With its ambitious climate protection strategy, the KHS Group is steadily driving the reduction in its carbon emissions. One key milestone here is its recent validation by the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi). On this basis, the company is now implementing specific measures to cut emissions.
Following confirmation by the SBTi of the climate goals it shares with parent company Salzgitter AG, the Dortmund systems supplier has set itself a number of ambitious targets. For example, it has now pledged to reduce its direct and indirect Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 36 % in the near future – by 2028. Moreover, the emissions generated throughout its entire value chain (Scope 3) are to drop by 20 %. “Our responsibility goes beyond our own production plants. We supply our customers with holistic solutions that measurably improve their climate footprint,” says Kai Acker, CEO of KHS GmbH.
The key: efficient and renewable energies
KHS has already fully converted to green electricity at all of its German production sites and is continuously optimising its infrastructure. Measures such as efficient heating and lighting systems, use of waste heat, heat-efficient factory doors and intelligent building automation have in part already been implemented. At the company headquarters in Dortmund, Germany, for instance, modern, sensor-controlled LED technology is cutting electricity consumption. Parallel to this, the vehicle fleet is being switched over to electric models. KHS is also replacing fossil fuels with renewable sources of energy: for the plants in Dortmund and Worms, the engineering company is even planning to introduce its own heating networks in order to do away completely with gas and oil. In addition, photovoltaic systems at various German facilities are helping to reduce the amount of energy and CO2 consumed. Further PV setups are also in the pipeline at KHS’ international locations.
Innovations for more climate-friendly production
Besides cutting its own carbon emissions, KHS is also helping its customers to cut theirs. One good example of this is the new generation of InnoPET Blomax stretch blow molders. With its optimised Double Gate heating system, it lowers energy consumption by up to 40 % compared to single-lane stretch blow molders of the same capacity. The Innopas SX pasteuriser considerably reduces water consumption by making use of optimised heat recovery systems. Furthermore, KHS’ Bottles & Shapes™ service enables extremely light PET bottles to be designed that use less material. This means that customers save on precious resources.
Net zero by 2050 at the latest
Above and beyond its short-term targets, together with Salzgitter AG KHS pledges to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 at the latest, with this date even brought forward to 2045 as regards its Scope 1 and 2 emissions. “The next few years are key to us firmly staying the course we’ve embarked on and becoming climate-neutral in production in the long term,” says Acker. “I’m absolutely convinced that we’ll meet our ambitious climate goals.”
The festive period is the most popular time for couples to conceive according to the Office for National Statistics1
As the seasonal baby boom begins, nine out of ten women will have marginal or low levels of folate – a vital nutrient which protects the foetus2
According to the NHS, expectant mothers can need up to 10 times more folate during pregnancy than the average adult to help their baby develop normally3
Dietitian, Dr Frankie Phillips, shares three simple but effective dietary tips for expectant mothers to boost their folate levels
Research by the University of Southampton has highlighted a concerning trend: nine out of ten women will have marginal or low levels of folate and other vital nutrients around the time of conception.2
Folate, also known as vitamin B9, can be found in a range of food and drinks and is essential during pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects, like spina bifida. The average adult needs 200 micrograms of folate a day, but pregnant women need at least double this dose due to the demands of pregnancy. According to the NHS, some expectant mothers can even require up to 10 times the average adult recommendation.3
This common deficiency can extend into late pregnancy, potentially impacting the health of both mother and child. According to healthcare professionals, symptoms of a folate deficiency can include fatigue, pins and needles, mouth ulcers, and a sore red tongue.2
A developing baby needs folate to make healthy new cells, and to make genetic materials (DNA and RNA). Deficiency in the early stages of pregnancy can harm the neural tube which protects the spinal cord – affecting more than 1000 pregnancies a year in the UK. More generally, the health benefits of folate include encouraging the production of red blood cells in bone marrow, which is vital during periods of growth and development such as pregnancy, infancy and adolescence.
