Sweet indulgence: 7 hot chocolate trends
Hot chocolate is all about beautiful presentations and luxury serves: but there's more to this indulgent treat than meets the eye...
Sustainability
The push for PHA: How Mad Tea’s compostable pods shift packaging standards
Mad Tea’s 100% compostable tea pods, made from a blend of PHA and other compostable bioplastics, aim to satisfy consumer demand for sustainable packaging, yet experts warn that high production costs, limited infrastructure, and regulatory confusion pose...
Wine and coffee by-products could power next generation batteries
Creating effective batteries is a critical part of renewable energy plans – and wine and coffee could hold the answer to cheaper, more efficient and more eco-friendly battery tech.
2024 beverage trends in South East Asia: Hydration leads non-alcoholic innovation
Beverage brands in Southeast Asia are finding growth opportunities in enhanced hydration drinks, catering to consumers across a variety of lifestyle needs, according to market intelligence firm Mintel.
News
Brits call for Deposit Return Scheme for all materials
Almost three quarters of Brits want to see the new Labour government press ahead with a deposit return scheme (DRS) for all drinks containers.
Can microchipping make people recycle more? Tech company's chips can be used for intelligent packaging
One Tech company's silicon-free chips can both store information to tell consumers how to recycle a product, and tell manufacturers how often the product is recycled.
Tackling wine industry challenges: Europe sets out plan of action
The European Union is the ‘biggest vineyard in the world’ – producing 64% of the world’s wine by volume and 70% by value. But it’s no secret that the wine industry worldwide faces a set of hugely challenging pressures: ranging from climate change to a...
Scientists tap into barley ‘time machine’ to help adapt the grain to climate change
Thanks to an experiment that's tracked barley over the last century, researchers have pinpointed the genes that offer ‘remarkable adaptability’ in the grain – a key ingredient in breads, breakfast cereals, beer and whiskey.
Europe’s largest food upcycling plant opened for spent grains
A new plant is upcycling spent grains for a whole range of uses.
Top trends in beverage alcohol
What are the top trends driving the global beverage alcohol market forward - and how can we expect the industry to evolve?
From polluter to nurturer: How food and drink could save the planet
Food and drink manufacture contributes 30% of global greenhouse gas emissions and has a significant yet negative impact on biodiversity. So how can food and drink be more sustainable?
Increasingly informed consumers demand better quality, more ethical coffee – Allpress Espresso
New Zealand-headquartered Allpress Espresso says that as consumers become better informed about various components of coffee, they are demanding higher quality products and an ethical supply chain.
Why BrewDog is winding down its ‘carbon negative’ claim
BrewDog will wind down the use of its ‘carbon negative’ claim on its products and in its bars in the coming months - here's why.
Brewers’ spent grain a promising snack ingredient that can be upcycled to regulate blood sugar levels – new trial
Brewers’ spent grain, particularly those fermented with tempeh mould, is a promising ingredient that not only can be used for snacks, but also reduces food waste.
Packaging that composts at ambient temperatures aims to make litter disappear
Aiming for uniquely long shelf life and strong versatility, a new biobased packaging innovation has been developed to make litter vanish.
OFI unveils first company-wide emissions targets: ‘It’s a stretch, but achievable’
For the first time, OFI is setting a company-wide sustainability strategy, including Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions targets to achieve by 2030.
‘Coffee meets tea’: Nescafe China touts dual beverage experience with upcycled cascara drink line
Nestle China has launched an upcycled cascara beverage line that offers consumers a dual ‘coffee meets tea’ drinking experience, tapping on the strong local demand for teas and rapid new product innovation.
Sustainability claims: How careful do brands need to be?
Budweiser has recently clarified its 'brewed with 100% renewable electricity' claim in the UK and Ireland after scrutiny from advertising watchdogs. How careful do brands need to be when making similar claims?
What is fonio? The grain set to become the superstar of sustainable brewing
A global collaboration of brewers – including Brooklyn Brewery, Carlsberg and Guinness – is showcasing the ancient West African grain fonio. What’s so special about the grain – and how can it transform brewing for the better?
Diageo debuts paper-based bottle for Baileys
Diageo has launched a trial for a paper-based bottle for Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur; while a Johnnie Walker paper-based bottle is also in development.
US recycling laws ‘a growing pain point’ for food producers, says FoodChain ID
With regulators pushing for improved recyclability and reduced packaging waste, how should manufacturers navigate the latest regulations and packaging trends?
Finding the most accurate way to measure the environmental impact of coffee
A new scientific review offers recommendations on how to measure the environmental impact of coffee – with the hope of also standardizing how this is done in the future.
Skepticism of sustainability claims pushes companies to be more transparent about progress, lean on certifications
As consumers become more interested in sustainable food production and packaging, they are becoming increasingly sophisticated and skeptical in their assessment of green claims – pushing for more specificity, traceability, transparency and veracity,...
Brewing better results: Gryphon Tea Company on why targeted ESG will yield long-term economic benefits
Singapore-based Gryphon Tea Company views its sustainability initiatives as a long-term investment to enhance efficiency and reduce costs, and to give the firm a competitive edge.
Changing freshwater cycle: Are we on a collision course with disaster?
Human activity has significantly altered the freshwater cycle. But is this change reversible, and if not, what does it mean for the future of food and water supplies?
ALDI launches own-brand paper wine bottles
Supermarket ALDI claims a UK first with the launch of its own-brand paper wine bottles.
News
Tennent’s embraces circular economy with Zero Waste Scotland partnership
Glasgow brewer Tennent’s has collaborated with Zero Waste Scotland to validate its ongoing circular economy projects following a business-wide audit.
