Tues 18th Nov, Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, London

UPDATE ON POAO SPS TRANSITS NOTIFICATIONS

Posted on by Neesha Ramsingh-Cleary

Since 30 April 2024, for landbridge transit POAO consignments, entering or exiting Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales), or imported POAO consignments ending the CTC movement in Great Britain, the Person Responsible for the Load (PRFL) and five nominated contacts on the Import of Products, Animals, Food and Feed System (IPAFFS) were notified on the IPAFFS dashboard and by email or text, if SPS checks were required.

On 3 September there will be changes to this. 

For Landbridge Movements 

Checks on entry will be notified by GVMS only. 

  • From 3 September 2024, for POAO goods in transit, entering Great Britain via carriers with GVMS will no longer be notified by IPAFFS. The driver will need to check on GVMS to see if their load is called for SPS checks at a named BCP.

For further details on how to register for the Goods Vehicle Movement Service and how the system works, see below.

Checks on exit will continue to be notified by IPAFFS messaging. 

  • For POAO goods in transit exiting Great Britain the system will remain the same. There will be no change, and you will still be notified by IPAFFS if called for inspection, in the usual way.

For Common Transit Convention (CTC) movements

CTC movements ending in GB there will only be GVMS messaging.

  • For POAO CTC movements ending in GB via carriers with GVMS, from 3 September the driver will need to check on GVMS to see if their load is called for SPS checks. You will not be notified by IPAFFS.

For POAO transit movements (land bridge and CTC movements) not using GVMS carriers

Goods moved via non-GVMS carriers will continue to be notified by IPAFFS messaging. 

  • If you are transiting POAO goods and your carriers are not using GVMS, (i.e. you selected ‘no’ to the question in the CHED ‘Will the transport use the Goods Vehicle Movement Service GVMS?’) the system will remain the same. You will still be notified by IPAFFS if called for SPS checks, as usual.

 

NIC SHARMAN CONSULTANCY LTD: NEW MEMBER

Posted on by Nic Sharman

As a new associate member with BFFF we wanted to take the opportunity to introduce the company and inform of the support available for your business.

Nic Sharman Consultancy Ltd, was established in 2020 our mission is to make your food safety and integrity our top priority. In today’s fast-paced food industry, you need a partner you can trust, who offers expert advice and unwavering support. Nic Sharman is a pragmatic professional with a MSc in Food Safety Management and nearly 30 years’ experience in the food industry, specialising in food safety and integrity technical compliance. She is an experienced and enthusiastic Food Technologist with a demonstrated history of working in food manufacturing, catering and retail sectors (M&S).

At Nic Sharman Consultancy, we can help you achieve AA grade BRCGS or meet retailer standards like M&S, we are here to guide you every step of the way.

We specialise in writing standards, delivering training, and coaching your team to improve knowledge and standards. Our goal is to ensure that your business not only meets but exceeds the necessary food safety standards. And when challenges arise, you can rely on us to be there with practical solutions tailored specifically for your needs.

From audits to training, coaching to problem-solving, Nic Sharman Consultancy is your go-to partner in food safety. Recognized for excellence and nominated for the IAFP European Food Safety Award, Nic brings a wealth of experience and dedication to every project.

To discuss any projects email nic@nicsharmanconsultancy.com to help you achieve excellence in food safety and integrity.

Nic also has global experience as a food safety and integrity auditor with experience and knowledge across all food and beverage categories.

During her time at Marks and Spencer she developed, implemented and conducted food safety and integrity audits. Drawing from this expertise, in 2023 she established Cibus Solutions Ltd to conducts audits for retailers or manufacturers and their supply chains in the food and beverage industry. To discuss your auditing needs email nic@cibus-solutions.com

We look forward to collaborating with you and working with your teams.

IMPORTANT: UPDATE ON PRODUCER FEES FOR EXTENDED PRODUCER RESPONSIBILITY FOR PACKAGING (EPR)

Posted on by Denise Rion

To prepare businesses for the implementation of the packaging EPR scheme, all four UK administrations have now published the first in a series of illustrative base fees.

You can access the illustrative base fees on gov.uk. 

Defra ask that businesses read through the full information published on gov.uk.  

Join the EPR Fees webinar. Add this link to your calendar and join on Tuesday 20 August 2pm – 3pm to find out more 

This webinar will be an opportunity for stakeholders to ask in-depth questions, relay feedback, and receive details on further opportunities for engaging with Government on matters relating to the published EPR illustrative base fees.

Once you have read the guidance and if you still have questions, you can submit these through the mailbox. Defra have stated that they will aim to answer these within the webinar presentation.

