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Food waste recycler Andigestion achieves prestigious ADCS certification

Posted on by Neesha Ramsingh-Cleary

Food waste recycler Andigestion achieves prestigious ADCS certification

Food waste recycler Andigestion’s Holsworthy site in Devon has become only the third plant in the UK to achieve certification under a new scheme which recognises good operational, environmental and health & safety performance.

Holsworthy recycles up to 76,000 tonnes of the south west’s household and commercial food waste each year and through its anaerobic digestion (AD) process, produces 70MWh of clean, green and eco-friendly electricity per day – enough to power 6,000 homes.  The by-product of the process – a mineral-rich, liquid biofertiliser – is used by local farmers as a sustainable alternative to carbon-intensive chemical fertilisers.

The plant, near Bude, has now been certified under the Anaerobic Digestion Certification Scheme (ADCS), an industry-led initiative designed to raise standards and recognise good practice in the running of AD plants. The scheme provides an independent audit process and report that help operators to ensure they are meeting required standards and identify areas for improvement. It is managed by the Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association (ADBA), the UK’s trade body for AD.

“Andigestion has always been ahead of the curve in terms of innovation and processes, and the main driver for applying for ADCS certification is our wish to maintain continual improvement,” commented Tom Brown, Compliance Officer at Andigestion.  “Certification goes some way to demonstrating that we are on top of things while the compliance system ensures that any changes to the way we operate are made the right way.”

And Mike Lowe, Operations Director at Andigestion added:  “Naturally we’re delighted to be one of just three plants in the whole of the UK to be awarded this certification and I am extremely proud of our on-site compliance team and all members of staff whose high standards of management and professionalism enable us to deliver safe and sustainable practices each and every day.”

Sam Hinton, Technical Support Manager at ADBA said: “We congratulate Andigestion for achieving the ADCS certification, which demonstrates their commitment to operational excellence. They will reap obvious benefits from the recognition – not only improved performance and productivity, whilst adhering to high environmental, health and safety standards, but also confidence from their employees, customers, regulators, insurance companies and neighbours. We’re also delighted that, as the first plant to achieve ADCS certification in 2020, they lead the way in showing other operators how to conduct business during these uncertain times.”

In addition to its Holsworthy site, Andigestion also operates the Bishops Cleeve AD plant near Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, which recycles up to 34,000 tonnes of food waste a year and which will also be assessed for ADCS certification.  Through the production of biomethane gas which is fed into the national grid, Bishops Cleeve contributes enough energy for around 10,000 homes a year.

For more information about the ADBA AD Certification Scheme, contact:
Jocelyne Bia on 07910 878510, or email: Jocelyne.bia@adbioresources.org

Joint venture evolves into a global partnership

Posted on by Neesha Ramsingh-Cleary

Joint venture evolves into a global partnership for bulk packaging in the grain and food markets
 
Swiss Bühler Group and Premier Tech from Canada are now taking their strategic cooperation two steps further. What started with a close collaboration in August 2019, evolved into a Joint Venture in China and ultimately grew to a global partnership for bulk packaging.
 
Johannes Wick, CEO Grains & Food at Bühler Group, in the virtual studio of Bühler Virtual World

This new global partnership will allow Bühler to access Premier Tech’s leading technologies in bagging and palletizing either through the newly created PT-Bühler joint venture in China, serving the world with cost-effective packaging, or directly through Premier Tech’s facilities for the high-end food feed and grain markets worldwide.

 

“The global partnership will serve customers worldwide by building on Premier Tech’s recognized know-how in the field of automated packaging technologies while making full use of Bühler’s strong international sales and service network,” says André Noreau, CEO of Premier Tech’s Systems and Automation business. Premier Tech and Bühler are bringing their cooperation to new heights by offering adapted state-of-the-art packaging solutions around the globe.

 

Bühler will continue to service its existing installed base and will also focus on sales and service through its global customer service focus and total plant-solution expertise so that customers can rely on timely, qualified support throughout the life cycle of the product.

 

PT-Bühler – Joint Venture covering needs in China and markets interested in cost-effective automation

After entering their strategic cooperation last year, Bühler and Premier Tech have worked closely together in the interest of forming a 50/50 joint venture in China that will officially start on July 1, 2020. The aim of the joint venture is to develop and market new cost-effective packaging solutions based on Premier Tech’s bagging expertise. Operating in Wuxi, China, PT-Bühler will focus on serving the food and feed markets in China, and other markets moving towards cost-effective automation.