As the winter months herald the season of festive celebrations, they also mark the beginning of the most popular time of year for conception, evidenced by September’s leading birth rates.1 Dr Frankie Phillips, a registered dietitian with over 20 years’ experience, highlights the importance of optimal nutrition during family planning and pregnancy.
Dr Frankie Phillips comments: “Folate is needed for many important processes in the body, including helping form healthy red blood cell and contributing to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.A 150ml glass of 100 % orange juice is a recognised source of folate and a convenient, affordable way to help achieve daily nutrient requirements.”
For women who think they may be suffering with low folate levels, Dr Phillips recommends a few simple but effective ways to incorporate more folate into your diet.
Three steps to incorporate folate-rich food and drinks into your diet:
Drink a daily glass of 100% Orange Juice: Whether you buy a bottle from the shop or crank up the juicer at home, pure orange juice is a great source of folate and provides essential minerals like potassium, magnesium, and iron, according to a new Spanish study.4 Just one glass of orange juice a day is a recognised source of folate.
Include Leafy Greens: Incorporate folate-rich leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and broccoli into your diet to support foetal development and overall health. Try adding a handful of spinach to stews or curries and stir-frying broccoli stems with lean beef and soy sauce.
Add Legumes to Meals: Include peas, lentils, chickpeas, and beans in your diet, as they are excellent sources of folate. For example, just one cup of cooked lentils contains 90 % of the daily recommendation. Legumes are also rich in protein, fibre and antioxidants.5
Researchers, Dr Montana Camara and Dr Laura Dominguez, who recently published a study on the vitamin and mineral content of orange juice, noted: ” Folate is an essential mineral supporting foetal development by helping to release energy from the mother’s diet, and promoting normal development of the nervous system, especially during conception and pregnancy.”
Their study found that packaged fruit juices were a good source of folate, potassium and vitamin C.
Almost 9 in 10 (89 %) parents across the UK are concerned that their children aren’t getting enough vitamins and minerals in their everyday diets, according to a new study.
The study, which surveyed parents across Great Britain, suggests the rising cost of living is partly to blame, with over 1 in 3 (38 %) saying food and drink rich in vitamins and minerals can be expensive to buy. The survey also revealed almost half (47 %) of British parents have no clear idea what foods or drinks their children are consuming at school – making it difficult to ensure they are maintaining a healthy, balanced diet.
However, the study also revealed a lack of awareness among parents about the levels of essential vitamins and minerals in everyday staples such as fruit juice – which are inexpensive and easy to consume as part of children’s daily routine.
Fruit juice is an easy, affordable way for children to get a head start on key nutrients*: for example, a standard 150 ml glass of orange juice provides more than 90 % of the recommended vitamin C intake. A recent study published in the journal, Nutrition Research Reviews, found that 100 % fruit juice currently provides over a quarter (26 %) of the vitamin C intake for children across the UK, with the average child consuming just two to three small glasses a week.
While most Brits recognise that orange and other fruit juices are a good source of vitamin C – essential for a healthy immune system, skin health, and helping to increase iron absorption – the research revealed that many parents are unaware of the added health benefits provided by fruit juice which contains vitamins, minerals and plant bioactives.
For example, 9 in ten parents are unaware that orange juice contains folate – proven to support normal immune health and helping to reduce tiredness and fatigue. The majority of UK parents (87 %) also don’t know that orange juice contains potassium, a mineral which supports normal muscle function – helping children to stay fit and active.
The study revealed the small amount of calories in a typical small glass of fruit juice – just 20-40 kcal per day or 1-2 % of a child’s average daily calorie intake. Almost half (46 %) of parents across the UK mistakenly think fruit juice contains added sugar, despite the fact that 100 % fruit juice never contains added sugars, colours or preservatives and cannot be diluted with water under UK and European law.
