Food & Beverage Industry News September 2024 by Prime Creative Media

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Challenges of the cold chain

Apublished by John Murphy. All material in Food & Beverage Industry News is copyright and no part may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any means (graphic, electronic or mechanical including information and retrieval systems) without written permission of the publisher. The Editor welcomes contributions but reserves the right to accept or reject any material. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information, Prime Creative Media will not accept responsibility for errors or omissions or for any consequences arising from reliance on information published.

The opinions expressed in Food & Beverage Industry News are not necessarily the opinions of, or endorsed by the publisher unless otherwise stated.

All articles submitted for publication become the property of the publisher. The Editor reserves the right to adjust any article to conform with the magazine format.

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ustralia’s diverse climate, from the sweltering Outback to temperate coastal areas, makes managing a cold chain system both challenging and crucial.

The cold chain is the continuous process of keeping perishable goods at the right temperatures to ensure their quality and safety, affecting everything from medicine to fresh food.

Australia’s vast distances and extreme weather add complexity to maintaining a reliable cold chain, especially when talking about cold chain supply.

This issue is not just logistical but impacts public health and economic efficiency.

Fortunately, new technologies are helping. Advanced refrigeration, temperature sensors, and data analytics are improving how Australia manages its cold chain, ensuring goods stay within required temperatures and enabling quick responses to problems.

Both the Australian government and industry are working to improve infrastructure by investing in cold storage and upgrading transport fleets. Despite these efforts, more investment is needed in rural areas, and regulations must keep up with technological advancements.

Collaboration between government, industry, and tech providers is essential.

By working together and embracing new technologies, Australia can build a strong cold chain system that supports public health, boosts the economy, and enhances global competitiveness.

As of 2023, Australia’s cold chain market was valued at approximately $12 billion.

This value includes all cold storage, transportation, and distribution services for temperature-sensitive goods in Australia.

The market is likely to grow due to rising demand for perishable goods, new technology, and better infrastructure.

For the latest figures and trends, checking industry reports or market research is recommended.

Australia’s cold chain supply faces several key challenges, from geographic diversity to costs.

For example, in remote and rural areas, there is often inadequate cold storage and transportation infrastructure, leading to potential risks in maintaining the required temperature for sensitive goods.

We spoke to Americold about how to address this issue, and concerns around current investment levels in the sector.

The investment required for advanced refrigeration technology, temperature monitoring, and specialised transport can be considerable, impacting the overall cost of maintaining a reliable cold chain.

Technology and innovation, along with government sustainability targets, are all playing a role in advancing the Australian cold chain but keeping up with evolving regulations and standards for temperature-sensitive products can be complex and demanding, requiring ongoing adjustments and investments.

Some key stakeholders from within this space are calling for greater investment into cold storage to help mitigate the risks associated with supply chain disruption.

Implementing and integrating new technologies for tracking and monitoring have already proven valuable to the sector and key stakeholders say they will continue to innovate and adapt.

In short, despite the challenges, progress and teamwork offer a positive outlook.

Effective management of this critical arena is essential for meeting modern economic demands.

And as government and industry sustainability targets continue to come into focus, these cold chain and logistical innovations will continue to improve the sector as a whole.

Until next month, happy reading.

16 MEET THE MANUFACTURER

Everything is about sustainable practices for the Sustainable Coffee Company.

20 FLOW MEASUREMENT

Bürkert’s FLOWave is designed to accurately detect media changes without the need for sensor elements.

22 CONVEYOR SOLUTIONS

Flexco’s conveyance solutions continue to meet the demands of food and beverage producers across the globe.

24 TRACEABILITY

GS1 Digital Link embeds structured data into a URL within a 2D barcode, enabling dynamic information retrieval.

26 COLD CHAIN LOGISTICS

Woolvie Beef has been able to expand its reach due to the support and cold chain solutions provided by Scully RSV.

28 COLD STORAGE

A new Americold cold storage facility has been designed to mitigate food supply risks presented by supply chain disruptions.

30 DIGITALISATION

Siemens’ software solutions, through APS Industrial, demonstrate cutting-edge innovations to improve manufacturing.

32 GOVERNMENT

Key industry stakeholders have hit out at the recent increase to the excise tax on beer and spirits.

34 CIRCULAR ECONOMY

Key stakeholders continue to develop informed approaches to issues surrounding soft plastic recycling in Australia.

36 FOOD WASTE

The NSW Government is allocating grants to businesses and food rescue organisations to reduce food waste.

38 FOOD LABELLING

Changes to Australia’s Health Star Rating were a key talking point at the most recent Food Ministers’ Meeting in Adelaide.

40 FOOD TECHNOLOGY

The CSIRO has expanded its SME support program, Innovate to Grow, aiming to strengthen Australia’s global leadership.

44 RENEWABLE ENERGY

The Federal Government continues to up its funding for renewable energy in the agricultural sector

Sunshine Coast rum wins big at national awards

Nil Desperandum Rum added to its list of accolades at the Australian Distilled Spirits Awards in Melbourne – taking out the prestigious Best Rum trophy.

They also added to their medal tally with all 12 entries winning either gold (two), silver (seven) or bronze (three).

The winning drop was Nil Desperandum’s ‘The Double Ton’ – a limited edition of 169 bottles that was pot distilled and aged for three years in barrels emptied of bourbon and sherry.

The rum was the first batch from a 200-litre barrel and was available to members of The 1871 Club where members get access to exclusive releases.

The trophy ‘Raymond B ‘Spike’ Dessert III for Best Rum’ is part of the awards offering distillers the opportunity to benchmark their spirits against the highest industry standards.

Under the awards hosted by

Melbourne Royal, a trademark of the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria, is a growing globally recognised seal of excellence in food and beverage, produce and producers.

“This latest achievement cements our reputation as Australia’s Finest Rum, giving rum lovers further proof we are the country’s most awarded rum brand and we couldn’t be prouder of our Head Distiller Adam Chapman and team,” said Matt Hobson, founder and CEO of Nil Desperandum.

In May, Nil Desperandum won gold for its Botanical Rum at the World Rum Awards. Since the rum brand was launched in 2022, it has won a plethora of awards from Royal Queensland Distilled Spirits, World Rum Awards, Australian Rum Awards, Australian International Rum Awards, Australian Distilled Spirits Awards and Tasting Australia Awards. F

Bilsons Brewery enters voluntary administration

Billson’s Brewery co-founder, Nathan Cowan, announced their difficult decision to put the alcoholic beverage and cordial business into Voluntary Administration.

Cowan said over the last seven years,

the business has grown exponentially, however this same growth has masked several mistakes that have led to this decision.

“Over the course of 7 years, everyone’s hard work and passion has

resulted in overwhelming support by people all over Australia and some pretty incredible business growth,” said Cowan.

“Unfortunately, that growth masked several mistakes we made along the way

as our systems and processes failed to keep up. We’re ultimately responsible for these mistakes and we know that we have let people down. We are devastated and sorry.

“The challenges we’ve encountered in 2024 have been vast and incomprehensible in scale.”

Cowan said he and co-founder Felicity Cowan are shattered by the decision regarding what has been their passion project since 2017.

“In 2017 Felicity and I moved to Beechworth with dreams of restoring the historic brewery and creating a special experience for everyone who visited,” said Cowan.

“We are shattered by the stress this decision will undoubtedly cause our team, suppliers, customers and fans.

“We’ve tried everything imaginable over the past 6 months to avoid this situation, including restructuring on two occasions, however we now believe this to be the necessary step for survival.”

Despite this, the Bilson’s venue and online store are set to operate as normal.

“We’ll continue to supply our fans through all of our amazing customers in bottle shops and venues across the country,” said Cowan. F

The winning drop was Nil Desperandum’s ‘The Double Ton’.

owners of the business were ‘heartbroken’ to make the announcement.

New grants for Victorian SME manufacturers

Food and beverage manufacturers are among recipients of the Labor Government’s Made in Victoria – Manufacturing Growth Program that have been announced, with nine SMEs set to receive a grant of up to $250,000.

Minister for Jobs and Industry Natalie Hutchins has announced the funding that will make it easier for these manufactures to introduce new technologies and processes, improve productivity and competitiveness in local and global supply chains, upskill workers and create more highlyskilled jobs.

With the recipients based across Victoria and operating across a variety of sectors including food and beverage, construction, and packaging and transport, this program is helping secure a bright future for our local manufacturing sector.

“Victoria is Australia’s manufacturing state – that’s why we’re backing these businesses to become more competitive and future-focused so more in-demand products can be made right here in Victoria,” said Hutchins.

“These grants will help our manufacturers increase production, drive innovation, reach new markets and boost local jobs.”

Among the recipients is familyowned business Essential Flavours and Ingredients in Carrum Downs which will significantly upgrade its liquid manufacturing capabilities – helping the company grow its workforce by more than 40 per cent and expand its exports across the Asia Pacific.

The program is part of the Government’s work to support the state’s advanced manufacturers to innovate and grow production including the Government’s $20 million Manufacturing and Industry Sovereignty Fund and the Industry R&D Infrastructure Fund.

Victoria’s $33.5 billion manufacturing industry is a driving force of the state’s economy, made up of over 23,000 businesses, supporting more than 260,000 jobs and exporting goods worth $23.9 billion.

For a full list of grant recipients, visit business.vic.gov.au/mgp2. F

Major reshuffle sees Andrew Giles appointed as new skills and training minister

Arecent ministry reshuffle by prime minister Anthony Albanese has resulted in Andrew Giles MP taking over as new skills and training minister from Brendan O’Connor.

This change is part of a broader cabinet arrangement aimed at leveraging the depth and strength of the parliamentary Labor party to continue delivering better outcomes and opportunities for all Australians.

This reshuffle follows the decision of three colleagues to step down, creating opportunities for new voices to take on key roles.

Prime minister Albanese paid tribute to Carol Brown, Brendan O’Connor, and Linda Burney for their outstanding contributions to the government and the nation.

Acknowledging their decades of public service, he respected their decision to retire at the next election. progress requires elevating

Prime Minister Albanese said building on their progress requires elevating new voices like Andrew Giles.

Victoria’s $33.5 billion manufacturing industry is a driving force of the state’s economy.

Fruit producer inducted into Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame

Queensland’s Piñata Farms has been inducted into Queensland Business Leaders Hall of Fame for its leadership and innovation in Australia’s food production industry.

Piñata Farms began with a single 26-hectare pineapple farm, growing fresh and cannery fruit at Wamuran, north of Brisbane in the 1960s.

Today, it is Australia’s largest pineapple producer, and a leading multifruit producer, growing strawberries, raspberries and Honey Gold mangoes over more than 1,000 hectares around

It employs some 200 people at any given time and is owned and operated by the Scurr family, led by brothers Gavin

Accepting the award at a gala dinner at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, managing director Gavin Scurr congratulated all past and present inductees.

“We are humbled and honoured to be recognised in such an esteemed company,” said Scurr.

“We appreciate the solid foundation and the values that our parents Geoff and Narelle set for our family in the 1960s, passed on from our grandparents before them… Those same values are now part of our wider company culture and it’s a foundation the next generation can build on.”

Scurr paid tribute to all Piñata Farms employees who have contributed to the company’s growth, success, and reputation in the fresh produce industry.

“This award is recognition for the whole Piñata team from the Northern Territory to Tasmania who, despite the weather, turn up every day and give their best to ensure Australians can enjoy fantastic fruit,” said Scurr.

Piñata Farms is regarded as an early adopter of new practices, technologies, and techniques, all playing parts in the company’s key stages of growth. F

Image: Aqua PR on behalf of Piñata Farms

Stephen and Gavin Scurr with the Minister for State Development and Infrastructure the Honourable Grace Grace.

The NSW Government has passed legislation to increase competition and boost the longterm viability of the state’s rice industry, by deregulating the state’s rice industry through a transition period from 1 September to 1 July 2025.

The legislation ends the statutory controlled single rice export marketing (‘vesting’) arrangement and will open the market to a more diverse choice for how rice growers sell and market their rice.

The changes are being made following extensive engagement from NSW’s rice growers requesting an opening up of the market by deregulating the historical restrictive selling arrangements.

The NSW Government’s legislation will initiate a series of practical steps for transitioning the way rice is marketed

NSW Gov’t pass legislation for rice industry exports Grains research to future-proof agriculture industry

The Western Australian Government is investing $29.2 million in research to help farmers across the State reach a new frontier in grain production by building climate resilience and profitability.

Together with $26.7 million from the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), the five-year Soil Water and Nutrition (SWAN) collaboration will unlock crop potential to use rainfall and soil nutrients more efficiently to boost grain yields and quality.

The initiative builds on research pioneered by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD).

This shows periodically loosening the soil and mixing in lime or gypsum improves crop water use efficiency resulting in up to a four-fold increase in grain yields.

DPIRD scientists will investigate how deeper soil improvement known as soil profile re-engineering coupled with

to consumers and international export markets.