 

“Customers will benefit from significantly more efficient, and even more accurate and food safe packaging solutions thanks to automation technologies developed by PT-Bühler,” says Johannes Wick, CEO of Bühler’s Grains & Food business. Attracting talents from both companies, PT-Bühler will benefit from Bühler’s know-how of high-quality manufacturing and supply chain management in China as well as its digital solutions, whereas Premier Tech contributes with its superior packaging expertise and technological leadership in this field. Both Bühler and Premier Tech will offer the joint venture’s solutions in their respective markets, with Bühler focusing on turnkey plants, and Premier Tech on standalone solutions. Both partners are committed to work together in order to make for the best customer experiences while fully addressing their needs and complement each other in all cases where Bühler and Premier Tech will both be involved in any specific projects.

Brakes hits 27% reduction in carbon emissions

Posted on by Neesha Ramsingh-Cleary

Brakes hits 27% reduction in carbon emissions

Led by a cool saving of 75 tonnes of carbon emissions with new fridges

Brakes, the UK’s leading foodservice wholesaler, has announced another milestone in its goal to reduce carbon emissions by 30% by 2025*.  The company revealed its latest figures showing emissions dropped by a further 3% in 2019 to 27%.

 

The savings were due to a combination of reductions in fuel consumption, reduction of use of gas for boilers and heating and more efficient lighting.  However, the biggest impact has been the roll out of a new refrigeration system across its network following a successful transition to natural refrigerants in fridges in its Thetford depot.

 

The move follows data showing that changing to natural refrigerants in fridges has saved more than 75 tonnes of carbon in its first year of operation, prompting Brakes to install identical systems at Bodelwyddan and Thorpe depots.

 

Ian Hunt, Brakes’ Director of Engineering and Environment, said: “The new equipment has worked brilliantly to reduce our carbon usage and we’ve been able to save around 75 tonnes of carbon – which is the equivalent of an average car driving 24,000 miles around the world 13 times.”

 

Brakes has long-since used natural refrigerants in its larger distribution centres, but until recently it has not been technically possible to scale such solutions down for smaller regional operations

 

Ian Hunt continued: “As the first wholesaler committed to rolling out more environmentally sustainable refrigeration across its entire network, we’ve seen the new system deliver not only better environmental performance, but we are also seeing other benefits such as a 25% reduction in the energy consumed at the depots.

 

“We’ve achieved our 2020 target of 20% absolute carbon reduction, in fact already hitting 27% reduction by end of 2019.  And we believe that initiatives such as our refrigeration strategy mean that we are well on our way to hitting our revised target of a 30% reduction by 2025.”

 

Daniel Clark from isentra, which supplied the fridges, said: “As well as the obvious carbon benefits,

we have seen refrigeration electricity usage down by almost half and the Global Warming Potential of the refrigerant has reduced to almost zero.  The newer technology also allows Brakes to benefit from the other upsides of this sustainable refrigeration technology, such as harnessing low outdoor ambient temperatures and benefiting from a ‘free cooling’ effect.”

 

-ends-

*against a 2010 benchmark

For further information please contact Kevin Coles on 07776026012 – kevin@fifthdimenionpr.com

Open letter to the Rt Hon George Eustice demanding a ban on oxodegradable plastics.

Posted on by Neesha Ramsingh-Cleary

The Anaerobic Digestion and Bioresources Association (ADBA) joins seven other associations in signing an open letter to the Rt Hon George Eustice demanding a ban on oxodegradable plastics.

Read the open letter

Other signatories are:

 

Marshall Fleet Solutions launches MFS TempLog Datalogger

Posted on by Neesha Ramsingh-Cleary

Marshall Fleet Solutions launches MFS TempLog Datalogger

As part of the planned expansion of its product and services portfolio, Marshall Fleet Solutions has launched MFS TempLog, a proven datalogger that enables temperature data capture and printing for any transport refrigeration system, and can be fitted to any refrigerated van, truck or trailer

MFS TempLog is an innovative datalogger with advanced features to respond to multiple needs, focusing on accurate readings, flexible export options and an intuitive interface.

 

Simple and easy to install, MFS TempLog is compact, easy to use, flexible to download and quick to generate printouts. Most importantly, it works with temperature sensors that are independent from the refrigeration system to ensure 0.5K accuracy between -25°C and +8°C, and 1K between -30°C to -25°C and +8°C to +30°C.

