Unique production experiment in progress: Turning waste cotton into new fibre for the fashion industry

Old worn-out cotton clothing can be turned into new fibres for the textile industry using a cellulose dissolution technique developed by VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland. A group of Finnish organisations have launched a project in the course of which the new production technique will be tried out in practice at all stages of the value chain during 2015 and 2016. Cellulose wet-spinning is due to begin at VTT’s pop-up plant in Finland in October. The first clothing line made of the new recycled fibres will be out towards the end of 2016.

Advancements in recycling technology are challenging both consumers and businesses: Organic waste in the form of clothing may as of 2016 no longer be disposed of by landfill. The Circular Economy of Textiles (TEKI) project is aimed at piloting and modelling a closed-loop ecosystem in line with the principles of the circular economy, which will form the basis of a new way to make industrial use of textile waste that cannot be reused.

For the purpose of the TEKI project, VTT and Ethica have brought together a group of Finnish organisations representing different activities in the value chain. The common goal of the organisations is to promote the recycling of textiles while adding value to their business activities or creating new business. Ethica’s role in the project is to research and model the potential of a closed-loop textile ecosystem more comprehensively and to gauge consumers’ interest in operating models that are based on the principles of circular economy and recycled materials. The project also aims to study the technological requirements of dissolution-based recycling.

Cotton that is not suitable for reuse can be dissolved to make cellulose solution, which can be turned into new fibre. Cellulose fibre can be produced using the same technique and equipment as has been used to make viscose fibre for decades, but the new production technique is considerably more environmentally friendly than the technique used for viscose, as no carbon disulphide is needed in the dissolution process. Compared to virgin cotton, the new technique also reduces the water footprint by more than 70% and the carbon footprint by 40–50%.

“The wet-spinning phase of the project is due to begin in a month’s time in a factory in Valkeakoski that has not been in use for a couple of years. Work done prior to this phase involves processing and dissolving pre-processed waste textiles. This is the first time that cellulose solution made from recycled materials is being wet-spun in an industrial scale. The fibre will be used to make new knitted fabrics”, explains VTT’s Senior Scientist Pirjo Heikkilä, who is responsible for coordinating the TEKI project.

Phases of the circular economy pilot project in 2015 and 2016

−     The pilot phase of the TEKI project began in May 2015. Helsinki Metropolitan Area Reuse Centre Ltd has collected and pre-processed cotton textiles thrown away by consumers that could not be reused as clothing or used as material for recycled products.

−     SUEZ has crushed and ground the material.

−     VTT is currently in the process of turning the material into a cellulose carbamate solution using a technique developed in-house and will be fiberising the solution in Valkeakoski in October–November 2015.

−     Pure Waste will turn the fibres into thread and the thread into knitted fabrics.

−     Seppälä will design and produce a line of prototypes and, once the pilot phase of the project has been completed, manufacture a commercial clothing line for its customers towards the end of 2016. Seppälä will also involve its customers in the project by running a used clothes collection campaign in its stores in the spring of 2016.

−     The aim is to sell the garments in RePack packaging. Using recyclable RePack packaging means that customers receive products without the usual packaging waste. In addition, customers can use the packaging to return any old textiles they may have to the Helsinki Metropolitan Area Reuse Centre for recycling.

The TEKI project is funded by Tekes and the participating businesses.

Acronis Partners with ID Quantique to Bring Quantum-Safe Encryption to Cloud Data Protection

Collaboration to Help Companies Protect Data Outside of the Firewall and on Mobile Devices from Future Security Threats and Vulnerabilities

Dubai, UAE, October 01 2015 - Acronis®, the global leader in new generation data protection, and ID Quantique, the world leader in quantum-safe crypto solutions, today announced a joint collaboration to help protect companies from future security threats related to advances in decryption techniques and the arrival of quantum computing. Acronis will work with ID Quantique to bring quantum-safe encryption capabilities to Acronis cloud solutions – making Acronis the first cloud data protection solution provider in the industry to do so. . The capabilities will help companies protect the increasing amount of data that is outside of the company firewall and on multiple mobile devices, while also preventing unauthorized users – including hackers and cyber thieves – from accessing Acronis’ customer data under both in transit and in the cloud.