The emerging Northern Rivers rice growing region will no longer be restricted by the current vesting arrangements from 1 September 2024, allowing their rice crops from 2024/25 to be sold into domestic and international markets without restriction

Vesting for the Southern NSW growing region will end by 1 July 2025, allowing the 2025/26 crop onwards to be exported free of the vesting arrangements

The Rice Marketing Board that has overseen the regulated market will be wound up by 1 July 2026, with any residual funds to be reinvested to benefit the NSW rice industry.

These modernising changes are consistent with the key

recommendations of the recent Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) independent report recommending that the vesting

regulation be ceased. This aligned with the findings of the former NSW Government’s 2021 review which promoted economic benefits from ending vesting. F

tailored crop nutrition, crop rotation and agronomic management can achieve further gains.

Experiments across the Wheatbelt with growers will examine the use of mineral mulches to reduce evaporation and methods to overcome poor soil structure in Western Australia’s ancient soils.

“This visionary initiative between DPIRD and the GRDC will help futureproof our grains industry by improving water and nutrient use efficiency to produce more, higher quality grain even in the face of declining rainfall trends,” said Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis.

The collaboration will also explore crop nutrition strategies to be used alongside soil engineering to enhance grain production, such as improving the uptake of potassium fertiliser.

A suite of soil and crop management packages and field days will promote the research to farmers to help them adopt proven next generation farming practices for a drying climate.

Vesting for the Southern NSW growing region will end by 1 July 2025.

The collaboration will also explore crop nutrition strategies.

Figures show QLD agriculture is set to boom

The value of Queensland’s agricultural sector is projected

ever valuation of $23.56 billion in 202425, according to new AgTrends figures.

The figures revealed a promising year ahead, despite challenges like declining cattle prices, drier conditions, and major natural disasters in 2023-24 leading to a

the five-year average and showcases the with a corresponding supply chain value

highest value on record projected for the Ag sector in 2024-25,” said minister for Agricultural Industry Development and contributing $5.71 billion to the

SA Government commits new funding to grape growers

The South Australian Government has committed $260,000 to help Riverland grape growers address the oversupply of red wine grapes.

Riverland’s CCW Co-Operative, Australia’s largest member owned wine grape co-operative, will use the grant to help winegrape growers.

The co-operative will help SA grape growers to diversify with alternative crops and to improve access to information on alternative crops and revenue streams.

Clare Scriven said recovery measures such as this need to be implemented at both a state and national level to assist with a sustainable supply and demand level.

“We are all aware of the current pressures and issues facing wine grape growers and winemakers in the Riverland and across South Australia due to the current over supply of red wine grapes,” said Scriven.

“The diversification by some growers

away from wine to other crops is a key element to this, especially in the Riverland, which is why we are making this investment now.”

The National Agriculture Ministers Meeting in Brisbane, ministers noted the progress of the Viticulture and Wine Sector Working Group to date.

This included the commissioning of a report from the University of Adelaide’s Wine Economics Research Centre on how to drive a sustainable supply-demand balance into the future.

The Viticulture and Wine Sector Working Group was established in March to consider a national approach to addressing issues faced by the wine and viticulture sector and support future balance and profitability for the industry.

The report has now been delivered to Agriculture Ministers and released publicly to assist industry in future planning.

In his report, Professor Kym Anderson highlights possible options

state’s economy.

Meanwhile meat processing ($2.40B) and sugarcane ($2.06B) took the silver and bronze positions respectively.

Macadamias led the top five highest growing commodities in 2023-24, followed by chickpeas, sugarcane, apples, and strawberries.

The macadamia mania was largely led by the Bundaberg region, which dominated the state’s production of the “Queensland nut.”

Toowoomba was the best performing region in 2023-24 with a Gross Value of Production (GVP) worth $1.27 billion, followed by the Western Downs ($951M) and Bundaberg ($899M).

Hinchinbrook experienced the highest growth in GVP (29 per cent), followed by Douglas (24 per cent), Mackay (23 per cent), Burdekin (19 per cent) and Cairns (12 per cent).

For the latest AgTrends statistics visit the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries‘ DataFarm website. F

for reducing the oversupply and moving towards a more sustainable future.

Professor Anderson highlights the important role industry has in leading the solutions to the oversupply situation, including better understanding consumer preferences when looking for

markets to sell their product.

While the challenges facing the industry are Australia-wide, the South Australian wine industry has been heavily impacted as it produces half of all Australian wine and 80 per cent of premium wine. F

Cattle and calves once again took the gold medal as Queensland’s highest-valued commodity in 2023-24.

Image:

Professor Anderson highlights the important role industry has in leading the solutions to the oversupply situation.

Coca-Cola commits $105.5 million to beverage manufacturing capabilities

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) has announced an additional investment of $105.5 million for a new Warmfill Line at the Moorabbin plant in Victoria, Australia.

The investment will be the biggest single investment in the company’s Australian manufacturing network.

Expected to be operational in the first quarter of 2026, the Warmfill Line will have the capacity to deliver up to 17.8-million-unit cases to the network annually.

The installation of a Nitro-Warmfill Line is set to enable the production of the complete Powerade and Fuze Tea beverage range.

The new system has the potential to deliver up to 640 bottles per minute and when operating at full capacity, it will increase the site’s overall capacity by an additional 23 per cent.

The new bottle line is set to deliver high quality beverages with enhanced

efficiency to customers across Victoria, Tasmania, and neighbouring South Australia.

CCEP’s investment in the Warmfill Line anticipates the continued demand for Powerade products, with Powerade growing at 12 per cent during the 2023/24 financial year.

In response to the increased demand for products from these production lines, the new Warmfill Line is an extension to the existing state-of-the-art manufacturing facility at Moorabbin, which includes an advanced canning line.

The new development includes construction of a cutting-edge 4,200sqm manufacturing hall and the installation of a high-speed 640 bottle per minute Nitro-Warmfill line.

There are also comprehensive upgrades to water treatment, electrical systems, compressed air, nitrogen dosing, heating and cooling systems, and a syrup room for Warmfill

The new development includes construction of a cutting-edge 4,200sqm manufacturing hall.

product manufacturing.

The new line is expected to reduce inter-business transportation of Warmfill Line products and their raw

materials by 2.9 million kilometres annually, resulting in an approximate annual reduction of 3,785 tonnes of CO2. F

Record-breaking month for Australia’s meat export industry

Last month, Australia’s beef and lamb exports reached new highs, reflecting the nation’s growing influence in the global meat market and the global demand for Australian products.

In July, beef exports hit 129,998 tonnes, surpassing the previous record of 123,464 tonnes set in March 2015 by 5 per cent.

The USA emerged as the largest market for Australian beef and lamb, with a substantial increase in exports compared to the previous year.

Due to a slowdown in US domestic production, there has been a surge in demand for Australian imports, particularly beef, intensifying competition between Australia and the US for market share in the US, Japan, and South Korea.

Japan saw a 48 per cent rise in Australian beef imports, while South Korea experienced a 20 per cent increase.

Additionally, lamb exports demonstrated remarkable growth, rising by 21 per cent over the past 12 months,

The top five markets for mutton in July accounted for 49 per cent of exports, down from 71 per cent in 2023, indicating a more balanced and resilient

mutton export markets marks a strategic shift, with exports now more evenly distributed across a broader range of countries.

General Mills appoints new managing director for ANZ

General Mills, one of the world’s largest food manufacturers, has announced the appointment of Karen Jenkins as its new managing director for Australia and New Zealand.

Jenkins brings 25-years of experience in the food industry and in driving business growth and innovation across General Mills internationally.

This experience, strategic vision and engaging leadership will help Jenkins continue to drive success in her new role as managing director for General Mills in Australia and New Zealand.

“I am excited to take on the role of Managing Director for General Mills Australia and New Zealand. Our region has seen significant growth and innovation and I am eager to continue building on this success,” said Jenkins.

Earlier this year, Jenkins received global recognition from General Mills

for a Business Impact Award, for her exemplary leadership impact to the Australian business at the Global International Women’s Day celebrations, where she was presented the Business Impact Champion award.

Jenkins said she looks forward to maintaining the company’s current momentum to ensure its focus of treating both people and the planet well.

“Our portfolio of beloved products is well-positioned in growth-facing categories like Old El Paso Mexican food, with exciting new developments such as the Latina Fresh + PROTEIN chilled pasta range,” said Jenkins

Jenkins succeeds leading the Australia and New Zealand business from Matt Salter who moved into a position as Vice President of Marketing across the General Mills International business segment. F

largest market for Australian mutton, while other markets, such as Malaysia and Saudi Arabia, showed significant growth. F

The USA emerged as the largest market for Australian beef and lamb.

Mars set to acquire Kellanova

Leading snacking and food provider, Mars has entered into a definitive agreement with Kellanova.

Mars has agreed to acquire Kellanova for $83.50 per share in cash, for a total consideration of $35.9 billion, including assumed net leverage.

“In welcoming Kellanova’s portfolio of growing global brands, we have a substantial opportunity for Mars to further develop a sustainable snacking business that is fit for the future,” said Poul Weihrauch, CEO and Office of the President of Mars, Incorporated.

“We will honour the heritage and innovation behind Kellanova’s incredible snacking and food brands while combining our respective strengths to deliver more choice and innovation to consumers and customers. We have tremendous respect for the storied legacy that Kellanova has built

and look forward to welcoming the Kellanova team.”

The transaction price represents a premium of approximately 44 per cent to Kellanova’s unaffected 30-trading day volume weighted average price and a premium of approximately 33% to Kellanova’s unaffected 52-week high as of August 2, 2024.

The total consideration represents an acquisition multiple of 16.4x LTM adjusted EBITDA as of June 29, 2024.

Kellanova is home to iconic snacking brands including Pringles, Cheez-It, Pop-Tarts, Rice Krispies Treats, NutriGrain and RXBAR.

“Kellanova has been on a transformation journey to become the world’s best snacking company, and this opportunity to join Mars enables us to accelerate the realisation of our full potential,” said chairman, president and CEO of Kellanova, Steve Cahillane.

Mars had 2023 Net Sales of more than $50 billion.

The company had 2023 net sales of more than $13 billion, with a presence in 180 markets and approximately 23,000 employees.

NSW Government invests over $1 million into commercial fishing

The NSW Government has invested $1,050,000 towards the establishment of a peak body for the commercial fishing industry to deliver an effective advocate to work with Government in promoting a viable commercial fishing sector.

The commercial fishing industry is a powerhouse in NSW’s economy contributing $170 million annually and directly employing more than 1,600 people.

It is a vital industry on NSW’s coast and one that the NSW Government is committed to supporting.

“The NSW Government wants to ensure we have a viable, productive and sustainable commercial fisheries sector now and for future generations,” said Agriculture minister Tara Moriarty.

“We recognise the challenges facing the industry and that’s why it’s important to have a united peak body, to advocate and work with Government to sustainably grow the sector.

Over the last 10 months worked with the fishers and their businesses to foster the setting up of the new peak

body which has been named the NSW Wild Harvest Fishers’ Association Incorporated (WHFA).

With more than 150,000 Associates across its Petcare, Snacking and Food businesses, Mars had 2023 Net Sales of more than $50 billion. F

per year for three years to assist the association to actively engage with the state’s commercial fishers and allow the industry to speak with one voice.

involving consultation between two standing industry organisations to

with a constitution and is in the process of engaging a CEO. F

The WHFA appointed John Wilson as the inaugural independent Chair in April.

Brewing a greener future

Everything is about sustainable practices for the Sustainable Coffee Company, from manufacturing processes to environmental protection. Adam McCleery writes.

In Port Melbourne, sustainability is a lived practice rather than just a trend, and that’s where you’ll find The Sustainable Coffee Company.

This forward-thinking enterprise goes beyond traditional coffee roasting, functioning as a key player in a broader network of environmental innovators dedicated to making a tangible difference to the planet while simultaneously providing premium coffee.

The Sustainable Coffee Company’s journey began in 2006, with a shared vision among its founders that was driven by Melbourne’s rich coffee culture.

“It really started with a couple of the directors wanting to get together with coffee in mind,” said Condon.

Over 18 years, the company has evolved into a beacon of sustainable practices within the specialty coffee industry.

“Our whole operation here runs on renewable energy,” said Condon.

The company’s mission involves sourcing coffee beans from sustainable farms, ensuring ethical labour practices, and minimising environmental impact throughout its production and supply chain.

The company also emphasises certifications and partnerships that align with sustainable and ethical standards, such as Fair Trade, Rainforest Alliance, or organic certifications.

It also works on initiatives to

reduce waste and improve the overall sustainability of its operations.

Operating from a headquarters that doubles as a sustainability hub, the company is co-located with Australian Ecosystems, a firm that specialises in biodiversity restoration.

This eye for sustainability and efficiency also carries through to the company’s manufacturing equipment and production processes.

“We roast all of our beans on site with a 30-kilogram Joper roaster and a 1kg electric Bullet batch roaster for testing blends and quality,” said Brendan Condon, managing director and co-founder, Australian Ecosystems.

“We also use a software package

called Cropster to oversee the quality.

