News

Engineers develop color-changing films and biodegradable barriers as manufacturers invest millions in production upgrades for safer food packaging.

From color-changing smart films that warn consumers of spoilage in real time to barrier materials made from mushrooms and banana waste, flexible packaging innovation is accelerating on all fronts. Researchers are pushing performance limits with graphene-like nano-coatings …

As the holiday season gets underway, dairy organizations across the United States are ramping up donations to help families facing food insecurity. While many efforts are most visible during November and December, companies and cooperatives say hunger relief is a year-round priority, reflecting the dairy community’s commitment to supporting local families.

Major Brands Expand Seasonal

These products were well represented at this year’s U.S. Cheese Championship.

Increasing manufacturer interest in mixed-milk cheeses was on full display during this year’s U.S. Cheese Championship, featuring more than 200 entries competing for top honors.

How Milk Selection Influences Cheese Performance

According to Jeff Jirik, award-winning cheesemaker and affineur from Jeff’s Cheese, “The primary …

Food and beverage processors still should pursue sustainability initiatives even if they believe support to be waning based on changes in regulatory priorities and eye-catching headlines.

Key Takeaways

• Food & beverage companies are reassessing their own efforts and goals with an eye toward both of the above.
• With the arrival of the Trump administration, governmental

Chips Ahoy!, Doritos, Wendy’s, and other brands look to past packaging glory for future sales.

Thanks, Stranger Things, for rekindling our interest in vintage packaging designs. Set in the 1980s, the popular Netflix show — which will release its fifth season in November 2025 — stays true to the era with hairstyles, clothes, technology, and, …

Building systems that enhance resilience, earn trust and accelerate innovation is a true competitive advantange.

Key Highlights

• Quality should be integrated from the start of product development to prevent redesigns and reduce time-to-market.
• Utilize real-time signals and layered inspection systems to detect early signs of process instability and prevent defects.
• Embed quality KPIs across functions

HART’s Insights

The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) is urging federal agencies not to rush the creation of a regulatory definition for “ultra-processed foods.” In its comments to the FDA and USDA, IDFA emphasized that dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt, and butter provide essential nutrients and should be carefully considered given the current …

Local company specializes in custom cheese processing, packaging equipment

GREEN BAY – HART Design & Manufacturing – a global, family-owned specialist in developing custom cheese processing and packaging solutions – is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, marking five decades of engineering innovation and family-driven success.

President and CEO Timm Schaetz said HART’s story began …

America’s dairy processors are responding to surging demand for their products by investing more than $11 billion in new and expanded manufacturing capacity across 19 states, according to data released by the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA).

With U.S. milk production expected to grow 15 billion pounds by the end of the decade and …