https://agrospectrumasia.com/rssfeed/supply-chain/packaging packaging https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/189/4505/markem-imaje-launches-colos-2d-activate-and-colos-2d-engage-to-boost-food-traceability-and-product-transparency.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/189/4505/markem-imaje-launches-colos-2d-activate-and-colos-2d-engage-to-boost-food-traceability-and-product-transparency.html Thu, 20 Aug 2026 09:28:17 +0530 Markem-Imaje today announced the launch of CoLOS 2D Activate and CoLOS 2D Engage, supported by Markem-Imaje’s expert consulting services, providing manufacturers with a complete solution to prepare for GS1 Sunrise 2027, meet evolving regulatory and retailer requirements and unlock the full value of connected packaging. CoLOS 2D Activate and CoLOS 2D Engage are Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) enterprise solutions that enable global CPG and FMCG brands to create, organise, activate and manage static and dynamic GS1 Digital Link QR codes. The platform allows manufacturers to deploy compliant 2D codes while delivering personalised consumer experiences, collecting valuable first-party insights and supporting future digital product initiatives. Complementing the software platform, Markem-Imaje’s implementation experts provide manufacturers with a structured assessment of their production environment, coding processes and operational readiness. The service includes a full-day on-site review followed by practical recommendations to help manufacturers identify gaps, prioritise investments and develop a clear roadmap for implementing GS1 Digital Link QR codes. "Our new CoLOS 2D Activate and CoLOS 2D Engage solutions enable brands to transform QR codes from a compliance requirement into powerful digital experiences that deliver real value to consumers," said Viktor Hermansson, Global Marketing Director at Markem-Imaje. "With GS1 Digital Link, a single QR code can support retail checkout, supply chain visibility, regulatory transparency and personalised consumer engagement. Combined with Markem-Imaje’s expert consulting services, manufacturers now have a complete pathway to assess their readiness, implement compliant 2D codes and unlock the full potential of connected packaging."  Assessing readiness before implementation With retailers around the world preparing for the transition to GS1 Digital Link QR codes, manufacturers need a practical implementation strategy that minimises disruption while protecting production performance. Markem-Imaje's implementation experts work with manufacturers to evaluate existing operations, identify potential challenges and build a phased roadmap for successful deployment. The assessment provides independent recommendations covering production equipment, software infrastructure, data management and coding processes, helping manufacturers confidently prepare for the transition to connected packaging.  From production line to consumer engagement Unlike traditional static QR codes, dynamic GS1 Digital Link QR codes transform packaging into an intelligent communication channel between brands and consumers. Page content can adapt based on location, language, time or stage of the customer journey. For example, a consumer scanning a product in a retail store may receive promotional offers, while scanning the same product at home can provide recipes, usage instructions, complementary product recommendations or sustainability information. At the same time, manufacturers can capture valuable scan analytics to better understand consumer engagement. By integrating production and product data from CoLOS, ERP systems, CRM platforms and loyalty or coupon programmes through APIs, brands can deliver contextual and personalised digital experiences while maintaining a single source of truth for product information. Turning every product into a connected digital experience CoLOS 2D Activate gives manufacturers full control of GS1 Digital Link QR codes after printing through digital content management, URL destination management, scan data analytics and enterprise data integration. CoLOS 2D Engage enables marketing teams to design, publish and manage personalised consumer experiences through an intuitive drag-and-drop interface. Brands can quickly build mobile landing pages, web forms, contests, gamification campaigns and multilingual experiences that evolve throughout a product's lifecycle. The platform also provides detailed analytics showing how consumers interact with products across locations and over time. These insights help companies better understand product interactions before and after purchase, deliver relevant content at the right moment and strengthen consumer relationships. Connected packaging initiatives can often achieve engagement rates significantly higher than many traditional digital marketing channels. Managing the complete lifecycle of GS1 Digital Link QR codes Markem-Imaje's CoLOS software enables manufacturers to manage the complete lifecycle of GS1 Digital Link QR codes before, during and after production.  