Security is a Top IT Concern for the Adoption of Cloud Solutions

As more companies use the cloud to backup, restore and recover their data, ensuring data privacy and data security is a requirement for adoption. In fact, many IT managers and security professionals still have serious concerns about data security and privacy in the cloud. A recent survey by the Cloud Security Alliance found that 73 percent of IT professionals are concerned about the security of data causing it to be the main reason of not adopting cloud solutions.

At the same time, today’s security technologies are not keeping up with the sophistication of modern-day hackers, as well as advanced technologies, such as quantum computing. The US National Security Agency (NSA) recently advised US agencies and businesses that all e-mail, medical and financial records, and online transactions, will soon be vulnerable to quantum computing technology threats, and that today’s encryption technologies will not protect them in the future. As a result, the NSA has announced plans to move to quantum-resistant algorithms for greater protection in the future.

“Organizations face a vexing situation where they must improve cybersecurity defenses and oversight while simultaneously adopting new IT initiatives that often involve the cloud,” said Jon Oltsik, Senior Principal Analyst at Enterprise Strategy Group. “To ensure data privacy and security are never compromised, CIOs and IT Administrators will only work with vendors and cloud service providers who make security a big part of their technologies and service offerings.”

Bringing Quantum Encryption to Cloud Data Protection

Acronis is focused on providing companies with complete data protection through an integrated set of solutions, including backup, disaster recovery and file sync and share. Acronis believes in complete data protection – particularly for access and storage. This not only requires the most advanced data safety, but also data security to protect companies from outside threats, and data privacy to ensure that companies stay in control of their data at all times – in transit, in the cloud and on mobile devices.

Acronis and ID Quantique will leverage quantum-safe encryption to provide the following increased security capabilities to Acronis cloud data protection solutions:

• Quantum-resistant encryption – ensures Acronis cloud data protection customers are safe from future cyber security threats and vulnerabilities with the most advanced encryption technology for data transfers to and from Acronis data centers.

• Quantum key distribution – also known as quantum cryptography, provides future-proof security for the backbone network that links Acronis’ worldwide data centers.

• Quantum random number generators – produces high-quality, high-entropy, and highly secure keys for users to help prevent unauthorized access of data under Acronis protection.

“Quantum computing opens up a new world of cyber security threats that companies cannot ignore – especially those moving more IT operations like data protection to the cloud,” said Serguei Beloussov, Co-Founder and CEO at Acronis. “Acronis believes that data privacy and data security are critical requirements for complete cloud data protection, and we’re working with leaders such as ID Quantique to innovate in areas like quantum-safe encryption. The result ensures that our cloud customers get the most secure solutions in the industry and most importantly are protected against future threats and attacks.”

“Quantum-safe approaches are essential to guarantee long-term confidentiality of data,” said Gregoire Ribordy, CEO at ID Quantique. “This kind of solution will become the de-facto standard for the cloud, and Acronis, as a first-mover, will have a strong edge.”

"أكرونيس" تعقد شراكة مع "آي. دي. كوانتيك" لإدخال آلية التشفير الكمومي الآمن في مجال حماية البيانات السحابية

التعاون بين الجانبين يهدف إلى مساعدة الشركات على حماية البيانات خارج جدران الحماية وعلى الأجهزة النقالة من التهديدات الأمنية المستقبلية ونقاط الضعف