This webinar is for those businesses that are obligated under EPR for packaging

Please note that this is a technical webinar and will only cover detail about the published EPR illustrative base fees.

This webinar has been scheduled through Microsoft Live. You do not need to register for this webinar, just access via the above link. You will be in a waiting room until the webinar starts.

You can also join the next Resources and Waste Joint Engagement Forum

Date: Monday 19 August  Time: 2pm to 3.30pm 

This will cover an introduction to Circular Economy, a programme delivery update, EPR illustrative base fees and much more.

This forum has also been scheduled through Microsoft Live, and once again you do not need to register. You will be in a waiting room until the forum starts.

Simply add this link to your calendar and join at 2pm on Monday 19 August.

TIMES ARE CHANGING: WHAT DOES THE EU GREEN DEAL MEAN FOR PACKAGING?

Posted on by Richard Davies

The EU Green Deal is a hot topic, and rightly so. With 94% of consumers saying it’s a brand’s responsibility to create products that are not harmful to the earth (Deloitte), it was only a matter of time before eco-friendly efforts were put into legislation. Set out by the European Union, the EU Green Deal was approved in 2020 and aims to make Europe the first ‘climate neutral’ continent by 2050. The deal encompasses a range of strategies, including a target to reduce emissions by 55% by 2030, with an additional goal of a 90% reduction by 2040.

This deal is centred around five pillars that collectively drive the Green Agenda. These are climate action, circular economy, biodiversity, fighting pollution, and sustainable food systems and rural areas. Each of these five pillars represents a key aspect of the Green Agenda, which works together to create a sustainable and green future for the EU.

In this blog, we will be focusing on the second pillar, circular economy as this lies at the heart of everything we do at Smurfit Westrock. We’ll be looking at waste, recycling, sustainable production, and the efficient use of resources.

Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation is a big part of the Green Deal

The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) fits in under the circular economy pillar. It aims to encourage sustainability by promoting using renewable resources for as long as possible by reusing, repairing, recycling and not polluting the environment with waste.

Measures within the PPWR cover the full life cycle of packaging, focusing on the reduction of packaging waste and putting restrictions on certain types. For example, starting from January 1st 2030, specific types of single-use plastic packaging will be banned. The PPWR is important as Europeans currently generate almost 190kg of packaging waste each year. By minimising waste, the PPWR supports the Green Deal’s goal of creating a sustainable environment.

The EU Green Deal is changing the world of packaging

With packaging waste having increased by 20% over the last 10 years (European Commission), it is no surprise that a big focus of the EU Green Deal is packaging and the need for more eco-friendly paper and practices.

  • Under the EU Green Deal, all packaging will have to be climate-neutral. This means any carbon emissions released by the packaging process must be balanced by removing the same amount. Eventually, this will lead to a net zero carbon footprint.
  • The EU Green Deal highlights the importance of reusing and recycling packaging and states that, when packaging has reached its natural reuse and recycling limit, it must be biodegradable and able to disappear into the environment without having a negative impact.
  • The EU’s plans also include Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), which gives businesses more responsibility for the entire lifecycle of their packaging. This extends beyond packaging production to include the recycling and disposal of packaging waste.
  • According to the legislation, packaging waste in the EU shouldn’t produce any pollution, and exporting packaging waste to anywhere outside the EU is prohibited. Businesses must use green packaging solutions that can be disposed of without impacting the planet.

 

The consequences of not using recyclable packaging

Businesses will face significant consequences if their packaging is not compliant with the regulations brought about by the EU Green Deal. Packaging that isn’t compliant could be recalled, meaning the products within are also recalled. This is costly and challenging to fix and could damage the brand’s reputation and destroy consumer trust.

Plus, brands that don’t use compliant packaging could be prohibited from selling products in the EU. With restrictions on what packaging can be used in the EU market, anything that doesn’t comply with the EU Green Deal could be restricted, leading to lost revenue and ultimately, a smaller target market.

Sustainability is now a consumer expectation, and businesses not doing their bit to protect the planet are likely to face negative publicity. Not complying with packaging regulations can result in losing a competitive advantage, as eco-conscious consumers prefer to use compliant, environmentally responsible companies. After all, 75% of consumers would part ways with a brand over value conflicts, with 15% of them sharing their concerns on social media (Consumer Goods Technology). If a brand doesn’t meet the requirements of the EU Green Deal by prioritising the reduction of its impact on the environment, there’s a high chance that consumers will head elsewhere.

Biodegradable packaging is the new norm

As a business, there are many ways to get ready for the changes that will profoundly impact packaging.

