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(UPM, Helsinki, April 16, 2026 at 10:00 EEST) – UPM Specialty Materials and Felix Schoeller, a specialty paper manufacturer, have developed a customizable recyclable* barrier solution designed specifically for flexible food packaging, such as chocolate and snack bars. In response to the growing demand for recyclable packaging, this food-safe, fibre-based solution supports the packaging industry’s transition toward upcoming recyclability requirements under the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR).

As brand owners face diverse packaging needs, the collaboration addresses varying end-use requirements by offering customizable levels of barrier protection. Based on UPM SolideTM Lucent packaging paper, Felix Schoeller has created a barrier concept that can be tailored to the specific performance requirements of different products.

“We always start with the customers’ needs. Instead of relying on fixed technologies or standard barrier levels, we design customizable coating solutions that deliver the protection required – whether against oxygen, moisture, grease, or for sealing and mechanical performance. UPM Solide Lucent has proven to be an excellent base material for this. It runs reliably on our coating lines, offers well-balanced mechanical performance, and delivers outstanding printability. This enables solutions that truly protect what matters,” explains Andreas Bergmeier, Head of Innovation & Technical Sales Packaging, Felix Schoeller.

“Flexible food packaging is evolving quickly, and brand-owners need solutions that deliver both high- performance barrier protection and recyclability. Our collaboration with Felix Schoeller demonstrates how UPM Solide Lucent can be adapted to different end-uses, enabling fully fibre-based packaging concepts that are ready for tomorrow’s regulatory expectations,” says Markus Kamphuis, Technical Sales Manager, UPM Specialty Materials.

UPM Solide Lucent packaging paper is designed for easy converting. The paper features an exceptionally smooth and dense surface. This allows for lower coating weights while still delivering the strength needed for reliable performance on high-speed production lines. A range of grammages is available to match specific application requirements.

UPM’s and Felix Schoeller’s solution will be on display at UPM Specialty Materials’ stand F29, Hall 8A at Interpack, Düsseldorf, Germany, May 7-13.

* Recyclability is assessed using the standard CEPI version 3 (Feb. 2025) and evaluated according to 4evergreen evaluation protocol scorecard version 2.0 (Jan. 2025).

 
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Düsseldorf, Germany — 16 April 2026 – At interpack 2026, TNA Solutions will preview the tna vacuum de-oiler (patent pending), a technology designed to help potato chip manufacturers reduce oil content while maintaining the taste, texture and crispiness consumers expect. As a complete line solutions partner, TNA continues to support producers in achieving healthier products, improved efficiency and greater control across batch-frying operations.

As demand for better-for-you snacks continues to grow, manufacturers are under increasing pressure to reduce fat content without compromising product quality or process efficiency. Specifically developed for batch-fried chips, the tna vacuum de-oiler removes oil after frying — including both surface oil and oil absorbed by the potato cells — lowering total fat content from approximately 32–35% to the low 20% range, depending on customer requirements. Visitors to the TNA stands C56 & D56 in Hall 14 will be able to see this innovation live from 7–13 May at Messe Düsseldorf.

Healthier products without compromising quality
Unlike conventional heated centrifuge systems, the tna vacuum de-oiler operates at ambient temperature, using vacuum-driven technology to gently remove oil without further browning or additional acrylamide formation, as can occur in technologies that require chip reheating after frying.

The result:
• Lower-fat potato chips with preserved flavour, texture and crispiness
• Reduced risk of overprocessing and colour variation
• Greater control over final product quality

Reducing costs through oil recovery
In addition to improving nutritional profiles, the tna vacuum de-oiler supports more efficient resource use. Recovered oil is filtered and returned to the fryer, helping to reduce overall oil consumption and minimise operating costs.

Designed for seamless batch frying integration
The tna vacuum de-oiler has been specifically engineered to integrate with TNA’s batch frying systems. The centrifuge is sized to handle a full batch directly from the fryer, enabling smooth process flow and minimal disruption to existing operations.

In addition, a single de-oiler unit can support two batch fryers operating out of cycle, providing an efficient and scalable solution for high-capacity production environments. This flexible configuration allows manufacturers to optimise throughput while maintaining consistent processing conditions.

Backed by product testing and expertise
Customers can get further support at the TNA Food Technology Centre in Woerden, Netherlands, where they can test and validate production processes.
The facility enables detailed analysis of oil uptake, texture, crispiness and nutritional performance using lab-scale equipment, helping customers optimise product quality before scaling up production.

Commenting on the launch, Twan van den Berg, Group Solution Specialist Manager – Processing, TNA Solutions, said: “Snack manufacturers today are under pressure to deliver healthier products without compromising on taste or efficiency. With the tna vacuum de-oiler, we are helping producers achieve lower oil content while maintaining the quality consumers expect. By combining intelligent design with seamless integration into batch-frying lines, we enable manufacturers to improve both product performance and operational efficiency.”

To see the tna vacuum de-oiler and other snack innovations live, visit TNA Solutions at interpack 2026, Hall 14, stands C56 & D56, from 7–13 May in Düsseldorf, Germany.

To arrange a meeting or request a complimentary registration code, visit: https://interpack.tnasolutions.com/

 
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Regina, Saskatchewan, April 15, 2026 –  is accepting applications for the , which supports capital projects that help enrich the lives of rural Canadians.

 

Applications are open to registered charities and non-profit organizations in rural Canada that partner with municipal, territorial, or provincial governments, as well as those that partner with First Nations, Inuit, or Métis governments and communities.