1 أكتوبر 2015

أعلنت "أكرونيس" (Acronis)، إحدى الشركات العالمية الرائدة في مجال توفير الجيل الجديد من حلول حماية البيانات، و"آي. دي. كوانتيك" (ID Quantique)، الشركة العالمية الرائدة في مجال توفير حلول التشفير الكمومي، اليوم (2 أكتوبر 2015) عن شراكة بينهما للتعاون في مجال حماية الشركات من التهديدات الأمنية المستقبلية المرتبطة بالتقدم الحاصل في آليات فك التشفير وظهور الحوسبة الكمومية. وستتعاون "أكرونيس" مع "آي. دي. كوانتيك" في إدخال آليات التشفير الكمومي الآمن إلى حلول "أكرونيس" السحابية، ما يجعل من الشركة أول مزود لحلول حماية البيانات السحابية يقوم بهذه العملية ضمن القطاع. وستساعد آليات التشفير المتطورة الشركات على حماية الأحجام المتزايدة من البيانات التي تكون خارج جدران الحماية وكذلك على مختلف الأجهزة النقّالة، في حين ستمنع أيضاً المستخدمين غير المرخصين، بمن فيهم قراصنة ولصوص الإنترنت، من الدخول إلى بيانات عملاء "أكرونيس" سواء العابرة أو المتاحة في الخدمة السحابية.

الأمن هو مصدر قلق كبير لتكنولوجيا المعلومات عند تبني الحلول السحابية

مع تزايد أعداد الشركات التي تستخدم الخدمة السحابية من أجل النسخ الإحتياطي واسترجاع البيانات والتعافي من الكوارث، فإن ضمان خصوصية البيانات وأمنها يعتبر مطلباً مهماً. وفي الواقع، لا يزال لدى العديد من مديري تكنولوجيا المعلومات ومختصي الأمن مخاوف جدّية حيال أمن وخصوصية البيانات في البيئة السحابية. وأظهر استطلاع حديث أجراه تحالف أمن الحوسبة السحابية (Cloud Security Alliance) أن 73% من مختصي تكنولوجيا المعلومات قلقون حيال أمن البيانات، وهو ما كان السبب الرئيسي وراء عدم تبني الحلول السحابية.

لكن وفي نفس الوقت، فإن التقنيات الأمنية لا تواكب مدى التطور والتعقيد الذي وصل إليه مخترقو وقراصنة الإنترنت اليوم، فضلاً عن التقنيات المتطورة مثل الحوسبة الكمومية. وكانت وكالة الأمن القومي الأمريكية قد نصحت مؤخراً الهيئات والشركات الأمريكية بأن كافة رسائل البريد الإلكتروني والسجلات الطبية والمالية والتعاملات على الإنترنت ستكون قريباً عرضة لتهديدات تكنولوجيا الحوسبة الكمومية، وأن تقنيات التشفير المتبعة اليوم لن تكون كافية لحماية هذه الجهات مستقبلاً. ونتيجة لذلك، أعلنت وكالة الأمن القومي الأمريكية عن خططها للإنتقال إلى خوارزميات مقاومة الكمومية من أجل الحصول على حماية أكبر في المستقبل.

وقال جون أولتسك، كبير المحللين لدى "إنتربرايز ستراتيجي غروب" (Enterprise Strategy Group): "تمر المؤسسات بوضع محيّر، حيث يجب عليها تحسين دفاعات الأمن السيبراني والإشراف عليها، وفي نفس الوقت تبني مبادرات جديدة في مجال تكنولوجيا المعلومات والتي غالباً ما تنطوي على التكنولوجيا السحابية. ولضمان عدم تعريض خصوصية وأمن البيانات للخطر، سيتعاون مديرو تقنية المعلومات فقط مع الشركات المنتجة للبرمجيات ومزودي الخدمة السحابية الذين تحتل المسألة الأمنية جزءاً كبيراً من تقنياتهم والخدمات التي يقدمونها".

التشفير الكمومي لحماية البيانات السحابية

تركز "أكرونيس" على تزويد الشركات بالحماية التامة للبيانات من خلال مجموعة متكاملة من الحلول، بما في ذلك النسخ الإحتياطي والتعافي من الكوارث ومشاركة ومزامنة الملفات. وتؤمن "أكرونيس" بالحماية الكاملة للبيانات، لا سيما فيما يتعلق بآليات الدخول للبيانات وتخزينها. ولا يتطلب ذلك آليات الحماية الأكثر تقدماً للبيانات فحسب، وإنما أمن البيانات لحماية الشركات من التهديدات الخارجية وخصوصية البيانات لضمان سيطرة الشركات على بياناتها في كل الأوقات، سواء العابرة أو المتاحة في البيئة السحابية وعلى الأجهزة النقّالة.

