As the functional drinks category continues to grow rapidly around the globe, sustainability is becoming a key differentiator alongside health benefits, ingredient transparency, and brand authenticity. CCL Labels, a global leader in label and packaging solutions, supports beverage brands with innovative, sustainability-driven technologies designed to enhance recyclability, enable circular packaging, and respond to the latest functional drink trends.

The global functional beverage market, mainly driven by developments in the United States, is evolving beyond traditional energy and sports drinks. Consumer demand for targeted wellness solutions is driving growth in probiotic and prebiotic beverages supporting gut health, protein-enriched drinks for nutrition and satiety, and hard refreshers and better-for-you alcoholic beverages that combine enjoyment with mindful consumption. These products are often packaged in glass or PET bottles, cans, or flexible formats – making packaging compatibility with recycling systems increasingly critical.

Label and packaging technologies designed for circularity

CCL Labels offers a broad portfolio of solutions that help reduce environmental impact while maintaining the performance and shelf appeal required in the functional drinks segment. Key sustainability-focused technologies include:

• EcoFloat^® WHITE, a floatable label solution that separates efficiently from PET during recycling, supporting high-quality recyclate while delivering the lightblocking in the sleeve – enabling brands with light-sensitive products to move from opaque containers to transparent PET containers that are recycled in a closed loop.
• EcoShear^®, a pressure-sensitive label technology engineered to shear cleanly from glass containers during the sorting and recycling process, helping to minimize contamination in recycling streams.
• WashOff labels, designed to detach reliably during standard washing processes of reurnable glass or PET bottles, enabling early removal of labels and adhesives in re-use and re-fill schemes.
• EcoStream^® PSL labels, which are removed cleany and efficietly in one piece during recycling, supporting clean separation from PET bottles and improving recyclate purity.
• Monomaterial pouches for drinks, designed to support recyclability by using a single material structure, offering a lightweight and resource-efficient alternative for emerging functional beverage formats.

Together, these solutions help beverage brands improve material recovery, reduce waste, and move closer to closed-loop packaging systems.

Arla Foods Ingredients has launched a new ready-to-stir beta-lactoglobulin (BLG) solution to improve convenience and acceptability for patients needing protein-enriched medical nutrition.

Up to 50 % of hospital patients suffer from malnutrition, which is associated with longer hospital stays, poor quality of life, increased mortality and higher healthcare costs.¹ Yet motivating patients with reduced appetites to consume sufficient protein through oral nutrition supplements is a challenge. Global surveys have shown that half fail to comply with their medical nutrition plans, with product taste and texture highlighted as opportunities for improvement.²

The medical nutrition market is dominated by highly standardised, milky ready-to-drink (RTD) and powder applications. These are typically formulated with neutral pH ingredients, which patients can find heavy and unrefreshing, while juice-style options are limited to RTDs. Patients and healthcare professionals alike are seeking a wider choice of flexible, convenient and appetising formats that can be easily mixed with everyday foods and drinks.³

Arla Foods Ingredients’ new Lacprodan^® BLG-100 Acidic whey protein for ready-to-stir powder applications provides 10 g of high-quality protein per 100ml serving. Due to its superior solubility, it offers excellent functionality for technically challenging, ready-to-stir powder applications that can be mixed with a spoon as well as shaken. Delivering a great, refreshing taste with no bitterness, low astringency and low viscosity without gelling, it dissolves in just 30 seconds in warm or cold applications without clumping.

Lacprodan^® BLG-100 Acidic can be used in both nutritionally complete and incomplete applications, including refreshing juice-style and milky options. The flexible powder format enables easier dosage of the recommended daily medical nutrition prescription, with the final volume adjustable by varying the amount of water added.

Offering outstanding purity and a superior amino acid profile, it is high in all nine essential amino acids and rich in leucine, which stimulates muscle protein synthesis, as indicated by scientific studies.^4,5,6 This makes it ideal for patients with reduced appetites, and supports those at increased risk of losing muscle mass.

Mads Dyrvig, Head of Sales Development, Specialised Nutrition at Arla Foods Ingredients, said: “Too many hospital patients lack the nutrition to support their recovery from illness. Yet the conventional milky taste and heavy texture of many medical nutrition products can inhibit compliance, with patients often looking for a wider variety of formats. Lacprodan^® BLG-100 Acidic creates new opportunities for appealing foods and beverages for special medical purposes, enabling nourishing, varied and convenient options for reduced appetites. Delivering pleasant taste and mouthfeel, it offers exceptional functionality and versatility, enabling higher-quality protein and more variety for patients.”

To showcase the potential of Lacprodan^® BLG-100 Acidic, Arla Foods Ingredients has created two convenient, ready-to-stir powder application concepts. For nutritionally incomplete products, its ready-to-stir juice-style medical drink represents a unique market opportunity, with no comparable solutions currently available. Meanwhile, a complete milky RTD beverage offers patients a refreshing alternative to existing milky options.

Both concepts can also be mixed into a range of foods and beverages, including milk, porridge, and soup, to conveniently boost protein intake at any time of day.

¹World Health Organization, Regional Office for Europe, “Disease-related malnutrition: a time for action”, 2023. https://www.who.int/europe/publications/i/item/WHO-EURO-2023-8931-48703-723 92
²FMCG Gurus’ Medical Nutrition Insights database, Brazil, China, France, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Spain, UK, US, Vietnam, 2023; Qualitative study on medical nutrition, Lindberg International, China, Germany, UK, US, 2024
³FMCG Gurus’ Medical Nutrition Insights database, Brazil, China, France, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Spain, UK, US, Vietnam, 2023; Qualitative study on medical nutrition, Lindberg International, China, Germany, UK, US, 2024
⁴Anthony JC, Anthony TG, Kimball SR, Jefferson LS. Signaling Pathways Involved in Translational Control of ProteinSynthesis in Skeletal Muscle by Leucine. Journal of Nutrition. 2001;131(3):856S‑860S.
⁵Holowaty MNH, Lees MJ, Abou Sawan S, et al. Leucine ingestion promotes mTOR translocation to the periphery and enhances RPS6 phosphorylation in human skeletal muscle. Amino Acids. 2023;55:253–261.
⁶Churchward-Venne et al. Supplementation of a suboptimal protein dose with leucine or essential amino acids: effects on myofibrillar protein synthesis at rest and following resistance exercise in men. J Physiol. 2012 Mar 25;590(Pt 11):2751–2765. doi: 10.1113/jphysiol.2012.228833).

