Category: Blogs

Cardboard is becoming one of the most popular materials used in the packaging industry, especially in the wake of the Plastic Packaging Tax that was introduced in April 2022, and the UK Government’s commitment to a carbon neutral future. 

It’s estimated that 12.5 million tonnes of paper and cardboard are used in the UK annually (West Lothian Council), and 2.8 billion parcels were sent across the UK last year. According to Statista, 80% of cardboard and paper used in the UK was recycled in 2021. 

Consumer behaviour is also changing, with customers expecting brands to opt for more sustainable alternatives. It’s time for brands to look at eco-friendly packaging alternatives, or risk being left behind.  

FSC packaging

FSC cardboard boxes are one of the easiest ways for a company to kick start their transition to sustainable packaging, but you’re probably thinking “what is FSC, and why should I care?” 

Don’t worry. In this guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about FSC and how it can benefit your business. So grab a cuppa, sit back, relax and leave it to the professional
boxers (that’s us, Titan Packaging, your expert packaging consultants). 

What is FSC®?

FSC stands for The Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC), and refers to the not-for-profit, international membership organisation that aims to protect and maintain sustainable forest management across the globe.

Founded in 1994, The FSC®’s initial goal was to stop deforestation of the Amazonian rainforest in northwestern Brazil and Columbia. However, as companies continued to strip the earth of its natural resources, The FSC® grew rapidly. Now, it includes human rights and environmental organisations, and forest owners across 26 countries.

What is the importance of FSC? 

The FSC® is crucial as it serves best practices and high standards when it comes to sustainable forest management and protecting endangered species. This paves the way to a much safer and more secure future for the planet. This also ensures the responsible production of paper and wood across the globe, and protects over 200 hectares of forest. 

How does FSC work? 

The FSC® enforce their practices through a stringent set of standards based on 10 principles and 70 criteria. These principles are as follows:

Compliance with laws

The Organisation shall comply with all applicable laws, regulations and nationally-ratified international treaties, conventions and agreements. 

Workers’ rights and employment conditions

The Organisation shall maintain or enhance the social and economic well-being of workers. 

Indigenous peoples’ rights. The Organisation shall identify and uphold indigenous peoples’ legal and customary rights of ownership, use and management of land, territories and resources affected by management activities.

Community relations

The Organisation shall contribute to maintaining or enhancing the social and economic well-being of local communities.

Benefits from the forest

The Organisation shall efficiently manage the range of multiple products and services of the Management Unit to maintain or enhance long term economic viability and the range of environmental and social benefits. 

Environmental values and impact

The Organisation shall maintain, conserve and/or restore ecosystem services and environmental values of the Management Unit, and shall avoid, repair or mitigate negative environmental impacts. 

Management planning

The Organisation shall have a management plan consistent with its policies and objectives and proportionate to scale, intensity and risks of its management activities. 

The management plan shall be implemented and kept up to date based on monitoring information in order to promote adaptive management. The associated planning and procedural documentation shall be sufficient to guide staff, inform affected stakeholders and interested stakeholders and to justify management decisions. 

Monitoring and assessment

The Organisation shall demonstrate that progress towards achieving the management objectives, the impacts of management activities and the condition of the Management Unit, are monitored and evaluated proportionate to the scale, intensity and risk of management activities, in order to implement adaptive management. 

High conservation values

The Organisation shall maintain and/or enhance the high conservation values in the Management Unit through applying the precautionary approach. 

Implementation of management activities

Management activities conducted by or for the Organisation for the Management Unit shall be selected and implemented consistent with the Organisation’s economic, environmental and social policies and objectives, and in compliance with the Principles and Criteria collectively (fsc.org). 

Independent organisations inspect forests against these principles to ensure that every forest is managed in an economically viable, environmentally friendly and socially beneficial manner. Any material that’s manufactured into paper, cardboard and other products then carries the FSC label. 

What products is FSC used on?

