Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging IVVNews
Topics of the current newsletter 4/2018
Shelf-life optimization – frióm the raw materials to packages products
We offer comprehensive support along the entire process chain regarding the shelf-life of foods.
We use computer models to simulate food spoiling under differing storage and transport conditions. We offer rapid methods for food quality evaluation. For example, we have identified lead substances for simulating the oxidation of fats. We have also developed optical methods such as the food scanner for estimating the shelf-life and quality of food products.
We investigate how changes in food product formulation affect the shelf-life and carry out any necessary reformulation. In addition there is the aspect of clean labeling. In this context we offer new natural preservation methods, for example using plant extracts and edible coatings. We focus on product safety, including for fresh produce, and on packaging optimization and the use of active packaging systems.
We provide advice and support on the use of recyclable packaging, against the background of the new German Packaging Act. We evaluate whether packaging systems are oversized and need minimizing and identify whether products requiring a specific shelf-life can be better protected with alternative packaging concepts.
We will gladly advise you.
Contact person:
Dr. Peter Muranyi
Phone +49 8161 491-629
peter.muranyi@ivv.fraunhofer.de
Effective transport of peelable packaging
How should easy-to-open packaging systems that also need to be securely sealed be designed? This quandary is being investigated by the Fraunhofer IVV in the TransPeel project - Transport safety for unique designs of peelable packages. Up until now the real stresses on peelable packaging on the route from food producers to the consumers could generally not be taken into account in packaging development work. Specific issues could only be resolved with a disproportionately high number of tests.
The current research project is developing a calculation tool to optimize the stress on and design of peelable packaging systems. Based on the specific packaging geometry and sealed seam contour, the actual stress on peelable packaging on the route from food producers to consumers can be taken into account. This allows advance calculation of the force required to open the packaging. Packing companies, packaging producers, and machinery manufacturers are then able to optimize products with limited testing work. The result is securely sealed and easy-to-open packaging.
We cordially invite interested parties to the kick-off meeting in Dresden. This will be held on 17 January 2019 from 9:00 - 13:00 hours. Please confirm your attendance by e-mail.
Further information on easy opening packaging concepts
Contact person:
Benjamin Stephan
Phone: +49 351 436 14-62
benjamin.stephan@ivv-dresden.fraunhofer.de
Flexible materials in packaging processes
Come to Freising on 6/7 February 2019 and learn about the latest R&D developments in the area of functionalization of materials, material processing, and methods for quality and process control. The event is being held in collaboration with the Industrievereinigung für Lebensmitteltechnologie und Verpackung e.V. (IVLV).
The second day of the event includes the opportunity to exchange thoughts in a brainstorming workshop and to help shape future collaborative industrial research in the following areas:
- Tubular bag processes and web transport
- Thermoforming
- Recyclable packaging materials
- Digitalization & assistance systems
We would be most pleased to see you at this event. The event language is German.
Program and information about registration
Contact person:
Petra Gabler
Phone: +49 8161 491-124
petra.gabler@ivv.fraunhofer.de
Quality assurance of polymer web materials
Web quality is highly dependent on the manufacturing and finishing processes. Web flatness is a key quality parameter. The project entitled "Quality assurance of polymer web materials" is studying the processes of flat film extrusion and transfer coating for manufacturing polymer webs. For the first time we also correlated the extrusion and storage conditions with the quality of flatness. The results form the basis for flatness-optimized extrusion of flat films. A further aspect is the optimal reuse of transfer paper with respect to effectiveness and quality.
Guidelines for manufacturers of polymer web materials will be drawn up by the end of the project. These will give recommended actions for flatness-optimized production and improved inline process control. Product loss and potential complaints can thereby be reduced and the production process optimized.
The results of the project will be presented in Dresden on 19 February 2019. You are most welcome to attend this event. Please register here.
A presentation on this topic will also be given at the event "Flexible materials in packaging processes: VVD Workshop meets Freisinger Tage" scheduled for 6 and 7 February 2019. The event will be held in German.
Contact person:
Martin Leinert
Phone: +49 351 436 14-72
martin.leinert@ivv-dresden.fraunhofer.de
Biobased additives for plant-based corrosion protection
Enhance the sustainability of your technical products with secondary plant substances. These substances possess functional properties akin to those of synthetic additives. We are replacing crude oil based products such as corrosion inhibitors, antioxidants, and anti-abrasion additives with alternatives based on renewable raw materials.
To promote the bioeconomy we are currently developing a biopolymer based hydraulic fluid containing plant-based corrosion protection additives. The fluid consists of 90% water. Corrosion protection additives are hence essential. Secondary plant substances such as alkaloids and tannins fulfill this role. Their chemical structures give them anti-corrosion properties. They are present in waste peel arising from the plant oil recovery process and in post-processing vegetable and potato waste. The viscosity and lubricating properties of the hydraulic fluid are realized with carbohydrate-based biopolymers.
Using customized extraction methods we recover secondary plant substances for use as corrosion protection additives. We also formulate these for your specific media. In addition we create value from residual and waste material streams. We process plant raw materials for a variety of technical applications and transfer the development work to a small pilot plant scale. Sample materials can be manufactured here for your industrial application tests. We can provide you with comprehensive advice in this area. Simply call us or contact us by e-mail.
Contact person:
Sandra Kiese
Phone +49 8161 491-525
sandra.kiese@ivv.fraunhofer.de
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