Industry News
O-I names new COO; European president resigns
Owens-Illinois (O-I) has announced several leadership changes, naming Andres Lopez president of glass containers and chief operating officer, and announcing the resignation of Erik Bouts, president of O-I Europe. [ + ]
Cardia secures seven new patents
Cardia Bioplastics secured seven new patents in 2014 for its Cardia Compostable, Biohybrid and PPC-starch resin and finished products from Patent and Trademark Offices in Japan, Australia, New Zealand and China. [ + ]
Coles slapped with $10m penalty for unconscionable conduct
Coles has been ordered to pay $10 million plus costs after being found guilty of unconscionable conduct in its dealing with suppliers. It will also be forced to establish a formal process to provide redress for the more than 200 affected suppliers. [ + ]
Seafood country of origin labelling could extend to restaurants, fast food outlets
Recommendations to extend seafood country of origin labelling to restaurants and fast food outlets have been welcomed by the Australian Made Campaign. The recommendations were made by the Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee. [ + ]
ISFR document on complying with the Nutrition, Health and Related Claims Standard
The Implementation Subcommittee for Food Regulation (ISFR) has developed a document on how to comply with the Nutrition, Health and Related Claims Standard (Standard 1.2.7) in the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. [ + ]
tna launches Arabic website for Middle East clients
Packaging and processing solutions company tna has launched a new website in Arabic for its clients in the Middle East region. Customised for the needs of the region, the new website is located at www.tnasolutions.ae. [ + ]
Grain science conference to attract scientific and technical experts
In September 2015, international and Australian scientific and technical experts will meet at the 65th Australasian Grain Science Conference. [ + ]
Recycling rebates available for small businesses
The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is giving small businesses an early Christmas present: up to $25,000 in government rebates for recycling. [ + ]
Tasmanian vegie growers to collectively bargain with processors
Tasmanian vegetable growers could gain permission to collectively bargain with vegetable processors Simplot and McCain if a draft determination issued by the ACCC goes ahead. [ + ]
Innovia CEO retires; new CEO announced
Innovia Group has announced several changes to its executive team, including the retirement of its Group CEO David Beeby. Mark Robertshaw has been selected as Beeby's replacement and will start in the role in late January 2015. [ + ]
Work begins on NSW's largest prepacked salad facility
Food manufacturing facility specialist Wiley has secured a contract for what will be NSW's largest prepacked salad facility. OneHarvest engaged Wiley to create an early concept design for the multimillion-dollar project, which is located in Camden. [ + ]
Mould-fighting yeast revolutionary for grain producers
An accidental discovery by Swedish researchers could revolutionise the storage of grain in tropical environments. [ + ]
Fresh is best for Gen Z and Millennials
Fresh is best - at least for younger generations. From 2003 to 2013, consumption of fresh foods grew by 20% to more than 100 billion eating occasions, driven predominantly by younger generations, according to a report from The NPD Group. [ + ]
Coles owns up to unconscionable conduct
Coles has admitted to unconscionable conduct in its dealings with suppliers in 2010-11. The company had vehemently denied all allegations of unconscionable conduct previously, but admitted to the conduct after reviewing the ACCC's materials and an internal investigation. [ + ]
Two Korean tariff cuts to benefit Australian industries
The landmark Korea-Australia Free Trade Agreement (KAFTA) has passed into the parliaments of both countries. This is accompanied by two tariff cuts for Australian industries - one on 12 December and one on 1 January 2015. [ + ]