OREANDA-NEWS. March 17, 2016. Latvia has held a seminar on “Innovative packaging for milk and dairy products” in the city of Jelgava. The event took place at the Latvian Agricultural University and was visited by representatives of over 40 companies of the industry that are interested in the development of new markets and business development. The seminar was organized and initiated by the Latvian Packaging Association, the company UKRPLASTIC, and Flexotech Corp Riga, Latvia.

Specialists of UKRPLASTIC, Dow Chemical, SIA Baltic and J.S. Hamilton spoke to the participants. Innovative packaging solutions and technological capabilities of flexible packaging for dairy products were demonstrated at the seminar. There was a detailed discussion about the physico-chemical, sanitary - hygenic and performance characteristics of packaging materials as a key element of added value. Representatives of the industry evaluated the possibilities of innovative packaging materials for milk, cottage cheese, cheese and other dairy products. They also discussed issues of re-equipping production lines and the economic effect of the introduction of new packaging solutions, and the energy consumption of production. Answers were based on specific, practical examples, because flexible polymer packaging materials are actively gaining market share in many countries and are particularly active in the food industry.

An important emphasis was placed on the environmental safety of the use of such materials. Flexible packaging materials that are supplied by UKRPLASTIC are environmentally safe for consumption and disposal. They do not contain harmful additives or contaminants, do not create problems in the recycling of packaging waste, and meet the highest sanitary and hygiene requirements. A manufacturer who uses UKRPLASTIC’s packages receives a significant advantage in solving social and environmental problems.

As an active member of the international Save Food program, UKRPLASTIC has called for a joint search for effective ways to reduce food losses, to reduce human pressure on the environment and ensure respect for resources. According to Irina Mirochnik, the President of UKRPLASTIC, the use of innovative barrier packaging is a promising way of achieving the objectives of this program. The organizers of the seminar did not only limit themselves to outlining theoretical data. The practical part of the seminar included an acquaintance with modern equipment for the research of milk and dairy products and a tour of a new laboratory and research complex of the Latvian Agricultural University. http://www.llu.lv/aktualitates?op=raksts&id=13499

Reference: UKRPLASTIC is Eastern Europe’s largest manufacturer of flexible packaging materials for the food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical and other industries. The company was founded in 1927. It is among the top 15 European companies of its profile. UKRPLASTIC supplies flexible packaging materials and packaging to companies in the countries of Eastern and central Europe, Africa and Asia.