Stay informed on the latest innovations and technologies in packaging and processing within the food and beverage industry. This category covers the companies, equipment, and materials that are transforming how products are packaged, processed, and delivered to consumers. From sustainable packaging and smart technologies to advanced processing equipment and automation, explore the solutions that are driving efficiency, safety, and sustainability across the entire value chain.
GARDABAER, ICELAND — Marel introduced a new ModularOven+, offering customizable state-of-the-art oven technology. The Marel ModularOven+ is designed to meet varied production needs with flexibility and high yield while also providing machine health monitoring.
With the ModularOven+, processors can begin with essential features and add more capacity or features as needed, such as transitioning from 500 kW to 900 kW heaters.
Drawing on over three decades of expertise in heating technology, Marel created the ModularOven+ with two separate zones, each with independent controls for temperature, dew point and air speed. The technology allows for high versatility for two different climates, whether steaming, cooking or roasting.
Equipped with an air regulation system featuring high-tech diffusers and multiple temperature sensors per zone, the ModularOven+ ensures optimal airflow, even heat distribution and ideal moisture content. The result is a consistent core temperature and reproducible quality. The system enables lower core temperature averages, leading to shorter cooking times and significant energy savings. The combination of separate climate zones and air regulation results in up to 6% higher yield compared to other comparable ovens, Marel said.
With the integrated SmartBase software, processors can proactively analyze performance, identify areas for improvement and pinpoint potential issues before they occur. This internal digital engine offers the opportunity to remotely monitor the health of the oven with support from Marel. SmartBase goes beyond visualization of the extra data it retrieves on the dashboard. Combined with predictive, standardized maintenance, SmartBase reduces unexpected downtime.
KANSAS CITY, MO. – Multivac Inc. recently announced its universal flowpacking solution which will feature a W500 and W510 model.
The machine uses precise servo drive technology for maximum output and optimum process control.
The company said products with a maximum width of 200 mm and a height of 120 mm can be packed with or without a tray.
Other available features include the independent speed setting of the rollers for crease-free longitudinal sealing along with cross sealing to keep temperature and pressure at needed levels.
The machine also has an integrated gas analysis system for MAP packing with modified atmosphere.
“When it comes to labeling or marking the packs on a flowpacker, Multivac offers a wide choice of solutions,” the company said. “These range from inline labelers to direct web printers and even combined systems. All these solutions are characterized by their extremely compact construction and optimum hygiene features. They are perfectly matched to the Multivac flowpacker in terms of their control technology and mechanical functions.”
GARDABAER, ICELAND – Marel announced on Dec. 13 that it received another unsolicited non-binding offer from John Bean Technologies (JBT) Corp. to acquire the food equipment company.
JBT made its first offer in November but it was rejected by the board of directors of Marel.
“Marel will review the proposal with due care and process to assess its merits, consistent with the long-term interests of the company and all shareholders,” the company said in a statement on its website. “At this time, there is no certainty whether the proposal will lead to a binding offer, or the terms on which such an offer might be made.”
According to updates by JBT and Marel, the proposal looks at an irrevocable undertaking of shares owned by Eyrir Invest hf., which holds 24.7% of the shares in Marel.
The proposal also said that JBT offered 3.4 euros ($3.71) per share for all outstanding shares in Marel. This would include absorbing Marel’s existing debt of 827 million euros.
“JBT has long admired Marel, and there is significant strategic, cultural, and operational alignment between the companies. We are confident that the contemplated merger would bring substantial benefits to both companies’ customers, employees, local communities, partners and shareholders,” said Brian Deck, president and chief executive officer of JBT Corp. “Together, our companies would be best positioned to meaningfully help customers create efficient, higher quality end products with a combined focus on sustainable solutions that make better use of the world’s precious food, beverage, water, and energy resources. JBT remains open to further dialogue with the Board of Marel to design a win-win outcome.”
In its latest proposal, JBT said it would commit to a European headquarters in Gardabaer, Iceland, along with the corporate headquarters in Chicago.
JBT added that it would contemplate a stock exchange listing on the New York Stock Exchange along with a secondary listing in Iceland.
Marel engaged JP Morgan as its financial advisor, and Baker McKenzie, BBA/Fjeldco and Osborne Clarke for legal advice about the proposal.