Leading nutritionist and dietitian, Dr Carrie Ruxton, said: “Children’s health remains a top priority for parents across the country. However, with continuing financial pressures and uncertainty around kids’ food consumption at school, parents are finding it hard to keep track of what their children are eating and encourage healthier food choices.
“Although promoting and maintaining the health of your kids may feel like stressful at times, there are easy, affordable ways to ensure your children are fighting fit, and armed with all the vitamins and minerals they need. A simple first step is ensuring your kids have a daily glass of orange juice, which not only provides up 90% of the vitamin C recommendation per day** but is packed with a wide range of nutrients and antioxidants to support immunity, energy levels and active lives.”
Carrie Ruxton’s top five easy, quick and affordable ways to keep children healthy are:
Drinking Daily Juice: Giving children a daily glass of 100 % orange juice with breakfast will naturally increase their intakes of vitamin C, folate and potassium to support normal immune health and muscle function. It doesn’t matter whether you buy a carton of fruit juice or squeeze it at home – both are rich in vitamin C.
Fibre-tastic: Fibre is an essential nutrient to encourage the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and promote healthy digestion. An affordable way to weave this into your kids’ diets is to swap sugary breakfast cereals for wheat biscuits or bran flakes, or add peas, beans or sweetcorn to evening meals.
Taste the rainbow: Aim to give your kids five portions of fruit and vegetables every day. Try adding blended or grated veg into pasta sauces, or bananas to sweeten desserts. Buying frozen veggies and fruit is an affordable way to preserve key ingredients for longer.
Delicious Dairy: Yogurt drinks and desserts are often a good source of calcium and vitamin D for children, which are important for growth and maintaining strong bones. They are also relatively affordable when brought in multi-packs.
Get fishy: Giving children a portion of oily fish each week will provide inflammatory omega-3 fats to improve brain function, alongside key bone strengthening nutrients such as zinc and selenium. Tinned fish such as tuna is affordable, has a long shelf life, and is an easy after school meal served with pasta, sweetcorn and mayonnaise.
*Walton J & Kehoe L (2024) Current perspectives and challenges in the estimation of fruit juice consumption across the lifecycle in Europe – PubMed (nih.gov). ** Salar FJ et al. (2024) Comparison of vitamin C and flavanones between freshly squeezed orange juices and commercial 100% orange juices from four European countries – PubMed (nih.gov)
A recent study reveals that natural sugars found in fruit juice appear to support physical recovery after exercise
Cloudy apple juice was found to recover the intestinal barrier function more quickly than other drinks – this helps to support recovery
The body’s stress makers reduced more quickly in recovery after drinking fruit juice when compared with other beverages
The study, led by Dr Patrick Diel, shines a light on the potential health benefits of fruit juice for fitness enthusiasts
Drinking fruit juice could help the body recover more quickly after intense physical activity such as long-distance running, according to a new study.
The peer-reviewed study, published in international journal, Nutrients, found that while added sugars can have a negative impact on the intestinal barrier after exercise, the naturally occurring sugars and polyphenols (plant compounds) found in fruit juice seem to support a more balanced recovery.
While it’s common to reach for a sugary sports drink during or after exercise, scientists have known for some time that added sugars can cause problems with the intestinal barrier – a critical part of our immune defence. A leaky intestinal barrier can lead to harmful bacteria crossing from the gut into the blood which stimulates inflammation. This, then, increases the risk of overtraining syndrome and metabolic conditions such as endotoxemia – where the body has a toxic reaction to bacteria.
The study, led by Dr Patrick Diel, was set up to find out whether fruit juices caused the same inflammatory effect as sugar-sweetened drinks.
The researchers looked at the gut health of runners before and after an ultramarathon. They compared the impact of drinking diluted cloudy apple juice with a test drink which mimicked a typical sugary sports drink. This contained identical amounts of sugar but not the polyphenols and other fruit complexes naturally found in juice.
