of vendors! It’s awesome to see so much innovation all under one roof,” says Ali Buehler, engineer, Hallmark (Leavenworth, KS).

“This show is packed with great companies and innovation. If each person from my team walks away with just one great idea as a result of the inspiration we find here at PACK EXPO International, it will already have been worth it!” says Warren Pruitt, svp of global engineering at Colgate-Palmolive (Piscataway, NJ).

Not only large companies and long-time attendees found the show inspiring. Several first-time attendees and emerging brands also gave it high marks.

“This is our first time attending, and it’s been a really great show. It’s been great to see the equipment that’s here and see who’s differentiating across various areas,” says Michaela Belling, business development director, Plexus (Neenah, WI).

“I’m most impressed with how well-organized everything is given the number of exhibitors and attendees,” says  Ernest Swindell, Owner of XCEL.  “We produce vegan and gluten free meal replacement bars and have been in business since 2021. We do everything by hand right now and we’re looking to scale up, so attending an event like this allows us to network with end users and the equipment manufacturers for our potential future co-manufacturers.”

Exhibitors found the show rewarding with plenty of opportunities for sales leads.

“PACK EXPO International is a very important packaging show for our business in the U.S. market and the automation industry,” says Jonathan Titterton, CEO, Coesia North America. “We appreciate the opportunity to discuss with our customers’ face-to-face how customized solutions are helping them with greater flexibility, efficiency, and productivity.”

“This is our first time exhibiting at PACK EXPO International. We have a lot of customers at the show, and we're seeing a ton of foot traffic,” says Conrad Lilleness, CEO of Conduit. “As a result, we already have several meetings booked. PACK EXPO International is the biggest show I've ever exhibited, with the right audience. We're connecting with high-quality leads and plan to be at PACK EXPO Las Vegas next year.”

“PACK EXPO International is a great show. We've been an exhibitor for many years. This year, we've met many of our target customers, connected with vendors, and met our goals for leads. The conversations we're having are positive” says John W. Ruyf, project planner, The Austin Company. “We choose to exhibit at the show for the brand awareness. The industry's major suppliers and brands are all here. It's a good place to connect with the people we work with. As long as the show is around, we'll be at PACK EXPO International.”

“We're exhibiting at PACK EXPO International for the first time this year. We've received good interest. Our goal was to find the people interested in automating processes--not just exploring it--and we've had conversations with leads that are ready to automate,” says Matt Labinski, director of business development, Macrovey.

Attendees were able to make valuable connections off the show floor as well with popular networking events like PACK gives BACK™, sponsored by Rockwell Automation, seeing nearly 3,000 attendees enjoy comedy from Nate Bargatze to benefit the PMMI Foundation. The popular Packaging & Processing Women’s Leadership Network (PPWLN) breakfast was captivating with guest speaker Lisa Sun, founder & CEO of retail brand and lifestyle company GRAVITAS giving an inspiring presentation. The Young Professionals Networking Reception, sponsored by Beckhoff Automation LLC at Flight Chicago gave emerging leaders in packaging and processing a chance to build new relationships with their peers.

“There is so much to take from the show – I have had many valuable conversations with suppliers and been inspired by events at PACK EXPO International such as the Packaging and Processing Women’s Leadership Network breakfast. It’s a great place to be for networking and new ideas,” says Grace Dover Hoffman, director of procurement, Little Spoon (New York, NY).

Looking to the workforce of the future, PACK EXPO International featured several activities for local students to encourage their interest in the industry. Events like the PACK Challenge, sponsored by PepsiCo, and the Amazing Packaging Race, sponsored by Emerson Discrete Automation Group, had students use their creativity and ingenuity to conquer real-life manufacturing challenges.  

Join us for the next PACK EXPO event, the brand-new PACK EXPO Southeast, scheduled for March 10–12, 2025, at Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. PACK EXPO Southeast will bring packaging and processing innovations to the vibrant manufacturing corridor of the Southeast. It will be the most comprehensive show in the region, offering the depth and breadth of solutions for more than 40 vertical markets and allowing attendees access to crossover innovations from other industries that can address any packaging and processing challenge. For more information and to register, visit packexposoutheast.com.

Regina, SK/London, UK, Nov. 12, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Protein Industries Canada and Innovate-UK unveiled the first collaborative research and development projects from their bilateral partnership. The organizations, along with the consortium members, are investing $5.7 million into two collaborative R&D projects that advance the development and commercialization of plant-based ingredients and foods on both sides of the Atlantic.

“Bilateral relationships such as this one are helping advance the development and commercialization of plant-based ingredients and foods that benefit us all,” says the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry. “Innovative projects like these are helping strengthen Canada’s supply chains while expanding Canada’s plant-based food sector.” 

“These UK-Canada collaborative R&D projects highlight the power of international partnerships in driving forward innovation in the plant-based protein sector. They open up promising export opportunities for the UK, fostering economic growth, while simultaneously responding to global consumer demands for sustainable and nutritious food options,” Interim Executive Chair and Executive Director for the Healthy Living and Agriculture Domain at Innovate UK Dr. Stella Peace said. “By addressing key challenges such as food security, sustainability and public health, these innovations will contribute to a healthier population and a healthier planet, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in making life better.”

