nEws


GEA divErsifiEs sustAinAblE blow-fill-cAp tEchnoloGy for sEnsitivE, lonG-lifE bEvErAGEs t


he global beverage industry is changing as consumers place a premium not only on high-quality, green products but also on more user-friendly,


practical packaging with improved sustainability credentials. As an innovation leader in aseptic blow-fill-cap processes, GEA helps manufacturers produce attractive, long-life products that meet these high standards. the market launch of the GEA decontamination blow fill system dbf signals an advance in aseptic technology for a wider range of beverages: manufacturers now have a solution dedicated specifically to filling high-acid, sensitive, shelf-stable products and Esl beverages such as juices, nectars, isotonics and those containing pulp and cereal particles. in this way, GEA is transferring the food safety, flexibility, cost effectiveness and sustainability benefits that characterise dry aseptic filling to dbf production processes. “compared to hot fill or retort sterilisation, with dry aseptic processing


and filling it’s possible to produce lightweight, innovative bottles that consume minimal amounts of raw materials while at the same time allowing a variety of attractive container designs, and fill them with preservative-free beverages,” says donato de dominicis, managing director of GEA centre of competence for blowing, filling & packaging (sensitive beverages). “this is an area where we are pioneers. yet not all sensitive beverages need to be produced under the same processing conditions. that’s why we decided to offer a solution tailor-made dedicated to specific categories of sensitive products. that solution is GEA dbf.” characterised by high acidity (ph below 4.5) or low acidity (ph above 4.5),


those sensitive beverages can be stored at ambient temperatures or refrigerated. Manufacturers must be very selective in their choice of processing and filling solutions for this category of products because their sensorial qualities and shelf life suffer when exposed to light, oxygen and temperature changes. container decontamination is a key aspect of the process because it is a reliable and effective means of extending shelf life. within the dry preform sterilisation solutions, the GEA Aseptic fill system


MAnufActurinG thE tAlEnt of toMorrow


i


n a first for the uK manufacturing and


engineering industry, next Gen Makers has launched the Engineering Apprenticeships: best practice programme – an initiative designed to support firms overcome skills challenges and build talent for future success. Equipping manufacturers with the tools they need to


better plan for, attract and retain apprentices, the programme provides a host of resources to enable engineering and manufacturing firms of all sizes to replicate proven methods adopted by other businesses that have successfully run Apprenticeship schemes for some time. resources include an expansive online video library containing video interviews with a variety of manufacturers successfully running apprenticeship schemes, a toolkit containing ‘how to’ guides and quarterly virtual peer-to-peer meetups to enable ideas sharing and problem solving. built around the sharing of best practice, the


programme allows manufacturers to learn from each other and discover proven techniques to bridge their skills gaps, ensuring they have the talent needed to underpin enhanced productivity, innovation, profitability and growth. www.nextgenmakers.co.uk/best-practice-programme


Abf, already successfully established for low-acid, shelf-stable beverages such as dairy products, has been the inspiration for this development. GEA dbf relies on a dry decontamination process using hydrogen peroxide vapour (vhp). with no compromise on food safety, it features a decontamination treatment performed in a single point for a reliable and robust performance. the processed preforms are then stretched with sterile air into sterile bottles so to enter the aseptic filling module, where they are also aseptically sealed. no water and less chemical consumption are required for decontamination. dbf works on the same principle as Abf, meaning that plastic preforms,


rather than the bottles, are sterilised. the upshot is that it is possible to reduce bottle weights compared with conventional systems. in addition, less sterilising agent is needed because the preform’s surface is smaller than that of a bottle and simply structured. GEA sterilises the preforms’ interior and exterior surfaces in a single step as soon as they leave the oven. this is more efficient than processes that treat the surfaces separately. one of the reasons GEA dbf is so versatile is that it is ideally suited to


producing an exceptionally wide spectrum of drinks, ranging from still to carbonated, clear to viscous products as well as those with fruit or cereal particles up to 10 x 10 x 10 millimetres in size. on top of that, the dbf system is targeted to beverage producers with sKu variability because changeovers from large-volume to single-serve containers and different neck finish dimensions can be performed in next to no time. this gives manufacturers a great degree of freedom when it comes to designing bottles.


www.gea.com


rtitb confirMs AccrEditinG body stAtus in irElAnd post-brEXit


f


ollowing brEXit, rtitb confirms that it remains a recognised accrediting


body for lift truck operator and instructor training in the republic of ireland. rtitb’s recognition as an accrediting body


in ireland is derived from the hsA (health and safety Authority) code of practice rider- operated lift trucks: operator training and supplementary Guidance. the hsA has confirmed that the document, which names rtitb as an accreditation scheme provider in the Appendix, is still valid following the uK’s departure from the Eu. therefore, rtitb Accreditation for employers and training providers delivering lift truck operator and instructor training is recognised in the republic of ireland. “for rtitb, it has been very much


“business as usual” since brEXit,” says laura nelson, Managing director for rtitb, the leading workplace transport training accrediting body for the uK and ireland. “brEXit shouldn’t mean that forklift training standards slip, so we remain committed to working with organisations in ireland to help improve safety in lift truck and workplace transport operations.”


“to remove any uncertainty and help


minimise business disruption, we also aim to keep all our customers in ireland up to date throughout this time of change, and our team continues to provide the same high level of support,” she continues. rtitb also confirms that trainees’ data


can continue to be shared by trainers in the republic of ireland, with rtitb as an Accrediting body in the uK in line with Gdpr (General data protection regulation). this is possible due to a temporary framework that permits the free flow of personal data between the Eu and uK – a ‘third country’ - for business and law enforcement purposes. this arrangement, established by the uK-Eu trade and cooperation Agreement, is currently valid until 30th June 2021. www.rtitb.com


fActory&hAndlinGsolutions | MAy 2021 5


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