The researchers found that, while both exercise and sugars can disrupt the intestinal barrier, the natural compounds found in fruit juice eased these effects*. Runners who drank the cloudy apple juice after the race recovered their intestinal barrier function more quickly than those who drank the sugar-sweetened test drink*.
Another part of the study on amateur runners found that drinking diluted cloudy apple juice after running influenced a protein called CD14 suggesting that the juice supported the body’s immune system. Furthermore, the study showed that runners who drank fruit juice reduced their stress markers more quickly compared with those who drank the sugar-sweetened test drink.
Dr Patrick Diel from German Sport University in Cologne, said: “The research comes at a timely moment for anyone inspired to get more active in the run up to the Olympic games, and these findings offer a fresh perspective how to best replenish our bodies. Simply diluting cloudy apple juice and drinking it after playing sports or exercising seems to be an easy and healthy option which supports both gut health and immune function”.
Award-winning dietitian, Dr Carrie Ruxton said: “To properly recover after exercise, our bodies need healthy carbohydrates. In light of these findings, I would encourage athletes, fitness enthusiasts and causal gym-goers to add a serving of around 150ml of cloudy apple juice to their sports bottle and top up with tap water for a low cost and effective sports drink. Not only will this mixture keep us hydrated, it also provides energy-giving natural sugars and polyphenols to promote optimal recovery.”
As with any dietary change, it is important to drink juice in moderation and as part of a balanced diet. However, these studies suggest that when it comes to supporting the body after an Olympic-inspired workout, cloudy apple juice is the perfect health hack.
*Valder, S. et al. Effect of Sugar- and Polyphenol-Rich, Diluted Cloudy Apple Juice on the Intestinal Barrier after Moderate Endurance Exercise and in Ultra-Marathon Runners. Nutrients 2024, 16, 1353. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16091353
Research into ultra-processed foods (UPF) and their role in today’s diet is becoming an increased focus for healthcare professionals. But with a range of studies emerging and differing opinions on the matter, it can be confusing for consumers to navigate what the broad term really means.
A recent study highlighted some of these misconceptions when almost half of respondents (45 %) said they wouldn’t be able to define or identify an ultra-processed food or beverage, and the same amount said they don’t know the difference between ultra-processed and minimally processed products.
Orange juice was highlighted as one of the most common misconceptions amongst Brits in the study, with 21 % believing the drink was ultra-processed, despite being minimally processed. In the same study, 19 % even said they avoid buying orange juice as they worry it sits in the UPF category.
Award-winning nutritionist and health writer, Dr Emma Derbyshire says: ‘Some of the misunderstandings around ultra-processed foods are resulting in consumers avoiding certain products which contain healthy benefits. Products like 100 % orange juice are essential in a balanced diet and provide essential vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin C and potassium, needed to help meet an individual’s nutrient needs.”
Top 5 orange juice truths:
Unlike ultra-processed products, 100 % orange juice contains no added sugars and cannot be diluted with water under European law
Fruit juice counts as one of your 5-a-day fruit and vegetables – a convenient and nutritious way to up your fruit intake
The high levels of vitamin C found naturally in fruit juice help the immune system to combat symptoms of common colds and illness and support normal skin health
Fruit juice contains potassium, which supports normal blood pressure
Drinking orange juice helps your body absorb iron from plant foods
Döhler, a global provider of natural ingredients, ingredient systems and integrated solutions, and Vertosa, the market-leading infusion technology company for cannabis and hemp products, announce a strategic research and development partnership for the food, beverage and nutrition industries. This partnership is set to spark a new wave of innovative life science products in the beverage sector.
While Vertosa will continue to handle its category leading Cannabis and Hemp infusions, Döhler will develop natural ingredients and ingredient blends to complement Vertosa’s offering. Those blends can contain everything from natural flavours, natural colours, juices, botanical extracts to sweetening solutions. Under the terms of the partnership, Vertosa will benefit from Döhler’s research, development and application expertise and its vast experience in the beverage space. This partnership will give Vertosa access to Döhler’s prime product portfolio and technologies to co-develop innovative beverage formulations and proprietary infusion technologies for successful lifestyle beverages.