SternVitamin, a global supplier of micronutrient premixes, will present two innovations and an expanded product portfolio at Gulfood Manufacturing from November 4 to 6, 2025, in Dubai. This underlines SternVitamin’s expertise in a wide range of applications for functional foods and beverages, as well as its trend-based development of premix solutions.

SternDe-Stress & Relax-Premix: focus on mental health

According to the market research institute Innova, one of the top trends in 2025 in the beverage and food sector is the topic of “mental health”.¹ Sleep and stress are particularly important: Worldwide, 34 % said they wanted to improve their sleep through food or drinks, and 30 % said they consume foods at least once a month to relax and reduce stress.² With the SternDe-Stress & Relax Premix, SternVitamin is responding to exactly this trend: B vitamins, vitamin D, zinc, magnesium, and selenium support a strong nervous system and counteract stress-related changes in the immune system. The lemon balm leaf extract also has a relaxing effect.

A wide variety of applications are suitable for the SternDe-Stress & Relax premix, including juice drinks. Due to the warm climate and the local variety of fruits, these are in high demand in the Middle East/Africa region. For example, juices and smoothies are the most popular drinks there, and they are even ahead of water or coffee.³ 36 % of consumers in the region also say that the claim “enriched with vitamins and minerals” influences their decision to buy juices.⁴

Clear Proteinshake made from pea protein supports physical performance

The Clear Proteinshake, which has been developed based on pea protein hydrolysate by the sister company SternLife, contains the premix solution SternActive from SternVitamin. Thus, it offers a high protein source of 68 g per 100 g of powder. To support hydration during or after exercise, calcium, magnesium, and sodium are included, which restore electrolyte balance. Vitamin C, D3, iron, zinc, and selenium also support the immune system, while vitamins B2, B6, and B12 provide energy and reduce tiredness and fatigue. Sugar-free and with a refreshing, tropical taste, the Clear Proteinshake supports physical performance.

^1,2,4Innova Market Insights: Top Consumer Health Trends 2025
³Innova Market Insights: Juice Trends in the Middle East & Africa

SternVitamin, a global supplier of micronutrient premixes, introduces its new premix solution, SternWoman Cycle Support. This premix was developed to support women throughout all phases of their cycle. It contains micronutrients that are important for a wide range of metabolic pathways but are often below the recommended intake levels for women. With the new premix and its campaign on reproductive health and general well-being, the company is continuing to focus on women’s health. SternVitamin’s micronutrient experts support producers of fortified foods and beverages, as well as nutritional supplements, to develop innovative products tailored to specific target groups.

Cycle Health – More than just a trend

Worldwide, it is estimated that two-thirds of women of childbearing age are affected by a deficiency in at least one essential micronutrient.¹ These micronutrients perform key tasks in numerous physiological processes, including the female hormone cycle, where they help regulate endocrine functions. Since the menstrual cycle is controlled by complex hormonal regulatory circuits, cycle complaints, mood swings, skin problems, or low energy levels can be related to hormonal imbalance. Such an imbalance can also affect women’s general health. Therefore, a balanced hormone level is increasingly understood as the key to holistic well-being. For this reason, 36 % of women already take health supplements with vitamins and minerals that are tailored to the natural hormone cycle.²

SternWoman Cycle Support supports well-being throughout the menstrual cycle

The new Premix SternWoman Cycle Support provides women with micronutrients that perform important functions during the menstrual cycle. The B vitamins contained in the Premix solution contribute to hormone regulation and energy supply. Vitamin B6 in particular plays an important role in hormone regulation through its involvement in neurotransmitter synthesis and estrogen metabolism. Other micronutrients, such as folic acid, zinc, and iron, support physiological processes that are important for the functions of the reproductive system. Certain micronutrients, especially antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, help reduce oxidative stress and influence pro-inflammatory mechanisms in the body. Research suggests that they can therefore have a supportive effect and contribute to general well-being during menstruation – for example, in the case of typical complaints such as cramps, bloating, or headaches.

Greater awareness of well-being

Food, beverages, and dietary supplements designed specifically for women recorded global year-on-year growth of 18 % in June 2024.³ Products designed for women’s reproductive health showed average annual growth of 19 % worldwide between 2020 and 2025. This means they are growing faster than the overall market for dietary supplements, which saw a growth rate of 5 % over the same period.⁴

“Today’s generation of women has an open mindset – they are actively looking for ways to support their health and well-being,” says Anna Schäfer, Product Manager at SternVitamin. “SternVitamin’s service includes working with customers to develop new, creative product ideas that contain micronutrients as well as other components such as plant extracts.”

¹Stevens, G. A. et al.: Micronutrient deficiencies among preschool-aged children and women of reproductive age worldwide: a pooled analysis of individual-level data from population-representative surveys, Lancet Glob. Health, 2022.
²Innova Market Insights: Top Health and Nutrition Trends 2025, 2025.
³Innova Market Insights: Top 10 Food and Beverage Trends 2025, 2025.
⁴Innova Market Insights: Database Global July 2020 – June 2025.

Arla Foods Ingredients demonstrated how South American brands can use its Lacprodan^® and Nutrilac^® ProteinBoost whey proteins to create protein-enriched, ready-to-drink juice-style beverages.

The South American functional beverages market is expected to achieve a CAGR of 8.75 % between 2025 and 2030. Health trends are driving consumer demand for drinks with additional wellness benefits as well as great taste.1 This is reflected in the growing popularity of functional beverages with protein and energy claims.¹

A new Arla Foods Ingredients survey of 4,000 consumers in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Colombia found that great taste, naturalness, and high protein content were their primary considerations when purchasing food.2 When asked which products they would like to contain more protein, 31 % overall – and 40 % in Brazil – cited juices.

