The latest innovation demonstrates the longstanding collaboration between Valio and Berry, and the strength of the partnership between the two businesses. (Image source: Berry)

Berry Global has launched a revolutionary packaging solution to help Finnish dairy pioneer Valio meet its commitment to significantly reduce plastic usage by 2026

Valio aims to cut down the usage of plastic in its single-use and single-serve packaging by 15%, as part of which its popular range of PROfeel protein puddings are being switched to a custom-designed version of Berry’sCombiLight pot. 

The CombiLight is a hybrid packaging solution made from a plastic skeleton and carton sleeve, which are melted together to create a strong structure. Valio had already switched its quark products to the CombiLight, but for the puddings the conversion required the development of a new coating with enhanced barrier properties to ensure optimal shelf life.

Working in collaboration with Stora Enso, a leader in barrier technology, the new barrier solution was achieved by Berry. In addition to reducing food waste, this extended shelf life will also provide better export opportunities for Valio.

The protein-rich PROfeel puddings will be available in various flavours including chocolate, caramel, and vanilla-meringue and will be launched by the company in the new packaging this December. Some notable features like enhanced print quality as well as a printable bottom surface for the display of important product information will allow a clean, polished look on the sides of the pot, in turn creating better branding opportunities for Valio.

“Working with Berry is a pleasure,” said Valio’s head of Packaging Development, Juhana Pilkama. “Their team is not only willing to try new things, but they are also highly reliable and open in their approach. We have regular meetings to align on projects and share ideas, and that has been crucial in developing the enhanced CombiLight pot. We could not be more satisfied with the result.”   

This funding acts as a catalyst for BiocSol's development. (Image source: David Plas)

UCLouvain spin-off, BiocSol which specialises in sustainable crop protection solutions recently announced the successful closure of its initial seed funding round after securing US$5.6mn in equity

BiocSol aims to attract a total US$10.5mn by year-end through additional non-dilutive and equity financing. Agri Investment Fund and VIVES IUF led the round, bringing extensive expertise in agribusiness and biotechnology, alongside Belgian investors, including Invest.BW and IMBC Spinnova SA.

The funding, which behaves as a catalyst for BiocSol's development, will not only enable the company to broaden its team and R&D pipeline, but also kickstart the regulatory processes for its pioneering biofungicies. Moreover, the product will also increase production to meet demand and optimise its quality and efficiency processes. BiocSol empowers farmers through the development of innovative microbial-based biopesticies, thereby providing an efficient biocontrol to protect their crops.  

“This new investment is strategic for our fund as it enables us to become part of the rapidly growing Wallonia AgTech ecosystem,” said Patrik Haesen, CEO of Agri Investment Fund. “We are particularly impressed by BiocSol's innovative approach, which addresses some of the most pressing agricultural problems by creating multiple modes of action to combat pathogens that are swiftly developing resistance to current solutions.” 

Advancing their mission to develop sustainable crop protection solutions, CTO and founder of BiocSol, Simon Caulier emphasised that they were at a pivotal moment for the company. "This investment allows us to bring impactful solutions to agriculture, fostering a healthier planet for future generations,” Caulier concluded.

Dr Stanford Blade highlighted ICRISAT's commitment to advancing research quality and services. (Image source: ICRISAT)

In an attempt to boost soil health technology and practices, ICRISAT is strengthening ties between Asia and Africa 

The eighth Global Soil Laboratory Network (GLOSOLAN) meeting was held from 11-13 November at FAO Headquarters in Rome, during which Dr Pushpajeet Choudhari, soil scientist at ICRISAT and chair of the Asian Soil Laboratory Network (SEALNET), represented the organisation.

Building on its active membership in SEALNET, ICRISAT is set to align efforts with the African Soil Laboratory Network (AFRILAB) and NARS partners. Elh Moudi Moustapha Abdourahaman, GLOSOLAN chair, and Dr Choudhari discussed plans to bolster ICRISAT’s African soil laboratories, aligning them with the AFRILAB network to further strengthen regional soil health initiatives.

Registered in GLOSOLAN since 2019, ICRISAT’s Charles Renard Analytical Laboratory (CRAL) delivers high quality analytical service for farmers and other stakeholders. As a member of ​SEALNET, CRAL has been engaged in developing and harmonising analytical methods in compliance with FAO GLOSOLAN. 

During the meeting, Dr Choudhari updated GLOSOLAN delegates on SEALNET’s progress, highlighting key outcomes from the eighth SEALNET meeting with a focus on knowledge-sharing and harmonising soil testing methods across the region. 

"Our collaboration with FAO's Global Soil Laboratory Network marks a significant milestone in this effort. We are proud to contribute to this network, which is dedicated to strengthening regional and global soil laboratories in support of the global mission to improve soil health," said Dr Stanford Blade, Interim Director General and Deputy Director General-Research, ICRISAT, highlighting ICRISAT's commitment to advancing research quality and services.

The Myco'Kingdom platform gathers seven functionalities for identifying, assessing, preventing and managing mycotoxin risk. (Image source: Adobe Stock)

Global livestock and crop farming solutions company, Olmix has recently launched its new platform MycoKingdom.net, dedicated to managing and understanding mycotoxin risk

The initiative aims to address a growing concern involving the presence of mycotoxins in a wide variety of crops such as corn and wheat. This can pose a major threat to animal nutrition since mycotoxins can have a detrimental impact on animal health if not appropriately controlled.

In order to minimise economic losses linked to contaminationhe, the Myco'Kingdom platform gathers seven functionalities for identifying, assessing, preventing and managing mycotoxin risk. Among the tools on offer is Myco’Essential, now available in a digital version, a real guide containing general information on the nature of mycotoxins (around 30 different molecules studied belonging to 9 families) and more specific information on their effects on animals and the level of toxicity of the most common mycotoxins. In addition, the Myco’Simulator provides an in-depth understanding of mycotoxins. It shows the structure of the six main mycotoxins to learn about their physico-chemical behavior, which gives them th eir toxicity.

It is important to keep in mind the need for correct sampling since it accounts for 80% of laboratory analytical errors. To avoid errors, the Myco'Kingdom platform comes with a sampling procedure outlining the best practices for collecting feed samples to ensure accurate mycotoxin studies. The Myco’Screen service offers different types of analysis, including rapid methods and full screenings (up to 44 mycotoxins per sample) using chromatography.

The following tools have been used to build the reputation of the platform in recent years:

1. Myco'Evaluator: A diagnostic tool.

2. Myco'Calculator: Optimises the use of the platform's solutions.

In the event of a proven risk, Olmix offers two solutions:

1. MT.X+: In powder form, this is suitable for feed mills and premix producers.

2. MMi.S: The microgranulated version of this is particularly suitable for direct use on farms.

“Thanks to this platform of interactive tools, designed for simple, intuitive navigation, Olmix is extending its range of services to support livestock professionals on a daily basis: nutritionists, formulators, technicians, veterinarians and breeders,” explained Marie Gallissot, head of the mycotoxin solutions range at Olmix.