The European Standard on Refrigeration Safety, EN 378, is undergoing a revision and a draft version, prEN 378:2026 has been issued for public comment.  One of the Technical Committee members from the Institute of Refrigeration, presented an overview of the main changes in the draft standard to a meeting at FETA headquarters on Wednesday 16th July and the notes from the meeting are available here while a summary of the key points of Steve’s presentation can be viewed here. We encourage all BFFF members to engage in the consultation process by reading the draft standard and submitting comments through the on-line BSI portal.

 

The closing date for submitting comments online is 26 August.

 

The BSI online standards review portal instructions and links can be found below. Please also find here the BSI portal user guide.

 

• To access the public consultation prEN 378 please find below 4 links in green.
• When you click each hyperlink you will be taken to a landing page with a ‘read draft and comment’, push the button in red to access the part
• If you already have an account, then just enter your credentials, log in and the relevant prEN 378 online viewer page will open, if not register, it’s free of charge, you will then be returned to the online viewer page
• On the viewer page you can scroll up and down through the contents (with shortcuts) or within the standard itself on the scroll bars
• Each clause has an Add/View comments link, if you click on this a ‘word like’ screen will open where you can enter your comments and proposed changes (every comment should have a proposal where possible)
• You ‘save’ each comment/proposal as you go (this leaves your comment and proposal in an editable state)
• You need to use the ‘submit’ button to make them public and visible to BSI for the enquiry process
• Alternatively, you can ‘Discard’ the comment if you have changed your mind

 

Note: Your comments are not finalised until you use the ‘Submit’ button (for each comment), and they are anonymous.

 

The revised prEN 378 (Parts 1, 2, 3, & 5) standard is now open for public consultation (see links below). The consultation period will remain open until 26 August 2025.

 

Title: prEN 378-1 – Refrigerating systems and heat pumps. Safety and environmental requirements. Part 1: Basic requirements, definitions, classification and selection criteria

 

Title: prEN 378-2 – Refrigerating systems and heat pumps. Safety and environmental requirements. Part 2: Design, construction, testing, marking and documentation

 

Title: prEN 378-3 – Refrigerating systems and heat pumps. Safety and environmental requirements. Part 3: Installation site and personal protection

 

Title: prEN 378-5 Refrigerating systems and heat pumps. Safety and environmental requirements. Part 5: Safety classification and information about refrigerants

 

Forthcoming Events:

 

• 1st IIR International Conference on Refrigeration Adapting to Rising Temperatures – 10 to 13 August 2025
• 14th International Conference on Compressors and Their Systems – 8 to 10 September 2025
• HRS Technical Breakfast Briefing – 10 September 2025
• IOR Northern Region Dinner – 11 September 2025

§  IOR Masterclass: Sub-Cooling and Superheat – 23 September 2025

At the beginning of the year, the Thermoscreens team were proud to accept the Sustainable Innovation Award at this year’s Cold Chain Federation Awards! The award celebrates our pioneering work in improving energy efficiency and environmental performance within cold storage facilities.

This milestone specifically recognises Thermoscreens’ Cold Chain product range — a suite of air curtains designed for frozen and chilled environments. These advanced air management systems are now being used throughout the UK to minimise energy loss, reduce strain on refrigeration equipment, and stabilise internal temperatures in high-traffic cold stores.

As proud members of the Cold Chain Federation, Thermoscreens and the whole Carver Group shares CCF’s commitment to advancing sustainability and best practice across the temperature-controlled supply chain. Being part of this community allows us to engage with key industry stakeholders, stay ahead of regulatory developments, and actively contribute to the future of cold chain infrastructure in the UK.

Thermoscreens UK Sales Manager, Ali Fawcett, said “Proud to be involved in the innovative cold store air curtain development which has seen early success in the industry. Congrats to all involved at Carver Group who have made this happen and thank you to the Cold Chain Federation for the Sustainable Innovation Award.”

Aidan Killeen, CEO at Carver Goup also congratulated the team on LinkedIn:

 “talk to customers, find a problem, solve it…keep up the good work.”

Unlike traditional approaches such as PVC strip curtains and airlocks with dehumidification, Thermoscreens’ air curtains offer a smarter solution for cold storage areas. By creating a controlled air barrier at access points, they significantly reduce the ingress of warm, humid air without impeding workflow — improving both sustainability, productivity and safety.