At the Softdrinks Tech event in São Paulo, Brazil, Arla Foods Ingredients highlighted how manufacturers can meet these needs using its Lacprodan^® and Nutrilac^® ProteinBoost solutions. These whey proteins enable the creation of refreshing, protein-enriched juice-style drinks with satiety benefits and great taste. Rich in all the essential amino acids, they deliver up to 6 % (15 g per 250 ml) protein, and allow on-pack protein health and nutrition claims.

Lacprodan^® clear whey protein isolates allow beverage, performance, and health brands to develop a clear, refreshing juice-style protein drink without the milky flavour of traditional ready-to-drink beverages. Fat-free and with only four ingredients, Lacprodan^® supports clean labels and zero-fat claims. It can be produced using UHT treatment, without homogenisation.

Nutrilac^® ProteinBoost whey protein offers pleasant viscosity and creamy mouthfeel, enabling dairies to innovate with refreshing products such as protein smoothies. It also supports low or zero-fat claims, increasing its appeal to health-conscious consumers. Made with patented microparticulation technology, Nutrilac^® ProteinBoost enables smooth protein addition with no technical challenges, requiring only heat treatment pasteurisation with homogenisation.

Easy to integrate into existing production lines, Arla Foods Ingredients’ whey protein solutions are ideal for a variety of applications and markets, such as:

• A nutritious, on-the-go boost for children
• A refreshing post-workout recovery drink
• A fortified breakfast juice for health-conscious consumers
• A nourishing drink for older consumers or patients with additional protein needs

Facundo Martin Cozzi, Application Project Manager, South America at Arla Foods Ingredients, said: “South American consumers are increasingly seeking juice-style drink alternatives that combine natural ingredients, excellent taste, and refreshment with protein benefits such as satiety. Lacprodan^® enables brands to combine the familiar taste of juice and the advantages of high-quality, clear whey protein isolates. For dairies, Nutrilac^® ProteinBoost allows for innovation with refreshing juice-style drinks boasting superb mouthfeel and creaminess. Our solutions are also easy to use, providing an accessible way for manufacturers to develop their product lines, increase sales, and capture market share in a fast-growing segment.”

¹Mordor Intelligence, ‘South America Functional Beverage Market & Share Analysis – Growth Trends & Forecasts (2025-2030), 2025
²‘Consumers in South America – Thoughts on Food and Whey Protein’ (Online quantitative survey by Arla Foods Ingredients, distributed by Lindberg International), 2025

Refresco, the global independent beverage solutions provider for Global, National and Emerging (GNE) brands and retailers in Europe, North America and Australia, publishes the Annual Report 2024 of Pegasus MidCo B.V., the entity owning Refresco Holding B.V.

The Annual Report, consisting of the Executive Board Report and the Financial Statements, is available for download on Refresco’s website: https://annualreport.refresco.com/

About Refresco
Refresco is the global independent beverage solutions provider for retailers and global, national and emerging brands with production in Europe, North America and Australia. Refresco offers an extensive range of product and packaging combinations from juices to carbonated soft drinks and mineral waters in carton, PET, Aseptic PET, cans and glass. Refresco continuously searches for new and alternative ways to improve the quality of its products and packaging combinations in line with consumer and customer demand, environmental responsibilities and market demand. Refresco is headquartered in Rotterdam, the Netherlands and has more than 14,500 employees.

The Food and Beverage Carton Alliance (FBCA), an association formed from the merger of two established organisations, announced its launch as a unified platform dedicated to advancing beverage cartons as essential, renewable, and circular packaging solutions.

The organisation is the result of the merger of ACE (The Alliance for Beverage Cartons and the Environment) and EXTR:ACT, two European associations that have championed beverage cartons as a sustainable packaging solution and the industry’s work in ensuring they are collected and recycled.

With a vision to expand beyond Europe, FBCA aspires to unite beverage carton manufacturers and their paperboard suppliers in driving sustainable packaging solutions that enhance food security, reduce waste, and advance low-carbon circular economies.

An ambition for a sustainable future

Food and beverage cartons as essential components of resilient food systems. By leveraging renewable resources and continuously improving their environmental performance, food and beverage cartons play a crucial role in extending the shelf life of perishable foods, reducing waste, and ensuring safety and quality for consumers worldwide.

“Our industry is working tirelessly in designing fully renewable and sustainable packaging solutions that meet the needs of both consumers and the planet,” Patrick Verhelst, President of the FBCA Board said. “We are excited to expand globally and champion the role of beverage cartons in building a more resilient, low-carbon future.”

New board announced

The newly elected FBCA Board representing its five founding members includes:

• Patrick Verhelst, President FBCA and Senior Director of Business Development, Elopak;
• Ulrika Wedberg, Vice President FBCA and Executive Vice-President Sustainability & Public Affairs, Billerud;
• Karina Boers, Head of Sustainability Development, SIG;
• Tamara Bullock, Director Corporate Affairs, Europe and Americas, Tetra Pak;
• Erik Hallberg, Vice-President Coating, Converting and Digital Technology, Stora Enso

“Through FBCA’s Global Centers of Expertise, Advocacy and Communications, we will provide the evidence and benchmarks needed to lead the way in sustainability progress,” said Annick Carpentier, FBCA Executive Director of Global Advocacy. “We look forward to working with global partners in driving a circular bioeconomy, maximising functionality and efficiency along the life cycle.”

FBCA unites industry leaders and global stakeholders in ensuring the long-term viability of a thriving food and beverage carton sector, optimising the performance of the life cycle of food and packaging systems. Together, FBCA will contribute its knowledge, expertise and leadership to develop robust regulatory frameworks for food packaging worldwide.

As a founding member of the industry association RecyPac, Emmi is working alongside its partners to launch a nationwide circular solution for plastic packaging and beverage cartons. The solution was launched in several Swiss municipalities in January 2025, enabling the standardised collection of packaging, including Emmi branded products such as Aktifit and good day. A significant milestone has been reached in the collective efforts to achieve a circular solution in Switzerland for these high-quality recyclable materials, demonstrating the continued progress Emmi is making in achieving its sustainability goals for sustainable packaging and in supporting the circular economy.

