NIR hyperspectral imaging accurately detects peanut contamination
01 April, 2015A novel form of near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy known as NIR hyperspectral imaging (HSI) could help clear up the uncertainty around peanut allergen labelling, researchers say.
Heat-tolerant beans a lifeline for developing countries
31 March, 2015Researchers have discovered 30 new types of 'heat-beater' beans, which could prevent production from crashing due to rising temperatures in large swathes of bean-dependent Latin America and Africa.
Inlabtec Serial Dilution System for viable cell count determination
31 March, 2015 | Supplied by: IntermedInlabtec has introduced its Serial Dilution System to Australia. The system automates the traditionally labour-intensive process of serial dilution and replaces glass tubes with single-use sterile bags.
The ubiquitous can
31 March, 2015 by Emeritus Professor Harry Lovell OAM, FAIP | Supplied by: Australian Institute of PackagingOne of the most intriguing features in the history of packaging has been the use of metal, the most striking application being that of the food can. At a time when plastic materials have been used in every conceivable format, the can has kept its place as a reliable and trustworthy pack and retained the confidence of consumers.
Egg whites plus plastic equal antibacterial bioplastics
30 March, 2015Protein sources like albumin and whey could be used to create bioplastics with antibacterial properties, a University of Georgia study has shown. The antibacterial bioplastics could be used for food packaging as well as medical applications such as wound-healing dressings.
Five pitfalls to avoid in packaging design
30 March, 2015 | Supplied by: Studio One Eleven
Assuming that package design is a straightforward process can compromise a company's brand, supply chain and even financials. The team from Studio One Eleven outlines the common pitfalls they've encountered - and tips for avoiding them.
2015 APPMA Industry Excellence Awards winners announced
26 March, 2015 | Supplied by: APPMAThe winners of the 2015 APPMA Industry Excellence Awards were announced to a crowd of 380 at the Crown Towers on 25 March. The biennial awards are designed to recognise innovative and outstanding packaging and processing solutions.
CPP recognised as gold standard in packaging proficiency
26 March, 2015The Certified Packaging Professional (CPP) designation is set to become the must-have achievement for packaging professionals, thanks to a new partnership announced by the Institute of Packaging Professionals (IoPP) and the Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP).
Aust/NZ packaging company announced as first international Empac member
26 March, 2015Jamestrong Packaging Australia & New Zealand has become the first international associate member of Empac, European Metal Packaging, the association that brings together European producers of rigid metal packaging and their supply chain partners.
Additives don't help plastics biodegrade
25 March, 2015Several additives that claim to break down polyethylene terephthalate and polyethylene are ineffective in landfill and composting, a new study has found.
Fast-food bans don't reduce obesity rates, study shows
24 March, 2015It seems logical: limit the accessibility of fast-food outlets and fewer people will be obese. The problem is that, as sensible as this sounds, it apparently doesn't work: a fast-food ban in Los Angeles has failed to reduce obesity rates or improve consumers' diets.
Diet soft drinks equal fat bellies, study suggests
23 March, 2015Think that diet soft drink will help keep the middle-aged spread at bay? Think again. Despite their name, 'diet' soft drinks have been directly linked to belly fat in older adults.
Custard is a treat for all ages
16 March, 2015Research by Roy Morgan has found that Australians' taste for dairy treats changes with age.
Bev Council slams WHO sugar guidelines
12 March, 2015The World Health Organization's (WHO's) recommendation that daily sugar intake be less than 5% is "unsubstantiated and unsustainable", according to the Australian Beverages Council.
Traffic light labels get the green light in German study
12 March, 2015'Traffic light' nutrition labels are most effective in helping consumers' self-control, researchers have discovered. Using a brain scanner, researchers found the labels were more effective in helping consumers resist high-calorie foods than purely information-based labels.