Benjamin Larson, CEO of Vertosa, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership: “Through Döhler’s partnership, we’re not only gaining a treasury of knowledge but also the capabilities to co-create intellectual property that brings success for customers with a new range of life science beverages. This union is about more than innovation; it’s about setting the gold standard for what cannabis beverages can and should be.”
The collaboration includes an investment from Döhler Ventures, the company’s entrepreneurial investor, focused on startups within the global Nutrition & Technology ecosystem. Dr. Sebastian Dreher from Döhler Ventures adds, “We’re thrilled to support this collaboration. The investment reflects the long-term commitment to both the relationship and product categories, being driven by Vertosa’s professional management, thought leadership and market momentum.”
Both companies envision this partnership as a pioneering step toward a robust future for a new generation of life science beverages and beyond, combining Döhler’s global reach and natural ingredient and application expertise with Vertosa’s leading infusion technologies.
Paul Graham, CEO Döhler North America, emphasises, “Teaming up with Vertosa is a game-changer, propelling the market trend to new heights. By combining our expertise in natural ingredients with Vertosa’s infusion technology, we’re not just innovating, we’re leading the way together. It’s real, it’s authentic and it’s a step into a future where we explore the possibilities for enhanced and better drinks. We can’t wait for what is coming and we know it will be successful both ways.”
This collaboration is expected to elevate product development to new standards, offering consumers enhanced sensory experiences and supporting the rapid expansion of the cannabis and hemp ingredients in the beverage industry.
New study finds that 100 % fruit juice:
Accounts for up to 26 % of children’s vitamin C intake, and up to 19 % in adults
Contributes up to 4 % of daily potassium, which supports normal blood pressure
Provides up to 7 % of daily intake of folate which supports a healthy pregnancy
Only contributes up to 14 % of free sugar in people’s daily diets, compared with up to 92% from products containing added sugar such as soft drinks, biscuits, sweets, chocolate and cakes
(Photo: Fruit Juice Science Centre)
Drinking 100 % fruit juice has a negligible impact on daily calories but accounts for up to a quarter of children’s vitamin C intake and is an important source of other vital nutrients, according to a new study1 which highlights the importance of juice in a healthy diet.
Because fruit juice contains natural sugar, some policy makers and researchers have expressed concern that it could lead to weight gain, if consumed regularly. But a new analysis of national dietary surveys across 14 European countries for which data were available, found that people who drink fruit juice consume on average just 137 g per day, lower than the recommended serving size of 150 – 200 ml2 that exists in some countries.
This equated to just 20 – 40kcal per day, or 1 – 2 % of a child’s or adult’s average daily energy intake, which would not be expected to have an impact on body weight.
In contrast, the average daily serving of 100 % fruit juice across each age group across Europe was enough to make a significant contribution to daily intakes of vitamin C, which is vital for immune function and boosts iron absorption.
The study, published in the journal, Nutrition Research Reviews, found that fruit juice was responsible for 4 – 20 % of daily vitamin C intake in infants, 6 – 26 % in children, 8 – 20 % in teenagers, 8 – 19 % in adults and 6 – 19 % in older adults.
The study’s lead author, Dr Janette Walton from Munster Technological University in Cork, said: “Fruit juice is a major contributor to vitamin C intakes in children and adults. Given that too few people eat the recommended 5-a-day of fruit and vegetables, fruit juice is a convenient and nutritious food in the diet”.
The researchers also found that fruit juice accounted for 2 – 4 % of daily potassium, which supports normal blood pressure and has been found to be lacking in people’s diets according to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), and 1 – 7 % of daily intake of folate which supports a healthy pregnancy and is commonly too low in the diets of most women of childbearing age.