Numerous Emmi dairy products such as Aktifit, good day and raclette are already available on the market in recyclable plastic packaging or beverage cartons. Since January 2025, consumers in the city of Bern and the municipalities of Dietikon, Greifensee, Oetwil an der Limmat and Schlieren have been the first to be able to place recyclable packaging into a standardised collection system. This marks the first major milestone in the RecyPac collection initiative’s goal to develop a comprehensive, nationwide solution for the two recyclable materials.

“The standardised collection and recycling solution for plastic packaging and beverage cartons introduces the first nationwide solution. We are continuing our pioneering work to develop a practical, everyday solution for our consumers and are committed to supporting a circular economy in line with our sustainability goals,” explains Marc Heim, Executive Vice President Division Switzerland at Emmi.

Emmi Schweiz AG is a founding member of the non-profit organisation RecyPac. This industry association focuses on the development of a recycling system that involves all stakeholders along the value chain with the aim of collecting recyclable materials nationwide and recycling them to a high standard. This will close a major gap in Switzerland’s circular economy.

Tate & Lyle PLC, a world leader in ingredient solutions for healthier food and beverages, announced the launch of its new ‘Automated Laboratory for Ingredient Experimentation’, known as ‘ALFIE’, at its Customer Collaboration and Innovation Centre in Singapore. Through the pioneering use of automated robotics, ALFIE represents a revolution in the delivery of mouthfeel solutions for customers, providing faster and more accurate ingredient design and accelerating speed-to-market for new products.

ALFIE, which represents a multi-million pound investment in innovation by Tate & Lyle, has the ability to run characterisation tests at around 10 times the current rate, and provides enhanced predictive modelling. It comprises two robotic systems with complete connectivity and seamless data flow for fast ingredient and solution design. By accelerating sample production, characterisation and modelling, the company will be able to trial new ingredients more efficiently and create new solutions for customers at greater pace.

This major investment makes the Singapore lab Tate & Lyle’s Asia Pacific hub for mouthfeel R&D and customer solutions. While ALFIE will be operated by Tate & Lyle’s on-site scientists in Singapore, it is also connected to Tate & Lyle’s Customer Collaboration and Innovation Centre in Hoffman Estates, near Chicago, US, where scientists will be able to operate ALFIE virtually.

Tate & Lyle announces that it has entered into an agreement to acquire the entire issued share capital of CP Kelco U.S.; CP Kelco China; and CP Kelco ApS together with each of their respective subsidiaries (together ‘CP Kelco’), a leading provider of pectin, speciality gums and other nature-based ingredients, from J.M. Huber Corporation for a total implied consideration of US$1.8 billion (approximately £1.4 billion)¹, on a cash-free, debt-free basis (the ‘Proposed Transaction’).

Over the last six years, Tate & Lyle has been executing a major strategic transformation to become a growth-focused speciality food and beverage solutions business aligned to attractive structural and growing consumer trends for healthier, tastier and more sustainable food and drink. This transformation has included a much sharper focus on customers and key categories, increased investment in innovation and solution selling capabilities, and the significant strengthening of its Sweetening, Mouthfeel and Fortification platforms through new product development and acquisitions. This transformation was completed with the announcement on 23 May 2024 of the proposed sale of Tate & Lyle’s remaining interest in Primary Products Investments LLC (‘Primient’).

The Proposed Transaction significantly accelerates Tate & Lyle’s strategy to be a leading and differentiated speciality food and beverage solutions business, and to become the solutions partner of choice for customers. It is expected to drive stronger revenue growth and significant adjusted EBITDA margin improvement over the next few years. It is also expected to be accretive to adjusted earnings per share, including cost synergies only, in the second full financial year following completion, and strongly accretive thereafter.

For further information please visit: www.tateandlyle.com

¹Based on GBP: USD foreign exchange rate of £1:$1.2723, as at 5pm BST on 19 June 2024.

Symrise is expanding its traditional citrus taste solution offer with increased sustainable and innovative solutions. Incorporating novel citrus taste ingredients contributes to an increased security of supply that also helps balance price fluctuations. With this, the company is diversifying its offer from other than citrus sources which maintains authentic taste profiles and strengthens its positioning in taste, nutrition, and health solutions.

Consumers are increasingly seeking ways to benefit nature and make a positive impact with their food and beverage choices. As one of the global leaders in taste solutions, Symrise innovates to address fluctuating quality and availabilities.

Innovative technologies for improved sustainable solutions

Symrise leverages technologies for example distillation, extraction, selective enrichment technologies (SET FlavorsTM), industrial and university partnerships, as well as sensory-guided analysis. This continuously evolves and develops its captive ingredients to create more sustainable citrus taste solutions. Also, it significantly contributes to the authentic aroma profile of the final product. Building on its comprehensive expertise in taste, Symrise offers versatile citrus taste solutions and tailors them to suit specific recipes across all applications. They cover beverages, baked goods, confectionery, dairy, and savory dishes.

A solution with versatile benefits

“Our citrus taste solutions offer improved reliability in terms of quality, and availability,” said Richard Hartfall, Citrus Platform Director at Symrise. “We are dedicating ourselves to supporting our customers navigate the challenges of price and supply fluctuations in the citrus market while providing sustainable and high-quality solutions.”

In total, the citrus taste solutions by Symrise offer the following key benefits:

• A significant broader product palette for the industry in addition to traditional citrus ingredients with secure availability.
• The use of Symrise captive ingredients creates a more unique, authentic, and outstanding true to nature taste character.
• Provide a cushion against the volatile fluctuations inherent in agricultural crops
• Solutions offering a longer-term price stability
• Adaptable for a wide range of applications

“In a world where the price and availability of traditional citrus continue to fluctuate, Symrise’s Citrus Taste Solutions offer a practical, sustainable, and economically sound alternative,” Hartfall concludes. “We are dedicating ourselves to support our customers, maintain their competitive edge while contributing to a more sustainable future for the food and beverage industry.”

Selecta, Europe’s leading route-based, self-service FoodTech provider, and Vitamin Well, a leading provider of functional beverages and protein bars, announce an exciting collaboration across European markets.

