NEWS | Industry Updates


other industries has no idea at present where these chemicals are used in the industry or which of the uses are essential. The European Vending & Coffee Service Association has set up a working group to try to identify which compounds are used where and in what quantities so that the industry can have a meaningful discussion with legislators. The legislation, which is going through


Europe at present and almost certain to be passed before the end of this European Parliament in June, would lead to a progressive ban on many compounds starting in 2026. While the UK would not be directly


PFAS and why they matter to vending


Hundreds of Per-and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) chemicals that contain fluorine, sometimes referred to as “forever chemicals” because they currently have no known breakdown pathway in nature, are expected to be banned in the UK, the Vending & Automated Retail Association has warned. Members of this group of chemicals


are very widely used in the vending industry but it is becoming clear that, in sufficient quantity, they can make people ill. Hundreds of compounds are expected to be banned in the UK, the


There are some 10,000 such chemicals


and they are found in products like Teflon, Scotchgard, WD 40, firefighting foams, demoulding agents in the plastics industry and, of course, refrigerant gases. The discovery that the products are widespread in the environment and can cause harm to people has triggered a reaction among some legislators to ban some or all of them. According to the AVA, it is an area


where there is currently much more heat than light. Vending, along with most


affected by a ban in Europe, few manufacturers are going to be making parts just for use in the UK, and in any case, the UK has its own plans to ban several hundred compounds. The AVA has warned that all machine manufacturers, refurbishers, component and packaging suppliers will be affected by this issue and it is certain that some customers will be asking about it soon. One thing that is already clear is that a


certificate from an overseas manufacturer saying their products do not contain PFAS cannot solely be relied upon. Independent verification is going to be necessary, but collaboration could mean that the industry minimises costs of analysis. The AVA will be providing updates on the subject when they become available.


H-PACK launches of ‘Great Taste’ range of products


Europe’s packaging one-stop shop, H-Pack Packaging has launched a line of products exclusive to fish and chip shops which it expects to appeal to high-end UK chippies that want packaging that stands out, while reflecting the quality of the food it holds. The new ‘Great Taste’ fish ‘n’ chips packaging range includes a series of small, medium, and large, eye-catching paper boxes and small and large paper bags, with handles. The bags carry the same design as the boxes and are intended to complement those boxes, with the complete range offering an opportunity for sellers to provide a more considered, identifiable offering that appears unique to the individual food retail outlet. Head of merchant sales for H-Pack, David Martin explains: “Higher ingredients costs and facilities charges have impacted on the price of takeaway meals. The ‘Great Taste’ range enables chip shop owners, who may not have the means to market their products or to create a brand, to maximise their food offering with packaging that stands out and elevates the overall appearance of the meal provided. “There’s no great price difference between ‘Great Taste’ bags


and boxes and those of the plain brown or white variety but the range makes any offering look higher value. Given that, we’d say to any chippy owner, the ‘Great Taste’ range must be one to try.”


4 | vendinginternational-online.com H-Pack is the UK arm of global food packaging brand, Hotpack


and, as such, can offer bespoke custom products, working with pioneering new materials and state of the art machinery and technology, along with its internationally recognised, premium lines.


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