Sustainability spotlight: a key focus at foodpro

With the environmental impact of manufacturing and production now more critical than ever, sustainability will be front and centre at foodpro 2023.

From initiatives to reduce water and energy consumption to products and materials that can be reused or regenerated, featured suppliers will be acknowledged with detailed information on digital signage around the expo and Sustainability Spotlight floor titles directing visitors to their stands.

Felicity Parker, foodpro Product Manager, said this is the first year foodpro has shone a spotlight on sustainable companies, with a range of environmentally conscious exhibitors available, as well as a range of speakers to discuss the topic.

The Smart Food Lounge, sponsored by Schneider Electric, will feature presentations such as: The Benefit of Commercialising Excess Food, Sustainable Packaging for the Food Industry from the Australian Institute of Packaging; Leveraging Bio Ingredients to Reduce Food Waste; APCO’s Australasian Recycling Label Program; and a discussion on The Sustainability of Meat from the Australian Meat Industry Council.

Luke Norris, foodpro Operations Manager, said that foodpro has also been working on improving its own sustainability, introducing water refill stations, recyclable and compostable food packaging and a separated bin system to support resource recovery. The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre has also introduced energy and emission reduction initiatives to reduce environmental impacts. Name badges at the event will also be recyclable, made from class 5 PP plastic. Badges will be collected when the show closes and remade into another product.

foodpro is on 23–26 July 2023, at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. For more information, visit https://foodproexh.com.

Sustainability suppliers at foodpro 2023 include:

SEE – Stand R2

SEE develops packaging solutions which are designed to safeguard food, protect essential goods during transportation, enable e-commerce deliveries and create digital connectivity. Its portfolio of solutions integrates sustainable materials, automation and digital technology. The company has made a 2025 sustainability pledge to produce 100% recyclable or reusable materials plus 50% average recycled or renewable content by 2025. It has an aim to have net zero carbon (CO₂) emissions by 2040 across global operations.

Flow Power – Stand X16

Flow Power partners with food and beverage manufacturers to reshape how they manage energy. The company has also been helping regional and metro Australian councils go green, with secure access to renewable energy solutions.

Omya Australia – Stand A4

Omya is a global producer of calcium carbonate and a worldwide distributor of specialty materials. It offers solutions based on high purity natural minerals and complementary ingredients in food, pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, personal care, home care and pet food.

O'Brien Energy Services – Stand W21

O'Brien provides sustainable onsite energy solutions for industrial and commercial production needs, generating thermal energy from eco-friendly sources. It provides asset management, fuel conversion and training, working with industrial and commercial businesses nationwide.