Embarking on a dynamic partnership, Selecta and Vitamin Well have joined forces to offer a selection of healthier and great-tasting offerings, enriching Selecta’s vending Solution globally. In this venture, Vitamin Well’s vitamin water and Barebells protein bars take center stage, aiming to provide consumers with better alternatives on-the-go.

Vitamin Well has a range of distinct great-tasting flavours, all non-carbonated, low-calorie, and enriched with versatile combinations of vitamins and minerals. The beverage comes in bottles made of 100 percent recycled plastics. Vitamin Well is the market leader in Sweden and has become a consumer favourite in many other European markets.

Vitamin Well also provides Barebells, protein-enriched snacks that never compromise on flavour or texture. Barebells’ wide range of protein bars is available in 40 markets around the world and has quickly assumed a leading position in several countries. Through Selecta’s leading self-service machines, the brand’s iconic Original Protein Bars will be available to consumers on-the-go all over Europe.

Jens van Beusekom CPO at Selecta Group commented: “We strongly believe in fostering collaboration with Vitamin Well and Barebells as the brands have earned widespread popularity worldwide. We are thrilled to introduce a range of nutritional snacks that cater to the needs of our young on-the-go consumers.”

Joost Kroeb, Head of International Accounts at Vitamin Well, added: “Selecta has a unique position on the market, both when it comes to international spread and number of locations. As such, this cooperation will increase consumer awareness of Vitamin Well and Barebells both in our mature markets and markets where we see great potential going forward.”

The partnership covers products in Selecta solutions all over Europe, as well as point-of-sale marketing on the machines to increase awareness of the new offerings.

Selecta and Vitamin Well look forward to a successful partnership that reshapes the vending landscape, bringing healthier and better-tasting alternatives to consumers in the public-, private-, and semi-public sectors, delighting consumers in major European cities, airports, train stations and more.

At this year’s FIE fair SternVitamin will be presenting selected premix solutions to address current trends. The focus is on three micronutrient premixes that have been incorporated into various applications. The SternCogni+ premix, whose functional ingredients boost cognitive performance in old age, is presented in gummies, a trending application. The company meets the Beauty from Within trend with an instant beverage powder fortified with the SternHolisticBeauty premix. Meanwhile, SternVitalityV offers something new for the booming plant-based market: incorporated into a vegan coffee drink the micronutrients provide new energy.

Micronutrients for cognitive performance and memory

According to the United Nations, by 2050 the number of over 65-year-olds will increase by almost 50 percent in Europe and North America, and life expectancy is also rising. This makes it even more important to maintain physical and mental health for as long as possible, to lead an active and healthy life into old age. Studies show that best agers and seniors are particularly susceptible to micronutrient deficiencies. This affects cognitive performance and memory. With its SternCogni+ premix SternVitamin picks up on the Healthy Ageing trend. It contains vitamins B3, B6, B12 and biotin, which contribute to normal functioning of the nervous system, and support memory performance in combination with choline. Zinc improves cognitive performance. As an example of a trending food supplement form, the premix is presented in gummies.

Holistic beauty as a future trend

For many years wellness, health, and beauty were discrete categories, but recent years have accelerated the change towards a merging of the categories. Holistic beauty is the long-term trend now. Consumers are looking for beauty products that alleviate stress, boost wellbeing, and help with sleep issues, for a healthy appearance. With SternHolisticBeauty, SternVitamin has developed a unique premix that follows a holistic approach. Its micronutrients and other functional ingredients support the gut immune system and the microbiota that work through the gut-skin axis to strengthen the skin barrier and improve skin health. The lavender extract in the premix helps with relaxation and stress reduction, and pantothenic acid supports mental performance. At FiE SternVitamin is presenting SternHolisticBeauty in the form of an instant drink powder. It features a pear and vanilla flavour tailored especially for the Holistic Beauty market, developed in collaboration with sister company OlbrichtArom.

Fortified plant-based coffee drink for new energy

SternVitamin’s answer to the ongoing plant-based boom is SternVitalityV. This premix contains B vitamins, vitamin C, and pantothenic acid, which reduce fatigue and exhaustion, while simultaneously providing new energy. Iodine and calcium provide additional power. This micronutrient combination comes in a plant-based coffee drink. It can help students, professionals, and fair attendees maintain their mental performance throughout the day, reduce nervousness, and stay focused. This enriched coffee drink was developed in cooperation with sister company Planteneers.

First plant engineering company in the market to be certified

On 24 March 2023, ZIEMANN HOLVRIEKA GmbH was named an official Solution Partner of SIEMENS AG for automation systems, drives and the SISTAR BRAUMAT expert module. The company, which specialises in tanks and process engineering for the brewing, beverage and liquid food industry, is thus certified for exceptional expertise in automation. From its base in Ludwigsburg it can provide top-quality future-ready automation solutions anywhere in the world in conjunction with systems from SIEMENS.

In addition, ZIEMANN HOLVRIEKA is celebrating a world first, as Koray Müftiler, Key Account Manager of SIEMENS AG, explains: “I’m very pleased that the certification is now complete and that we can officially announce our Solution Partnership. This makes ZIEMANN HOLVRIEKA the first plant engineering company in the market to be certified for BRAUMAT and SISTAR.”

The Siemens Solution Partner certificate was presented in Ludwigsburg by a SIEMENS delegation comprising Frank Hauber, Koray Müftiler and Dirk Grafe. ZIEMANN HOLVRIEKA was represented at the ceremony by Klaus Gehrig, CEO, Wolfram Hänsel, Head of Process Automation Software, and the staff of the automation team. The certificate was presented at ZIEMANN HOLVRIEKA’s pilot plant, which has operated for years with SIEMENS BRAUMAT. Klaus Gehrig explained his company’s thorough familiarity with BRAUMAT: “Cooperation between our companies in automation began decades ago. ZIEMANN HOLVRIEKA has therefore become an expert in BRAUMAT and created highly efficient module libraries. This knowledge is unique in the market. So it’s appropriate that we should be the first to be certified by SIEMENS for BRAUMAT and SISTAR.”