“Marel will update the market in a timely manner regarding any material developments, consistent with its statutory disclosure obligations,” the company said.
CHICAGO — John Bean Technologies (JBT) Corp. was given a two-week extension by the Icelandic Financial Supervisory Authority to issue a decision regarding its takeover bid for all shares in fellow food equipment company Marel.
Before the announcement, JBT needed to decide on the deal by Jan. 5.
“Marel is in the process of reviewing JBT’s non-binding proposal with due care and process to assess its merits, consistent with the long-term interests of the company and all shareholders, and together with its advisors is in preliminary and high-level discussions with JBT as part of this assessment,” the company said on its website. “At this time, there is no certainty whether the non-binding proposal will lead to a binding offer, or the terms on which such an offer might be made.”
JBT said in its statement on Jan. 5 that the issuance of a binding offer remains subject to the approval of its board of directors.
“The potential merger with Marel is consistent with JBT’s strategic plan and M&A objectives of pursuing transactions with strong industrial logic and with significant synergy potential to enhance shareholder value,” JBT added.
During November, JBT made its first non-bind proposal to the board of Marel, which was rejected.
A month later, it made a second proposal in which JBT offered 3.4 euros ($3.71) per share for all outstanding shares in Marel.
Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword – consumers, corporate boards, and retailers have declared it a priority. More than 136 countries and 1200 companies have pledged to reach net-zero emissions by 2030. Canada, France, Spain, the UK, and India have banned single-use plastics.
While the most critical function of meat packaging is to protect the product and extend shelf life, increasing the recovery of packaging materials post-consumer and using fewer materials when producing the package improves package sustainability. Any package change may have tradeoffs such as higher cost, lower shelf life, and heavier weight. “We have the tools and know-how to help processors navigate a very complex process,” says Gregg Poffenbarger, business unity director of Materials for MULTIVAC Group.
SUSTAINABLE MEAT PACKAGING IS A HUGE OPPORTUNITY
Large retailers are driving the sustainability push. For example, by 2025, Walmart plans to use 100% recyclable, reusable, or industrially compostable packaging with a minimum of 17% post-consumer recycled content for its private brands. Similarly, ALDI announced that by 2025, 100% of ALDI-exclusive products would have reusable, recyclable, or compostable packaging and use 20% post-consumer recycled content. Virtually every leading grocer in the United States has announced sustainability initiatives for reducing packaging and food waste. A 2021 PMMI Study found that 80% of CPG manufacturers minimize packaging to reduce waste and 89% design recyclable packaging.
HORMEL FOODS REDUCE MATERIALS IN PACKAGING
One of Hormel Foods’ 20 By 30 goals focuses on improving packaging sustainability with research, innovation, on-package communications, optimizing package weight, and shipping efficiencies.
“When we looked at the original Jennie-O ground turkey packaging, we knew we could improve it, not only from a sustainability perspective but also from a retailer and consumer point of view,” says Kim Anderson, brand manager of Retail Marketing for Hormel Foods. “For example, the paperboard sleeve was not ideal for retailers as a refrigerated environment could sometimes cause issues with tearing.”
Hormel Foods takes a team approach to packaging design. A dedicated group of employees consistently looks for minimization opportunities, collaborates with other departments, and examines the entire supply chain for sustainability initiatives. “MULTIVAC was involved in the project from the very start,” says Doug Muzik, plant manager at the Jennie-O Turkey Store plant in Montevideo, MN.
“We communicated our vision and what we were looking for from a product appearance standpoint,” says Muzik. “Through numerous meetings and line trials, MULTIVAC helped us get the (thermoformed) tray we were looking for, and we achieved line throughput speeds comparable to our previous foam trays.”
The final solution was a thermoformed tray with a printed plastic lidding film. By printing directly on the film, Hormel could eliminate the paperboard sleeve. “For this specific project, our team was able to reduce both plastic and paper packaging, saving 1.5 million pounds of material annually,” says Anderson.
Source: Jennie-O
There are also indirect benefits to choosing a thermoformed package. “Because thermoforming equipment uses rollstock, rather than ready-made trays, our customers typically benefit from lower shipping costs and reduced storage space needs,” says Poffenbarger.
Collaboration is critical to introducing more sustainable meat packaging. “We’ve seen that collaboration drives innovation in other packaged-food industries, such as beverage and shelf-stable goods,” says Kachook.