  • Incorporate recycled packaging materials with virgin materials where possible, to reduce the demand for virgin content. If using virgin materials, these must be sustainably sourced.
  • Swap any packaging that doesn’t align with the EU Green Deal for solutions that use optimised, sustainable, and fit-for-purpose materials. Choose packaging with a reduced carbon footprint, such as planet-friendly paper and cardboard packaging.
  • Use materials that are biodegradable so, if they are littered, they will break down naturally without leaving anything behind.
  • Choose recyclable packaging, specifically materials that are easy for consumers to recycle kerbside. Consider using single-material packaging – for example, packaging made entirely out of cardboard – to simplify the recycling process.

Environmentally friendly packaging benefits the planet and customers alike

The EU Green Deal has been designed with protecting the environment in mind. By reducing packaging waste and promoting the use of planet-friendly materials, it’s possible to conserve natural resources. By lowering greenhouse gas emissions associated with the production and disposal of packaging, the risks associated with climate change are reduced. The shift towards environmentally friendly packaging also encourages innovation. Brands that invest in green packaging solutions can gain a competitive edge by showing that they are a responsible brand and appealing to eco-conscious consumers.

With 75% of consumers more likely to purchase brands that offer green products and 49% of consumers willing to pay more for sustainable packaging and delivery (Deloitte), it’s clear that environmentally friendly solutions are now a customer expectation. Consumers are increasingly seeking out eco-friendly brands and, by adopting green packaging, brands can enhance their brand’s image, build consumer trust, and meet the expectations of their target market.

Here to help

Smurfit Westrock’s UK Sustainability Lead, Lianne Pemberton states: “As the leading provider of sustainable paper-based packaging solutions in the world, with circular economy at the heart of our business, we recognise the growing consumer awareness and demand for more sustainable solutions. We use renewable, recyclable, and recycled materials to create sustainable packaging solutions while being committed to our long-term ESG ambitions. We support the EU Green Deal because to be sustainable, we must replicate nature’s cycles. All packaging needs to do no harm and be reused and recycled as much as economically possible by 2030 and be as close to circular as physically possible by 2050. With our experts and industry-leading tools, we can provide the support to ensure our customers are using Better Planet Packaging.”

If your packaging needs to change to meet the new legislation, we’re here to help. At Smurfit Westrock, we have tools that can assess your packaging and even one that can instantly verify its compliance with PPWR. We stay at the forefront of evolving packaging legislation and regulations to help our customers reap the rewards of EU Green Deal-compliant packaging. Give consumers what they want through packaging that drives profit and purpose. Get in touch to find out more.

 

 

CONSTELLATION COLD LOGISTICS ENTERS DANISH MARKET WITH AGREEMENT TO ACQUIRE AGRI-NORCOLD A/S

Posted on by Hussein Daginawalla

Constellation Cold Logistics , a leading European cold storage and logistics provider, has announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Agri-Norcold A/S (“Agri-Norcold”). The transaction brings Constellation’s first entry into the Danish market, strengthening its European footprint and service offering in the Nordics for existing and new customers.

 

Agri-Norcold, headquartered in Aalborg, Denmark, has been the leading player in the Danish cold storage industry since its establishment in 1964. Agri-Norcold owns and operates 10 facilities strategically positioned near major food production hubs, import / export points, and major cities ensuring efficient transportation and logistics flows. Its extensive network across Denmark boasts a total of 865,756 m3 of frozen storage, or 266,000 pallet spaces, in addition to major freezing and packing infrastructure. Since 2012, Agri-Norcold has been jointly owned by TA-Logistics and Danish Crown.

 

Carlos Rodriguez (Constellation’s CEO) said “The addition of Agri-Norcold to our network opens up strategic opportunities in Denmark and strengthens Constellation’s leading position in the Nordics, where we already enjoy strong partnerships and growth opportunities with our customers in Norway and Sweden.

 

Agri-Norcold’s long standing relationship with Danish Crown and several other meat, dairy, seafood and packaged food producers positions the company well for future growth. Denmark is one of the largest net exporters of food products in Europe, and this transaction will allow us to continue to grow with new customers, as well as many others that we already serve across the Constellation network.”

 

Thorkil Andersen (CEO, TA-Logistics A/S and Chairman for Agri-Norcold) said “I’m very pleased that Agri-Norcold is joining Constellation.  The Agri-Norcold team’s customer service focus is very much aligned with Constellation’s responsiveness and culture, and they look forward to benefiting from the capabilities of a pan-European network.  TA-Logistics companies look forward to collaborating with Constellation, both within Denmark and in other operating geographies where Frode Laursen and other companies of the group provide transportation and other value add services.”