Mondi, a global leader in sustainable packaging and paper, has won the coveted PPI Award in the Product Innovation category for its Hug&Hold packaging solution. The Fastmarkets Forest Products PPI Awards are the only global awards dedicated to recognising the achievements of companies, mills and individuals in the pulp and paper sector.

Hug&Hold is a paper packaging solution designed and developed to wrap and transport PET beverage bottles, replacing plastic shrink wrap. It is a recyclable 100% paper-based solution, comprising a kraft paper sleeve and a corrugated clip to secure the bottles and offer a comfortable handle for transportation.

The Product Innovation Award is presented to companies that demonstrate how a newly developed product solves an existing need or problem. Hug&Hold is perfect for FMCG brands and beverage producers, who want more sustainable packaging solutions that appeal to consumers and meet their product protection needs.

A sustainable, functional and fully automated alternative to plastic shrink wrap means that brand owners can safely switch to the recyclable paper-based packaging solution, without any risk to their product or logistics. With Hug&Hold, Mondi is the first to manufacture and market a complete concept, providing a strong and stable solution that is made from renewable and fully recyclable materials, suitable for existing paper waste streams throughout Europe.

Tarik Aniba, Sales & Marketing Director Corrugated Solutions at Mondi, says: “We are committed to making the most sustainable packaging solutions for our customers and we are very proud to see our innovations being recognised by our peers.”

Silvia Hanzelova, Sales Director Specialty Kraft Paper at Mondi, says: “Leveraging Mondi’s team of kraft paper and corrugated specialists, we were able to develop a fully paper-based solution with minimal material usage. Following thorough testing, Hug&Hold has been confirmed in terms of runnability and viability.”

The award ceremony took place in the city of Prague, Czechia, on 8 March 2023. Find out more about Hug&Hold, the responsible way to deliver your beverages.

Britvic, one of the largest companies in the world in the non-alcoholic beverage sector, announces the adoption of SIG’s PAC.TRUST solution for the digitisation of its laboratory analysis processes at its operations in the Brazilian states of Ceará and Minas Gerais. Britvic will adopt the Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and Digitalisation modules of the PAC.TRUST solution, enabling traceability of internal processes in minutes.

The solution is a tool to digitise monitoring and quality records at the three plants of the Britvic group in Brazil, located in Astolfo Dutra and Araguari (MG), as well as Aracati (CE). With PAC.TRUST in operation, Britvic strengthens and brings more agility to its quality control processes, eliminating the need to convert physical records to multiple spreadsheets, and providing more security to information within the respective plants. This digitisation minimises errors and deviations due to incorrect records caused by duplicate data entries. PAC.TRUST also allows Britvic to reduce the time in simulations and effective traceability actions, to simplify audits, and to bring even more reliability to all processes involved in the supply chain, reinforcing its commitment to product quality and its growth strategy.

SIG’s modularised PAC.TRUST solution helps SIG customers to have complete visibility of the production chain per package. For Britvic, SIG used two modules of the PAC.TRUST solution, LIMS and Digitalização (Digitisation). The solution was installed in 2022 and has already brought several benefits to the company, such as a 40 % reduction in quality data analysis time, an increase in the level of information security with data storage redundancy, a 75 % reduction in weekly record checking time and 8x faster traceability, providing a digital and integrated operation at corporate level.

Elopak announced the upcoming roll out of its tethered cap solution – the Pure-TwistFlip^™

Announced in 2021, the tethered cap is one of the latest innovations launched by Elopak. The Pure-TwistFlip^™ has been designed so that the closure remains attached to the carton throughout its entire lifecycle, thereby reducing the risk of it being littered. It complies with the EU’s Single-Use Plastic Directive, which was introduced as part of efforts to reduce the impact of certain plastic products in the environment and tackle marine littering.

The Pure-TwistFlip^™ 29i is also Elopak’s lightest screw cap to date, helping to reduce the use of plastics. It can be combined with any Pure-Pak^® carton to create an original packaging solution that prioritises the environment, safety and consumer convenience.

Commenting on the announcement Elopak CMO Patrick Verhelst stated, “We are delighted to share the news that our tethered cap solution will soon be available to customers. The Pure-TwistFlip^™ is a fantastic addition to our current portfolio of opening features that meets the tethering requirements of the EU’s Single-Use Plastic Directive well ahead of its deadline in 2024.”

“As Elopak’s lightest screw cap to date, the Pure-TwistFlip^™ 29i also represents a great option for our customers outside the EU who are looking to adopt more sustainable packaging solutions. We look forward to supporting those who choose to make the transition in the coming weeks and months,” he continued.

The cap itself is produced by United Caps. Speaking on the company’s partnership with Elopak, United Caps CEO Benoit Henckes said, “We have an ethos that we are ‘better united’. It makes us proud that world-class brands like Elopak recognise our differentiating ability to create breakthrough on the shelf.”

He added, “Innovating together on the Pure-TwistFlip^™ meant combining our 80+ years of experience in cap design with Elopak’s outstanding packaging concept to bring together elements of usability and sustainability. The result is a tethered closure that performs for today and for tomorrow.”

Elopak’s iconic Pure-Pak^® cartons are made using renewable, recyclable and sustainably sourced materials. They offer customers a natural and convenient alternative to plastic bottles.

Previous innovations launched by Elopak have a strong focus on sustainability and reducing the use of plastics, reflecting the company’s commitment to contributing to a net zero circular economy for packaging. These include the Pure-Pak^® Imagine carton, which is a modern version of the company’s original Pure-Pak^® carton that comes without a screw cap. Designed with a new easy open feature, it contains 46 per cent less plastic and is 100 per cent forest-based. Elopak’s Natural Brown Board cartons are renewable, recyclable and have a lower carbon footprint than conventional cartons owing to reduced wood consumption, one less layer and fewer bleaching chemicals.

JBT Corporation announced that Brian Deck will resume his role as Interim President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.

Following further discussions with JBT’s Board of Directors, Tom Giacomini has decided that he is unable to return as Chief Executive Officer of JBT and has stepped down, effective immediately, to focus on his health and recovery. He has also resigned from the Board of Directors.