Meanwhile, the natural sugar in 100 % fruit juice, which comes entirely from the fruit, contributed to just 2 – 14 % of free sugar in people’s daily diets, compared with 48 – 92 % which is estimated to come from “optional” products containing added sugar such as soft drinks, biscuits, sweets, chocolate and cakes.
(Photo: Fruit Juice Science Centre)
Unlike sodas, nectars or other drinks, 100 % fruit juice never contains added sugars and cannot be diluted with water under European law.
Dr Walton continued: “Our findings showed only a modest contribution of fruit juice to free sugars. In contrast, a recent review found that sweet foods and drinks with added sugars are the major sources of added sugars across Europe, contributing half to more than 90 % of intakes).
“This highlights the importance of targeting sugar reduction strategies for discretionary/’top-shelf’ foods which are not recommended in food-based dietary guidelines. Unlike fruit juice whose composition is controlled by law, these types of products can be legally reformulated to reduce their sugar content”.
More broadly, the authors of the study highlighted the lack of data on 100% fruit juice consumption in many countries in Europe, such as Germany, which they said makes it difficult to set Europe-wide policies without an accurate view of normal consumption levels.
1Walton J & Kehoe L (2024) Current perspectives and challenges in the estimation of fruit juice consumption across the lifecycle in Europe – PubMed (nih.gov) 2Equivalent to 150 – 200 g since 1 gram = 1 ml.
Scientists in Germany have discovered a new ‘super’ apple juice which has the potential to improve heart health by boosting blood flow1.
Researchers at Hochschule Geisenheim University, near Frankfurt, have found a way to maximise polyphenols in apple juice by using a novel squeezing method called a spiral filter press which actively takes out oxygen by vacuum-driven pressing. Moreover, they ensured that oxygen is excluded from all other processing steps, therefore reducing nutrient deterioration.
The new study, published in Food Research International, found that this new method boosted polyphenol content by four times as much as regular apple juice. Polyphenols are natural plant compounds found in fruit, red wine, and cocoa which are known to have a range of health benefits for the heart and brain.
A 280 ml serving of the new apple juice would be enough to provide 100 % of the ideal intake for a key group of polyphenols, called flavan-3-ols, which help promote a healthy blood flow. The ideal intake of 400 – 600 milligrams per day for cardiovascular health was proposed by an international consortium of scientists in 20222.
The British Heart Foundation estimates that there are 7.6m people living in the UK with heart or circulatory diseases3. Meanwhile, data from the 2021 census show that 32 % of adults suffered from high blood pressure (hypertension) and 3 in 10 of those (29 %) were undiagnosed; equating to approximately 4.2 million adults with undiagnosed hypertension4.
Lead author of the paper, Professor Ralf Schweiggert, commented: “Apple juice is already a source of polyphenol compounds, but you would need to drink several glasses to reach the levels recommended by scientists for heart health effects. The new juicing method that we’ve investigated takes the polyphenol content to a new level by minimising the nutrient losses we typically see during juicing.”
Co-Researcher of the study, Stefan Dussling, said: “Nutrient losses are commonly due to the presence of oxygen which quickly degrades some of the nutrients in apple juice like flavan-3-ols or vitamin C. This would happen when we juice apples at home or buy a ready-made product. We hope that the new juicing method will be used more widely in the future to help people get more of these beneficial natural compounds simply by drinking one glass of juice”.
Millions of Brits could be more susceptible to winter cold and flu as they are not stocking their fridges and cupboards with the right food and drink due to not knowing the vitamins and minerals that can help improve their immunity, a new study has revealed.
A survey of UK adults by the Fruit Juice Science Centre and Savanta ComRes found that while most (84 %) correctly identified vitamin C as a key nutrient for optimal immunity, many weren’t able to identify the other vitamins and minerals which can help guard against winter illnesses.
When asked which nutrients can help natural immunity, fewer than four in 10 (38 %) correctly identified Iron, commonly found in foods such as red meat, lentils and spinach, while even fewer (32 %) chose vitamin E, which is contained in nuts and seeds, grapefruit juice and red peppers.