 

Jan Nielsen (Agri-Norcold’s MD) said “I would like to congratulate our employees for the great company that they have built over the years. They should take great pride in what we have achieved together, and they can look forward to greater opportunity and growth as part of the wider Constellation network. I would also like to thank our customers for the trust they place in us every day, I am excited to be able now to provide them with solutions across Europe, and to extend our services in Denmark to existing Constellation customers. Constellation and Agri-Norcold share common values and I truly believe that we can achieve great things together.”

 

Constellation is Europe’s leading independent cold storage and logistics provider with approximately 700,000 pallet positions of temperature-controlled capacity and a presence across seven European countries, excluding the Agri-Norcold acquisition. www.constellationcold.com

 

TA-Logistics is a family-owned investment company that focuses solely on logistics.  TA – logistics owns, leads and develop operational logistic companies. These include Frode Laursen A/S, IN-Store A/S, Kaj Madsen Fjelstrup A/S, Skanol A/S and other subsidiaries, with more than 3,000 employees, 600.000 m2 warehouse and 1,300 transport vehicles across the group.

 

www.TA-Logistics.dk          www.frode-laursen.com

COMPANY FINED AFTER PALLETS STORED INCORRECTLY AND EMPLOYEE SERIOUSLY INJURED

Posted on by Neesha Ramsingh-Cleary

The BFFF remind its members of the importance of risk assessment in stacking pallets, separating people from workplace transport and ensuring racking is in good order. The below serves as a clear reminder of the importance of adhering to commercial health and safety protocols, as well as the consequences for those who do not.

A UK food wholesaler with 12 sites across England, was fined £776,286 following multiple injuries suffered by an employee at one of its depots. The company had failed to meet their basic legal obligations and as a result, one of their employees has suffered significant injuries

The company pleaded guilty to four offences under health and safety laws at the local Magistrates Court and was ordered to pay a total of £776,286.30. This includes a fine of £760,000 and £16,286.30 prosecution costs.

The case followed an incident in April 2022, in which an employee was buried under a pallet of frozen chips that fell on him as he walked into the freezer, leaving him with multiple serious injuries.

An investigation by the enforcement team identified that the RIDDOR report submitted by the company was inaccurate.

The initial report alleged that a 28-year-old employee had only suffered a broken ankle, however it was later discovered that the full extent of the injuries sustained was much more severe.

The employee suffered multiple injuries which required intensive care and underwent a total of three operations. It would then take a further three months before the employee could return home with the help of a support worker.

The investigation showed that on the morning of 15 April 2022, space was restricted in the freezer warehouse, leading to two pallets of frozen food being stacked on top of each other. When the employee walked into the freezer the top pallet fell onto him.

Further investigation showed that the way in which goods were stacked had not been assessed and a Prohibition Notice was issued to prevent this from happening again.

Following a health and safety inspection of the site, four Improvement Notices were also served due to:

  • The lack of suitable and sufficient risk assessments for stacking of goods.
  • The lack of separation of pedestrians and vehicles for both employees and visitors to the site.
  • Failing to ensure that racking was maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order, and in good repair.

For assured industry guidance or specific OSH queries, we are here to help and support our members,  please contact simonbrentnall@bfff.co.uk for further information.

BUSINESS SPONSORS CONFIRMED FOR CHARITY BALL

Posted on by hayley.smith@oakland-international.com

Children’s charity the Oakland Foundation has announced its sponsors for their upcoming Charity Ball taking place at the Crowne Plaza, Stratford Upon Avon on Saturday 28th September.

Crowne Plaza in addition to supporting the event, hosted by family business and total supply chain solutions provider Oakland International, will also be sponsoring the guests’ drinks reception for the evening.

Oakland Foundation trustee Luke Attwell expressed his gratitude: “We want to extend a massive thank you to all who are attending the Charity Ball and offer our thanks to Oakland International, the Crowne Plaza and to our sponsors SPAR UK, Renault, Coolways, Avanti Packaging, R Recruitment, and IMA Cooling Systems, whose generous support is vital in making this event so successful.

“As well as creating and gaining business awareness and participation, we are hoping to raise as much money as we can for the Foundation from the evening.”

The Oakland Foundation supports children under the age of 16 and their families through initiatives based around education, health and nutrition, and sport, with their aim to ensure children, irrespective of social background or physical ability, can participate.

The Oakland Foundation has funded projects worth more than £475,000 aimed at supporting underprivileged children and strives to enhance the lives of even more young people by raising awareness and collaborating with more businesses on specific projects and targeted initiatives.

“We are technically sold out for the event, which is amazing news, however the venue has been very accommodating in trying to make room for the odd couple of spaces from those still keen to attend closer to the event, so please do get in touch!” added Luke.

Enquiries about the event can be sent to: charityball@oakland-international.com and for more information about the work of the charity please visit:  www.oakland-foundation.com