“And we have a fully electric delivery van and automated bag weighing machines for efficiency and speed of production.”

Condon said running its own deliveries also provided the team with more face-to-face opportunities with customers.

“In future we will look to upgrade this for a longer-range EV delivery van with a 400km plus range, and we expect a number of options meeting these criteria to become available in the EV market in the next 18 months,” he said.

“EV vans have tiny energy bills and very small maintenance and servicing bills and create little pollution compared

to internal combustion engine delivery vehicles.”

As a smaller specialty coffee manufacturer, the Sustainable Coffee Company’s head roaster can have a more hands on approach in the process, which Condon said helps increase the quality of the product.

“In recent years we have automated our bag weighing and filling, which has sped up production and halved the time in this process,” said Condon.

The Sustainable Coffee Company now produces anywhere from four to five tonnes of coffee every month.

Condon said the company was always looking at new and innovative ways to produce its products while retaining the quality.

“We have a dedicated cupping room with high-quality coffee machines, a small batch electric roaster and precision weighing equipment to allow for daily cupping sessions to test blend quality, flavour and consistence,” he said.

“All of these investments speed up production, reduce wastage, and improve quality assurance.”

The enterprise ensures it sources environmentally friendly packaging for its products, especially as the sector makes progress on alternative options.

“Our boxes are from Echo Cartons, based in Braeside, Melbourne, and we collect and reuse these boxes from our café customers each week,” said Condon.

“We also use Baxter & Stubbs Printers who prints our labels using plant-based inks.”

Condon said the company spent years searching out the best options for packaging.

He said that over the years it has searched internationally to locate compostable packaging including plantbased packaging liners, right down to the breather valves on the bags.”

“With extra research we are able to finally locate a bag where any plastic was 100 per cent compostable and plant based. We also have plant-based compostable coffee pods,” he said.

Condon said investment in more sustainable and efficient machinery was another critical factor in reducing environmental impact while speeding up production.

“Investment in an auto-weighing machine has sped up bag filling and reduced the amount of time to fill bags by 50 per cent,” he said.

“We have designed and built a separate cupping room so that we have a separate controlled environment for blend development, cupping, testing

and quality control.”

Condon said all investments by the company always weighed these critical factors into the equation.

“Our major investments are driven by our desire to decarbonise operations to tackle climate change and to reduce waste,” he said.

“Our most recent purchase was a fully electric delivery van, which allows us to deliver coffee to our clients using 100 per cent renewable energy.

“We have also invested in a water efficient Foodcube urban farm with a seating area that allows us to divert our coffee chaff, coffee grounds and staff kitchen food waste into food production.”

He said the team’s work around sustainability and efficiency extended beyond the factory floor and further into the community.

“We plant around a million trees and grasses to restore habitat and biodiversity each year,” said Condon.

Coffee, being a crop particularly vulnerable to climate change, is a central focus of its efforts.

“For us, everything is about sustainable practices; it is a non-negotiable,” said Condon.

The company actively measures and offsets its carbon emissions, a practice it’s been committed to for 16 years.

Its innovations don’t stop at energy and packaging. The urban farm in its car park has been a success story, producing hundreds of kilos of fresh produce for

Being a smaller specialty coffee manufacturer affords the company’s head roaster the opportunity to be more hands on in product development.

A big part of the Sustainable Coffee Company’s community engagement revolves around forest regeneration and sustainable production.

The Sustainable Coffee Company sources sustainable and compostable materials for its packaging.

cycling organic waste, including food and coffee chaff, through its composting system, which then contributes to the urban farm’s output.

Consumers are increasingly seeking brands that align with their values, and The Sustainable Coffee Company has tapped into this trend, with each purchase supporting sustainable practices and contributing to a greener future.

“Everyone needs to be taking action now, and genuine action in terms of eliminating plastic waste and eliminating carbon emissions from supply chains,” said Condon.

Another area where Condon said the company is looking to cut back on is its fossil fuel use.

“At the moment, almost 99 per cent of the world’s coffee roasters are running on gas, and we’ve been watching keenly to see if there’s any efficient or electric roasters coming onto the market,” he said.

“We are looking to decarbonise that part of our operation.”

Currently, Condon said, there were good electric options on the market. But not for the size they require.

“We are currently searching

worldwide to find an efficient all electric

gas, a fossil fuel, out of our supply chain,” he said.

“Currently there are smaller electric roasters available worldwide such as the Bullet roaster and Bellwether Roasters, but their batch size is too small.

“Sometimes the final sustainability leaps are only possible when the technology becomes available.”

And this philosophy also applies to the company’s coffee bean procurement.

Most of the coffee coming through now is being sourced from the Bom Jesus farm in Brazil, which was recently voted the most sustainable coffee farm in Brazil by Globo Rural Magazine.

The coffee farm is a great example of the sustainable and environmental approach The Sustainable Coffee Company takes when forming partnerships.

“It’s an interesting story about next generation of farmers,” said Condon.

“This family has taken over what was originally a cattle farm, and they’ve restored large areas of rainforest and a coffee farm. They’ve already planted about 130 hectares of rainforest.”

Condon said the emphasis on

sustainability wasn’t born from a commercial standpoint, but on being sustainable for a healthy industry moving forward.

“For a long time, it wasn’t really valued,” he said.

“We saw plenty of large tenders who had outstanding sustainability credentials and offerings, but price was the major driver.

“It all gravitated down to price, but I think now it is more important, and we’re seeing that with things like online purchases of our coffee.”

Condon said the rise in individual online orders also allowed for consumers to be far more particular about their buying habits and can source exactly what it is they are looking for.

“We have people who purchase online from all over Australia now, and they’re supporting these initiatives around sustainability,” he said.

“Having strong sustainability and social credentials in your coffee resonates with consumers.”

And this has been proven through the actions of consumers in the market.

“You’ve got more individual consumers who are looking to embed action on climate and biodiversity into their consumer choices, and that’s what we’re trying to do too,” he said.

“We’re trying to embed these initiatives like those being run by Oz Harvest, or through the Coffee for Nature.”

Through The Sustainable Coffee

The business also helps plant tress and grasses each year as part of its ongoing initiatives around sustainability and environmentalism.

The coffee farm is an example of the sustainable and environmental approach The Sustainable Coffee Company takes.

Company’s sister company, Australian Ecosystems, and in partnership with Parks Victoria, Condon and the team have put words to action.

“Over the past five years we’ve been replanting forests down here in the Yarra Valley for two rare and threatened animals. The helmeted honey eater, and the Leadbeater’s Possum,” he said.

“Both of them are critically endangered, with less than a couple of 100 left of each species.”

Harkening back to the work on the Bom Jesus farm in Brazil, this conservation work is aiming to replace native land that was cleared for other reasons.

“There’s also been old dairy farms turned over for restoration and

expansion of the habitat. In the past five years, we’ve planted about a million trees and shrubs through Australian ecosystems,” said Condon.

“We are growing 1000s of these shrubs to replant and to enrich the habitat.

“Every kilo of Coffee for Nature purchased through the Sustainable Coffee Company supports the growing and planting of one of these habitat trees.”

This is yet another example of how the brand leads by example by emphasising positive action around food security and climate biodiversity.

On top of this, being located so close to Australia’s coffee capital has provided plenty of further opportunity for the business.

“I think Melbourne’s coffee trade is about 30 tonnes a day, roughly,” said Condon.

“If 10 per cent of that was embedded on food security, then you’d be feeding 1000s of people. It’d be real. It’d scale real impact.”

The maturing of Australia’s love for coffee has also helped the company gain

a stronger foothold with its high-quality coffee.

“The Australian market now has much more exacting standards around coffee quality,” said Condon.

“And you can’t trade off sustainability for quality, you must have the highest quality offering, as well as good sustainability and social impact.” F

Consumers are increasingly seeking brands that align with their values.

The Sustainable Coffee Company is always looking at new and innovative ways to produce its coffee products.

The company has also partnered with Oz Harvest, including the Coffee for Nature initiative.

Supporting Australian food and beverage innovation

Bürkert is looking to help SMEs leverage a program offering from Australia’s leading national science agency, the CSIRO.

The CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, has announced that its Innovate to Grow program is now open to small-tomedium enterprises (SMEs) looking to advance their ideas in food and beverage innovation.

Experienced researchers at the CSIRO will assist program participants in addressing technical and business challenges, exploring R&D opportunities, and creating actionable business and funding plans for their research and development ideas.

“To match our growing population, changing climate and evolving consumer preferences, there’s an increasing need to diversify and develop new food and beverages that will be sustainable into the future,” said Dr Michelle Colgrave, CSIRO’s Agriculture and Food deputy director Impact.

With this support available, now is an ideal time for businesses aiming to deliver innovative solutions to today’s food challenges to invest in the most effective and cutting-edge technology to enhance their efforts.

Many of these efforts may well involve the processes of fermentation and cell cultivation.

Fermenters and bioreactors are key components

Fermentation is at the heart of many foods production processes, and the use of fermenters and bioreactors also plays a key part in cell cultivation in new foods research and development.

Successful cell cultivation and fermentation depends on the ability to create and maintain optimal cell growth conditions.

To achieve the greatest possible product yield, with the best possible reproducibility, requires precise regulation of all important parameters such as nutrient concentration, pH, temperature, and gas content to optimally support the process.

Bürkert has been supporting these applications, working closely for years

with Australian food R&D and helping teams achieve new innovations.

Bürkert’s advanced automation solutions provide the necessary precision, control, and reliability to achieve the required outcomes.

State-of-the-art control valves, sensors, and controllers also ensure accurate monitoring and regulation of critical parameters.

Every application will be unique, and the ability to provide a customised solution is essential.

Bürkert mass flow controllers for gases

Bürkert’s Type 8741 and Type 8742 mass flow controllers for gases offer a wide control range with high accuracy and repeatability, utilising highly sensitive thermal MEMS sensor technology.

Both MFCs support numerous control network architectures and provide analogue (0/4-20 mA or 0-5/10 V) or fieldbus interfaces, while the Type 8741 also has the option of direct industrial Ethernet connection.

Bürkert can also customise modular gas mixing units to suit the specific application. The units are supplied pre-configured and pre-tested for tightness, pressure, and correct electrical operation.

A customised assembly reduces installation costs, streamlines the engineering of the bioreactor or fermenter, and eliminates the need to order and store multiple individual components.

A broad digital solution

The modern decentralised digital technologies supported by the Bürkert MFCs also reduces the amount of

cabling complexity, helping to reduce costs and improve maintainability.

In addition to the MFCs for gas control, Bürkert also offers complete automation solutions to suit all aspects of bioreactor and fermenter control.

Bürkert’s portfolio of products and services can be customised to suit diverse applications within the food and beverage industry. Whether the application is brewing, precision fermentation, or alternative dairy products, Bürkert can provide expertise and experience to provide tailor-made solutions suitable for

No matter if its small-scale laboratory experiments, or largescale industrial production, Bürkert’s technologies support consistent quality and enhanced performance in fermentation applications. F Discover more at www.burkert.com.au.

Image: Bürkert

Bürkert’s

In a notable case study involving a

Improved profitability with splicing solutions

Flexco’s conveyance solutions continue to meet the demands of food and beverage producers across the globe.

Flexco’s Novitool Amigo Splice Presses 1000 and 625 have been designed to address some of the shortcomings of other traditional splicing tools and promise to elevate splice quality, safety, and operational efficiency.

One of the standout features of the Novitool Amigo Splice Press units are their built-in cutter, which ensures perfectly squared belt edges every time.

This feature helps eliminate the need for manual edge trimming with utility knives, reducing both time and the potential for errors in workplace safety.

Alongside this, the pre-heat function plays a crucial role by drying moisture from belt ends, a critical step in ensuring

a seamless splice. This is particularly beneficial in industries where hygiene is paramount, such as food processing.

The Amigo Splice Press 1000 and 625 also have a splice time of approximately one minute, due to their advanced contactless heat emitter.

This rapid splicing capability is coupled with a heat shield guard that enhances safety by protecting operators from the heat source. Additionally, the inclusion of belt templates for various positive drive-lugged belts guarantees accurate pitch control, setting a high bar for splice quality.

The presses are designed to ensure consistent, high-quality splices regardless of the operator’s skill level.

By following a step-by-step splicing process, any operator can achieve optimal results, which reduces the learning curve and training time. The ease of use extends to safety features as well.

Traditional splicing methods often involve risks, such as handling hot wands or sharp utility knives. The presses mitigate these risks with their integrated cutter and heat shield, ensuring a safer working environment.

Operational efficiency is another key consideration in belt maintenance, and the Amigo Splice Presses are engineered to minimise downtime.

The user-friendly design allows for quick and efficient splicing, meaning

less time spent on maintenance and more time focusing on production. The streamlined approach not only improves overall efficiency but also reduces operational costs associated with belt maintenance.

Then there is homogenous absorb moisture, which, if not properly managed, can lead to pinholes and air pockets.

