WITH THE FOOD STANDARDS AGENCY (FSA) REPORTING A 78% INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF FOOD AND BEVERAGE PRODUCT RECALLS, SIDEL HAS HIGHLIGHTED THE IMPORTANCE OF TRAINING TO ACHIEVE EFFECTIVE FOOD AND BEVERAGE SAFETY.
Investing in the skills of operatives working on a PET bottling line can bring a fast return on investment (ROI) and offer substantial contributions in a number of areas. In addition to helping improve food safety and hygiene, it can lower total cost of ownership (TCO) of a line, inspire a proactive work culture and, through personalised training programmes, focus on the specific needs identified for a given line.
Commenting on the value of training, specifically with regard to product safety, Frederic Sailly, Executive Vice President for Product Management and Development at Sidel, said - "Food and beverage safety is a fundamental requirement, where compromise is not an option, either for us or for our customers. Lines producing aseptic and sensitive products can be particularly challenging in this respect. In addition to the dedicated courses we have for these beverage categories, we also offer customised food safety training and recommendations for the entire line."
The portfolio of more than 350 Sidel training courses is now listed online and includes blowing, filling (including aseptic and sensitive), Sidel's Combi machines, labelling, conveying, packing, and palletising, as well as competence audits and technical managerial training.
Increasing performance through investing in skills
Reducing TCO is a focus for all beverage producers and training provides the opportunity to contribute to this by minimising downtime, improving health and safety and reducing wastage. Effective training, which enhances employees' operating skills and understanding of the PET bottling line, can improve reaction time and the ability to repair equipment in-house, thereby reducing costly stops in production. It can also lead to improved production levels through faster line and format changeovers, as well as increased equipment efficiency. Improving knowledge of health and safety processes in operatives means less accidents while reducing the potential for poor quality production leads to less wastage, all of which contributes to reducing costs and a faster ROI.