The projects are a result of an ongoing partnership between the two countries to further collaboration in the areas of science and innovation, with a focus on plant-based food and ingredients. A joint call for R&D projects was issued in September 2023; since then each country has hosted delegations from the other, resulting in new collaborations in the food and ingredient processing sector.

“As Canada builds towards its goal of a $25 billion ingredient and food processing industry, we know that we will not reach that goal by only working within our own borders,” Interim CEO Frank Hart said. “Canada requires customers — whether that be a food company using Canadian ingredients, or a consumer in a grocery store. Collaborations such as this one are key to supporting Canadian companies in advancing their innovation, acquiring those new customers, and entering global supply chains with high-value products.”

The first of the two projects sees Canadian companies Liven Proteins and ALT-PRO Advantage partner with UK companies New Wave Biotech Ltd. and Formidable Foods Ltd. (through its brand Juicy Marbles) to deliver ingredient solutions to enhance plant-based meat analogues and pet nutrition.

"Liven’s goal through ingredient innovation has always been to help sustainable protein brands in creating healthier, tastier products,” CEO of Liven Fei Luo said. “We’re excited to collaborate with Canadian and UK brands to test our animal-free collagen ingredients in both human and pet food products. This partnership will enable further improvement and validation of our solutions and support our innovative partners in bringing exciting whole-cut meat alternatives and enhanced pet nutrition options to the market."

The second project brings together Canadian companies Tartistes and Wamame with UK partners Jampa’s and the University of Nottingham to launch a range of plant-based products with a uniquely improved nutritional profile that will match or better that found in animal-based products and current PBMAs (plant-based meat analogues).

“With the support of Protein Industries Canada and Innovate UK, Tartistes  is able to expand both our range of plant-based products and our reach into new markets,” President of Tartistes Geraldine Pelletier said.  “The market for premium quality plant- based ready-made meals has gone through many challenges the past few years.  The ability to work with consortium members, Wamame and Jampa’s, will help us bring new and improved premium products to customers here in Canada and across the UK.”  

With global consumers looking for new, more sustainable protein options, companies around the world can partner to create innovative products that exceed expectations. Strategic programs and initiatives offered by organizations such as Innovate UK and Protein Industries Canada are helping establish and solidify these partnerships, setting companies up for a successful international collaboration experience.

Protein Industries Canada is one of Canada’s five Global Innovation Clusters. Protein Industries Canada and its members are working to embrace the $25 billion opportunity presented by Canada’s ingredient manufacturing, food processing and bio-product sector. Projects such as these add value to, and create new markets for, Canadian crops, generating local jobs and supporting new economic development in locations across Canada.

Detection Technology, a global leader in X-ray detector solutions, announces the worldwide availability of its expanded X-ray flat panel detector portfolio, now featuring over 60 products. The portfolio includes advanced a-Si (amorphous silicon), IGZO (indium gallium zinc oxide), and CMOS (complementary metal-oxide semiconductor) technology-based detectors, optimized for a wide range of industrial, medical, and security X-ray imaging applications.

Currently, the portfolio includes products perfected for the following applications:

• Industrial: Battery inspection, electronics inspection, high-energy non-destructive testing (NDT), and standard NDT.
• Medical: Dental imaging, fluoroscopy, oncology, portable digital radiography (DR), and surgical imaging.
• Security: Explosive ordnance disposal (EOD).

“We’re thrilled to offer our expanded flat panel detector portfolio to customers worldwide, as it reflects our commitment to providing high-performance, versatile solutions across the X-ray imaging spectrum,” says Tuomas Holma, Director of Product Management at Detection Technology.

“Our comprehensive portfolio meets the rigorous demands of industrial, medical, and security applications, from battery and electronics inspection to dental and surgical imaging. This wide range of panel and pixel sizes, along with various scintillator and interface options, ensures that customers have the flexibility and reliability needed for specialized imaging needs. Designed for easy serviceability, our detectors deliver long-term value, making them an exceptional choice for sophisticated imaging environments.”

The company has launched an designed to enhance the customer experience by simplifying the process of exploring its portfolio. This intuitive tool provides a quick overview of the available products and helps users easily identify the best detectors for their specific imaging needs. By streamlining product selection, the tool ensures that customers can efficiently find solutions across a wide range of applications, making the decision-making process faster and more convenient.

“In addition to the improvements to our online service, we are always available to assist in person. We are known for our fast response. For detailed information on pricing, availability, or technical specifications, our sales team—local support with a global reach—is here and eager to assist.”

Detection Technology will highlight the key features of its X-Panel portfolio at upcoming industry exhibitions. Before year-end, the company will showcase its medical imaging solutions at the RSNA 2024 conference in Chicago, USA, from December 1–5, and its versatile industrial solutions at the NDE 2024 Conference & Exhibition in Chennai, India, from December 12–14.