These imperfections are not just a cosmetic issue; they can harbour bacteria, posing a risk in food processing environments. As mentioned, the pre-heat mode effectively addresses this concern by drying out belt edges, which maintains the integrity and hygiene of the belt splice.

meat processing client, the Amigo Splice Press was key in overcoming challenges related to belt splicing.

Images: Flexco

Flexco’s territory managers also provide on-site training and support, ensuring that all operators can master the splicing process with ease.

Meanwhile, maintenance is straightforward as well, involving periodic thermocouple adjustments and cutter blade replacements to ensure longterm reliability and performance.

The units also integrate seamlessly with existing maintenance processes and equipment, offering a safe and effective solution for splicing homogenous belts.

For facilities where hygiene is critical, such as food processing environments, the Amigo Splice Presses provide added benefits. Their portability and protective transport case make them easy to move to different conveyor systems.

In a notable case study involving a meat processing client, the Amigo Splice Press was key in overcoming challenges related to belt splicing.

The meat processing company faced several challenges with splicing homogeneous (monolithic) belts.

The process required a high level of operator skill when using wand-style tools, leading to poor splice quality and inconsistent performance. The lengthy splice time, averaging an hour and a half, was proving costly.

Additionally, safety concerns were rising as the method of squaring belt edges with a utility knife resulted in lacerations, and the use of an exposed heat wand caused serious burns.

Consequently, some facilities began contracting third-party splicing services, which led to expensive downtime due to

"The user-friendly design allows for quick and efficient splicing, meaning less time spent on maintenance and more time focusing on production.”

scheduling conflicts.

Recognising the need for change, the company arranged a meeting with Flexco, and ultimately settled on the 1000 and 625 presses.

The client’s feedback highlighted the effectiveness of the solution in improving splice quality and operational efficiency.

crews could consistently achieve highquality splices in just 20 minutes.

Following a virtual meeting between the company’s national engineers and Flexco’s food processing industry manager, coupled with on-site product demonstrations from Flexco’s local territory managers, several sites decided to transition to the Amigo splice press.

The higher quality splices have extended belt life, and the ability to schedule belt repairs in-house has dramatically reduced plant downtime.

This, in turn, has boosted productivity and profitability.

A follow-up with a key member of the belt maintenance team revealed that the Amigo’s preheat function, has decreased the risk of pinholes and potential bacterial growth—an essential feature in food processing.

Overall, the Amigo splice press has enabled the operation to achieve consistent, high-performance splices while remaining cost-effective.

The products continue to garner interest, particularly in their splice process steps.

When it comes to timing, the contactless heat emitter’s splicing is completed in about one minute. This efficiency boosts productivity and minimises downtime, making the splicing process quicker and more reliable.

This in-house splicing capability allowed for more flexible maintenance scheduling and enabled maintenance teams to focus on other tasks.

Additionally, the Amigo’s integrated belt cutter and contactless heat emitter replaced utility knives and heat wands, enhancing safety in the workplace.

With a blend of precision, safety, and efficiency, Flexco’s solutions have a proven record in the food and beverage industry. F

To learn more, visit www.flexco.com.

One of the many benefits of Amigo Splice Presses is the portability and protective transport case, which makes them easy to move safely.

The contactless heat emitter’s splicing is completed in about one minute.

New era of product protection and transparency

GS1 Digital Link embeds structured data into a URL within Next Generation 2D barcodes, enabling dynamic information retrieval.

As the Australian food and beverage industry increasingly adopts the next generation in barcodes, the barcode standards specialist GS1, is educating manufacturers and producers on the role of GS1 Digital Link and 2D barcodes to enhance their business.

Recognising the growing importance of these technologies, GS1 emphasises their potential to safeguard products against various issues, including counterfeiting and traceability, while meeting rising consumer demands for transparency.

Not

just a passing trend

The use of next generation 2D barcodes is expanding, and GS1 understands that these technologies are not just a passing trend but integral to future industry practices.

With Agrifutures Australia estimating the cost of global food fraud is $AU40 to $50 billion annually with $AU2 to $3 billion in Australia alone, there is an urgent need for robust systems to ensure product traceability, authenticity and provenance.

This demand is further driven by consumer expectations for greater insight into how products are made and their origins.

A URL in a QR Code is not new

Despite the industry’s growing familiarity with 2D barcodes, the pivotal role of GS1 Digital Link has not been as prominently highlighted.

GS1 Digital Link specifies how structured data can be embedded inside a data carrier like a 2D barcode, offering a gateway to a multitude of information about the product; strengthening brand loyalty, improving supply chain traceability and in the future, can be scanned at retail point-of-sale.

This approach provides businesses and consumers with access to a wealth of data in a format that is easily identifiable and usable, whether for internal

processes or customer communication.

When a barcode scanner reads a traditional barcode, it deciphers a sequence of numbers to interpret the data, such as expiry dates.

For example, if the scanner was to read a specific sequence of numbers, the scanner would know the data that follows is an expiry date. It can process that expiry date appropriately in whichever system is doing the scanning.

GS1 Digital Link enhances this capability by structuring data within a URL, allowing scanners to access and interpret various data points, facilitating not only data retrieval but also directs users to a variety of digital assets.

At the same time, it enables the URL to direct the user, a consumer for example, to a range of different digital assets that the brand owner for that product might have available and want to share with the consumer. This includes not just product information websites but also direct links to digital services.

Practical applications

One practical application is in product recalls. A scanned 2D barcode with GS1 Digital Link can redirect customers to recall pages or the brand owner’s website, where recalled products are listed.

It can also make an inquiry into other systems for authentication. For example, a serialised barcode number can uniquely identify each product,

allowing brand owners to verify its authenticity.

Additionally, geofencing technology can raise questions about authenticity if a product is scanned in an unexpected location.

Traceability is another crucial benefit. GS1 Digital Link enables users to trace a product’s journey through the supply chain, uncovering its provenance and quality.

This capability extends to managing products nearing their expiry dates, reducing food waste.

One code, infinite possibilities

GS1 Digital Link also addresses the challenge of multiple codes on packaging. Today there is an increasing number of codes on a single product, creating confusion on one hand, but also removing valuable on-pack real estate for brands.

The next generation 2D barcode can consolidate this information, allowing brands to utilise packaging space more effectively for promotion.

As the Australian food and beverage industry increasingly adopts 2D barcodes, the importance of GS1 Digital Link has become more apparent. F

For more information on GS1 Digital Link and how these technologies can benefit your business, visit the GS1 Australia website, www.gs1au.org/standards/2d-barcodes/ getting-started

The use of next generation 2D barcodes continues to expand proving this is not a ‘passing trend’.

Despite the industry’s growing familiarity with 2D barcodes, the pivotal role of GS1 Digital Link needs highlighting.

Providing the right solutions, no matter the size

Woolvie Beef has been able to expand its reach due to the support and cold chain solutions provided by Scully RSV.

Scully RSV, specialists in refrigerated trucks and trailers, specialises in crafting high-quality vehicles, including vans, utes, trucks up to 14 pallets in size, and a premium selection of trailers, for hire.

Customers can choose from various fleet options, including short- and longterm hire solutions, as well as new and used truck sales.

An example of Scully RSV’s expert solutions is its partnership with Woolvie Beef in Southwest Victoria.

The family-owned business, with approximately 600 cows across 1300 acres in the Camperdown district, is a dairy farm that also supplies beef products across the region.

It is committed to sustainable and ethical farming practices, ensuring that its beef is produced with minimal environmental impact and high animal welfare standards.

“We’re predominantly a dairy farm, but we diversified into paddock-to-plate beef about six years ago,” said Carlie Barry, founder, and owner of Woolvie Beef.

“I had previously worked with paddock to-plate beef about 20 years ago, back when farmers’ markets were just beginning to take off, and the direct-toconsumer model wasn’t as prevalent.”

Woolvie Beef emphasises the directto-consumer model, which allows it to control pricing and quality by managing the process – from raising cattle to delivering the finished product to customers

“I really enjoy the direct-to-consumer contact and promoting our product,” said Carlie.

“By cutting out the middleman, we are better positioned to control pricing, rather than just sending cattle to the yards and being a price taker.”

Catering to both local markets and larger co-ops, Woolvie Beef focuses on providing a product free from antibiotics and chemicals, aligning with growing consumer demands for safe and natural food options.

With this direct-to-consumer model in mind, Carlie knew Woolvie Beef required reliable cold chain transportation.

The company started with just a small trailer, but as the business expanded, a larger and more reliable solution was needed.

“That’s when our partnership with Scully RSV really started,” said Carlie.

“As the company kept growing, I needed to keep upgrading my transport, but at the time I wasn’t in the position to afford a brand-new model.

“With Scully RSV, I avoided the large up front cost and the need for a loan, and I have an affordable monthly repayment that is easy to budget for.”

And on top of this, Scully RSV also provides around the clock support for its customers.

“They provide 24/7 support for

breakdowns and handle servicing payments, which simplifies everything,” said Carlie.

“Previously, upgrading vehicles meant searching state-wide for a suitable one and selling the old one. Scully RSV removes that worry and financial pressure, which has been a great relief.

“If I need to downscale or upscale in the future, I just call Scully RSV, and they can provide a different truck, even on short notice.”

This level of support allows Carlie to concentrate her efforts on continuing to provide premium beef products for her customer base.

“Scully RSV has been integral to our business,” said Carlie.

“Without them, we would have been quite limited. I’ve been surprised that, despite their size, Scully RSV always has time for me and treats me the same as their larger clients.”

Carlie said she has already experienced this treatment firsthand, and on several occasions.

“My account manager from Scully RSV, Dean, goes above and beyond for

Scully RSV’s partnership with Woolvie Beef demonstrates how the refrigerated truck and trailer provider goes above and beyond for customers.

us,” she said.

“When we called for help, he contacted nearby mechanics, and when none were available, arranged for a brand-new truck to be driven from Melbourne to me three hours away.”

Carlie said this is just one example of the type of customer service and logistical expertise offered by the Scully RSV team.

That specific delivery is the most recent cold chain solution Carlie has purchased from Scully RSV. The company’s six-pallet refrigerated truck.

The truck offers a string of features including:

• Premium fabricated SCULLY Refrigerated Special Vehicle (RSV).

• Isuzu or Hino turbo diesel truck Cab.

• Manual or automatic transmission truck.

• R efrigerated freezer or chiller.

• Fitted with the latest model SCULLY RSV premium fibreglass body.

• Carrier refrigeration unit.

• Capable of carrying products from 20 to -20˚C.

• State-of-the-art fibreglass technology.

• Tailgate loader (optional)

• Refrigerated body side door (optional).

• E lectric standby (optional).

Carlie said the reliability and affordability provided by Scully RSV

and its solutions has also helped her reduce travel costs when delivering orders to customers, especially as far away as Melbourne.

“People appreciate being able to meet the farmer directly and I’ve had people in Melbourne contacting me about my beef, but I couldn’t justify travelling all that way for just half a beast,” she said.

to Melbourne a month, rather than lots of little trips with a little truck.”

As well as the improvements around city orders, Carlie credits the growth of Woolvie Beef to several factors, including the changing attitudes of consumers and current market trends.

directly from farmers,” said Carlie.

“They are also increasingly aware of what’s in their food, such as chemicals and antibiotics. Organic produce guarantees that animals have never been given antibiotics.

“The growing demand for safe produce and relationships with farmers reflects this shift.”

Woolvie Beef has adapted to changing market dynamics, leveraging word of mouth and repeat customers rather than advertising.

Its focus on community groups and buying co-ops has helped it expand its reach and maintain a strong customer

Carlie said support for family-owned businesses was continuing to grow, which was valuable to the continued growth of Woolvie Beef.

“My goal is to eventually implement paddock-to-plate with milk as well,”

And as Woolvie Beef continues to diversify its offerings to a tight knit and loyal customer base, having Scully RSV on hand to cover any cold chain logistics needs remains a valuable part of the brand’s growth. F

To learn more about how Scully RSV can help you with you cold chain logistical needs, visit www.scullyrsv.com.au.

Woolvie Beef founder, Carlie Barry, said providing premium paddock-to-plate product is at the heart of everything the business does.

Images: Woolvie Beef/Scully RSV

Woolvie Beef, situated in Victoria, supplies premium beef and required reliable refrigerated trucks and trailers to do so.

Woolvie Beef currently has 600 cows across 1300 acres in the Camperdown district.

Overcoming under investment in cold storage

A new Americold cold storage facility in Western Australia is designed to mitigate food supply risks presented by supply chain disruptions.

Global cold storage specialist Americold is helping increase investment in Australian food and beverage cold storage to help offset supply chain risks posed by unforeseen circumstances.

Richard Winnall, Americold’s President of International, highlighted the risks associated with underinvestment in cold chain storage and the impact that is having on the industry.

“Cold chain storage has been affected in several ways. Notably, consumers are experiencing stock shortages in supermarkets due to reduced inventory across the supply chain,” said Winnall.

“This reduction in capacity means that logistics and planning managers are operating with minimal buffers.