 

“The launch of the new range MFS TempLog dataloggers represents another great addition to the MFS product range, perfectly complementing our portfolio of innovative and exciting temperature controlled products, and follows on from our recent promotion for the ThermoLite range of solar panels and the Thermo King TracKing special 3 month deal,” said Mark Howell, managing director, Marshall Fleet Solutions.

 

Further detailed information about MFS TempLog is available on the MFS website on https://marshallfleetsolutions.co.uk/mfs-templog-datalogger-now-available-from-mfs/ or by emailing MFS on connectivity@marshallweb.co.uk

 

MFS TempLog Datalogger – Key features

  • Simple and clear touch screen display
  • Independent temperature sensors
  • Soft copy export of tickets to USB flash drive
  • High-speed thermal printer for quick print out
  • 5 K accuracy
  • Suitable for ANY transport refrigeration equipment
  • Fits ALL makes of refrigerated van, truck, or trailer

Stay Safe. Stay Positive. Stay Marshall.

Innovative new salmon fish cake recipes join the BigFish range

Posted on by Neesha Ramsingh-Cleary

Innovative new salmon fish cake recipes join the BigFish range

 

JCS Fish has introduced two innovative new frozen fish cakes to its BigFish™ range: Salmon & Sweet Potato and Thai Salmon & Sweet Potato.

 

The recipes are unique to BigFish and combine sweet potato, herbs and spices with a generous proportion of responsibly sourced salmon.  The Thai fish cake is a zestier version with an Eastern Thai seasoning that includes lime, coriander and lemongrass.  Both are free of artificial additives and rich in Omega3.

 

The new fish cakes cook in under half an hour, straight from the freezer.  They are perfect for convenient, healthy meals served with salad or vegetables and the plain variety also makes the basis of a great balanced meal for kids.

 

The entire BigFish range was relaunched earlier this month with eye-catching redesigned cardboard packaging that also cut the brand’s use of plastic by around 60%.

 

BigFish is the first grocery brand in the UK to commit to responsibly sourced fish through the GGN aquaculture label, which appears on all the new packs.  JCS Fish is also the only UK seafood company so far to have made the source of all its fish fully transparent through the Ocean Disclosure Project.

 

The new fish cakes are stocked in independent retailers across the UK and also available online through Ocado and the BigFish website.

 

RRP is £2.99 for a 240g pack of two fish cakes.

 

Dalziel Ingredients’ new report hints at Asian summer food trend for 2021

Posted on by Neesha Ramsingh-Cleary

Dalziel Ingredients’ new report hints at Asian summer food trend for 2021

Asian and Middle Eastern food look set to be top trends for summer eating in 2021, according to new research underway for the latest summer eating review by Dalziel Ingredients.

Dalziel’s annual review of world cuisine – called ‘Summer Eating Insights’ – gives food manufacturers a detailed evaluation of this summer’s most popular food products and eating habits, and predicts next year’s big products, trends and influences.

It forecasts what the nation will be eating next summer, and, importantly, how food manufacturers can use this information to create their next big products for consumers.

Research is now being compiled for ‘Summer Insights’ by the new product development and marketing team at Dalziel Ingredients, the UK specialist in bespoke seasoning blends, cures, functional ingredients and ambient sauces.

Market analysis for ‘Summer Insights’ covers an extensive range of this summer’s top food products in retail, restaurants and food service, from meat and fish to vegetarian and vegan.

Fran Hutton, NPD director at Dalziel Ingredients explained how the report will be an invaluable resource to customers.

“Based on our own global research, we advise customers on exciting ways to add a new twist to their summer eating products.

“We take influences from global flavours including Asian and Middle Eastern, from the street markets of Marrakesh to Rio, and look at what’s big in street food around the world, from Mexico to South Eastern Asia.

“We evaluate current and past trends to help customers keep ahead on new concepts and flavours.  And we help them develop new food ideas for innovative, great tasting, commercially viable end-products.”

The impact of the coronavirus pandemic will inevitably influence food trends, said Fran.

“The delay of world events like the Tokyo Olympics means retailers will push back their food ideas to next year.

“We expect to see Asian food and what’s trending in Japanese restaurants as one of the big food trends.”

Dalziel’s full report will be available to food manufacturers from June 2020, when manufacturers can book virtual customised presentations and request sample products.

Last year’s summer eating report of supermarket trends showed all things spicy continued to be a hot favourite.  Other hot trends included variations of BBQ, fruity mango, world flavours influenced by street food, the addition of sauce sachets and boozy flavours.

