Jowat Magazine 2013-01 EN

P|11Progress 1 |2013 their food as best they could from getting soiled, using leaves and animal hides. A trend which has clearly expanded? Manfred Kubo: Not only in the food industry, but in ge- neral, packaging materials have become much more important and diverse. This is the effect of the intensifi- cation of commerce and trade, of industrialisation and globalisation. What was historically transported in jugs and pots to the nearest market, is today additionally packaged in secondary materials that can withstand the transport, and is shipped over huge distances. The variety of packaging processes and materials has grown by the same measure, and has gained momen- tum due to the advertising activities of the suppliers, made under conditions of tough competition. Packa- ging has become a component that no product can do without. In this context, I like to quote the founder of Te- tra Pak, Rubens Rausing, who said: “Packaging sells”. Can you point out some examples for the special challenges? Manfred Kubo: Our adhesives not only ensure that a vast variety of materials are securely held together, like cardboard and papers, plastic substrates, cans and bottles. Additionally, our products must perform well even under the most challenging conditions in the different production environments. High line speeds, for instance in the bottling and filling machines of the beverage industry, or large variations in temperature, as found in hot filling or deepfreeze food packaging – all of these require adhesives which can match these process parameters. In addition, we often find long transport distances, and storage under difficult climatic conditions. An example: A package or a label must re- main firmly attached when the temperature in the core of a stacked pallet, with a hot filled food or beverage, takes several days to cool down. Secondary packa- ging may also not become instable, develop leaks, or open, when exposed to torsion effects or compressive stress due to bumpy and rough transport conditions. Competition is fierce, legal requirements are tight, and the consumer has high expectations concer- ning the quality of food and packaging – what is the input of the adhesives industry in this context? Manfred Kubo: With regard to the legal framework, we have to comply with all national and international guidelines just like our customers. We offer our compe- tence and technical support to select the most appro- priate adhesive system for any packing of food - be it for indirect or for direct food contact. For all producers, packers, manufacturers of auxiliary products and production material, who are suppliers to the food industry and whose products will then enter into food contact (primary or secondary), food contact laws apply on a national, European and global level. Every member of the food packaging chain, which includes also the suppliers of packaging materials and adhesives, carries the responsibility under food contact laws. These laws are established with the tar- get of protecting the health of the end user/consumer. Packaging which protects food may not become a risk. Does this mean that the laws governing the food industry also extend to the adhesives used? Manfred Kubo: All components of a packaging unit which come into contact with food must be prove its suitability, there is no exception for adhesives. Industry Paper | Packaging Bonding systems suitable for food contact: What counts is competent consultation

Jowat Magazine 2013-01 EN

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