“As a result, any disruption, such as a rail outage or shipping delay, can lead to lost sales at retail stores. This situation poses challenges for both retailers and manufacturers.”

Winnall said key stakeholders within the cold storage sector were aware of the negative impacts being imposed by current cold storage levels and unforeseen disruptions.

“If it’s not a cyber event, it might be a

natural disaster,” said Winnall.

“It could be a range of different things, but we still have to try and plan around those disruptions.”

Winnall said it all came back to the need for more investment in the cold storage and cold chain spaces.

“Cold chain storage hasn’t been a compelling enough business case to deploy what is very large amounts of capital,” he said.

“And what customers are prepared to pay at the moment has not been able to substantiate the capital investments into new capacity.”

Winnall highlighted that Americold boasts a customer base in the Australia and New Zealand markets, which recognise the need for further investment in the cold chain industry.

“That results in customers signing on to long-term contracts, us going to our shareholders to raise capital, and then deploying that into the market to get that capacity built up,” he said.

This type of action is what led to the development and construction of the new Americold cold storage facility in Western Australia, a state that routinely suffers food shortages due to unforeseen

disruptions in the supply chain.

“We had a small parcel of land in Western Australia that we were able to build on, which allowed us an opportunity to look at ways of maximising storage capacity, and in the most efficient way,” said Winnall.

“Generally, in these cases you look at how automation can help.”

The automation systems Americold ultimately settled on for the facility already had a proven track record to lean on.

“It’s been around for many years, but not necessarily well used inside the cold chain industry,” he said.

“We kept it simple to ensure that it works and that we can reduce the lead time from building it to actually deploying it.”

Winnall said striking the right balance between speed to market and complexity of automation is important for these types of solutions.

The facility was also designed with some of Americold’s biggest customers in mind.

Winnall said Western Australia was chosen because of the disruptions that can take place due to its supply chain placement.

“Western Australia is unique in that it sits at the end of a very long rail line, some 4000km long,” he said.

“And this rail line experiences disruptions constantly, from washouts to derailments.”

Because of this disruption, Winnall said, it was obvious greater cold storage capacity in Western Australia would be of extra benefit to the area by mitigating stock shortage risks.

“The worst we saw it was when stock availability on the consumer shelves was at something under 50 per cent, which is incredible,” he said.

“So, we’ve built a facility that can protect our customers with storage so they can build as much inventory as they can.”

The facility’s automation allows for the rapid unpacking of goods brought over on the rail line, before being brought in to a 50-metre-high automatic storage system.

“And those systems now hold more inventory than ever before, protecting against those disruptions,” said Winnall.

Then, when an order for that stock is received, an automatic storage and retrieval system is activated.

“That particular solution is designed for sitting at the end of a railway line, and we would perhaps build something different in a different location based on

Images: Americold

Americold’s new cold storage facility in Western Australia (pictured) aims to address supply chain disruptions for the state.

customer needs, but that one is suited perfectly to the location,” said Winnall.

And due to the success of the ‘go live’ of the Western Australia facility, ground was broken in Western Sydney as part of a major expansion for another of Americold’s customers.

“We think that a combination of what we’ve done in Perth and what we’re doing in Sydney, is slightly exceeding market growth. We believe we’re on track with our mission,” said Winnall.

He said the role of digitalisation in cold storage and supply chain could not be understated and was improving all the time.

“We are heavily invested and extremely capable in software deployments across how we run our operations,” he said.

“How we run the warehouses, our people, our productivity, our customer service, our finances, all of the above.”

Winnall said in the modern age, a business couldn’t afford not to leverage every asset available to it.

“Americold, I think, do that exceptionally well,” he said.

“We are protecting inventory accuracy, and we’re protecting our ability to recall products as might be needed.

“Our customers always know exactly what is occurring inside the Americold supply chain. And digitalisation helps with that.”

Outside of the digital side of things, lies what Winnall calls ‘physical automation’.

“I think you need real experience with your customers and real experience in the markets you participate in to

know what problems you’re trying to solve,” he said.

“Thanks to that, we are able to deploy appropriate automation to address land or space constraints, labour costs, or the speed that we require in a facility.

“You have to know exactly what is required. For example, something small like an automated wrapping machine can exceed $400,000.”

Winnall said Artificial Intelligence was another key area where rapid advancement and innovation was taking place, and something Americold already leverage.

“We are learning how to deploy AI across commercial practices, across our operational practices, and inventory management practices, so that we can continue to improve every day,” he said.

Winnall boiled it down to a simple formula when talking about the current market and Americold’s role within it.

“The pressure on Americold is we must, as a minimum, meet the market growth demand each year,” he said.

Part of this approach lies in Americold’s research and development of staff and solutions.

Winnall highlighted that Americold invest heavily in its team and recognises the importance of a balance between automation and people.

“We’re always increasing our spend on learning and development, there wouldn’t be a week that goes by that we aren’t deploying a frontline leadership training program or an executive leadership training program, because we want to be the best in the industry,” said Winnall.

“Our customers love seeing us invest into our people, because it means that they’re going to get good outcomes as well.”

Americold is also further increasing investment into sustainability and efficiency.

“Our deployment of solar power has had a massive positive impact, and morally it’s good, for business it’s great,” said Winnall.

“We have exhausted our opportunities in Australia on deploying solar panels across roofs of our facilities, so now we are embarking on using any excess land or land that we have got saved for future expansion.

“The creation of a solar farm at our Laverton, Victoria site, is a classic example of this.” F

Americold’s development of solar power has already had big positive impacts for the company.

Key stakeholders and Americold representatives break ground on the new Western Australia facility build .

Taking digitalisation to another level

Siemens’ software solutions, through APS Industrial, continue to demonstrate cutting-edge innovations that help improve Australian manufacturing.

In an era where digital transformation is helping reshape industries, Siemens is at the forefront of this evolution with its software solutions, such as Solid Edge and NX software.

These tools are shaping the way companies approach design and manufacturing, offering solutions that not only enhance efficiency but also mitigate risks and reduce costs.

With the help of APS Industrial, Siemens’ suite of digital solutions, including Solid Edge and NX, are helping transform the landscape of design, automation, and manufacturing

“Historically, complex design and manufacturing processes were managed across various offices and platforms, leading to fragmented workflows and inefficiencies,” said Rohan Hofmeyer, digital industries software manager, APS Industrial.

“APS has been the master distribution partner for Siemens low

voltage electrical and automation products for over 6 years, but it was only in the last year that this partnership expanded to included software solutions like Solid Edge and NX. This introduction marked a pivotal shift in our ability to service our customer base with digital twin capability.

“I began my career using other well-known alternatives, and although my background included studying mechatronics, my transition to Siemens products, including Solid Edge, marked a significant turning point for me also.”

Solid Edge’s robust suite of tools has enabled APS Industrial to help customers integrate digital design seamlessly.

“The software supports electrical and wiring design, simulations for fluids, air, and thermal dynamics, and even VR-based simulations for product design and robotics,” said Hofmeyer.

“By creating digital twins of products, APS empowers customers to now simulate

and test designs in a virtual environment before physical production begins. This approach not only streamlines the design process but also allows for early detection of potential issues, significantly reducing risks and costs.

“For more advanced CAD design, NX stands out as the tool of choice.”

Used in high-level mechanical design, aviation, and space exploration, NX offers an array of possibilities. It is well-known for its application in projects like those at SpaceX, as demonstrated by Elon Musk in his YouTube presentations.

“NX’s Mechatronics Concept Designer (MCD) further enhances its capabilities by incorporating virtual real-world physics simulations,” said Hofmeyer.

“This means that designs can be tested under real-world conditions, taking into account factors like gravity, friction, and forces.”

Siemens’ NX software, along with other platforms like Simit, TIA, PLCsim Advanced, provides an ecosystem for integrating programming, robotics, and movement controls into a digital model.

“This model not only simulates the design but also allows for interaction with real-time feedback from sensors and motion control systems,” said Hofmeyer.

“For instance, a machine located in Europe can be monitored and adjusted remotely from Australia, thanks to this advanced digital integration.”

Hofmeyer said while some older platforms offer limited 3D design functionality, they can sometimes fall short compared to Siemens’ solutions.

“Siemens’ integrated suite creates a virtual model that can be simulated

Siemens’ suite of digital solutions, including Solid Edge and NX, are helping transform the landscape of design, automation, and manufacturing.

APS team members Steven Sischy (Automation & Drives Business Manager) and Rohan Hofmeyer (Product Manager – Digital Industries Software).

Images: APS Industrial

and explored in virtual reality, offering a high level of detail and interactivity,” he said.

software in conjunction with Nvidia Omniverse allows for the creation of a digital factory model, which can be viewed and interacted within VR.

“This immersive experience enables users to observe machinery and robotics in action as if they were physically present, offering a powerful tool for design and process optimisation.”

Another feature of Siemens’ solutions is the cost efficiency.

“For a company transitioning to Industry 4.0, Siemens offers a fully integrated solution that often proves to be economical,” said Hofmeyer.

“A recent example involved a company receiving a quotation from a competitor that was three times more expensive than Siemens.

“The high cost stemmed from the competitor requiring additional packages to match the capabilities offered by Siemens, packages that Siemens provides in a single, integrated solution.”

Siemens’ suite of tools is also works together seamlessly, allowing for smooth data transfer and integration.

The system reduces complications and inefficiencies often encountered when using multiple software providers.

“With Siemens, you have a unified platform where all components are designed to work in harmony, minimising potential problems and reducing overall costs,” said Hofmeyer.

“Modern digital tools represent a

hazards, manufacturing costs, and operational issues can be addressed in the simulation phase, avoiding costly and dangerous mistakes in the real world,” said Hofmeyer.

“Consider a scenario where a robot is not positioned correctly and cannot reach certain areas.

“Early detection of such issues through simulation can prevent operational problems and avoid the need for costly remanufacturing and redesign.”

Siemens’ virtual commissioning tools also enable testing and refinement of designs before physical production, ensuring that the final product accurately represents the virtual model.

“Siemens’ approach to design and manufacturing is grounded in simulation and digital twins, which streamline the entire process,” said Hofmeyer.

“Traditionally, the design process involves several stages, from requirements and scope through mechanical design, robotics design, electrical and automation design, manufacturing, and finally, commissioning and testing.

“Often, issues discovered during the testing phase necessitate returning to earlier stages for revisions, leading to wasted time and increased costs.”

With Siemens’ simulation tools, this

functions, and troubleshooting in real time.

“This capability allows you to control the unit from a virtual HMI touch screen, adjust speeds, and simulate faults, all without physically building the system.

“This not only accelerates the design process but also enhances safety and efficiency.”

Hofmeyer said that without virtual simulation, programming and commissioning, each robotic system individually can be an extremely timeconsuming process.

“Siemens’ virtual simulations allow programmers to test and refine their code, reducing downtime and accelerating the entire process,” he added.

The safety benefits of Siemens’ simulation tools deserve the spotlight.

“In high-risk environments like heavy industrial machinery or oil and gas, testing everything in advance ensures safety and compliance with industry standards,” said Hofmeyer.

“Virtual simulations also support training capabilities, allowing employees to gain hands-on experience in a riskfree environment.

“For instance, virtual reality can be used to train employees in assembling electrical panels, offering a collaborative

a single component and saving time, money, and materials.

“Automation also enhances productivity and safety, freeing human workers to focus on more complex and innovative tasks while robots handle repetitive or hazardous tasks,” said Hofmeyer.

“Siemens Solid Edge and NX software represent a leap forward in design and manufacturing.

“Their advanced capabilities, seamless integration, and cost efficiency make them indispensable tools for modern industries.”

Hofmeyer said companies can streamline their design processes, enhance safety, and achieve greater efficiency by adopting Siemens’ solutions.

“The future of design and manufacturing is digital, and Siemens is helping lead the way with innovative tools that transform how we create, test, and produce,” he said.

For those relying on outdated methods, the shift to Siemens’ digital solutions offers a compelling case for modernisation.

Embracing these tools not only enhances productivity but also positions businesses for long-term success in an increasingly competitive landscape. F

Solid Edge, with its robust suite of tools, has enabled APS Industrial to help customers integrate digital design seamlessly.

Taxing time for alcohol industry

Key industry stakeholders have hit out at the recent increase to the excise tax on beer and spirits.

The latest consumer price index has revealed the Federal Government has raised the excise on beer and spirits to more than $103 per litre.

The tax applies to various drinks including beer, spirits, and some pre-mixed beverages, and different categories have their own rates.

For example, beer is taxed per litre of alcohol, with rates varying between commercial and craft beers, while spirits are taxed per litre of pure alcohol, typically at a higher rate due to their stronger alcohol content; and ready-todrink beverages also face excise tax.

Manufacturers and importers are responsible for paying this tax to the Australian Taxation Office before the products hit the shelves.

The excise tax has several purposes, from generating significant revenue for the government, to helping reduce alcohol-related harm, and influencing

the pricing and availability of alcoholic beverages in the market.

The latest tax hike now means that Australia has the third highest alcohol tax in the world, behind Norway and Finland, making up anywhere from 14 to 37 per cent of the cost of the product.