Selenium (9 %), found in eggs and poultry, and folate (8 %), found in many green vegetables and 100 % orange juice, were other immunity-boosting nutrients that few consumers know can help guard against flu. Copper (7 %), often found in shellfish and beans, was the least recognised of nutrients with government-backed immunity claims.
Despite three quarters (76 %) of Brits knowing that diet impacts natural immunity, this lack of understanding around vitamins and minerals means many are unsure which food groups they should be consuming. Only half (51 %) identified that 100 % fruit juice and smoothies can support immunity, with 46 % selecting fish and proteins such as beans and eggs. Just one in five (21 %) identified meat as a good source of the key immunity nutrients, iron and zinc.
The research also demonstrated the lasting impact that Covid-19 has had on our approach to winter illness. 55 % of Brits expect to catch a cold or flu this winter, which equates to more than 22 million people. Of these, 45 % will self-isolate if they develop a cold or flu, while 43 % will wear a mask.
Concerningly, more than a third of Brits (35 %) said they would still go into work despite being ill, raising the prospect of offices becoming hotbeds of sickness, while a quarter (26 %) said they wouldn’t wash their hands more frequently if they caught a winter illness.
Leading nutritionist, Dr Emma Derbyshire, commented: “Winter illnesses will hit many of us this year as we return to normal social situations yet it’s clear from this new survey that some are taking their eye off the ball on handwashing and staying at home to avoid infecting others. Whilst having a healthy diet can’t stop viruses, it can help us get over respiratory illnesses faster by supporting our natural immunity. An easy first step is drinking a daily glass of orange juice – just 28% of consumers understand it doesn’t contain any added sugar – which is a convenient and effective source of vitamin C and folate, both proven to support normal immune function”.
Emma Derbyshire’s five nutrition tips for winter immunity are:
Drink a daily glass of 100 % orange juice to naturally boost your intake of vitamin C and folate.
Aim for at least 5 daily servings of fruit and vegetables for their vitamin A content.
Choose wholegrain breakfast cereals, bread and rice as the fibre will promote friendly species of gut bacteria – a first line of defence against winter illnesses.
Have one serving of oily fish weekly which is rich in calming omega-3 fats and immune-supporting vitamin D.
Take a handful of Brazil nuts as a snack as these are high in selenium.
Aiming to provide fresh insights towards the company’s journey to develop the most sustainable food package
Tetra Pak has commenced ground-breaking research towards advancing fibre-based sustainable food packaging, in collaboration with MAX IV – the most modern synchrotron1 radiation laboratory in the world. The research aims to uncover fresh insights into the nanostructure of fibre materials, with the first application to optimise the composition of materials used for paper straws.
This is the very first industrial research and development experiment at ForMAX, a brand new research station dedicated to studying materials from the forest, located at the MAX IV Laboratory in Lund, Sweden.
As the global demand for safe, nutritious food intensifies, and the scarcity of raw materials increases, the need to develop more sustainable packaging solutions that use less of these scarce resources has become urgent. New materials based on paper will bring novel opportunities, but they need to remain food safe, recyclable, be more durable against liquids and humidity, while meeting the increased sustainability demands.
Eva Gustavsson, Vice President Materials & Package, Tetra Pak, says: “A fundamental understanding of the structure and properties of materials is crucial as we work towards developing the package of the future. Our ambition is to provide the world’s most sustainable food package, and experiments at ForMAX will clearly support us in this mission.
“The package of the future needs to be fully recyclable and have a low environmental impact. Using renewable materials and increasing the use of fibre-based material within packages will be vital. With this research, Tetra Pak is helping to uncover fresh insights into plant-based materials as a basis for future innovations.”