 

The fund supports projects in communities with fewer than 50,000 people. Projects can receive between $10,000 and $25,000, from a total available fund of $1.5 million.

 

The application deadline for the 2026 fund is May 15. Applicants can view the eligibility requirements, past projects and apply online by visiting . FCC will announce the selected projects in the late fall.

 

Examples of past projects include construction or improvements to community buildings, refrigeration and equipment to support food waste reduction and recovery, projects that improve accessibility and inclusion, greenhouses, and initiatives related to agriculture and food.

 

Since inception of the FCC AgriSpirit Fund in 2004, FCC has supported 1,778 capital projects in rural Canada totaling $24 million in donations.

 
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Siemens is collaborating with DrinkPAK, one of North America’s largest canned beverage manufacturers, to automate its new, state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Fort Worth, Texas. Through a unique combination of advanced automation, smart infrastructure and tailored financial solutions, Siemens helps DrinkPAK scale its operations, maintain industry-leading reliability, maximize energy efficiency and enable sustainable decision-making.

DrinkPAK has a North American network of facilities where it batches, fills, tests, warehouses and distributes drinks for global beverage brands at speeds of up to 3,000 cans per minute. The company’s two current facilities, in Santa Clarita, California and in Fort Worth, Texas, are the largest canned contract manufacturing facilities in the United States. With the addition of the company’s third facility in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, set for early 2027, this coast-to-coast network provides DrinkPAK’s customers with access to the largest, fastest, and most flexible canned manufacturing assets in the world.

“Partnering with Siemens gave us the flexibility to scale rapidly while investing in energy-efficient automation,” said Brian Aster, chief strategy officer, DrinkPAK. “Their industry knowledge and tailored financing solutions have been critical to our growth and long-term success.”

Siemens delivers a unique combination of financing, building infrastructure and digital automation solutions, including the integration of BRAUMAT, a scalable process control system designed for the brewing and beverage industry, positioning the company to support DrinkPAK in achieving optimal efficiency.

BRAUMAT automates recipe-based production to ensure consistent quality and efficient operations. It integrates advanced automation components like Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs), offering real-time monitoring and reporting, and supports secure, scalable development for both small and large producers.

In Fort Worth, Siemens provided a comprehensive suite of energy infrastructure and integrated automation solutions, including switchboards and metering, that both power the plant’s critical operations and allow for intelligent power monitoring to ensure reliable, high-output performance and energy efficiency.

“Innovation isn’t just about technology – it’s about how the right technologies work together to solve business challenges. Our collaboration with DrinkPAK unites advanced automation, intelligent infrastructure and flexible financing to create a truly integrated solution,” said Chris Stevens, president, Siemens Digital Industries. “By enabling DrinkPAK to automate complex logistics, maximize uptime and scale efficiently, Siemens turns the promise of digital transformation into measurable results: greater efficiency, reliability, and safety for our customers.”

In addition, DrinkPAK integrated Siemens advanced automation components, including PLCs and HMIs, into its Automatic Laser-Guided Vehicle (AGV) systems. These systems are supplied by DrinkPAK’s intralogistics partner, E80 Group, to automate pallet movement throughout the warehouses and support truck loading and unloading operations.

Siemens technology plays a critical role in ensuring this automation runs smoothly and reliably. Siemens’ PLCs handle critical control and communication functions with each AGV, ensuring precise coordination with sensors, drives and safety systems. The HMIs provide operators with clear, intuitive visibility into system performance, diagnostics, and status updates to minimize downtime and enable predictive maintenance.

“This project demonstrates the power of combining technology with tailored financing. Our role is to make innovation accessible, supporting DrinkPAK with solutions that align investment with performance, and enable scalable, sustainable growth,” said Oleg Rakitsky, Head of Siemens Financial Services Commercial Finance Americas.

By leveraging Siemens’ proven industrial automation platform, DrinkPAK benefits from a system that is highly integrated, scalable and easy to maintain. The consistency and interoperability of Siemens’ hardware across the plant floor ensures seamless coordination between vehicles, warehouse systems and production lines, translating to greater efficiency, higher reliability, and safer operations.

 
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Winchester, Ontario (April 10, 2026) – Yesterday, Lactalis Canada held a special event to mark the official opening of a new milk receiving bay at its Winchester, Ontario that will increase its milk receiving capacity by 25%.

“Lactalis Canada is proud to officially open a new state‑of‑the‑art milk receiving bay at our Winchester, Ontario cheese processing facility. This new facility will increase our ability to receive and process milk and in turn, increase production capacity and support the continued growth of the site,” said Mark Taylor, President & CEO, Lactalis Canada. “This latest infrastructure investment at over $16 million reinforces our Winchester plant’s position as the largest cheese manufacturing plant in Canada and its role as critical hub in the Canadian dairy landscape.”

Key Facility Features

  • $16.4 million investment
  • Ability to receive up to two million litres of milk per day – an increase of approximately 25%
  • 180,000 ft² state-of-the-art facility
  • Four truck bays and three independent milk receiving systems
  • Enhanced ergonomics for milk drivers and receivers

In recent years, Lactalis Canada has made significant investments in its Winchester, Ontario facility to support operations. These include an award‑winning $18‑million wastewater treatment plant completed in 2020, the construction of a new private roadway in 2021 to divert milk truck traffic away from the town core, and major infrastructure upgrades such as a new refrigeration plant and boiler plant. In 2026 alone, the company is investing $42 million at the site, inclusive of the $16.4‑million new milk receiving bay.

 

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