Australian food and beverage company Lion was recognised by the Governor-General for its contributions to the charity Foodbank. [ + ]

AusIndustry is hosting a series of information sessions to help manufacturers and business operators learn how to apply for assistance under the government’s Clean Technology Investment Programs. [ + ]

As part of his recent visit to Australia, Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark inspected Jasol’s ‘smarter way’ system for cleaning Don KRC’s Castlemaine plant. [ + ]

Nestlé is set to build a new €220 million Nescafé Dolce Gusto factory in Germany. [ + ]

3 Pillars Network will convene the 2nd National Sustainable Food Summit in Sydney on 3-4 April 2012. The summit is a direct response to calls from across the food industry for urgent and serious conversation about the sustainability of Australia’s food system. [ + ]

The International Aluminium Institute (IAI) has launched the latest in the series of product-related sustainability websites, highlighting the advantages of the use of aluminium in packaging. The site is designed to demonstrate the economic, social and environmental benefits of aluminium packaging solutions. [ + ]

Krones, Germany, has signed a cooperation agreement with the folding-carton producer and multipack specialist A&R Carton Bremen GmbH, Bremen, Germany. Krones and A&R Carton will be working together worldwide in the field of packages and packaging machinery. [ + ]

This year, the Australian packaging company tna is celebrating its 30th birthday. Starting from scratch in 1982, the company has now installed more than 6000 production lines in 120 countries and has an annual turnover in excess of $45 million. [ + ]

An event focused specifically on phosphorus scarcity and food security will be hosted by UTS from 29 February to 2 March 2012. [ + ]

In the UK food factories are hosting open days in a government sponsored scheme aimed at inspiring school children to consider careers in manufacturing. [ + ]

Intertek Cantox’s Food and Nutrition Group has announced that it will be expanding its food regulatory services in Asia, opening a new office in Beijing. [ + ]

75% of Australia's sugar crushing capacity will be owned by offshore investors (up from just 16% in 2010) if Mitr Phol's offer for Maryborough Sugar Factory is successful and a 6 million tonne sugar surplus for 2011/12 is predicted by Rabobank in its latest report. [ + ]

Design Futures has given a self-heating canned food product a complete rebrand, bringing it into the 21st century and making it more appealing to consumers. [ + ]

The Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) has established an SME forum to cater for small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) in Australia’s $10 billion food and grocery manufacturing sector. The Forum is intended to serve the needs of smaller food and grocery manufacturers and explore the issues that affect SMEs. [ + ]

While the strong Australian dollar is making life difficult for Australian manufacturers, one upside is that imported goods are more affordable than ever. Austech 2012 is a great opportunity to take advantage of the strong Australian dollar. [ + ]