Key capabilities include: Automated generation of compliant static or dynamic GS1 Digital Link QR codes aligned with SKU and GTIN data. Management of Digital Link QR codes, associated digital content and reporting for products active throughout the supply chain. Integration with production systems to embed dynamic product and manufacturing data, including GTIN, lot number, best-before date, serial number and manufacturing facility information, enabling point-of-sale scanning as well as a broad range of consumer engagement applications. Packaging integrity controls and vision inspection to ensure barcode quality and error-free coding operations. Automated synchronisation with ERP and other business systems to eliminate manual data entry and maintain a single source of truth for product data. Centralised management of QR code inventory, URL destination settings and digital product experiences. Together, these capabilities help manufacturers ensure barcode quality for point-of-sale and supply chain scanning while supporting traceability, regulatory transparency and connected product experiences. Supporting evolving regulatory and transparency requirements Beyond consumer engagement, the platform supports a wide range of business-critical applications, including regulatory compliance, supply chain visibility, traceability and brand protection. By linking production data to a product's digital identity, brands can provide access to detailed product information, including lot status, recall notifications, nutrition information and sustainability data. This capability is becoming increasingly important as manufacturers prepare for evolving requirements including the European Digital Product Passport (DPP), the U.S. Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), local regulations in Southeast Asia and other initiatives that require improved product data accessibility, such as GS1 Sunrise 2027. Supporting both pre-print and inline printing environments, CoLOS 2D Activate and CoLOS  2D Engage enable manufacturers to launch pilot projects or scale to enterprise-wide deployment of GS1 Digital Link QR codes. Combined with Markem-Imaje’s expert consulting services, the platform provides a practical, end-to-end solution that supports manufacturers from readiness assessment through implementation and ongoing optimisation. A single platform for connected packaging The CoLOS platform serves as a single source of truth for production, product and packaging data, helping manufacturers streamline operations, reduce complexity and manage connected packaging from production through consumer engagement. By combining software, hardware, services and industry expertise, Markem-Imaje enables manufacturers to confidently navigate the industry's transition to connected products.   ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/189/3708/basfs-nunhems-brand-commits-e40-mn-to-advanced-seed-processing-hub-in-netherlands.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/189/3708/basfs-nunhems-brand-commits-e40-mn-to-advanced-seed-processing-hub-in-netherlands.html Mon, 20 Apr 2026 14:57:06 +0530 Strategic expansion reinforces global leadership in vegetable seeds and sustainability goals BASF’s vegetable seeds business, Nunhems, has announced a €40 million investment to modernize and expand its seed processing facilities at its headquarters in Nunhem, the Netherlands. The move signals the company’s long-term growth strategy and reinforces its ambition to strengthen its position as a global leader in the vegetable seed industry. Construction of the upgraded, next-generation facilities is set to begin in the second quarter of 2026, with completion targeted for the end of 2028, enabling the company to better serve growers worldwide with high-quality seed solutions. The expansion project was formally marked in the presence of local leadership, including the Mayor of the municipality of Leudal, Désirée Schmalschläger, alongside key project partners. Highlighting the company’s deep regional roots, Schmalschläger emphasized BASF Nunhems’ longstanding contribution to the local economy, noting its evolution from a regional seed company into a globally recognized innovator. The investment further underscores BASF’s commitment to sustaining employment and supporting economic development in the region. Currently spanning approximately 20,000 square meters, the Nunhem facility serves as a central hub where seeds from BASF Nunhems’ global supply chain are cleaned, processed, tested, and prepared for international distribution. The new investment will expand the operational footprint by an additional 6,000 square meters, significantly enhancing capacity and efficiency. Once operational, the upgraded site will run entirely on renewable energy, contributing to lower emissions and improved energy efficiency. The project includes the refurbishment of existing infrastructure, upgrades to operational areas, and the construction of new, technologically advanced processing units. These facilities will incorporate cutting-edge equipment designed to improve precision in seed storage, packaging, and logistics. Enhanced quality assurance systems will also be introduced, enabling large-scale testing to ensure seeds consistently meet the rigorous standards expected by global growers. According to company leadership, the investment reflects a dual focus on innovation and customer success. By combining advanced technology with deep operational expertise, BASF Nunhems aims to strengthen its ability to deliver reliable, high-performance vegetable seeds while maintaining Nunhem as the core of its global operations. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/189/3101/maersk-launches-integrated-packing-and-cold-storage-hub-to-boost-perus-fruit-exports.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/189/3101/maersk-launches-integrated-packing-and-cold-storage-hub-to-boost-perus-fruit-exports.html Mon, 14 Jul 2025 08:44:27 +0530 The 17,500-square-meter facility is the first of its kind in northern Peru, offering end-to-end cold chain services from harvest to export.  