وستستفيد كل من "أكرونيس" و"آي. دي. كوانتيك" من تقنية التشفير الكمومي الأمن لتوفير قدرات الحماية المتطورة الآتية لحلول "أكرونيس" الخاصة بحماية البيانات السحابية:

• التشفير المقاوم للكمومية والذي يضمن أن تكون البيانات السحابية لعملاء "أكرونيس" في مأمن من التهديدات الأمنية السيبرانية ونقاط الضعف في المستقبل من خلال توفير تقنية التشفير الأكثر تقدماً لنقل البيانات إلى ومن مراكز بيانات "أكرونيس".
• توزيع المفتاح الكمومي ويعرف أيضاً بـ " التشفير الكمومي" والذي يوفر الحماية من التهديدات المستقبلية للشبكة الرئيسية التي تربط مراكز بيانات "أكرونيس" حول العالم.
• مولدات الأرقام العشوائية الكمومية والتي تنتج مفاتيح أمنية عالية الجودة والدرجة الأمنية للمستخدمين بهدف المساعدة على منع الدخول غير المرخص للبيانات وتحت حماية "أكرونيس".

وقال سيرجوي بيلوسوف، الشريك المؤسس والرئيس التنفيذي لشركة "أكرونيس": "تفتح الحوسبة الكمومية عالماً جديداً من تهديدات الأمن السيبراني التي لا يمكن للشركات تجاهلها، لا سيما تلك التي تقوم بنقل المزيد من عمليات تكنولوجيا المعلومات مثل حماية البيانات إلى البيئة السحابية. ونحن نؤمن بأن خصوصية البيانات وأمن البيانات هي متطلبات أساسية لتوفير حماية كاملة للبيانات السحابية. ونتعاون مع شركات رائدة مثل "آي. دي. كوانتيك" من أجل ابتكار حلول في مجالات مثل التشفير الكمومي الآمن، حيث نسعى من وراء ذلك إلى ضمان حصول عملاء الخدمات السحابية لدينا على أكثر الحلول أمناً في القطاع، والأهم من هذا كله حمايتهم من التهديدات والهجمات المستقبلية".

من جانبه، قال غيريغوري ريبوردي، المدير التنفيذي لشركة "آي. دي. كوانتيك": "تعتبر طرق التشفير الكمومي الآمن ضرورية لضمان سرية البيانات على المدى الطويل. وسيصبح هذا النوع من الحل المعيار في البيئة السحابية، وسيكون لشركة "أكرونيس" دور كبير في هذا المجال على اعتبار أنها كانت أولى الشركات التي تبنت هذه التقنية".

AN ESSENTIAL INGREDIENT IN THE GROWTH OF FOOD MANUFACTURING: GULFOOD MANUFACTURING 2015

Biggest F&B processing exhibition in MEASA region highlights regional growth factors for industry

Dubai, United Arab Emirates:   Recognised as having some of the fastest emerging markets in the world, the Middle East, Africa and South East Asia (MEASA) region is also proving to be a hotspot for exponential growth in the F&B industry.  As the largest and most influential platform for the food manufacturing, processing and packaging sectors, Gulfood Manufacturing 2015 will take place from 27 – 29 October at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). The show facilitates exceptional trade opportunities between suppliers and manufacturers from around the world, looking to capitalise on the key growth factors presented in this dynamic and diverse region.

The high reliance on food imports, in particular throughout the Middle East and parts of Africa, is driving development of the food processing industry.  In countries such as Saudi Arabia – the largest food producer in the GCC – the number of food processing units has increased from 460 in 2002 to more than 735 in 2012, according to the 2015 Alpen Capital report, with overall investment in the segment growing at a CAGR rate of 11.9 percent to US$12.3 billion in 2012.  Growth in the remaining GCC markets is equally robust for their respective sized markets.

In South East Asia, the food processing industry is developing into a significant economic growth driver. While the industry in India is powered less by food imports and more by food exports, according to the country’s Ministry of External Affairs, the food processing industry accounts now for 32 percent of the country’s total food market,14 percent of its manufacturing GDP, 13 percent of India’s exports and six percent of total industrial investment.    

