Foodtech Packtech ‘vital business tool’
 
2008’s Foodtech Packtech (October 21-23 at Auckland's ASB Showgrounds ) trade event is on track to showcase the best and latest technology the country has seen, says Irene Smith from event organiser dmgworld media. “We’re confident that this year will have visitors to Foodtech Packtech really fizzing. Trade professionals will be able to come up to speed and right up-to-date with the latest developments in food and packaging technology since the last acclaimed Foodtech Packtech two years ago, and all by investing just a day or two at the show.”
 
With endorsement and support from the Packaging Council, the New Zealand Institute of Food Science and Technology, and continued support from the food technology and packaging industries, Foodtech Packtech grows and evolves with every show.
 
More than 170 exhibitors are already confirmed, more than ten per cent from overseas. Visitors will have an opportunity to mix work and pleasure with the show’s Oktoberfest theme. “After all,” says Irene, “business is even more rewarding when it’s fun too!”
 
Many of the exhibitors will be showing technology and systems that haven’t been seen in New Zealand before, much of it up and running for a unique hands-on experience with on-site access to technical experts.
 
If the earth moves for you during the show it’s the result of one stand not to miss. Pallenz Plastics, New Zealand’s oldest commercial manufacturer of plastic pallets will be – literally – shaking things up.
 
“We’re going to clearly demonstrate how our manufacturing systems and processes can benefit end-users,” says Greg Gibb, Group Marketing Manager of the wholly owned and operated New Zealand manufacturer.
 
“Although we have a significant range of plastic pallets and collapsible bins we also recognise the need to be adaptable to meet the needs of special applications – and that’s where we return to ‘manufacturing systems and processes’. Unlike injection moulding the Pallenz manufacturing system has a much lower tooling cost so small product changes can often be effected without significant expense.”
 
Adapting to meet the needs of the client is a significant strength of Pallenz, and having on-site manufacturing, tooling, and 3D design services complete the offering.
 
Visitors to Foodtech Packtech are encouraged to discuss Pallenz Plastics’ on-going product development with their experts onsite. This reduces production costs, adds functionality, and increases throughput. A recent development was brought upon by a request from a client to provide more safety when using plastic pallets on selective racking. Pallenz listened, studied the market, and modified the Pallenz racking pallet to suit.
 
The new pallet features factory moulded rebates in the racking side of the pallet that correspond with metric selective pallet racking in New Zealand and Australia – and following extensive research it appears to be a world first for plastic pallets. When placed on the rack the pallet is positioned so the small rebate locks the pallet onto the racking – but only enough to minimise slipping and accidental dislodgement.
 
The safety application is not only to minimise dislodgement during earthquakes, but also dislodgement caused by other mechanical or man-made incidents, for instance a fork truck reversing into a pallet rack.
 
“At Pallenz we believe this is a significant advancement in pallet and racking safety and during the show we’ll demonstrate the system with a portable earthquake simulator – basically if you visit the Pallenz stand we’ll make the earth move for you,” exclaims Greg. “You’ll also see how we  utilise a state-of-the-art 3D design package to manufacture pallets in virtual reality prior to committing a project to full production costs.”
 
Another leading business at Foodtech Packtech is construction materials company, BASF Construction Chemicals New Zealand. Scott Lacey, Technical Sales (Performance Flooring) says one demonstration will be of a non-slip version of its unique flooring product, UCRETE.
 
“Marketed as UCRETE DP, the flooring system, already gaining widespread acclaim for its outstanding strength, chemical resistance and non-slip performance characteristics, is touted as one of the most significant advances in occupational health and safety in the food and beverage industries for many years.
 
“Workplace slip hazards are a major concern for many companies - especially throughout the food and beverage processing industries. In the past, when it came to selecting a floor for these difficult
environments, it has often been a matter of 'trading off' between long-term durability, ease of cleaning or non-slip finish. Now we are able to offer a floor that meets all criteria."
 
Also key at this year’s Foodtech Packtech is the focus on professional education.
 
The Future Food Roadshow is an interactive exhibition being showcased at Foodtech Packtech. Using digital touch screens, you can question your attitudes to food, science and the environment. There are also opportunities to explore the wider issues surrounding the food you eat and the food you might eat in the future. Exploring the many meanings of food, the Roadshow is an eye-opening and thought-provoking experience that covers food’s cultural significance, ethical and ecological implications, impact on individual and collective health, and New Zealand ‘s unique position a food primary producer, exporter and innovator.
 
Always popular are the Packaging Council of New Zealand’s series of workshops. The breakfast workshops follow an overarching theme that ties innovation on day one to sustainability (day two) and regulatory changes and the economy on day three, says Executive Director Paul Curtis. “Each day will end with a facilitated workshop, the outputs of which will flow through into the following day, finishing with a ‘where to from here’ on day three”.
 
The well-thought through programme includes Tony Nowell, ex CEO of Griffins Foods and Zespri International and Chair of the Packaging Accord Governing Board, presentations from Scion (Crown Research Institute providing the next generation of biomaterials technology, research and development services), and a facilitated workshop on how to bring industry, government and crown research institutes together to maximise funding and opportunities. And that’s just one day!
 
Day two will feature Alan Emmerson, New Zealand’s Al Gore Ambassador, presenting a shortened version on An Inconvenient Truth, presentations from experts on global trends in sustainability and how it affects industry, and a facilitated workshop on how to build sustainability into your innovation programmes.
 
Dominick Stephens, Research Economist from Westpac, will also be hosting a breakfast session on a range of pertinent topics relating to the industry including a state-of-the nation address with questions and answers. Tickets are available from the show website.
 
Foodtech Packtech is a trade-only event with free entry. Visitors can register online at http://www.foodtechpacktech.co.nz/
 
Foodtech Packtech official publishers are Hayley Media, with the highly-regarded Food Technology magazine the official publication.
 
ENDS