A.P. Moller – Maersk launched its new packing and cold chain logistics center in Olmos, Peru, a strategic move to support the country’s booming agro-export sector. As Peru’s fresh fruit exports continue to rise driven by global demand the new facility is designed to deliver speed and freshness from farm to port. Strategically positioned in the heart of northern Peru’s agricultural corridor, the Olmos site is a newly developed, multi-product fruit logistics center designed to streamline the region’s export capabilities. Located in the Lambayeque region, Olmos has rapidly become one of Peru’s most dynamic agricultural zones. According to Peru’s National Institute of Statistics and Informatics (INEI), Lambayeque is now a top contributor to the country’s fruit exports, which experienced robust growth in 2024, including a 35.7 per cent increase in blueberry exports and a 29.2 per cent rise in avocado exports. Adjacent to major plantations, the facility integrates essential logistics functions including processing, cold storage, and depot warehousing to seamlessly connected to Maersk’s global end-to-end supply chain network. The center also offers value-added services such as container depot operations, inland refrigerated transport, and customs handling at origin, ensuring a seamless end-to-end experience for customers. “This Olmos Packing and Cold Storage Centre represents far more than a logistics investment; it’s a strategic commitment to the long-term growth of northern Peru’s agro-export sector. By establishing operations in Olmos, we’re empowering local producers to compete on a global scale with the speed and quality that today’s markets demand. Our decision was guided by the region’s exceptional export performance, its proximity to key plantations, and the clear need for integrated cold chain infrastructure to unlock its full potential”, said Dean Rodin Managing Director for the West Coast of South America at Maersk Olmos Packing and Cold Chain Logistics Facility. The 17,500-square-meter facility is the first of its kind in northern Peru, offering end-to-end cold chain services from harvest to export. The facility is engineered to manage the complete post-harvest journey for three primary fruit types—avocados, blueberries, and mangoes—covering everything from field collection and processing to packaging, cold storage, and final dispatch to port. Additionally, it can serve as a cold storage solution for packaged produce such as grapes, offering flexibility to support a broader range of seasonal exports. Processing: Up to 38 tons/hour for avocados and mangoes; 4.5 tons/hour for blueberries. Storage: Over 4,600 bins across climate-controlled and refrigerated rooms, as well as two chambers for finished goods storage with 2,088 pallet positions. Cooling: Seven rapid cooling tunnels with 18 positions each to ensure preservation. The facility is equipped with specialized precooling systems designed specifically for blueberries, a critical step in post-harvest handling that helps rapidly reduce field heat, extend shelf life, and preserve fruit quality during transport. Logistics: Five loading docks and an on-site integrated depot with 420 container slots and 210 plug-in points. Technology: Automated packing lines, calibration, electronic sorting, Warehouse Management System (WMS), and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems for customer visibility, efficient inventory and packaging management. Decarbonization: In our commitment our 2040 decarbonization targets, the new facility features electrified equipment andon-site water treatment system. In 2026, solar panels will be installed to further reduce the facility’s environmental footprint and support renewable energy use. “We designed this facility to meet the highest international standards in cold chain logistics. From automation to food safety, every detail supports our mission to reduce waste, extend shelf life, and deliver quality produce to global markets. Cold chain integration plays a critical role in this process: it ensures food safety, maintains quality assurance, and significantly shortens the time from harvest to cold stabilization. With the advanced systems in place here in Olmos, we’re able to minimize fruit loss and damage by at least 10%, helping our customers protect both product value and reputation”, said Juan Eduardo Ritz Regional Head of Cold Chain Storage for Maersk Contract Logistics in Latin America. With over 10,000 tons of produce expected to pass through the facility in its first year, Maersk is already supporting exporters and creating new efficiencies in the supply chain. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/189/2632/sinclair-t55-making-strides-with-compostable-fruit-labels-for-horticulture-industry.