Auras concurs. “R&D, marketing, engineering, and operations all play a crucial role in understanding the impact and the tradeoffs of the product, product loss and waste, and the packaging systems to implement for achieving sustainable development,” he says. “Without complete integration of these members, it’s tough to fully comprehend the benefits of implementing sustainable packaging and avoiding greenwashing.”
“MULTIVAC was very hands-on from start to finish, and we could count on them to have a representative present at all meetings and line trials,” says Muzik. “They had numerous techs on site to officially install the new lines ensuring the smoothest startup possible. MULTIVAC has continued providing great support whenever we need it.”
Unfortunately, not all clients involve equipment suppliers early on. “When we aren’t involved until late in the game, the process becomes more challenging,” explains Poffenbarger. “Material changes can change functionality such as opening features, shelf life, or puncture resistance.”
“Manufacturers of machinery and equipment are critical partners in developing sustainable packaging because they can help determine the necessary specifications and performance of packaging,” says Kachook. “Manufacturers can help brands understand how to navigate tradeoffs like cost, shelf life, and barrier properties as they look for packaging options that are more sustainable with recycled content or compostable films.”
INCREASING USE OF RECYCLED MATERIALS
Many processes are looking at replacing multilayered plastics with mono materials, including PP (polypropylene) and APET (amorphous polyethylene terephthalate) to improve recyclability. “It’s important to consider the change in barrier properties compared with composite materials,” says Poffenbarger. Adjusting running parameters on the packaging machine must be considered when switching to mono materials.
Packs and trays made from APET and other mono materials are already being used instead of composite materials to pack fresh products. “To achieve reliable packaging results, upper webs with a thin sealing medium are used,” says Poffenbarger.
Source: Multivac US
A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO SUSTAINABILITY
Close cooperation with material manufacturers is fundamental to developing successful sustainable packaging. According to Poffenbarger, MULTIVAC works with leading material manufacturers consistently. To help with the essential task of testing, MULTIVAC’s Innovation Center has the capabilities to support customers in rolling out new concepts. “Our sales and technical support teams are ready to help processors step up to the opportunities in front of them,” says Poffenbarger. “MULTIVAC is fully committed to more sustainable packaging solutions.”
When evaluating various packaging concepts, processors need to recognize that the recyclability of packs is linked to the existing recycling structure. Achieving targets for recyclability should maintain product protection, especially with a high-value product like meat. Learn more about sustainable packaging solutions by contacting the MULTIVAC Group at 1-800-800-8552 or by visiting our website at multivac.com.
CHICAGO — John Bean Technologies (JBT) Corp. made another, increased offer to buy fellow food equipment company Marel on Jan. 19.
JBT stated that it plans to launch a voluntary takeover offer during the first quarter of 2024 to acquire all shares of Marel at €3.6 ($3.91) per share. This is up from JBT’s recently issued second proposal of €3.4 per share.
If the transaction is successful, both parties expect it to close during the second half of 2024.
The latest offer by JBT values Marel at €2.7 billion ($2.94 billion) along with an enterprise value of around €3.5 billion.
“This announcement is a result of productive discussions between the management of JBT and Marel,” said Brian Deck, chief executive officer for JBT. “We look forward to working together on confirmatory due diligence and finalization of the formal voluntary takeover offer on the terms outlined above. The enhanced global operating scale of the combined company is expected to generate meaningful operating cost synergies, and we anticipate additional synergies from revenue to drive incremental and compelling value creation.”
In the offer, JBT stated that Marel shareholders would receive €950 million in cash and hold approximately 38% ownership in the combined company.
The anticipated name for the combined company would be JBT Marel Corp. The business would plan to maintain corporate headquarters in Chicago with a European headquarters and a global technology center of excellence in Gardabaer, Iceland.
Eyrir Invest, the largest shareholder of Marel at 24.7%, accepted the offer in regard to all its shares in Marel.
Following this third offer from JBT, Marel provided context to how it plans to move forward with the Chicago-based company on the next step of the offer.