Thermoscreens’ Cold Chain range continues to gain traction across the UK and Europe, supporting cold store efficiency in food logistics, pharmaceutical storage, and temperature-critical warehousing.

Our Molybdate Test Strips offer a quick and reliable way to measure molybdate (MoO₄²⁻) levels in water, with readings ranging from 0 to 350 ppm in clear increments of 0, 25, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, and 350 ppm.

Molybdate is widely used in the water treatment industry as a corrosion inhibitor. It performs effectively in both chilled and hot water systems across a broad pH range, and it typically remains stable even in the presence of common biocides such as chlorine.

While effective corrosion control generally requires concentrations of 300 ppm or higher when molybdate is used on its own, this can be costly. That’s why many molybdate-based treatment formulations include additional ingredients that improve performance and reduce the required molybdate dosage.

These test strips offer a cost-effective solution for monitoring molybdate levels. Always refer to your water treatment chemical supplier for the recommended molybdate concentration specific to your system.

Email sales@blendedproducts.com for enquiries.

BFFF member Porky Whites has partnered with Surrey-based charity halow, which supports young adults with learning disabilities and autism, to co-create two exclusive sausage flavours — with the flavour ideas and final selection entirely driven by halow’s young people.

The collaboration saw the Guildford-based charity visit Porky Whites’ factory in Old Woking, where they took part in a hands-on Sausage Flavour Workshop, supported by Porky Whites’ product development team and seasoning partner Foodmaker. The initiative was designed to empower young adults by engaging them in every step of the product creation process — from ideation to tasting and final flavour selection.

 

“This project was about much more than just developing a sausage — it was about giving these young people a platform, a sense of ownership, and a memorable, meaningful experience,” said Carla Quirk, Head of Culture at Porky Whites. “We’re proud to be a business that can use its expertise in food manufacturing to support inclusion and community empowerment.”

 

After developing six potential sausage concepts, the young adults returned to the factory in June for a tasting session and flavour vote. The winning creations were a Chinese Pork Sausage and a Sweet Pork Sausage, both of which were served at halow’s Building Futures Awards — their flagship celebration event recognising the progress and achievements of young people supported by the charity.

“This is a shining example of how food businesses can align their product development expertise with meaningful social initiatives,” said Fran Wyatt, Managing Director at Porky Whites. “The creativity and energy shown by these young adults was nothing short of inspirational.”

 

A proud member of the British Frozen Food Federation, Porky Whites continues to lead by example in producing high-quality frozen and chilled sausages for retail, food service, and manufacturing — while also playing an active role in supporting local communities and fostering innovation in the UK meat industry.

 

About halow halow is a Guildford-based charity supporting over 250 young adults across Surrey with learning disabilities and autism. The charity helps individuals build confidence, learn life skills, gain independence, and pursue employment and social opportunities — creating lasting, positive change for young people and their families.

 

About Porky Whites Based in the heart of Surrey, family-run Porky Whites has been producing premium sausages and meat products for over 90 years. Known for their award-winning flavours and dedication to quality, Porky Whites combines traditional British butchery with a passion for innovation and community partnership.

As the hospitality sector gears up for the busiest, and often most financially challenging season of the year, Bidfood, one of the UK’s leading foodservice providers, is stepping in to support its customers with a powerful suite of cost-saving tools and resources designed to help businesses maximise margins, upskill staff and reduce waste this Christmas.

With rising costs across the board and increased pressure on staffing and supply chains, Bidfood understands the need for smarter, more efficient planning. That’s why this festive season, the wholesaler is offering tailored solutions to help businesses control costs without compromising on quality or customer experience.

Drawing from its pre-existing, industry leading tools, such as the recently refreshed Unlock Your Menu, Caterers Campus, and sector specific support pages, Bidfood’s online Christmas Range Brochure can be easily downloaded from its website and features information that operators can instantly apply:

Christmas menu planners: Easy-to-use digital planners to help build profitable, portion-controlled festive menus using seasonal and cost-effective ingredients.

Costed recipes: A wide selection of chef-curated, fully costed recipes that ensure portion control and minimal waste, allowing chefs to focus on creativity while staying on budget.

Festive range with tiered pricing: Bidfood’s Christmas range features products across multiple price points, enabling customers to choose options that match their budget while maintaining a premium festive feel.