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/189/2632/sinclair-t55-making-strides-with-compostable-fruit-labels-for-horticulture-industry.html Fri, 13 Dec 2024 07:54:00 +0530 Sinclair – T55 as an environmentally conscious alternative to plastic packaging and conventional plastic labels The Sinclair T55, a finished product compostable label, was launched at Fruit Attraction and IFPA GPFS.Zespri is leading the way as the first adopter, transitioning its label program over the next year to this innovative solution. Fresh produce industry can reduce plastic packaging Sinclair is committed to sustainable packaging solutions, focusing on certified end-of-life performance for compostable products, no matter what the material (paper or compostable film). End-of-life performance refers to the label's ability to decompose into compost within a specified timeframe, whether it is composted at home or in an industrial setting. By adhering to global composting standards and current legislation, Sinclair-certified compostable fruit labels offer numerous benefits, including: Reduced plastic usage: Minimizes reliance on plastic packaging and waste. Environmentally conscious: Decomposes into usable natural compost without harming plants or animals. Convenient disposal: Can be disposed of in home or industrial compost waste streams without additional processing or mechanical action required Safe disintegration: The fruit sticker breaks down and biodegrades within a specified timeframe to become part of usable compost without contamination to the environment. Duncan Jones, Senior Marketing Manager, commented, “We are presenting Sinclair – T55 as an environmentally conscious alternative to plastic packaging and conventional plastic labels. The demand for compostable fruit labels is growing and given the variety of shapes and sizes available from 100+ choices, Sinclair T55 fulfils practical consumer and retailer requirements as well as complementing branding and sustainability programs.” "Finished product certified compostable fruit labels offer a practical and sustainable packaging solution to decrease packaging volume and reduce plastic waste. Fruit labels will continue to effectively market fresh produce, enhance branding, distinguish products, promote healthy eating, and fulfill retail produce traceability and point of sale needs" adds Duncan Jones. Having a compostable fruit label - both industrial and home compostable - adds sustainability value to the industry. Sinclair is also focused on education and awareness campaign and seeks support by all industry stakeholders. The complexities of compostable fruit labels can be challenging to navigate. Sinclair is educating diverse audiences about the benefits of fruit labeling as a sustainable packaging option.It will provide insight into how certified compostable labels can be developed and adopted, clarify terminology, and highlight the importance of certification ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/189/1929/innovative-packaging-solutions-for-the-cheese-industry-using-sealpac-packaging-technology.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/189/1929/innovative-packaging-solutions-for-the-cheese-industry-using-sealpac-packaging-technology.html Tue, 05 Mar 2024 12:30:03 +0530 A revolutionary packaging technology has been developed by Swiss and Portuguese cheese manufacturers to advance the dairy industry across the globe. A high-tech tray sealer and thermoformer from packaging specialist SEALPAC support these organizations' objectives. The European Union has the world’s largest annual consumption of cheese. Manufacturers are competing for the consumer's hand with their own specialty products Regardless of whether it is a small craft company with a regional customer base or a large-scale cheese producer for export markets. Suitable and innovative packaging is crucial to ensure cheese specialties are of high quality and to ensure their quality on their way to the end user, as well as to stand out from the competition. The packaging expert SEALPAC has adapted its traysealers and thermoformers to meet the demands of the dairy segment and offers producers innovative packaging solutions that combine optimal product protection with efficient production, simplify logistics, and offer attractive presentations while consuming fewer consumables. SEALPAC helps cheese manufacturers throughout Europe and beyond with the right packaging solutions for distributing and marketing their products.  PRO thermoformer from SEALPAC is a compact thermoformer that is tailored to small and medium-sized companies. The space-saving PRO uses consumables and energy extremely economically, and has a modular design. The PRO thermoformer is equipped with an innovative tooling quick exchange system, which reduces changeover times.  The basic PRO machine is suitable for running flexible and rigid film, both for vacuum packaging and sealing-only applications. Different modules can be added to run other packaging solutions, such as MAP, skin, or shrink packaging. The model is the most ideal for the artisan cheese factory. CEO Roland Rüegg at Wildberg Käserei said, “With the new PRO thermoformer, the pieces of cheese are now packaged from a reel of highly transparent bottom film using Rapid Air Forming. The machine reliably manages particularly thin film that is easy to print, for example with product information, an organic label, or a brand logo. Besides ensuring consistent high quality, the new thermoformer also makes progress in terms of sustainability: unlike the previous bag solution, thinner films are now used, which saves plastic and reduces storage space. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/189/1744/chinese-aseptic-packaging-firm-shandong-newjf-enters-liquid-packaging-market-viz-dairy-and-beverages.