
FDA expands spirulina extract use to all food categories. The US Food and Drug Administration has approved spirulina extract as a colour additive for all foods, following a petition by GNT. This decision is poised to revolutionise the US food industry by enabling natural blue and green hues, impacting sectors like bakery.

A new alliance seeks to revolutionise aluminium packaging recycling. Led by the European Aluminium Foil Association, the coalition targets small-format items for effective recycling across Europe. The initiative responds to the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, ensuring compliance and improving infrastructure for better waste management.

Amcor has supplied integrated packaging to support Inis haircare expansion. The project delivers bottles and flexible tubes for Fragrances of Ireland’s new shampoo, conditioner and spray range, combining colour consistency, lightweight durability and coordinated production across multiple materials to meet brand and launch requirements.

Hemodialysis patients face persistent risks from fluid mismanagement. A pilot study proposes innovative optical monitoring to detect physiological changes during treatment, potentially offering early warnings before instability occurs. This approach may transform dialysis by providing real-time insights into tissue hydration, thus enhancing patient outcomes and safety.

A swimming facility cut energy use by refurbishing circulation pumps. Applying a ceramic-filled epoxy coating restored hydraulic efficiency, cutting costs and emissions. Three upgraded pumps now save £7,500 annually and reduce CO₂ output by around 12 tonnes, delivering payback without asset replacement.

Variscite unveils a new SMARC-compatible system-on-module. The VAR-SMARC-MX8M-PLUS is designed for low-power embedded systems, leveraging NXP’s i.MX 8M Plus processor. It targets edge systems requiring efficient AI inference, offering robust security features to align with EU Cyber Resilience Act standards.

The food supply chain faces a growing waste crisis. A new study reveals that outdated warehouse technology is driving avoidable waste, posing financial and reputational risks for food and beverage supply chains. Businesses are losing significant revenue due to internal operational issues, necessitating immediate technological upgrades.

Anritsu and Valeo advance virtual validation for automotive software. This collaboration aims to streamline software development for vehicle domains, focusing on telematics. By integrating a virtual engine, they offer a cost-effective, future-ready solution, demonstrating their innovations at MWC2026 in Barcelona.

Bridgnorth Aluminium invests £600,000 in new equipment. The refurbishment of a Schmutz line at the Stourbridge Road facility marks a significant step for Bridgnorth Aluminium. This investment enhances their in-house capabilities for processing thinner gauge materials and positions them for growth in underfloor heating, cooling, and automotive applications.