From paperization to promotional messaging: How are plant-based milk brands differentiating?
We speak to two leading packaging manufacturers about the materials, formats and branding choices that plant-based milk manufacturers are eyeing in 2024.
Champagne Telmont releases bottles in ‘193,000 shades of green'
Champagne Telmont will release 193,000 bottles in shades ranging from green to cinnamon this year, as part of its journey to improve sustainability.
California winery launches aluminum wine bottles: ‘We’re answering the call-to-action to rethink glass bottles’
California’s Bogle Family Wine Collection has launched its first-of-its-kind 750ml aluminum wine bottles. The winery believes the format can first and foremost offer a more environmentally friendly solution: as well as open up new consumption occasions...
How ofi plans to cut coffee supply chain emissions by 30%
Ingredients supplier ofi is setting the ambitious target of reducing supply chain carbon emissions for its coffee by 30% by 2030. So how will this be achieved and can other coffee manufacturers follow in their footsteps?
Ireland introduces Deposit Return Scheme
Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) – a nationwide money-back initiative for plastic bottles and aluminum cans – launches this month in a bid to improve recycling rates.
Why Coca-Cola is betting on water security innovation
With climate change exacerbating water stress and scarcity, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners is backing new tech solutions to help future-proof the beverage industry.
Sprite removes labels from bottles in UK trial
Coca-Cola will remove labels from Sprite bottles in select UK convenience stores, in a move to cut down on packaging materials and simplify recycling.
How can the wine industry reduce emissions?
Australia’s grape and wine industry has set out its path to reduce its carbon emissions by more than 40% by 2030. How can it achieve this – and can the strategy offer a template for the global wine industry?
'A disruptive solution': A closer look at Tetra Pak’s aseptic carton with paper-based barrier
From recyclability to carbon footprint and shelf life, we find out more about the properties of Tetra Brik Aseptic 200 Slim Leaf, Tetra Pak’s new aseptic carton with a paper-based barrier.
Diageo and ecoSPIRITS go global with reusable glass packaging partnership
Diageo and circular economy tech company ecoSPIRITS are taking their reusable spirits packaging partnership global: turning to the ‘lower carbon, lower waste’ tech for Gordan’s, Captain Morgan and Smirnoff.
‘Towards making coffee the first net-positive commodity’: Green energy coffee roasting plant developed by Sucafina and CEE
Sucafina and CEE have partnered to develop a continuous sustainable coffee roasting plant, which is powered by green energy and, according to them, has a significantly higher energy efficiency rate than the industry standard.
Bacardi runs hydrogen-powered glass production trial, cutting greenhouse gas emissions
Bacardi has announced the successful completion of the world’s first commercial production of glass spirits bottles fueled by hydrogen, in a trial that took place earlier this month.
Changing menus, focus on sustainable production: COP28 focuses more on food
The food and beverage industry is inherently linked to the climate crisis, responsible for at least a quarter of global greenhouse gas emissions. The COP28 summit, held this year in Dubai, UAE, focuses more significantly on food than in previous years.
Should one size fit all? Beer, spirits and wine divided over EU packaging plan
The European Parliament has adopted its position on new EU packaging rules: which could see a raft of long-term changes for drinks packaging. The reaction from the European alcohol industry is mixed.
Nestlé invests £7 million into new hard-to-recycle plastics plant
Global food and beverage conglomerate Nestlé injects multi-million-pound investment into Impact Recycling’s pioneering facility to progress hard-to-recycle plastic management and create positive environmental change.
EU moves to ban ‘forever chemicals’ and light plastic bags, but throwaway packaging ‘still a long way off’
The European Parliament has voted in favour of banning BPA and ‘forever chemicals’ in food packaging, and MEPs want to eliminate ‘less necessary’ packaging such as very lightweight plastic carrier bags. But the plastic industry is concerned the vote is a...
From skincare to shampoo: World’s first coffee biorefinery creates new uses for upcycled coffee grounds
Only a fraction of the coffee bean actually goes into coffee: with the vast majority of the bean ending up as waste in the form of coffee grounds. With the opening of its coffee biorefinery, Kaffe Bueno wants to take its upcycing tech to the next level:...
Euromonitor predicts consumer trends for 2024
Euromonitor International has published its 2024 consumer trends report, which spotlights new demands for convenient and effective wellness support, transparency around brand sustainability, and the implementation of AI to personalise the customer...
'Partnership, rather than exploitation’: Getting farmers a fair deal
Global organisation Fairtrade is working to ensure farmers receive just and equitable working conditions. A new campaign, led by two jurisdictions, is reasserting these efforts.
Beverage giants in hot water over plastic bottle recycling claims
Environmental and consumer rights organisations are taking legal action against Nestlé, Danone, and The Coca-Cola Company, over recyclable claims made about their plastic bottles. They have raised an external alert to both the European Commission and the...
News
Brewers have a ‘once in a generation opportunity’ to meet shifting demands for sustainability
A report from food and drink manufacturing consultancy NIRAS has flagged the opportunity for brewers to set new industry standards, as sustainability moves from ‘nice to have’ to ‘must have’.
How brands can rethink the single use plastic water bottle
The challenges for plastic water bottles are clear: their environmental impact is leading to a consumer backlash and even potential regulatory restrictions. But the future isn’t about a few brands moving into alternative packaging formats: it’s about...
Crop-free liquor: Meet the start-up repurposing CO2 into alcohol ‘made from air’
Finnish start-up Aircohol is working to decarbonise the alcohol industry by producing drinks from carbon dioxide released during alcohol fermentation. The result? A crop-free liquor with up to 50% reduced carbon footprint.