“Following a period of constructive discussions, we have received a revised proposal from JBT to enter into a merger with Marel,” said Arnar Thor Masson, chairman of Marel. “The board has carefully assessed the proposal and, whilst it continues to believe in Marel’s standalone strategy, considers that there is compelling logic in the combination for Marel’s shareholders and its stakeholders. The proposed terms are attractive and offer an opportunity for the shareholders of Marel to participate in future value creation. Therefore, the board supports working with JBT on confirmatory due diligence and the finalization of its formal offer for Marel on these terms.”
Marel shareholders will have the option of either cash, JBT common stock or a combination regarding Marel shares.
Conditions of the proposal include a favorable recommendation from Marel’s board of directors, acceptable confirmatory due diligence, customary regulatory approvals and acceptance of the offer from a minimum of 90% of Marel’s issued and outstanding share capital and voting rights.
There will also need to be a final approval by JBT’s board of directors and a shareholder vote.
The combined company shares will have a secondary listing on Nasdaq Iceland, subject to Icelandic regulatory approval, in addition to continuing JBT’s listing on the NYSE.
JBT employs about 5,100 people in more than 25 countries with $1.6 billion in revenue reported in 2023.
In November, JBT made its first non-binding proposal to the board of Marel, which was rejected. A month later, it made a second proposal in which JBT offered €3.4 ($3.71) per share for all outstanding shares in Marel.
Then in early January, JBT Corp. was given a two-week extension for its latest takeover bid of Marel.
According to its website, Marel employes more than 8,000 people in over 30 countries. A presentation on JBT’s investor relations website said Marel’s 2023 revenue was $1.93 billion.
JANESVILLE, WIS. — GEA recently celebrated the groundbreaking of a new, net-zero, logistics, assembly, production and training facility in Janesville, Wis.
The site is the first greenfield North American location in 50 years. The 85,000-square-foot facility is expected to be operational in late 2023. With more than $20 million invested in the project, it will feature modern offices, a training center and space for the repair of mechanical equipment and logistics.
“The Janesville facility will bring us closer to our growing Midwest customer base and it will enable us to meet the growing demand for our products,” said Azam Owaisi, chief executive officer at GEA North America. “As the new facility will have production capabilities to finalize separator, decanter, valve and pump assembly, GEA will fully meet the ‘Built in America’ mandates if required.”
In line with its net zero goal for 2040, the facility will feature a high efficiency heating and cooling system, solar panels, LED lighting, electric car charging stations, recycling and water reuse possibilities. GEA said the new facility will create more than 70 jobs in the area.
“We need another repair facility in the Midwest, because 30-35% of our installed customer base is located there,” said Michael J. Vick, separation and flow technologies vice president at GEA North America. “We will be much closer to our customers and have an opportunity to secure more repairs and spare parts business. Repairs are a critical part of our business as customers need our expertise, particularly for centrifuges which can’t be repaired at the customer site and require technical experience. Now we’ll be able to support them more efficiently and will be more attractive to new customers.”
Food technologists at GEA’s new Technology Center in Frisco, TX have been collaborating with customers to test a variety of products. Testing occurs using numerous pieces of GEA equipment and, in some cases, complete process lines. A survey of the most popular tests include:
Flavor profile trials with roasted products baked in the GEA CookStar spiral oven;
Breading tests using the GEA CrumbMaster, Optflour and MultiDrum;
Frying assessments for poultry tenders and nuggets in the GEA EasyFry;
Grinding evaluations on both fresh and frozen product on the GEA PowerGrind, utilizing efficient bone elimination;
Forming tests with meat, plant-based and vegetable mixes using the GEA MaxiFormer;
Marination comparisons on brine/pickle retention and purge loss using the GEA MultiJector combined with GEA Shaker technology;
Dehydration tests for pet food products using the GEA CookStar two-zone spiral oven;
Slicing assessments for meat and cheese products on the GEA OptiSlicer;
Bag style and seal evaluations for snack, candy, salad and protein products with the GEA SmartPacker;
Purge loss and protein content measurements on meats defrosted using the GEA ColdSteam T.
Source: GEA Group
Customer teams can reserve time at the Technology Center to evaluate product and processes. They benefit by being able to “experiment” without interruption to revenue generating lines at manufacturing plants. Additionally, the Technology Center can also be used to optimize settings on existing equipment. Located just outside of Dallas, the facility offers nine complete production line set ups. See a short video here.
To find out more or schedule a visit, call the center at 214-618-1100 or email sales.northamerica@gea.com.