Kim Nygård, Manager, ForMAX beamline, MAX IV says: “The experiment conducted at ForMAX is a milestone for both academia and industry. The research station is the first of its kind and will facilitate both fundamental and applied industrial research on how new, sustainable materials can be used going forward. We are proud to support Tetra Pak in its development of sustainable packaging materials for the future.”
About Tree search The construction of ForMAX has been funded by the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, and the operating costs are funded by the industry through Treesearch, a national collaborative platform for academic and industrial research in new materials from the forest. As an industrial partner in Treesearch, Tetra Pak is one of the initiators and facilitators of ForMAX.
1Synchrotron radiation is the electromagnetic radiation emitted when charged particles travel in curved paths perpendicular to their velocity
Barry Callebaut, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of high-quality chocolate and cocoa products, leverages its deep scientific knowledge of the cacaofruit and the fruit’s supportive health effect, by presenting the first nutraceutical fruit drink. The new cacaofruit elixir – made from 100 % pure cacaofruit – has a zesty fruity taste. By unlocking the power of science, the elixir is uniquely crafted to preserve the nutrients of the cacaofruit.
The cacaofruit naturally contains the required amount of flavanols to optimize the blood flow across the entire body. It is a good source of iron, magnesium and potassium. Besides the 100 % pure cacaofruit elixir, combinations with herbs and other fruits can be explored to enrich the range with beautiful taste combinations and additional nutrients. The nutraceutical fruit drink contributes to personal as well environmental health. Since it upcycles the whole cacaofruit, ‘Elix’ positively impacts nature and communities.
Gen X believe they need to nurture their nature
Covid accelerated consumers’ interest in the beauty of food and the beneficial health effects of eating and living well. Generation X –born between the mid-1960s and the early-1980s – believe they need to nurture their nature. To keep their body and mind strong, they look out for whole foods that are scientifically proven to actively support their health. They are well informed about which, and what amount, of macro- and micro nutrients to consume.
The cacaofruit elixir has been tested and validated through consumer research by independent global research agency MMR in the UK and the US. As part of these studies Elix’s consumer appeal and purchase intent have been tested, indicating a high interest in the new nutraceutical fruit drink category.
Promoting circulatory health
The health effects of cacaofruit flavanols have been studied by experts across the globe for decades and they have found sound scientific proof of their benefits on human health and wellness. Barry Callebaut’s deep scientific knowledge of the cacaofruit and the effect of the fruit’s flavanols on circulatory health are recognized by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), which resulted in the approval of the related health claim under the EU Nutrition and Health Claims regulation. Approval by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is pending in spring 2022. Cacaofruit flavanols help maintain the elasticity of blood vessels which benefits the blood flow to, for example, organs such as the heart, muscles, brain, and skin.
The science of cacaofruit
Composed of almost 20,000 different types of molecules, the seed of the cacaofruit is one of the most complex food substances on earth. The R&D behind the cacaofruit elixir ‘Elix’ took Barry Callebaut more than 15 years. In addition, there is data available from more than 100 human clinical studies which provide sound scientific proof of the health effects of the cacaofruit flavanols.
$15 million investment to strengthen Donaldson’s material science capabilities
Donaldson Company, Inc., a leading worldwide manufacturer of innovative filtration products and solutions, broke ground on a $15 million Material Research Center at its corporate headquarters in Bloomington, Minnesota.
As customers’ equipment and technology advance, Donaldson’s engineering, technology and operations staffs continually develop original solutions that anticipate and exceed these evolving requirements. The company currently holds more than 1,800 active U.S. and international patents, has over 100 technical laboratories and employs hundreds of engineers, scientists and technicians.
Research and development investments like the Material Research Center help Donaldson attract the technical talent necessary for Donaldson’s success in innovation and commercialization of materials and technologies.
With the addition of the Material Research Center, Donaldson will add six researchers and engineers to the company’s headquarters population of 1,100 employees. The architect for the planned 17,000-square-foot building is TKDA and the construction company is Gardner Builders. The Center is scheduled to open in November 2019.
