Lubricants are a small but important part of any production process. Manufacturers wishing to maintain the highest quality standards are aided by the right lubricant products and services. This is illustrated in the following case study, in which a sustainable packaging manufacturer partnered with Klüber Lubrication, manufacturer of specialty lubricants.

Who?

An award-winning, UK-based packaging manufacturer specialising in sustainable solutions for a range of industries, including food & beverage, and personal care. As a leader in sustainable packaging production, the manufacturer provides items, such as cups, molded-fibre lids and cartons to global brands.

To improve the quality standards of its products, the manufacturer partnered with, Klüber Lubrication, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of specialty lubricants. Established in 1929, Klüber works with some of the world’s largest food and drink brands to optimise performance, support compliance and ensure consumer safety.

MOSH/MOAH

Mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH) and mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH) are hydrocarbons that are derived primarily from petroleum. These substances pose a potential health risk and can enter food & beverage packaging during production.

Currently, there is no agreed standard method for MOSH/MOAH analysis, but there are calls from industry to tighten standards regarding these substances in both food and drink manufacturing and its packaging.

The Solution

Part of Klüber’s mission is to raise awareness of the MOSH/MOAH topic and it has been proactive in the development of the Klüberfood 4DC (direct contact) range of processing aids, manufactured using food-grade ingredients of vegetable origin, with selected raw materials sourced in accordance with documented supplier sustainability criteria.

The company is now using Klüberfood 4DC in the manufacturing process, which facilitates lower lubricant consumption by optimising performance, reducing waste and, importantly, removes traces of MOAH and MOSH from the company’s production process, helping them to deliver an enhanced product.

In addition, access to seven ISO 21469-certified production sites and a network of food industry specialists provided the customer with local technical support and a reliable supply model, helping minimise operational risk and maintain smooth production processes.

Food safety is a serious topic, and as food and beverages packaged for consumption out-of-home, on-the-go, or for delivery directly to consumers continues to play an integral part in the active lifestyles of many, it is expected that tighter legislation focusing on consumer safety will come into force. Removing MOSH and MOAH is therefore a proactive step in assisting with future compliance requirements and protecting consumers, alongside efforts to tackle food processing safety risks throughout the production line.