Waste reduction tools: Guidance and expert advice to help operators reduce food waste and maximise ingredient usage, supporting both financial and sustainability goals.

Labour-saving products: Ready-to-serve and pre-prepped festive favourites to ease kitchen pressures, reduce labour costs, and ensure consistency.

In addition to the brochure, Bidfood’s expert Culinary Development Team has created 12 brand new, bespoke Christmas recipes that showcase the latest NPD products, available to watch as short recipe videos.

Coined “The 12 Bites of Christmas”, these dishes demonstrate the versatility of Bidfood’s festive range and how they can be applied to menus across the sectors, taking into account consumer demands and industry trends, allowing customers to be a step ahead with their festive menu innovation.

Dishes include a tender pulled turkey and caramelised onion sage puff pastry roll finished with cranberry and brie, a rich and creamy ​smoked salmon bruschetta topped with mascarpone, avocado, dill and lemon. And for something sweet, a warm and spicy gingerbread French toast, sandwiched with mincemeat and crème anglaise. These, along with the other recipes will be available to watch during the lead-up to Christmas.​

Joe Angliss, Customer Marketing Controller at Bidfood commented: “Christmas is a crucial trading period for many operators, but it can also be one of the toughest. Our goal is to make it easier for our customers to plan ahead, stay profitable, and deliver exceptional experiences to their guests without overextending their budgets.

“These tools are all part of Bidfood’s ongoing commitment to being more than just a wholesaler, providing added value through expertise, innovation, and practical support to help the industry thrive during the busy festive period and beyond.”

To further support its customers during this critical trading period, Bidfood will be offering its biggest prize draw giveaway ever for Safari Reward Members, along with a range of eye-catching seasonal deals. More information on this will be available in due course.

Staple Food Group is pleased to announce the launch of a new addition to its continental cheese range – Cuisine Goat’s Cheese Log 1kg, available to order now.

Crafted from fresh goat’s milk, this soft, creamy cheese offers a clean, tangy flavour with a smooth texture that’s both distinctive and versatile. The log format makes it easy to slice, crumble, or portion, offering convenience for busy professional kitchens.

Perfect for salads, sandwiches, flatbreads, tarts, or simply served with fruit and honey, the Cuisine Goat’s Cheese Log is designed to elevate both sweet and savoury dishes. Its mild, natural profile ensures wide appeal across modern menus, while the 1kg size provides flexibility for foodservice, catering, and deli counters alike.

“Our customers have always been at the heart of our innovation,” said Chris McNally, Sales & Marketing Director at Staple Food Group. “We’ve seen growing demand for premium continental cheeses, and this launch is an exciting step forward in strengthening our offer with products that are both practical and high quality.”

For full range details, recipe inspiration and order enquiries please contact us at sales@staplefoods.co.uk

In today’s fast-paced market, the packaging supplier you choose can make or break your business. From missed deadlines to damaged goods, an unreliable partner can leave you picking up the pieces – and your customers disappointed. But what if you could count on a packaging supplier that not only keeps up with your ambitions but helps drive them forward? One with proven nationwide reach, rock-solid stability, and the experience to adapt when the unexpected happens?

In this blog, we’ll unpack exactly what to look for in a UK packaging supplier so you can secure a partner who’ll stand by your side – today, tomorrow, and long into the future.

Reliability matters

When you have a packaging partner you can truly rely on, it takes a huge weight off your shoulders. With dependable support and a strong UK supply network behind you, you can reduce the risk of delays, shortages, or unexpected disruptions impacting your operations. That means you’re free to focus on growing your business, delighting customers, and staying ahead of demand – with confidence that your packaging needs are in safe hands.

A secure, reliable packaging supply chain does more than just keep your operations moving – it helps protect your reputation. Fit-for-purpose, sustainable packaging protects your products, supports your brand values, and strengthens customer trust – keeping them coming back for more. Consistent, high-quality packaging sets you apart, while poor presentation or damaged goods can quickly erode loyalty and push customers toward competitors. With the right UK packaging partner, you can feel confident your business is represented to the highest standard, every time.

Perfect packaging partner checklist

• Nationwide coverage: When it comes to wholesale packaging in the UK, nationwide coverage is key. Working with a packaging supplier with a strong infrastructure supports your business wherever you are now and when you grow. This reduces the risk of regional disruptions and ensures consistent service, regardless of your geographical location.