In South Africa, the food processing industry contributes a significant 14 percent to the country’s annual GDP and is its third largest manufacturing sector, while Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Algeria, Morocco and Egypt are home to the largest food manufacturing and agri-businesses on the African continent.   

Across the region, governments are implementing programmes to facilitate growth of the food manufacturing and processing industry. These range from provision of subsidies on certain food production equipment, to interest-free loans, and exemption of duty on the import of raw materials.  Governments in Oman, the UAE, Qatar, India, Nigeria and South Africa are developing specialist industrial parks to support and promote investment and growth in the industry.   

Sourcing business improvement and growth solutions for food processing companies across the region has become simpler since the launch of Gulfood Manufacturing, which has reported exceptional demand for exhibition space from every sector of the industry.  

Companies such as Ecolean AB, manufacturers of innovative packaging solutions for the dairy and liquid food industry, are focused on expanding their customer base into the MEASA region specifically, and will be using Gulfood Manufacturing as the springboard.  “Ecolean is active in more than 30 countries globally, and we are now in a phase of big geographical expansion into the MEASA region where the growth opportunities are promising.  We have a broad portfolio of flexible packaging solutions for both chilled and ambient distribution, and will be showcasing our latest award winning innovations, Ecolean Air Aseptic Clear and our recloser SnapQuick,” said Anna Anneras, Marketing Director, Ecolean.  

Teknika Plast, a leading plastics injection company providing packaging for the food industry and an exhibitor at Gulfood Manufacturing, sees massive potential across the region for its rigid packaging.  Ali Kuay Yarali, Sales & Marketing Executive for the company reported: “Our confidence in the opportunity presented by the region, in particular packaging for yogurt, cheese and labneh, is strong enough that we will be opening a manufacturing plant in Dubai soon.”

The growth potential in the processing segment is also drawing international investors, driving partnerships, joint ventures and licensing agreements with local manufacturers, and acquisitions of entities already operating in the region.  Global players with considerable presence and food processing facilities in the MEASA region include Mars, Danone, Del Monte Foods, Fonterra, Frito-Lay and Tetra Pak, among many others.  

Major private sector investments in the UAE’s food processing sector include the halal food producer Al Islami Foods’ US$27.2 million facility in Dubai and Brazil’s BRF SA’s US$150 million plant in Abu Dhabi.  

Significant business opportunities are presented throughout the region as increasing food consumption drives the need to develop supply chain infrastructure at all levels, from procurement to packaging, manufacturing equipment to cold chain storage, transport logistics to retailing. Markets such as the UAE are well established global hubs – not only is there a fast growing food manufacturing and processing industry, it is also one of the world’s top re-export hubs in the world.  

Implementing technology along the length of the supply chain is helping to improve operational efficiencies, enhance agricultural output, increase production capabilities and maintain higher quality levels.  

Jimco A/S, a supplier of industrial environmental technology, will be launching a mobile disinfection solution at Gulfood Manufacturing that is particularly relevant for the geographic climate in the region.  .  “Contamination of grain, seeds or spices is a well-known problem in food processing environments with high temperatures or high humidity, and it normally requires a manual treatment to disinfect surfaces.  Based on UV-C Technology, our FLO-D® Mini, totally automates the process.  You achieve more effective disinfection while saving manpower, water, chemicals and energy. Return on investment is unrivalled,” said Jimmy K. Larsen, CEO of Jimco A/S.

“Gulfood Manufacturing 2015 is an essential ingredient for F&B companies in almost every vertical of the value chain because it delivers – sales, connections, expansion opportunities and market insights. In terms of the regional market growth drivers, the show brings together industry players at both ends of the spectrum to offer direct and unrivalled access to business in this region. Quite frankly, it would be a business risk not to attend,” said Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice-President, Events & Exhibitions Department, DWTC.

