Multisorb Exec Receives Lifetime Achievement Award from IFT

BUFFALO, N.Y. — In recognition of a lifetime of accomplishments in food packaging technology, the Food Packaging Division of the Institute of Food Technology (IFT) awarded the Riester-Davis Award to Tom Powers, director of marketing and R&D at Multisorb Technologies.

The award was presented to Powers at a ceremony during the IFT Annual Meeting and Food Expo in Chicago.

The award acknowledges Powers’ 35 years of innovative contributions to the field of food packaging technology. His proven ability to transform research, concepts, and ideas into practical applications led to his selection for the award.

Powers’ expertise has been instrumental in the development of a broad range of Multisorb’s active packaging solutions, including many of its moisture management technologies and oxygen scavengers. In fact, he developed the technology for one of Multisorb’s flagship products, FreshMax, the world’s first self adhesive oxygen absorber.

“Tom’s expertise and contributions have helped to position Multisorb as the leader in active packaging solutions for the food market,” said James Renda, COO of Multisorb, in a release. “This award recognizes his career of technological accomplishment and applied innovation that has enabled Multisorb to consistently deliver value to our customers.”

Looking to the future of food packaging technology, Powers sees the increasing integration of atmosphere regulating technologies into packaging systems. “Active modification of the atmosphere will be the key to ensuring stability, extending shelf life, and maintaining key food characteristics such as color, flavor, texture and nutritional value especially with the growth of the organics market,” Powers said.

After receiving the Riester-Davis Award, Powers delivered a lecture on the benefits of a multidisciplinary technical background in developing successful food packaging technology.