The nation’s continued craving for sausages and burgers saw new variations with the launch of footlong hot dogs, boozy bangers, firecracker chicken wings, ancho chilli and lime belly slices and jalapeno beef kebabs.

‘Summer Eating Insights’ is one of a series of foodservice market reports published by Dalziel, which also includes a sausage report and Christmas review.

Manufacturers can book a customised review from 1 June 2020 by emailing bbq@dalzielingredients.co.uk or tel: 0191 469 3078.

For more information visit www.dalzielingredients.co.uk

 

ChocoX ushers in a new era of moulding

Posted on by Neesha Ramsingh-Cleary

ChocoX ushers in a new era of moulding
Bühler’s new ChocoX is as flexible as its pronunciation “Choco Cross”. The solution combines flexibility and agility in production and hygienic design, resulting in significantly lower operational costs. Its completely modular design allows for unlimited crossovers of the process line and quick adaptation to different products. Every function of the line is placed in an independent module, to be freely adapted for the production process customers need. In under 30 minutes, chocolate producers can change a module. “With the new ChocoX, customers are able to react quickly to changing consumer tastes and market trends – while reaching new heights in efficiency,” says Fritz Dorner, Head of Business Unit Confectionery. Several patents are currently pending for this new state-of-the-art moulding solution. Bühler will share more information on its commercial use by the end of 2020 or the first quarter of 2021.
 
Where refitting of a moulding line used to take more than a month on site, Bühler offers a significant time reduction. An entirely modular approach led to a line arrangement that can be used almost like a toolbox. Each module of the new ChocoX is built on wheels. This allows for easy reconfiguration of the sequence and, thus, more product variety. Arranging new processes only takes 30 to 120 minutes depending on the sequence changes. Thereby, more individual recipes will see the light of day with just one production line.

 

Plug and produce with a combination of performance and sustainability

Together with its customers, Bühler can set up the new ChocoX and launch its operation on site within one week. Thanks to standardized self-contained modules, assembling and removal of each module takes less than 30 minutes. And line extensions are ready in half the time than other solutions. The delivery of standard modules is three to five months, with an implementation on site of just 24 hours. The new ChocoX comes with a reduced footprint thanks to integrated control boxes that replace all central switch cabinets. Optimized shaking modules shorten the shaking time and the decreased cooling volume adds to the line’s lower energy consumption.

 

Integrated buffering, automated mould handling

The new ChocoX is unstoppable – in the truest sense of the word. Bühler has included a highly efficient buffering system. This makes the extension with an external buffering system obsolete and offers exceptional cost advantage from day one. In addition, the process keeps the important thermal consistency at an ideal level, including the transition to packaging. The smart buffering reacts to the packaging output, so the new ChocoX can keep running even during a stop in the packing process. The fully automatic mould handling system further increases the line’s efficiency. “There is no more need to carry the heavy moulds. The handling system simply distributes the moulds automatically for you,” says Fritz Dorner. And it is only one of the line’s highlights that reduce operation efforts.

 

Much more uptime thanks to less cleaning and maintenance

Moulding lines are prone to getting dirty quickly and often they are hard to access. With the new ChocoX, however, Bühler sets new standards also in terms of hygienic design. All modules work without chains. In addition to increased food safety, the chainless line design lowers the maintenance efforts. Generally, cleaning time per module is only 30 minutes, also because there are no installations underneath the depositing sections. “Large doors offer free accessibility to all modules from the front and the back,” says Frank Huperz, Head of Design & Engineering. The new ChocoX lets you take out the depositor and demoulding internals which are normally hard to reach. The demoulding section, for example, comes with an extendable quick-change system on wheels. In general, “depositing tool changes can be done while the modules are running empty – with a highest level of safety,” Huperz adds. Finally, also the cooling coils offer easy access from both sides. The completely new cooling technology relinquishes the complicated, hard-to-clean and voluminous Paternoster system. Thus, the new ChocoX provides for a considerable reduction of downtime thanks to less cleaning and maintenance efforts needed.

 

Bühler is looking forward to discussing further details regarding its commercial use by the end of 2020 or the first quarter of 2021.

 

For more information on Bühler’s moulding solutions please go to: https://www.buhlergroup.com/content/buhlergroup/global/en/process-technologies/Moulding-and-Forming.html

 

You can access Bühler’s Virtual World, the company’s first digital exhibition, via this link. Please see the Bühler Virtual World live program for today and tomorrow here.