Gulfood Manufacturing is open between 10am-6pm from 27 – 28 October  and 10am-5pm on 29 October 2015 at DWTC. Visitor attendance is free of charge. For more information, please visit www.gulfoodmanufacturing.com

For high resolution images, please click this link: https://app.box.com/s/e5jz3xuwrdru8vrz8nrtj5rn50uvq7kv

NAPCO announces results of September Mixed Doubles Golf Tournament

Oman’s first-ever mixed doubles match attracts 104 amateur players this month

September 22, 2015 - National Aluminium Products Company SAOG (NAPCO), one of the leading extruders of aluminium profiles in the GCC, has released the results of its successful NAPCO Monthly Mixed Doubles Golf Tournament held this September at the Muscat Hills Golf & Country Club. The tournament is the first golf championship in the Sultanate of Oman to feature a mixed team of male and female golfers and has attracted a total of 104 amateur players competing across different matches.  

The competition’s September edition produced some superb scoring.  Kelvin Melsted took the men’s ‘Nearest the pin on the third hole,’ while Sanjoli Singh won the ladies’ ‘Nearest the pin on 14th hole.’  The men’s ‘Longest drive on the 16th hole’ and ladies’ ‘Longest drive on the 1st hole’ went to Chris Bezuidenhout and Sheena Holtkamp, respectively.

In the Betterball Stableford event, the team of John and Shirley Prescott edged out the rest of the contenders after scoring 47 points to secure the first spot.  In second and third places were the tandems of Carolina and Martin Wright and Su Pattison and Sha Sudha, respectively. The Wright couple scored 46 points, while Pattison and Sudha shot 44 points.  In fourth place with a score of 44 was the team of Joe and Trixie O’Kane, while fifth place went to the tandem of Chris and Christelda Bezuidenhout with an aggregate score of 42. Nabeel Ijaz and Roma Nabeel scored 42 points to finish sixth.   

Robert Holtkamp, CEO, NAPCO, said: “We are satisfied with the high turnout of our Mixed Doubles Golf Tournament this September, most specifically the large number of women participants. We extend our gratitude to all those who joined our recently concluded match. On top of promoting golfing in Oman, our Mixed Doubles events urge more women citizens and residents to be actively involved and show off their talent in the sport. We hope to sustain this strong momentum in the succeeding tournaments as we promise to consistently deliver gripping and unforgettable golf matches. We look forward to surpassing this month’s achievement in our upcoming exciting games.”

NAPCO is slated to host eight golf tournaments between September 2015 and May 2016 in line with its objective of reinforcing the Sultanate’s golfing community.  Meals were served while a jazz band kept the participants entertained during the recent matches’ lunch break. 

بعد مشاركة واسعة من 104 لاعب من الهواة في المباريات

"نابكو" تعلن نتائج بطولة الجولف الزوجي المختلط لشهر سبتمبر

22 سبتمبر 2015 – أعلنت الشركة الوطنية لمنتجات الألمنيوم "نابكو"، إحدى الشركات الرائدة في مجال صناعة مقاطع الألمنيوم في دول مجلس التعاون الخليجي، عن نتائج بطولة الجولف الزوجي المختلط الشهرية التي أجريت خلال الشهر الماضي على ملعب "مسقط هيلز جولف آند كانتري كلوب". وتعد البطولة الأولى من نوعها في رياضة الجولف في سلطنة عُمان التي تتميز بمشاركة الفرق المختلطة من لاعبي ولاعبات هذه الرياضة والتي شهدت مشاركة 104 لاعب ولاعبة من الهواة للمنافسة في مباريات مختلفة.

وأبرزت هذه النسخة من البطولة عدد من مهارات التسجيل الرائعة للنقاط، حيث فاز كيلفن ميلستيد بجائزة "أقرب ضربة للعلم على الحفرة الثالثة" في فئة الرجال، في حين فازت سانجولي سينغ بجائزة "أقرب ضربة للعلم على الحفرة 14" في فئة النساء. وفاز كريس بزيدنهاوت بجائزة "أطول ضربة على الحفرة 16" من الرجال وفازت شينا هولتكامب بجائزة أطول ضرب على الحفرة الأولى" من النساء.