Alan Feldman will continue in his role as Non-Executive Chairman on a permanent basis. Matt Meister, Vice President and CFO for JBT Protein, has been named Interim Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Meister joined JBT in May 2019 and has responsibility for all finance activity for the Protein Division within the FoodTech segment. He brings a strong track record of driving results and developing process improvements in complex, global businesses to the role of Interim CFO.

The Board has initiated a search to identify a permanent CEO and will retain a leading executive search firm to assist in the process. It will consider both internal and external candidates.

“Over the past few months, Brian and the senior management team have demonstrated outstanding leadership of JBT and we are confident in their ability to continue executing the Company’s strategy while the Board conducts a search for a permanent successor,” said Mr. Feldman. “I look forward to continuing to work with Brian and to leveraging his financial and operational expertise as we focus on ensuring the continued health and safety of our employees and serving our customers.”

Mr. Feldman added, “We owe Tom a great debt of gratitude for spearheading JBT’s transformation over the past seven years. Under his leadership, JBT has generated a significant increase in shareholder value, while laying a strong foundation from which to continue delivering for stakeholders. Today, JBT benefits from a disciplined long-term strategy that focuses on growth and margin expansion while delivering exceptional products and services to its customers. Tom also played a key role in assembling our dynamic team of leaders whose significant expertise will further the strategy and continue to drive results. On behalf of everyone at JBT, I send my very best wishes to Tom, including the sincere hope for his improved health.”

About Matt Meister

Matt Meister joined JBT in May 2019 with extensive experience in global manufacturing across various industries, including his prior roles at IDEX Corporation where he held several operational finance leadership roles, most recently serving as Group Vice President, Health and Science Technologies.  Prior to joining IDEX, he held various roles of increasing responsibility at Navistar International Corporation. Mr. Meister holds an MBA from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business and an undergraduate degree in Finance and Operations Management from Washington University in St. Louis.

JBT Corporation (NYSE: JBT) is a leading global technology solutions provider to high-value segments of the food & beverage industry with focus on proteins, liquid foods and automated system solutions. JBT designs, produces and services sophisticated products and systems for multi-national and regional customers through its FoodTech segment. JBT also sells critical equipment and services to domestic and international air transportation customers through its AeroTech segment. JBT Corporation employs approximately 6,300 people worldwide and operates sales, service, manufacturing and sourcing operations in more than 25 countries.

South Korea’s Ministry of Environment has recognised the recyclability of Ecolean’s aseptic packages, which rank higher than most other food and drink packaging solutions in the country’s new recyclability grading system.

The absence of aluminium, which is often used for aseptic cartons and other liquid food packaging, means Ecolean’s portfolio ranked ‘good’ in a four-grade scale to determine how easily packages can be recycled.

The announcement follows South Korea’s introduction last December of the Act on the Promotion of Saving and Recycling of Resources, requiring food and beverage packaging to contain labels that show a material’s recyclability grade, thereby encouraging resource efficiency and the use of easy-to-recycle packages.

A nine-month grace period for businesses to comply with the new regulations ends this September.

“The South Korean Ministry of Environment’s grade of the Ecolean packages’ recyclability only confirms that we are on the right path – developing and manufacturing unique packaging solutions that make a difference in the long run,” said Paul Mellbin, Senior Advisor, Ambient Technology at Ecolean.

“As a global producer of lightweight packaging, Ecolean makes it easier for consumers, liquid food brands as well as the environment.”

Aluminium-free packaging

Ecolean’s lightweight portfolio consists of aseptic, flexible packaging made from polyolefins and up to 35 % chalk, which gives the packages their strength, stiffness and smooth surface.

The printed, shaped and fully sealed packages are sterilised using electron beam treatment before shipping to the filling machine at the customer’s site. Prior to opening, filling and sealing in the filling machines, the outer surfaces of the packages are desterilised using a system of 1 % peroxide spray and UV light.

“The fact that our type of sterilisation process is separated from the filling machines and performed at the Ecolean manufacturing plants is quite unique in the industry and something we are very proud of. It makes the process easier for our customers, and that as well as having sustainability in mind when designing our lightweight packaging solutions is key. The confirmed recyclability of our packages in Korea just further adds to the fact that our unique approach is crucial for the beverage, dairy and liquid food industry” Paul Mellbin said.

Ecolean increased its footprint in South Korea last year with Yakult selecting its Air Aseptic range for two new launches in the country.

“The Ecolean package is the perfect fit for us, since it is lightweight and flexible, yet extremely durable. We have already seen a huge interest from consumers,” Jeonghyeon Hong, Marketing Manager, Yakult Korea, said.

Coca-Cola European Partners announced the introduction of CanCollar^®, an innovative paperboard packaging solution, for multipack cans in Spain. The move supports its work, in partnership with Coca-Cola, to remove all unnecessary or hard to recycle plastic from its portfolio, avoiding the use of more than 11,000 tonnes of virgin plastic a year across Western Europe.

Initially, Coca-Cola European Partners will launch the new, PEFC certified¹ recyclable and sustainably sourced paperboard CanCollar^® in the Balearic Islands in November 2020, a first in Europe.

Innovative packaging design is a core principle of Coca-Cola’s World Without Waste strategy and through collaboration with WestRock, a global company that provides its customers with sustainable differentiated packaging solutions, Coca-Cola European Partners will start to use the CanCollar^® paperboard can ring technology in the Balearic Islands, replacing the current Hi-cone solution and saving more than 18 tonnes of plastic annually.

Coca-Cola European Partners has invested 2.6 million euros in its Barcelona plant to support this initiative. The installation of WestRock’s CanCollar^® Fortuna^™ manufacturing equipment will enable multipack cans to be grouped in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way, with a process that does not require the use of glue or adhesives.

¹PEFC, the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification, is a leading global alliance of national forest certification systems. As an international non-profit, non-governmental organization, PEFC is dedicated to promoting sustainable forest management through independent third-party certification.

