Industry News
Biofuels from winery waste
A PhD student at Swinburne University of Technology has found a way to break down winery waste into compounds for use as biofuels and medicines using fungi and a bioreactor. The fermentation produces alcohols, acids and simple sugars. [ + ]
Emerging plant and animal industries worth $912 million
While Australia is well known for its considerable grain and livestock production, lesser-known emerging industries also play a vital role in Australia's agricultural sector. These industries have been valued at approximately $912 million. [ + ]
Obesity Society calls on food manufacturers to reduce energy density of foods
The Obesity Society (TOS) has called for food companies to test and market less energy-dense foods to help curb the obesity epidemic. [ + ]
One step closer to non-allergenic peanut products
A University of Florida scientist is one step closer to creating non-allergenic peanut products. Wade Yang has managed to remove 80% of peanut allergens in whole peanuts. [ + ]
Coles slapped with 3-year fresh bread advertising ban
Coles has been slapped with a 3-year ban on advertising its bread as being freshly baked in-store. The ruling comes after revelations that some of its 'fresh' bread products were in fact par-baked months before being shipped frozen and 'finished' in Coles stores. [ + ]
Japanese packaging industry reaches US$60bn in 2013
The Japanese packaging industry grew to just shy of US$60 billion in the 2013 financial year. In FY2013, the Japanese packaging industry grew by more than 2% from FY12 to reach ¥6.049 trillion, representing 1.27% of the national GDP. [ + ]
ACCC welcomes grocery code of conduct; calls for further discussion
An industry-led proposed code of conduct for the grocery sector has been welcomed by the ACCC. However, the commission has called for enforceability and coverage issues to be discussed before a conclusion is reached. [ + ]
Vegetable production begins in Toshiba Clean Room Farm
Vegetable production has begun at the Toshiba Clean Room Farm Yokosuka, with the first crop shipment scheduled for late October. The company aims to produce an annual output of three million bags of leaf lettuce, baby leaf greens, spinach, mizuna and herbs. [ + ]
AIP delivers seminar and half-day course at Foodtech Packtech 2014
The Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP) has just completed its eighth year exhibiting at Foodtech Packtech. In addition to exhibiting, this year the AIP also delivered a seminar and a half-day training course. [ + ]
Future looks brighter for local wine industry
The past decade has presented a host of difficulties for Australia's wine-production industry; however, brighter times may be ahead. [ + ]
What do bananas, soya and almonds have in common?
According to a study published in Psychological Research, consuming tyrosine either via supplements or food can promote creative thinking. [ + ]
NutraSweet to cease aspartame and L-phenylalanine production
NutraSweet has announced it will shut down its aspartame and L-phenylalanine production plant by the end of 2014 as part of a move to exit the aspartame segment of its business. [ + ]
Do artificial sweeteners really cause metabolic disease? Experts respond
A study published in the scientific journal Nature showing that artificial sweeteners could play a role in glucose intolerance and metabolic disease has drawn mixed reactions from experts. [ + ]
Mobile equipment transfer trial goes live
CHEP Australia has announced a mobile equipment transfer trial. The technology used in the trial will enable customers to transfer equipment accountability at the same time that merchandise passes through their receipt and dispatch docks. [ + ]
26 international companies confirmed for AUSPACK 2015
Twenty-six international companies have already confirmed their places at AUSPACK 2015, organisers say. The 2015 event is the 30th anniversary of AUSPACK. [ + ]