وفي طريقة احتساب النقاط عن أفضل كرة بين اثنين من اللاعبين وفق نظام "ستابلفورد"، تفوق فريق جون وشيرلي بريسكوت على بقية المتنافسين بعد تسجيله 47 نقطة ليحتل بذلك المركز الأول. وفاز بالمركز الثاني فريق كارولينا ومارتن رايت بعد تسجيله 46 نقطة، وجاء في المركز الثالث فريق سو باتيسون وشاه سودها بعد حصوله على 44 نقطة. في حين احتل المركز الرابع فريق جو وتريكسي أوكين بعد إحرازهما 44 نقطة، واحتل المركز الخامس فريق  كريس وكريستلدا بزيدنهاوت بمجموع نقاط وصل إلى 42 نقطة، وأحرز فريق نبيل إيجاز وروما نبيل 42 نقطة ليحتل بذلك المركز السادس.

وأوضح روبرت هولتكامب، مدير عام شركة "نابكو": "نحن راضون عن الإقبال الواسع الذي شهدته بطولة الجولف الزوجي المختلط الشهرية التي أجريت خلال الشهر الماضي، وخاصة بعد مشاركة عدد كبير من النساء. ونعرب عن امتناننا لجميع الذين شاركوا في المباراة الأخيرة التي اختتمت مؤخرا. وشكلت بطولات الجولف الزوجي دفعة قوية للارتقاء بمستوى رياضة الجولف في سلطنة عمان، لا سيما إنها تمثل دافعاً قوياً للسيدات للمشاركة وإظهار مواهبهن ومهاراتهن العالية في هذه الرياضة الراقية. ونأمل أن تحظى البطولات القادمة بهذا الزخم الذي يدفعنا إلى مواصلة التميز في تنظيم مباريات جولف تخلد في الذاكرة.

ومن المقرر أن تستضيف "نابكو" ثماني مباريات في بطولة الجولف في الفترة بين سبتمبر2015  ومايو2016، وذلك تماشياً مع هدفها الرامي إلى تعزيز لعبة الجولف في سلطنة عُمان. وقد تم خلال المباريات الأخيرة تقديم وجبات طعام مع عروض من فرقة موسيقى الجاز خلال استراحة الغداء في كل مباراة.

UAE TAKES LEAD IN SETTING FOOD SAFETY STANDARDS ACROSS MIDDLE EAST REGION

Dubai International Food Safety Conference Takes Centre Stage at Gulfood Manufacturing 2015

 

Dubai, United Arab Emirates: As nations across the Middle East, Africa and South East Asia (MEASA) region work to implement food safety standards through their respective food supply chains, the manufacturing, food processing, packaging and logistics sectors play a particularly important role in improving, supporting and driving quality control measures within their areas of expertise. With its strategic position as a key trading hub for the global food industry, Dubai is well placed to take the lead in improving and aligning food safety standards across the region. 

 

Gulfood Manufacturing, the region’s largest and most influential trade exhibition for the F&B manufacturing, processing and packaging industry will host more than 1,500 companies from around the world at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from 27 – 29 October, with food safety a primary focus across the board. Alongside Gulfood Manufacturing, the Food Control Department of Dubai Municipality with support from the International Association for Food Protection (IAFP), International Union of Food Science and Technology (IUFoST) and the Institute of Food Technologists will  present the 10th Dubai International Food Safety Conference (25 – 28 October).

 

“There is no doubt that food safety is at the top of the agenda across the region – from the highest government levels through to agriculture, food production, processing and packaging, and down to the end consumer through hospitality and retail.  International standards are not only recognised, they are becoming essential benchmarks, and Gulfood Manufacturing provides a valuable platform for businesses in the industry to highlight and showcase their capabilities, codes of conduct, and product development mapped against these food safety standards,” said Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice-President, Exhibitions and Events Division, DWTC.

 

The region’s high reliance on imports and unprecedented population growth have led governments to encourage domestic and local food production. At the same time, a growing base of expatriates and educated young consumers is driving the need for accurate information about food quality, ingredients and nutrition and standards to give consumers confidence that products are following international safety and quality standards.  