This is now the 75th tax rise on spirits since then Prime Minister Paul Keating introduced the automatic indexation in 1983, while treasurer.

The alcohol excise tax was designed to adjust automatically with inflation, aiming to maintain its real value over time.

However, the system’s frequent rate adjustments have led to substantial increases in recent years.

Spirits & Cocktails Australia chief executive, Greg Holland, said he believes the latest tax hike went against what Keating originally ‘intended’.

“Automatic indexation was introduced to suit the economic conditions of the

day, it was never intended to continue indefinitely,” he said.

“The spirits tax has now increased by almost 20 per cent in the last four years.

“Far from providing stability, the Australian spirits industry is now suffering from an extremely unstable investment environment, thanks to these tax hikes every six months.”

The Brewers Association of Australia also called out the automatic indexation with beer drinkers hit with a 2.2 per cent price rise over the past six months.

“A 10 per cent increase in the beer tax since last year just shows that these tax hikes are becoming out of control,” said Brewers Association CEO, John Preston.

“We don’t believe these increases are now actually raising any more money for the Government. They are just hurting beer drinkers and our pubs and clubs.

“While the Treasurer inherited these automatic half-yearly beer tax increases,

we’re calling on the Government to step in and take some action before a trip to the pub or a dinner out with the family becomes an unaffordable luxury for most Australians.”

The latest increase will mean beer drinkers will pay a $20 beer tax for a slab of full-strength beer.

The Australian Distillers Association also released a statement regarding the excise.

Australian Distillers Association chief executive Paul McLeay said there are now more than 700 distilleries in this country making world-class spirits, and their prospects depend

The Australian Distillers Association also released a statement regarding the excise.

“The continued Government inaction on this issue is incredibly frustrating for our industry, which

added value to the Australian economy and supports more than 100,000 jobs,” he said.

“We know that our economic

Analysis from Mandala Partners has demonstrated that spirits manufacturing can be a $1 billion export industry for Australia by 2035, but only if we have the right policy settings.

“The Federal Government must act now by freezing the spirits tax and partnering with industry to create an export body for spirits, just as it has done so successfully with Wine Australia over recent decades.”

Craig Michael, director of Bellarine Distillery in Drysdale, Victoria said the tax is now $25 per litre higher than when the company began operations

“These six-monthly increases are becoming increasingly difficult for our business to sustain, and they are impossible to plan for,” he said.

“How can we accurately undertake financial modelling and make business decisions if we don’t know what tax rate, we will be paying in six months’ time?”

A recent Federal Budget statement states that the indexation of excise rates is aimed at helping maintain the value of the tax over time but recognises the need

Beer is taxed per litre of alcohol, with rates varying between commercial and craft beers.

The alcohol excise tax was designed to adjust automatically with inflation.

Image: horizon/AdobeStock Image: merfaruk/AdobeStock

Soft plastics taskforce making progress

Key stakeholders and government officials continue to develop informed approaches to issues surrounding soft plastic recycling in Australia.

Australia’s Soft Plastics Taskforce, a governmentled initiative to address the recycling soft plastics, has had its authorisation extended by the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC).

The taskforce made up of Australian supermarkets, was originally set up to develop and implement strategies around improving the collection, recycling, and overall handling of soft plastics in Australia.

Last month, Coles, Aldi, and Woolworths, sent an application to the ACCC to extend the collaboration to 31 July 2025.

The ACCC gave temporary approval with conditions so the stockpile clean-up and in-store collection pilot can continue while they review the full application. The conditions require the participants to keep the ACCC informed with meeting minutes and quarterly progress reports.

The ACCC originally granted

collaboration in June of 2023 after the collapse of the REDcycle soft plastics scheme.

The REDcycle soft plastics supermarket scheme was a recycling program launched in partnership with Coles

The scheme was designed to address the recycling of soft plastics, such as plastic bags and packaging, which are not typically processed through standard curb side recycling systems.

The primary goal of the taskforce is to enhance the recycling system for soft plastics, which includes items like plastic bags, wraps, and other flexible packaging.

It aims to create a more effective and sustainable approach to managing these materials.

The taskforce is also responsible for developing action plans and strategies to address the specific challenges faced by the soft plastics recycling sector.

This may include improving collection systems, investing in new

recycling technologies, and setting up more efficient processing facilities.

Part of the taskforce’s role is to engage with the public to raise awareness and gauge consumer behaviour around the importance of recycling soft plastics.

As part of its charter, the taskforce may also work on developing or recommending policies and regulations to support better management of soft plastics, including potential changes to industry practices and consumer behaviour.

After the collapse of REDcycle, several areas of concern were highlighted, namely kerbside collection of soft plastics, and studies were launched in response.

A survey of residents in trials for the National Plastics Recycling Scheme (NPRS) shows that people who hadn’t used the old REDcycle drop-off program have started recycling soft plastics through kerbside collection.

Of the respondents, about 60 per cent had used store drop-off for their When asked about their preferred method for recycling soft plastics, most people favoured the NPRS model, which involves putting soft plastics in a special bag and placing it in the household recycling bin.

This preference is based on over 1,000 survey responses from households participating in trials across six council areas in Victoria, South Australia, and New South Wales.

The NPRS model involves collecting soft plastics from curb side to be recycled into new food-grade packaging as part of a local recycling system.

Australian Food and Grocery Council (AFGC) CEO Tanya Barden said that while REDcycle was useful, store-return schemes aren’t suitable for large-scale soft plastics recycling in Australia.

“While work is continuing on a short-term solution to REDcycle’s suspension, the NPRS project is a longterm solution dealing with large-scale collection and recycling,” said Barden.

“What store-return plastic recycling demonstrated is the dedication of

Coles, Aldi, and Woolworths, sent an application to the ACCC to extend the collaboration.

plastics into the marketplace are taking the lead and providing a real solution.”

According to The Australian Institute, only about 15 per cent of all plastic in Australia is currently being recycled, and only 18 per cent of plastic packaging.

concluded that a European Union-style tax on plastic could also net almost $1.5 billion annually.

The analysis suggests that the federal government could generate $1,300 per tonne of ‘virgin’ or unrecycled plastic by imposing a levy on businesses

tsunami of plastic waste and is expected to miss every recycling target it has set,” said Australia Institute’s Circular Economy & Waste Program director Nina Gbor.

“We’re recovering less than a fifth of the plastic waste used each year, with by 2050.

“If recycling was the solution to the plastic waste crisis, it would have been solved by now. Instead, it just encourages the production and consumption of even more waste that is choking our landfill and oceans.

“Unless we drastically reduce or gradually phase out plastics altogether, in favour of compostable materials, this plastic waste problem will continue to grow.”

The EU levy, introduced in 2021, required members to pay $1,300 per tonne of plastic packaging waste. With Australia recording 1.179 million tonnes of virgin plastic

“We know that Australians support tougher action to kerbside plastic waste, and that taxes and schemes requiring producers to fund the collection and recycling of plastic they produce are working overseas,” said Gbor.

“Australia’s plastic consumption is increasing, not falling. The government needed to act yesterday and should start by following the EU’s lead.” F

The taskforce includes Australia’s three largest supermarket chains.

Coles tried a soft plastic recycling scheme with the failed REDcycle program.

Further funding to curb food waste

The NSW Government is allocating grants to businesses and food rescue organisations to reduce food waste.

The NSW Government is investing $4.6 million in new grants to support businesses and food rescue organisations in their continuing efforts to reduce food waste and divert more edible food from landfills.

The funding has been awarded to organisations that can make the most impact to reduce the 1.7 million tonnes of food that is wasted each year in NSW.

Reducing food waste allows the support of people who are facing food insecurity while reducing greenhouse gas emissions from landfill.

Minister for Climate Change and the Environment, Penny Sharpe, said the statistic that 70 per cent of wasted food is still edible must be turned around.

“It’s not about just reducing waste but rethinking how we value and use the food we have,” said Sharpe.

“This funding will help food

rescue charities by giving them better infrastructure to take more donated and rescued food.

“It will also make sure businesses, hospitals, councils and other institutions are upskilling their networks to avoid food waste and increase their donations and recycling – helping to save nearly 600,000 tonnes of food waste every year.”

Grant amounts are up to $500,000 per grant.

In the first round of the new Food Rescue Grants, nearly $3 million has been awarded to 20 charities and community organizations. This funding will help them rescue more surplus and donated food and distribute it to people in need throughout NSW.

Eligible project costs include:

• I nfrastructure and equipment that will contribute to increased capacity of a Food Rescue and/or Food Relief

Organisation to rescue, store, process and/or redistribute increasing amounts of rescued food from food donors to the community.

• T his may include, but is not limited to:

• T he purchase or lease of delivery electric vehicles such as refrigerated vans or small trucks

• I n-vehicle refrigeration

• Upgraded refrigeration and/or freezer equipment to improve energy efficiency

• Warehouse shelving

• Forklifts and stationary machinery.

• Food donation, rescue and relief related education and resources

• Staff and/or project management costs, noting applicants must nominate and justify the percentage of total grant funding use for this, with as much funding as possible toward increasing the Food Rescue

and/or food relief organisations capacity to manage additional rescued food

• Costs associated with securing new rescued food supply from Food Donors

• Costs associated with technology and/or system development to improve operational efficiency, including data collection and storage of data

• Costs associated with feasibility studies to assess opportunities for building a Food Rescue and/or Food Relief Organisation’s operational capacity to manage increasing amounts of rescued food. This may be through the identification of operational efficiencies, assessment of existing and proposed infrastructure etc.

Recipients include larger statewide organisations like FoodBank,

The NSW Government has awarded funding to organisations that can make the most impact to reduce food waste in the state.

OzHarvest and SecondBite as well as community-based organisations fighting food insecurity across Sydney and in regional centres like Dubbo, Albury, and Wollongong.

Foodbank Australia CEO, Brianna Casey AM, stressed the importance of this incentive.

“We have families unable to put food on the table despite tonnes of perfectly edible food being dumped or ploughed in each year,” she said.

“We know that households under financial pressure have been forced to reduce – or even remove – their spend on fresh fruit & vegetables and protein, meaning demand for these products at food banks across Australia has skyrocketed.

Casey said the grants will allow for a better approach to helping combat food waste.

“The grants will be used to enhance

and expand food rescue infrastructure, helping organisations to buy bigger trucks and fridges and employ more people to save edible food and feed the vulnerable in NSW,” she said.

At the same time, $1.66 million has been granted in the first round of Business Food Waste Partnerships Grants.

This funding will support peak bodies, sector leaders, and councils in collaborating to identify and implement strategies to prevent food waste.

Meanwhile, OzHarvest CEO, James Gough agreed with Casey’s sentiments.

“Demand for food relief is at an all-time high and our charities are telling us they are struggling to cope with the ongoing increase in numbers,” said Gough.

“This bill has the potential to get edible food off farms and onto the plates of those who need it most, addressing food security and food

waste simultaneously.

“It’s crucial for politicians to recognise this need in the community and unite to implement this reform.”

SecondBite CEO, Daniel Moorefield, said the organisation continues to be committed to working with government on the best way to reduce and combat food waste.

“We are committed to working with the government and all stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of this tax incentive,” he said.

“Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of millions of Australians and move closer to achieving our food waste reduction goals.”

Thanks to this funding, various hospitality and winery businesses will be able to enhance their focus on food waste avoidance and recycling by leveraging their existing partnerships.

Senator Dean Smith said the Bill

represented a single, straightforward solution to two problems, unprecedented demand, and the amount of food currently being wasted.

“Food relief charities are fighting to meet unprecedented demand, while at the same time an unbelievable amount of food is dumped each year, much of it edible, and often because it’s cheaper than donating it,” he said.

“My Private Senator’s Bill, originally shaped by the National Food Donation Tax Incentive and refined through close consultation with the Australian charity sector, is aimed at turning that around and delivering meaningful help to Australians in need.”

It’s hoped this funding will help increase the already 1.3 million tonnes annually that is saved and redistributed by food banks and other charities, while reducing the amount that goes to landfill. F

Nearly $3 million was awarded during the first round of Food Rescue Grants.

Food Ministers discuss health star rating

Changes to Australia’s Health Star Rating were a key talking point at the most recent Food Ministers’ Meeting in Adelaide.

Australia and New Zealand’s food Ministers recently met, with observers from Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ), to discuss and determine the future direction for Health Star Ratings on food products.

Australia’s Health Star Rating (HSR) is a front-of-pack labelling system that simplifies choosing healthier foods. The system rates the overall nutritional profile of packaged foods on a scale from 0.5 to 5 stars, with more stars indicating a healthier choice.

It’s currently used voluntarily by food manufacturers, and the star rating is displayed prominently on the front of food packaging.

The rating considers energy, saturated fat, total sugars, sodium, protein, fibre, as well as fruit, vegetable, nut, and legume content.

The goal is to offer a summary of a product’s nutritional quality, making it easier for consumers to compare options and select healthier choices.