Tate & Lyle PLC, a leading global provider of food and beverage solutions and ingredients, is pleased to announce the launch of SWEETENER-VANTAGE^™ Expert Systems, a set of new and innovative sweetener solution design tools, together with an education programme, which are designed to help formulators create sugar-reduced food and drink using low calorie sweeteners. Developed in response to customer demand for more predictive tools to support product performance and reduce development time, SWEETENER-VANTAGE^™ Expert Systems will enable formulators to more efficiently solve their formulation challenges.

The SWEETENER-VANTAGE^™ suite of tools includes sweetener maps and selection tools, and WikiSweet^™, Tate & Lyle’s proprietary encyclopedia of formulation challenges and solutions, which Tate & Lyle scientists use with formulators to help them to differentiate between and select suitable sweeteners. A new three-module webinar series, Sweetener University^™, developed by scientists for scientists, provides a forum for formulators to hear about and discuss the latest science and trends relating to sweeteners.

SWEETENER-VANTAGE^™ builds on Tate & Lyle’s successful TEXTURE-VANTAGE^® education programme, with a webinar series that has attracted thousands of registered participants since its 2018 launch.

Registration is free and accessible via this link.

Ecolean, a global producer of lightweight packaging solutions for liquid food, publishes its second Sustainability Report. The report focuses on Ecolean’s ambition and actions to provide the world with safe and convenient liquid food packaging solutions – with minimal environmental impact.

The world’s demand for innovative packaging solutions are increasing as a result of a growing population, changing consumer demands and a global climate challenge. Ecolean enables optimal packaging solutions by continuously enhancing its product portfolio and through an ambitious strategy for global growth.

During 2018, Ecolean completed the introduction of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for all of its packages. By doing so, Ecolean became the first packaging system supplier in the world to offer this type of verified environmental documents  of its entire system. Furthermore, Ecolean took a step closer to its objective to use 100 percent renewable electricity at its production sites by 2030.

“By switching to renewable electricity, we can reduce the climate impact of our production”, says Anna Palminger, Manager Sustainability at Ecolean. ”I’m proud of our results. In 2018, 84 % of the electricity used at Ecolean’s production plants was renewable and 82 % of the total energy used in production originated from renewable sources. We also shifted from natural gas to renewable biogas at our plant in Sweden – meaning that all energy used at that site is now 100 % renewable.”

“Moving forward means further enhancing the life cycle perspective – and will require joint efforts and collaborations with both our industry partners and our customers,” says Peter L Nilsson, CEO at Ecolean. “We think it is important to take steps that drive the entire industry forward in a more sustainable direction, such as introducing EPDs for all our packages. The way ahead is to intensify our collaboration with others such as through CEFLEX (a circular economy for flexible packaging) and local recycling initiatives. This is a significant step forward for Ecolean that reinforces our position as a leading sustainable packaging supplier”.

To read the Ecolean Sustainability Report, visit: https://bit.ly/2mqAc59

BillerudKorsnäs invests in the area of recycling as it acquires a minority holding in the innovative company Recycl3R. The company has developed a digital solution to increase recycling rates of single use packaging. A product that can be used globally.

The investment is made by BillerudKorsnäs’ wholly owned subsidiary BillerudKorsnäs Venture AB, which invests in young and innovative companies with solutions that will influence the future for packaging.

Waste production is one of the largest environmental problems that society faces today, and solving it is a big challenge. In Europe alone we produce 240 million tons of waste, and only 44 % is recycled. BillerudKorsnäs shares our vision of solving this global challenge and is an excellent partner and investor for Recycl3R, says Ivan Gonzalez, environmental lawyer and Co-founder of Recycl3R.

Recycl3R builds a database with information about what packaging material different consumer products consist of. They also understand the different recycling regulations and requirements around the world. This knowledge is used to guide consumers to the nearest recycling station and help them recycle correctly. The solution also makes it possible for producers and distributors to give consumers incentive to recycle more with gamification and by connecting value such as deposits or loyalty points to the different packaging materials.

The team behind Recycl3R has a background in environmental consulting, and the system was developed partly within the European “TagitSmart” project. It has caught the interest of international retailers and brands with a mission to get more material back into recycling streams. Carrefour Spain has successfully implemented the solution and more customers and markets are in the pipeline.

Packaging recycling is an area that we believe will be increasingly important in order to solve the environmental challenges ahead. Sustainability and digitalization connected to packaging are strategic focus-areas for BillerudKorsnäs Venture, and Recyc3R presents a very interesting opportunity based on their combined expertise in both areas, says Martin Neselius, Venture Manager at BillerudKorsnäs Venture.

There are already steps taken towards more legislation and restrictions regarding single use products, and we believe this development will continue. There is still a lot of work to do in order to ensure that more packaging enters the recycling stream and is recycled into new products. Recycl3R’s product supports increased and cleaner recycling streams for this purpose”, says Martin Neselius.

Ecolean, a global producer of lightweight packaging solutions for liquid food, expands its business and acquires a 30,000 square meter piece of land in Landskrona, Sweden to establish a new production facility. The expansion is part of the company’s ambitious growth strategy.

The increase in capacity is well needed to meet the liquid food industry’s demands for Ecolean’s lightweight and innovative packaging solutions. In the agreement, an additional 30,900 sqm can be obtained, when needed in the future.

“As part of our ongoing expansion strategy, this investment of 25-30 million euros will enable us to continue being a fast growing and rapidly expanding company”, says Peter L Nilsson, CEO, Ecolean Group. “The new production facility will be up and running in 2020 and we expect to add around 100 new job opportunities within a few years’ time”, he continues.

The new production facility will be located only 20 km south of Helsingborg, where the company’s headquarters and one of their existing production facilities are located. Ecolean has 400 employees, half of which work in Helsingborg.

In addition to Sweden, Ecolean has one production facility in China and one production facility under construction in Pakistan, estimated to start its operations 2019. Ecolean collaborates with leading brand owners in approximately 30 countries and has eleven sales offices globally.

The Ecolean lightweight packages are made of as little raw material as possible, providing a low environmental impact throughout the packages’ life cycle. The company and its packaging solutions’ sustainable profile appeals to market-leading liquid food brands globally.