 

With food safety declared a top government priority, the UAE Federal National Council earlier this year passed a tough new federal law on food safety, to be enforced in all UAE territories. The 21-article bill regulates food production both inside the country and from imports and aims to tighten control on the food supply chain by using international best practices. At the same time, according to Alpen Capital Report 2015, the UAE government is working on the launch of a uniform system, Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed, meant to improve and standardize food recall processes across the country – a system similar to that implemented in the European Union.

Both globalisation and the intensification of food trade and agriculture, are driving increasing awareness for standardization of food safety and quality practices at local, regional and global levels, which is key for consumer protection, food trade and economic development. Countries such as the UAE are taking the lead in advancing international food safety standards across the region, which will have a positive impact not only on consumer confidence, but on the region’s overall competitiveness and food security ranking.

Underscoring the unprecedented emphasis on food safety at a global level, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) last month took one of the most significant steps in decades to prevent foodborne illness by finalizing the first two of seven major rules under the bipartisan FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). This the first step in putting greater emphasis on the prevention of foodborne illness, holding imported food to the same food safety standard as domestically produced food, and developing a nationally integrated food safety system in partnership with state and local authorities.

Another signal the food safety is a major concern at a global level and undergoes important changes is the revision of the ISO 22000 currently underway, addressing the food safety management system, with the draft version available for purchase from mid-2016. The final version, expected to be ready in early 2017, will address several key concepts that need further clarification and simplify standards, making it more coherent and easier to use.

The knowledge and resources provided by an event the stature of Gulfood Manufacturing are essential for policy-makers and companies looking to explore the latest innovations boosting ROI, streamline business processes and evolve business models while maintaining high safety standards and avoiding food safety related incidents that could have a devastating impact on the business and public health. 

Gulfood Manufacturing will host three conferences this year: Next Generation Manufacturing (October 27), F&B Innovation (October 28-29) and Food Logistics (October 28), bringing together leaders in food logistics, manufacturing and processing sectors to address challenges, trends and opportunities in making food safety a priority.  Eng. Mohammed Albastaki, CEO of Dubai Trade, Dr. Hashim Saeed Al Nuami, Director, Department of Consumer Protection, Ministry of Economy UAE, Ahsan S. Razzaq, General Manager, Corporate Supply Chain & QHSE, Olayan Financing Company, and Dr. Frederic Aymes, Head of Quality Management, Nestle Middle East are among the speakers. 

Packaging, a critical component in the overall food safety process, has a decisive impact on the quality and integrity of food and beverage products and therefore a company’s reputation for safety.  Tetra Pak, the global leader and pioneer in food processing and packaging highlights the challenge for food and beverage producers in securing food safety in their production line, profitably.  Amar Zahid, President, Greater Middle East & Africa (GME&A) for Tetra Pak said: “We look at the entire production process. Today, production is integrated:  the product flows continuously through the plant, from raw material intake to distribution, without stopping.  This means that producers must control every step, both individually and as part of the whole.  Integrated processing and packaging solutions make it easier for food producers to reach their objectives of safe and efficient operations. Tetra Pak enables food producers all over the world, including our region, to achieve high standards of food safety through traceability, with unique knowledge and experience in operational cost reduction and waste elimination in the food processing and packaging process.”

Turnkey manufacturer of bottling lines, EKTAM SAN., is a key supplier to the F&B industry, delivering capability that begins with the first hygienic preparation of bottles for rinsing, filling and capping, through to pasteurizing, labelling and palletizing of finished products.  Ercan Atalay, Export Sales Engineer for EKTAM SAN., Turkey said:  “Uncompromising quality and adoption of the latest technology are critical for effective food safety.  Bottling lines include a range of manufacturing steps that without stringent adherence to the highest standard will compromise the integrity of the finished food or beverage product, so working with a turnkey manufacturer such as EKTAM SAN. helps food manufacturers deliver top quality products that are flavourful and safe.”

More than 30,000 trade professionals are expected to attend Gulfood Manufacturing to gain direct and convenient access to companies providing products, equipment, expertise and services that hold food safety at their core.

 

Gulfood Manufacturing is open between 10am-6pm from 27 – 28 October  and 10am-5pm on 29 October 2015 at DWTC. Visitor attendance is free of charge. For more information, please visit www.gulfoodmanufacturing.com