Meanwhile, the Food Ministers’ Meeting is recognised as a key forum where state, territory, and federal ministers responsible for food regulation and health safety come together to discuss and make decisions on food policy and regulatory matters.

Ministers aim to ensure consistent and effective food regulation across both countries and the Commonwealth, address emerging issues in food safety and nutrition, and coordinate responses to national and international food regulation challenges.

The meetings are also instrumental in shaping food policy and regulatory frameworks to protect public health and support informed consumer choices.

Regulation of infant formula products

At the meeting, Ministers opted against revisiting Proposal P1028 – Infant Formula, a plan that was originally crafted by the FSANZ in 2013.

The proposal was designed to

overhaul the regulation of infant formula under Standard 2.9.1 and promised several updates.

It proposes renaming specialised formulas to Special Medical Purpose Products for infants (SMPPi) and implementing sales restrictions, aligning nutritional content with global standards, and enhancing labelling practices.

These changes include mandatory nutrition information statements and

Ministers met to discuss how to improve the Health Star Rating system.

a ban on proxy advertising, all aimed at providing clarity and protection for consumers.

Currently, mandatory information required on food labelling in Australia includes the product name, ingredients list, nutritional information panels, allergen information, date marking, country of origin, and contact details of the manufacturer.

documents for public consultation on improving the composition, labelling, and texture of commercial foods for infants and young children.

FSANZ will also develop educational materials for various stakeholders.

This initiative is aimed at aligning these foods with feeding guidelines and opened for stakeholder consultation in August 2024.

The Health Star Rating is on a scale from 0.5 to 5 stars.

Expressing disappointment in the slow uptake of the Health Star Rating (HSR) system, ministers agreed to FSANZ working with the Food Regulation Standing Committee (FRSC) on preparatory work for mandating the system.

This includes tackling specific issues such as the cost of living and inconsistencies across product categories. Additionally, a review of the Nutrition Information Panel (NIP) will be conducted to improve nutrition labelling.

Carbohydrate and sugar claims on alcohol

FSANZ presented research indicating that sugar and carbohydrate claims on alcoholic beverages do not influence consumer behaviour regarding alcohol consumption.

Ministers now await outcomes from Proposals P1049 (carbohydrate and sugar claims on alcoholic beverages) and P1059 (energy labelling on alcoholic beverages), which will be reviewed by the FSANZ Board in late 2024 or early 2025.

Proposal P1049 – Carbohydrate and sugar claims on alcoholic beverages seeks to clarify existing Food Standards Code permissions for nutrition content claims about carbohydrate and sugar on alcohol.

Meanwhile, Proposal P1059 –Energy labelling on alcoholic beverages is examining options for the declaration of energy content information in a prescribed format on the label of packaged alcoholic beverages.

If approved, the labelling will allow consumers to compare the kilojoule content of alcoholic beverages, just like they can for food products.

The Australian Government briefed Ministers on the FSANZ Act review, which followed consultations with 78

submissions set to be released will soon.

The Review Report will proceed through the legislative process, with additional discussions with the FRSC scheduled.

Ministers endorsed a system statement and regulator commitments to outline the purpose, roles, and participants of the food regulatory system.

FSANZ CEO Dr Sandra Cuthbert welcomed food ministers agreeing to the labelling work package.

“FSANZ’s Consumer Insights Tracker identified Australian and New Zealand consumers are looking to make healthy food choices, and they rely on food labels to help them do that,” said Cuthbert.

“The work on HSR and the NIP provides a unique opportunity to consider how nutrition labelling on the front and back of packaged food can be enhanced to better provide consumers

KEY OUTCOMES:

• Regulation of infant formula products

• Improving commercial foods for infants and young children

The Health Star Rating system

Carbohydrate and sugar claims on alcohol

• The FSANZ Act review

• Modernising the food regulatory system

with the information they need to make healthy choices.

“We look forward to working closely with food regulation system stakeholders as we progress work on HSR and the NIP.”

A Strategic Plan will be developed to guide the system’s focus over the next three years, emphasising safe and suitable food, a healthy food supply, informed consumers, and thriving food economies.

The Food Ministers’ Meetings are typically held at least twice a year and will continue to shape the future of food

regulation and policy in Australia and New Zealand.

The FSANZ is an independent government agency responsible for developing and maintaining food standards for Australia and New Zealand. Their role includes setting food safety and labelling standards, ensuring that the food supply is safe, and providing guidelines for food production and consumption.

The organisation also plays a crucial role in protecting public health and ensuring that food products are safe and accurately represented to consumers. F

The Health Star Rating on food labels is currently voluntary.

Image: PepsiCo

If approved, the labelling will allow consumers to compare kilojoule content of alcoholic beverages.

The food and beverage manufacturing sector accounts for approximately 30 per cent of Australia’s total manufacturing output.

Innovate to Grow Program is expanded

The CSIRO has expanded its SME support program, Innovate to Grow, aiming to strengthen Australia’s global leadership in food technology.

Australia’s national science agency, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), has announced the expansion of its Innovate to Grow program, targeting small to medium enterprises (SMEs) with aspirations in food innovation and technology.

This initiative, which aims to bolster the country’s global leadership in food technology, offers SMEs a structured pathway to advance their innovative ideas.

The Innovate to Grow program is spearheaded by a team of seasoned researchers who will guide participants through various technical and business challenges.

The program focuses on exploring research and development (R&D) opportunities and crafting actionable business and funding plans tailored to the participants’ R&D projects.

Dr Michelle Colgrave, deputy director Impact at CSIRO’s Agriculture and Food division, emphasised the crucial role SMEs play in enhancing Australia’s reputation as a leader in food technology.

She highlighted the potential for combining innovations in fermentation

with consumer preferences to create reduced-sugar beverages and no or low-alcohol wines.

“To meet the demands of our growing population, the changing climate, and evolving consumer preferences, there is an urgent need to diversify and develop new, sustainable food and beverage options.

“Australia is uniquely positioned to lead in this field, thanks to our access to cutting-edge technologies and some of the brightest minds in the industry,” said Colgrave.

She further explained that SMEs are integral to driving innovation throughout the supply chain and achieving sustainable outcomes in food manufacturing.

Since its inception in 2020, the Innovate to Grow program has supported over 600 early-stage R&D companies, providing them with essential knowledge and tools to advance their innovative concepts.

The program has become a vital resource for many SMEs, offering insights and practical experiences that are crucial for business growth.

Joshua Poke of the Tasmanian Oyster Company, a participant in the 2021 program, shared his positive experience.

“Innovate to Grow was instrumental in helping me focus on the key areas needed to advance our business over the next year,” he said.

“The program also offered valuable practical insights from other SMEs, which have been incredibly beneficial.”

The expansion of the Innovate to Grow program underscores CSIRO’s commitment to fostering innovation within the SME sector and advancing Australia’s standing in the global food technology arena.

Innovate to Grow: Food Innovation is open to SMEs working in the following sub-sectors:

• B everage manufacturing

• Food production

• Traditional and complimentary proteins

• Bio-manufacturing including precision fermentation

• Sustainable processing

• Value-adding processes

• Other

As of recent data, there are approximately 16,000 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in the food manufacturing sector in Australia.

These SMEs play a crucial role

in the country’s food supply chain, contributing substantially to the local economy and food diversity. The sector includes a wide range of businesses, from artisan producers to larger processors, and is an important component of Australia’s overall food industry.

This announcement is the latest in a long line from governments, both state and federal, and other key organisations, to help strengthen and build Australia’s manufacturing sectors.

The food and beverage manufacturing sector is a substantial part of Australia’s economy. It is the largest manufacturing sector in the country, representing a substantial portion of the total manufacturing output.

As of recent data, the food and beverage manufacturing sector accounts for approximately 30 per cent of Australia’s total manufacturing output and about 15 per cent of the total manufacturing employment.

The sector is vital not only for its economic contribution but also for its role in supplying both domestic and international markets with a diverse range of products. Its significance reflects its scale and impact within the broader Australian economy. F

Image: Robert Kneschke/AdobeStock

STRALIAN LK NDLING

More funding for agricultural renewables

The Federal Government continues to up its funding for renewable energy in the agricultural sector as studies look at economic impacts.

As countries, including Australia and New Zealand embrace renewable energy production, a recent study by the University of Auckland has shed light on the impacts this transition could have on the cost of food.

A recent study revealed that the shift to renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, has resulted in increased food prices and a reduction in agricultural output.

“Our findings show that the energy transition is not a neutral process and that it carries consequences,” said Professor Emilson Silva, director of the University of Auckland Energy Centre and co-author of the study.

“It directly impacts people’s lives.”

Professor Silva, along with co-author Dr. Luccas Attílio from the Federal University of Ouro Preto, Brazil, analysed data from 32 OECD countries, including New Zealand, from 2000 to 2021.

Their research indicated that nations with more advanced renewable

energy initiatives have experienced more pronounced effects, including higher food prices and greater declines in agricultural production, compared to countries that are slower to adopt renewable energy.

“This evidence highlights a critical challenge,” said Dr. Silva.

“As the push for renewable energy intensifies, so does the pressure on vulnerable populations who bear the brunt of rising food costs.”

Dr. Silva and Dr. Attílio argue that governments need to implement income support programs and adopt more nuanced strategies for the energy transition.

“While going ‘green’ is essential for mitigating climate change, it must be balanced with strategies to protect those negatively impacted,” said Dr. Silva.

The study was inspired by Professor Silva’s observations of recent protests by farmers in Australia and other countries against rising production costs linked to climate policies and the expansion of

“Some of the farmers had been grappling with rising work-related costs and issues stemming from their land being repurposed for solar and wind installations,” said Dr. Silva.

“So, I wanted to look at the data to find out what effect the uptake of renewable energy sources was actually having.”

Australian Farmers Federation acting CEO, Charlie Thomas, responded to the Federal Government’s announcements around Australia’s energy future.

Thomas warned policy makers that the debate around Australia’s energy mix must come back to the people and land it impacts.

“The NFF’s position remains that Australia’s national energy policies must deliver affordable, reliable and increasingly lower emissions energy for all Australians,” he said.

“These policies should be technologyneutral and driven by markets.

“This isn’t about cherry picking solar or wind energy or nuclear, but about

A study revealed the shift to renewable energy sources, such as solar, has resulted in increased food prices.

supports the economy-wide target of net zero by 2050 and understands a key part of achieving this goal is lowering emissions.

“In no way can agriculture be the sacrificial lamb in the pathway to net zero and we will hold the government, and any future government, to its commitment not to impose targets on farmers directly,” he said.

“Any credible climate plan needs to partner closely with farmers and at the core of future energy plans must be early and meaningful engagement with the impacted communities.”

energy proposals.

“Communities must have the right to say no, farmland must be protected, and landholders must be properly consulted,” he said.

“(The) announcement by the Coalition should sharpen the current Government’s focus on delivering meaningful protections for farmland and affected communities.

“There also needs to be a clearer focus on local communities being able to benefit from energy investment.”

“National energy policy and emissions reduction must be a shared responsibility and agriculture will play its part, but that part has to be fair and not comprise productivity, profitability or food security.”

The NFF statement also came in the wake of an announcement by Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, that a further $63.8 million had been set aside in the budget to support the reduction of emissions in the agriculture industry and contribute to the whole-ofeconomy transition to net zero.

The announcement was made at the Albanese Government’s inaugural Sustainable Agriculture Summit and builds upon $519 million in funding allocated to rejuvenate the Future Drought Fund.

The funding is aimed at building the capacity of Australian farmers, to improve greenhouse gas accounting at national and farm levels, and to drive innovation for emissions reduction and carbon sequestration in the sector.

Minister for Climate Change and

finance sector are increasingly requiring farmers to report on their emissions, providing standardised estimation and reporting frameworks was essential.

“Decarbonisation in the agriculture sector will unlock new opportunities for Australian farmers and landowners,”

Minister Bowen said.

“The Agriculture and Land Plan presents an opportunity to chart a way

emissions reduction targets.

“Our government will work in close collaboration with the agriculture industry to guide us towards a netzero future.”

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt said because the sector manages a large percentage of Australia’s landmass, the agriculture industry has a lot to gain from a sector-

frontline of climate change, and it is costing them every single day,” he said.

“We want producers to access the benefits of becoming more sustainable while remaining productive and profitable.

“A lot of this work has already begun with many farm businesses adapting their business models to reduce their emissions. F

Bold steps needed to reduce Food Waste in Australia

The National Food Waste Summit 2024 saw top stakeholders come together to discuss how to keep bringing the amount of food waste.

Whilst Australia’s food loss and waste statistics are simply staggering, I often wonder how many people are aware of the severity of the problem and the steps they can take within their own households to help reduce the amount of food that ends up landfill.

Just to help you see the reality of food loss and waste in Australia we are looking at 7.6 million tonnes of food is wasted every year and 3 per cent of national Green House Gas (GHG) emissions.

To put this into a visual perspective Australia’ food waste could fill the Melbourne Cricket Ground ten times over; and 70 per cent of the food wasted is edible.

