INDUSTRY News
New single-use plastic rules should ring “alarm bells” for the packaging industry
New legislation banning single-use plastic items in Scotland should be an “alarm bell” for food processors to adopt sustainable packaging methods, claims ULMA Packaging.
It follows the Scottish government’s outlawing of items such as cups, lids and takeaway containers made from expanded polystyrene. The sustainability-focused move to ban these items is a further warning to the food industry, which must factor in sustainable packaging when planning its future packaging infrastructure.
“The war on plastic has been raging for years now,” said Ed Williams, Sales
Director at ULMA Packaging UK, “and the Scottish Government’s ban on single- use plastics should be seen as an alarm bell, hinting at what’s to come for food processors. This new legislation, coming soon after the Plastic Packaging Tax’s introduction in April, highlights how the industry can’t aff ord to stand still in this ongoing drive toward more sustainable practices. Whilst this ban may only cover smaller implements currently, it is just the latest step in governmental sustainability strategies, with plastic packaging likely to come under further scrutiny.” With laws surrounding the use of such materials likely to become even more
stringent, ULMA is highlighting the diff erence in plastics used in packaging, and the importance of implementing machinery to work with sustainable solutions. Specifi cally, the company is drawing distinctions between traditional multilayer materials and mono-material fi lms, which are easier to separate and recycle but require equipment to address their narrower optimal sealing range. “It is important to note that not all plastics are the same, and when implemented in a considerate and sustainable manner, this can off er sustainability benefi ts to the supply chain,” said Williams.
P2D devises digital solutions to simplify SPS border checks
UK software company Physical2Digital (P2D) has created digital solutions that will overcome most regulatory barriers to the swift movement of goods between Great Britain, Northern Ireland and the European Union following Brexit. “Brexit created a unique set of technological challenges which we’ve been determined to address,” said Suresh Sadanandan, P2D Chief Information Offi cer. “We are confi dent that our solutions can make a real diff erence in easing burdensome trade barriers around the world, supporting businesses of all sizes to digitise processes and prepare for the future.”
Since the introduction of regulatory
requirements along with groupage challenges, additional checks at borders have slowed deliveries, leading to suppliers either reducing their range of products for shoppers or halting deliveries altogether. Figures from the Institute of Directors indicate that 30% of UK importers were “not at all prepared” for the changes
that took eff ect in January 2022. Given that total imports to the UK from the EU rose 2.2% to £57.7bn in the third quarter of 2021, this could prove to be an issue moving forward when further changes take eff ect. Whilst hard copy certifi cations are still legally required, P2D enables fi rms to electronically submit information into government systems.
New energy collective can cut energy bills
In response to growing volatility in the energy market, a new partnership has been formed between the Smart Manufacturing Alliance and energy consultants, Inspired Energy, to save manufacturers thousands in energy bills. The ‘SMA Energy Collective’ is an
energy procurement group that is unlocking lower prices for members of the Smart Manufacturing Alliance. By pooling their energy requirements, the collective’s members can secure lower energy prices on the wholesale market.
automationmagazine.co.uk Members aren’t stuck with a “one size
fi ts all” approach either. The collective uses a portfolio strategy for energy procurement so manufacturers can choose the deals that suit theim best. Members can also fi x their energy costs at any point in their 12-month term to take full advantage of low prices. By joining the energy collective, manufacturers can spread the risk of buying and secure more fl exibility with the terms from their energy contract. “Using a portfolio strategy for energy procurement gives businesses much better
purchasing power and can deliver greater savings,” said Wayne Brown at Inspire Energy.
Automation | June 2022 9
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