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/189/1744/chinese-aseptic-packaging-firm-shandong-newjf-enters-liquid-packaging-market-viz-dairy-and-beverages.html Mon, 22 Jan 2024 08:09:24 +0530 Leading aseptic packaging enterprise acquired 28.22% stake in Greatview Aseptic Packaging As one of the largest dairy and milk consumers in the world, with an annual industry growth rate of about 10%, China has in recent years set its sights on aseptic packaging, an unassuming but critical phase for the milk industrial chain, which aroused market attention as Chinese companies strategize to break foreign monopoly through business mergers and acquisitions. Chinese leading aseptic packaging enterprise Shandong NewJF Technology Packaging Co., Ltd (NEWJF) has now acquired 28.22% stake in Greatview Aseptic Packaging to boost NEWJF's competitiveness in the liquid product packaging market. The acquisition helped NEWJF resolve overcapacity issues with Mengniu and enhance production efficiency by adopting a universal management system. The collaboration between the two leading companies also facilitated the healthy development of the industry, moving away from price wars.Greatview Aseptic Packaging accounts for about 40% of products of Mengniu, and is also the core supplier of New Hope Dairy and its wholly-owned subsidiaries Xiajin Milk. "NEWJF values this cooperation opportunity, and is willing to explore the aseptic packaging sector providing clients and industry with better services. It is our right to appoint directors as the largest shareholder and we believe that diversifying Greatview's board of directors will expedite its sustainable development" explains NEWJF office. Founded in 2007, NEWJF, listed on the Growth Enterprise Market of the Shenzhen Stock Exchange in September 2, 2022, witnessed consecutive revenue growth from 2020 to 2022. Analysts believe that the acquisition will facilitate NEWJF in further exploring international markets. NEWJF became qualified provider of aseptic packaging material for Yili in 2009 and it solidified its ties when Yili bought a 20% stake in NEWJF in August 2015.  While Yili's current stake has been reduced to less than 5% at present, it still remains NEWJF's largest client, generating 70% the packaging company's revenue. ]]> https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/189/1137/new-zealand-fruit-brand-zespri-reinforces-strategic-partnership-in-chinese-market.html https://agrospectrumasia.com/news/189/1137/new-zealand-fruit-brand-zespri-reinforces-strategic-partnership-in-chinese-market.html Wed, 05 Jul 2023 03:28:00 +0530 Zespri signs a strategic Sustainable Development Agreement with Joy Wing Mau Group to advance trade and supply chain operations in China A delegation of fruit industry representatives from China and New Zealand have signed the "Strategic Sustainable Development Agreement" to strengthen the strategy of green environmental protection and sustainable development, and upgrade the new chapter of Sino-Singapore fruit industry cooperation. As the core strategic partner of the Zespri ecosystem, Joy Wing Mau Together with Zespri, has committed to the promotion of environmentally friendly packaging, and to gradually achieve sustainable packaging within three years.  While simultaneously combining its own earth-friendly strategy, Joy Wing Mau will develop a chain of green fruit products from the field to the dining table through ecological planting, environmentally friendly packaging, energy-efficient storage, and transportation, and encourage upstream and downstream cooperation. New Zealand Prime Minister Hipkins and a business delegation officially visited China. During his visit, on the "New Zealand Partnership and Product Launch Conference" held in Shanghai on the 30th, the signing ceremony was held in collaboration with Bruce Cameron, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Zespri International Group, Zhang Jian, chairman and CEO of Golden Wing Mau Fruit Technology Group, a representative of the fruit industry in China and New Zealand, and Zespri Jiang Shijie, president of the Greater China region of the group, signed the "Strategic Sustainable Development Agreement". The collaboration stems from an earlier five-year strategic partnership agreement fostering China-New Zealand economic and trade cooperation in 2021. Earlier agreement has now been upgraded to a strategic cooperation on the protection of the environment and development of sustainable communities. China is a crucial overseas market for New Zealand's agricultural products. Since the upgrade of the China-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement, new policies such as tariff reduction and exemption, customs clearance facilitation measures, and greater field opening have brought more convenience and benefits to the trade between the two countries.  China has become the largest export market for Zespri New Zealand kiwifruit, setting a model for China-New Zealand economic and trade cooperation. Zespri is one of the most representative export companies in New Zealand. Since Zespri entered the Chinese market, Joy Wing Mau and Zespri have established a long-term friendly strategic partnership of mutual trust and mutual benefit. With its strong omni-channel sales network, digital intelligent supply chain, and professional brand marketing service capabilities, Joy Wing Mau  continues to empower Zespri to achieve sustainable development in the Chinese market, contributing to the sound development of China-Singapore economic and trade. Next year will usher in the 10th anniversary of the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership between China and New Zealand. Joy Wing Mau, as a leading company in the Chinese fruit industry and the largest distributor of New Zealand fruits in the Chinese market, will further consolidate the partnership of New Zealand partners represented by Zespri and Rockit. ]]>