From a financial perspective food wasted in the home costs up to $2,500 a year, or $50 a week for every household in Australia.

From an industry perspective we have a Federal Government National Food Waste Strategy to halve food waste that goes to landfill by 2030 and when you wrap your head around the figures above this doesn’t seem possible.

To drive change and achievable outcomes for the country we need food waste champions and lead-organisations to take bold steps to develop deep collaboration across the entire food system.

This is where End Food Waste Australia enters the conversation.

As the world’s largest dedicated public-private partnerships of more than 100 organisations focused on ending food waste, no other voluntary commitment in the world has this many collaborative partners.

Every two years End Food Waste Australia brings together the true food waste warriors and champions at the

National Food Waste Summit.

For two days we heard from some brilliants minds from across the End Food Waste Cooperative Research Centre, food rescue organisations, researchers, upcyclers, state and council departments and the peak industry organisations, that discussed the steps they are taking to shift the dial to ultimately aid the reduction of food waste that goes to landfill.

The work that is being undertaken across all areas of the food value chain, and the outcomes being delivered, truly is something to be proud of. These small steps will help achieve one third of the target by 2023.

There is also a juxtaposition in our country where we have 70 per cent of edible food being wasted and then we hear about how many people in Australia are suffering every single day with food insecurity.

Foodbank Australia

The most sobering of presentations at the Summit was when Brianna Casey, Chief Executive Officer of Foodbank Australia told the attendees that 60 per cent of all food insecure households have someone in paid work and that the number one reason households struggle to put food on the table is the cost of living.

National food donation tax incentive

For several years Foodbank Australia have been championing another bold step; to establish a National Food Donation Tax Incentive.

The proposed NFDTI combines examples of successful global food donation tax policies with Australia’s current tax system. It aims to incentivise businesses to donate edible food or related services to food relief organisations and in return, they will receive a tax rebate or offset.

Since the last summit there has been significant movement to make this a reality. In 2022 establishing a food donation tax incentive was a key recommendation of the House of Representatives agriculture committee’s inquiry into food security and since then Opposition’s charities spokesperson Dean Smith tabled a private senator’s bill to establish a tax incentive to compensate farmers, wholesalers, and other businesses to donate surplus food to recuse organisations.

Modelling based on Foodbank’s initial tax incentive proposal suggested 100 million extra meals could be provided to hungry Australians each year by 2030.

Over the two-day National Food Waste Summit, I was so pleased to hear about how many bold steps have been taken since the last catch up. The people I met who truly are Food Waste Warriors and Champions, are not doing anything in halves and they have the drive to create deliverable outcomes for the country.

Author Nerida Kelton MAIP, Executive Director – AIP, Vice President – Sustainability & Save Food - WPO

WPO’s vice president of sustainability, Nerida Kelton, spoke at the National Food Waste Summit.

that prioritise food loss and waste policies.

• It is time to pass the Bill to establish the National Food Donation Tax Incentive.

• A measurable step is to Regulate that no food waste goes to landfill.

• T he horticulture industry needs more government support as 60% of the food wasted in the country comes from this category.

• R etailers need to review their policies on fresh fruit and vegetables and work with consumers on why they

need to accept weird, wonky and misshapen produce.

• We need more Brands taking the bold step of becoming a signatory to the Australian Food Pact. What are you waiting for?

• A ll companies need to embed Food Waste Strategies and policies in overarching sustainability targets. Perhaps mandating food loss and waste reporting would be a bold step.

• We need to re-design our food supply chains to make them more sustainable and resilient.

• Food Waste needs to be seen and discussed, on the same level as Packaging Waste.

• Packaging that is fit for purpose and functional needs to be discussed more with consumers.

• We need to develop a long-term consumer education campaign for food waste in the households.

• T hink about the language we use for households to better understand the severity of the situation.

The 2024 National Food Waste Summit created further momentum and collaboration within the food value chain, and I look forward to seeing what deliverables have been further achieved in two years. To all the passionate warriors and champions that are taking bold steps; thank you. F

One proposal that came up at the summit was a National Food Donation Tax Incentive.

The 2024 National Food Waste Summit brought key industry stakeholders and decision makers together to discuss reducing waste.

Global dairy market faces supply challenges

High demand and supply challenges being overcome by the local and global dairy industry.

Global fundamentals are mixed across product categories and major producing regions.

Weather conditions in Europe are continuing to cause supply issues. The combination of excessive rainfall and summer heat is affecting milk solids production in the short term, which is leading to a reduction in butterfat supplies.

Additionally, high demand for cream during the summer and consistent cheese demand are limiting the production of skim milk powder (SMP) and butter.

Tighter butterfat supplies are likely to keep the EU butter market strong through Q3 2024. However, high prices might reduce some demand, and the possibility of New Zealand imports at lower tariff rates could also affect the market.

Additionally, global demand for butterfat, especially in developing regions, and increased New Zealand production in the spring will impact the EU market.

Milk production in New Zealand’s peak season is uncertain due to a shift to La Niña weather patterns and recent dry conditions that have lowered soil moisture levels.

There is little change expected in the NZ product mix (other than within milk protein products) as the outlook for China’s WMP import demand remains weak.

Significant measures by China to reduce milk production could affect the market later in 2024. While similar actions have happened before, these changes might be a major factor in shifting their supply chain.

While US and EU SMP stocks

are relatively tight, sluggish demand and sustained higher NZ supply will continue to limit the upside for SMP.

Higher trade earlier this year as buyers restocked, along with rising dairy and non-dairy ingredient prices, will continue to make it difficult for demand to pick up in the coming months.

US milk production outlook is mixed. Milk solids output is growing in central regions due to new cheese facilities. With better profit margins, output growth is expected to improve in the second half of 2024, making herd replacements more financially rewarding.

Improvement in US cheese demand is critical to keep the market in balance, as some macro factors suggest threats to consumer spending.

Meanwhile, in July 2024, the Australian dairy commodity market showed several notable trends.

Domestic demand for dairy products remains strong, particularly for cheese and yogurt, which is helping to maintain stable prices in the local market.

Dairy commodity prices, including those for milk powder, cheese, and butter, have experienced some volatility.

These price changes are influenced by global market trends and domestic production levels, with further fluctuations anticipated soon.

Additionally, the performance of the Australian dollar against major currencies continues to affect export competitiveness. A stronger Australian dollar could potentially make exports more expensive, which may impact demand.

Overall, while the domestic dairy market remains stable, Australian exporters are contending with a complex global landscape marked by fluctuating prices and intense competition. F

WASTE INNOVATION & RECYCLING AWARDS

Recognising excellence across the waste and resource recovery sector. Sponsorship opportunities are now available for 2024.

www.wasteawards.com.au

Oil-in water analyser detects leaks and monitors effluent

Companies concerned about complying EPA regulations for wastewater leaks or treated wastewater effluent and storm water run-off will find ECD’s Oil-in-Water OIW80 Analyser helps detect oily water leaks quickly and helps ensure effluent requirements are met to avoid shutdowns, fines and clean-ups

The analyser’s robust, state-of-the-art fluorescence sensing technology identifies petrochemical leaks or spills and monitors treated effluent to help prevent drinking water pollution, protect ecosystems, reduce emergency shutdowns, product batch fouling, unplanned maintenance, regulatory corrective actions, and fines.

The analyser measures oil over a wide range of 0 to 15 ppm (mg/L). It can be factory preconfigured to measure oil in multiple ranges or easily set in the field. This analyser’s responsive sensor operates over a broad temperature range from 41 to 113°F (5 to 45°C), quickly detecting leaks and alerting plant technicians.

The analyser also features a rugged sensor with a built-in wiper cleaning system. This system removes bio-solids and films that might cloud the sensor window’s visibility, reducing the need for unplanned manual checks and scheduled maintenance cleanings.

Heavy-duty construction comes with corrosion-resistant Stainless Steel (standard) or optional Titanium and meets the IP68 water ingress standard. The sensor’s design is tailored for years of trouble-free service in the demanding wet environments typical of industrial process and municipal water and wastewater treatment applications.

The OIW80 sensor utilises Fluorescence sensing technology for precision measurement of oil in water that is proportional to its

NORD DuoDrive: Two become one

DuoDrive is a revolutionary integrated gear unit/motor concept in hygienic wash-down design. It combines the high-efficiency IE5+ motor and a single-stage helical gear unit in one housing.

Thanks to its optimised system efficiency, high power density and very low noise emissions, it is especially suitable for users in the fields of intralogistics, food, and pharmaceutical industries.

Together with its simple plug-and-play commissioning, the complete DuoDrive solution results in a significant reduction in Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) compared to other drive systems.

Versions

• Plug & play solution for fast commissioning

• Hygienic design

• Flexible attachment options: B5 flange, B14 flange

Characteristics

• Compact installation volume and thus space-saving

• High power density

• Quiet running through very low noise emissions

• Fewer wearing parts result in less maintenance

Nord Drivesystems

1800 006 673

www.nord.com

concentration. The sensor communicates with the T80 Universal Transmitter upon oil detection or the LQ800 Controller or directly with a control system (PLC) via the sensor’s serial communications.

AMS Instrumentation & Calibration (03) 9017 8225 www.ams-ic.com.au

ICP Electronics Australia unveils Universal PoE IR Learning Module

ICP Electronics Australia’s ICP DAS IR-712P-MTCP represents a leap forward in home and building automation, offering a sophisticated universal Power over Ethernet (PoE) infrared learning module.

This device is ingeniously designed to learn and store up to 512 infrared commands from various electronic devices, making it a versatile tool for controlling a wide array of home entertainment systems, smart meeting rooms, surveillance systems, and electronic classroom services, among others.

The IR-712P-MTCP features two IR output channels and one IR learning input, supporting carrier frequencies from 33 kHz to 56 kHz for most IR devices. It uses Ethernet and PoE power (IEEE 802.3af, Class 1), simplifying installation and reducing cable clutter.

The IR-712P-MTCP uses Modbus TCP/UDP for easy integration with Modbus equipment like PACs, PLCs, and PCs. This makes it ideal for smart home and building automation. It also supports ASCII string commands (DCON on TCP/UDP) for flexible and straightforward IR control.

This product meets RoHS WEEE standards for environmental friendliness and provides a comprehensive solution for managing and automating electronic devices in various settings.

KEY FEATURES:

• 2 IR output channels.

• 1 IR learning input

• IR command capacity: 512

• Supports IR carrier frequencies: 33, 36, 37, 38, 40 and 56 kHz.

Supports Modbus TCP/UDP protocol to emit IR commands.

• Provides ASCII String Command (DCON over TCP/UDP) to emit IR signal.

• Includes 2x CA-IR-SH2251 IR emitter cables.

• (Remote control range: CA-IR-SH2251 is 80% of CA-IR-SH2251-5)

ICP Electronics Australia (02) 9457 6011 www.icp-australia.com.au

Backplane Systems Technology’s latest offering

Backplane Systems Technology’s VECOW’s IVX-1000, a rugged in-vehicle computing workstation.

The IVX-1000 has a fanless design for dust resistance and meets EN50155:2017 standards.

It supports 16V to 160V DC power with 4kV isolation and 500V surge protection, ensuring stable operation. It also features software ignition control and optional UPS support for continuous performance.

The IVX-1000 excels in connectivity, essential for mining operations. It boasts 8 independent 2.5GigE LAN ports, including 4 with IEEE 802.3at PoE+, along with an additional GigE LAN port. This ensures reliable communication and data transfer, crucial for real-time monitoring and control.

Multiple wireless configurations, including 5G, WiFi, 4G, and LTE, provide versatile communication options for remote sites.

The IVX-1000 supports Intel vPro, TCC, TSN, and TPM 2.0. For AI tasks, it includes Intel Deep Learning Boost and the OpenVINO toolkit. Optional VHub AIoT Service enhances its AI capabilities for advanced edge applications.

With its rugged reliability, high-performance computing, and versatile connectivity, the VECOW IVX-1000 is the ideal solution for enhancing productivity and safety.

Key Features:

• Workstation-grade Platform : Intel Core i9/i7/i5/i3 Processor (14th gen, codename : RPL-S Refresh/RPL-S/ADL-S) running with Intel® R680E PCH supports max 65W TDP CPU

• Optional supports outstanding AI computing productivity by advanced and compact NVIDIA Quadro MXM graphics

• 16V to 160V DC Power Input with 4kV DC Isolation, up to 500V Surge Protection, Software Ignition Power Control, optional UPS supported

• EN50155 : 2017

• 8 Independent 2.5GigE LAN M12 X-coded with 4 IEEE 802.3at PoE+, 1 2.5GigE LAN, 1 GigE LAN, 4 Isolated COM

• 2 Front-access 2.5”SSD/HDD Tray, multiple 5G/WiFi/4G/3G/LTE/GPRS/ UMTS

• Supports Intel vPro, TCC, Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN), and TPM 2.0

• Optional VHub AIoT Solution Service supports OpenVINO based AI accelerator and advanced Edge AI applications

Backplane Systems Technology (02) 9457 6400 www.backplane.com.au