FFI Quality Manager in the FOODBOARD™ Workshop

FOODBOARD™ stands for product safety, as the innovative barrier cartonboard protects packed food from defined unintended substances like mineral oils. FOODBOARD™ also provides a holistic security concept along the entire supply chain: starting with procurement of the raw materials, continuing with the cartonboard structure with inline-applied, self-made barrier coatings, all the way to analytical instant tests of the barrier’s functionality before delivery to the customer, comprehensive quality control is of the utmost importance throughout the production phase. 
The converting (printing, varnishing, cutting, creasing, gluing) as well as the packing of FOODBOARD™ by certified folding carton manufacturers is made in accordance with the MMK Converting Guideline. In this context, the folding carton manufacturer must fulfil a number of obligations regarding liability. Compliance with the FOODBOARD™ Converting Guideline ensures the functionality of the barrier and makes safe packaging solutions possible. One leading expert stated: “The Converting Guideline is a summary of all legal obligations of folding carton manufacturers, with documented process instructions on how to best satisfy and comply with those obligations for FOODBOARD™ in particular.“ 
Complete traceability of every single palette through the entire production process is ensured by the FOODBOARD™ app. 

The certified folding carton manufacturers and packers document the received, processed, and delivered FOODBOARD™ batches by means of an application that simply and quickly (“real time”) provides complete origin and processing data when it is needed. This digital solution improves reaction time as well as the quality and accuracy of required documentation and thus optimises the supply chain.
The optional use of the FOODBOARD™ logo on the packaging is a way of informing consumers about the functional barrier.

The panel of FFI experts also discussed aspects of recyclability: the ecological benefits of a sustainable packaging economy are further guaranteed by the use of FOODBOARD™. FOOD-BOARD™ is a mono-material, a pure cartonboard solution, not an extruded or laminated compound, and it is therefore recyclable and bio-degradable.

The event was rounded out with a tour of the mill, where the technical innovation of the barrier application was demonstrated directly at the board machine. The response of the FFI quality managers was entirely positive – they all agreed that Mayr-Melnhof Karton’s FOODBOARD™ concept can increase food safety through cooperation of all stakeholders in the business processes and the entire supply chain.