 

• Track record: Your packaging partner should have a proven track record built on stability and long-standing partnerships with businesses like yours. With 73% of consumers ready to switch brands after just a few bad experiences (Zendesk), you can’t afford to let unreliable packaging damage your reputation or drive customers away.

 

• Scalability and adaptability: Your packaging needs may change over time, especially if you’re planning business growth or expanding into new markets. A reliable packaging supplier needs to be flexible enough to scale with you, whether that means increasing order volumes, creating customised solutions or expanding into new product lines.

 

• Ongoing compliance: The right packaging partner helps keep your packaging relevant by staying ahead of changing legislation, evolving consumer expectations, and industry trends. With their proactive guidance, you can focus on running your business, knowing they’re working behind the scenes to keep your packaging compliant, competitive, and fit for purpose.

 

• Industry longevity: The most dependable suppliers are those with years of experience delivering custom packaging solutions across the UK. Their long history proves they’ve weathered market changes, adapted to shifting demands, and consistently supported their customers – no matter what challenges have come their way.

 

• Security of supply: Look for a UK packaging company that has reliable supply chains, contingency plans in place in case of disruptions, and the capacity to mitigate delays. They need to be able to handle sudden spikes in demand, material shortages and logistical issues, all without your packaging supply being at risk.

 

• Customer support: Responsive, accessible support is a vital sign of a reliable packaging supplier. When issues arise, you need confidence that they’ll act fast to resolve them. And if you need to make changes, you should be able to count on a team that’s easy to reach and proactive in finding solutions.

Sustainability at its core

Sustainable packaging is no longer a nice-to-have – it’s what customers expect. 62% of UK consumers now say they “often or always” choose sustainable options (TheRoundup), and 32% of people asked value responsible supply chains (Deloitte), highlighting that customers increasingly expect businesses to act responsibly at every step. As more consumers actively choose to support eco-conscious brands, sustainable packaging in the UK is playing a larger role in how businesses are perceived by shoppers. Choosing a packaging partner committed to sustainability means you can meet these growing demands, protect your reputation, and reduce your environmental impact – all while maintaining a secure, reliable supply.

Unpack the truth

Make sure your chosen packaging supplier aligns with your business by asking the following key questions.

• Do you have nationwide coverage and local support? – It’s important to find a reliable packaging supplier that can support you across the UK, wherever you are, whilst also delivering a local and personalised service. Ask how they balance nationwide and local services to support you fully.

 

• What quality control measures do you have in place? – Packaging is the first thing your customer sees, and the unboxing experience can make or break what they think of you, so it needs to be consistent. Find out about their quality control processes and how they maintain high standards across every production run.

 

• What’s your long-term plan? – It’s important that a supplier is in it for the long haul, that you can rely on them for as long as you need to. Ask about their future growth plans and stability to ensure they’re not at risk of scaling back or closing. You don’t want to set everything up with one packaging provider and then find out you need to go elsewhere within a few years.

 

• How do you approach sustainability? – With more customers prioritising recyclable and eco-conscious packaging and 55% willing to pay more for sustainable brands (USwitch) – your packaging partners’ commitment to sustainability is critical. Choosing a reliable packaging supplier who already has sustainability at the heart of their operations means you’re future-proofed as customers become ever more aware of packaging’s impact on the planet.

Why Smurfit Westrock

At Smurfit Westrock, we’re here for the long run. With over 90 years of packaging experience and a truly global presence, we combine nationwide reach with local expertise to support businesses of all sizes. Whether you’re looking for packaging innovation, greater sustainability, or a packaging ally you can rely on, we’re here to help.

Our commitment to customer partnerships is reflected in our consistently high satisfaction scores. In the latest ratings, we achieved a score of 8.68, outperforming the packaging industry average of 8.14 – a clear sign that we’re continuing to deliver on what matters most to our customers.

Like any good packaging partner, we’re committed to standing by your side. Get in touch to discover how we can support your packaging needs today, tomorrow, and beyond.

 

About Smurfit Westrock

Smurfit Westrock is a leading provider of paper-based packaging solutions in the world, with approximately 100,000 employees across 40 countries.

 

 

www.smurfitwestrock.com