Cardboard and paper aren’t the only FSC certified products. Books, toilet rolls, furniture, food packaging and so much more can be FSC labelled. 

What are The FSC® labels? 

There are three types of FSC labels. These are: 

FSC 100%

Every material in a product with that label has been sourced from forests that are managed in accordance to the FSC®’s stringent regulations and criteria and 100% aligns with The FSC’s social and environmental objectives. This label is the highest distinction. 

FSC RECYCLED

If a product has an FSC recycled label, it means it is made from 100% recycled material. This label aims to relieve the demand of virgin material and helps protect forests across the globe.  

FSC MIX

FSC Mixed labels mean that the product has a mix of FSC®-certified materials, forests and controlled wood. It is important to note that controlled wood doesn’t come from FSC forests, but reduces the risk of virgin materials being taken from the wrong sources. 

What are the business advantages of using FSC cardboard?

Whilst there are several socio economic advantages that come with FSC cardboard, there are also several business benefits. These include: 

Meeting customer demands (and driving sales)

As customer behaviour and wants change, the demand for sustainable packaging is ever-increasing, and FSC labelled packaging is a brilliant way to communicate your brand’s commitment to sustainability. 

An FSC study had shown that 75% of UK shoppers would choose a product featuring the FSC logo over one without the label. Your FSC logo could be the distinguishing mark against your competitors, and drive sales. 

Improved brand perception 

FSC certified cardboard can work wonders for your brand’s perception and improve overall market positioning, as The FSC® is a highly regarded company. 

82% of FSC certificate holders (and 88% of non-manufacturers and retailers) stated that having an FSC certification helped improve their corporate image (Forestry South Africa). 

Great for marketing and promotion

According to The FSC®, 3 in 5 UK consumers want cardboard and paper packaging to come from sustainable sources, and 64% of certificate holders agree that the FSC label adds value, and helps to drive sales when used in promotional material. 

When you work with packaging consultants such as Titan Packaging, we’ll source FSC certified cardboard and paper, and ensure the FSC logos and trademarks are printed on your packaging in accordance with The FSC® ‘s packaging logo guidelines, which can help your marketing tenfold. 

Guarantee of sustainability

If a product has an FSC logo, you can guarantee that your products and material comes from sustainable sources, and you’re doing your bit for the environment. This reduces the risk of being accused of greenwashing, as you’re showcasing your company’s commitment to environmentally friendly alternatives.

CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility)

When you join an FSC scheme, it will contribute towards your company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. According to the FSC, 88% of retailers and non-manufacturers stated  that FSC helps them to promote their Corporate Social Responsibility.

At Titan Packaging we’re working towards becoming an FSC certified company, and ensure that we buy from a chain of FSC certified suppliers. 

We strive to deliver low carbon and sustainable packaging processes – it is in our DNA, and we are now  ISO9001 and ISO140001 compliant. We’re also working with Ecologi to offset our carbon emissions as we strive towards a net zero future.

Get in touch with the packaging consultants at Titan today.

It is no secret that the world is in a tumultuous state. Countries across the globe are still reeling from the impact of COVID-19, which resulted in the HGV driver shortage, raw material sourcing crisis, production delays and so much more.  

As world leaders look ahead to Cop27, carbon prices are turbulent. Last year, the UK pledged to reduce gas emissions by 68%, and the EU pledged 55% respectively (in comparison to 1990 levels), carbon prices are rising over £50/tCO2e in line with the UK’s ambitious emissions reduction plans (KPMG).

The devastating conflict in Ukraine is also having a direct impact on the growth of the global economy and impacting the cost of energy prices globally, further affecting the value chain and the cost of living in general. 

We’re seeing significant repercussions in the packaging industry, due to rising costs, materials shortages and production delays. 

How is COVID and the war in Ukraine impacting price rises?

It is important to note that prior to Russia invading Ukraine, prices for food, oil and electronics had been on the rise for the last few years, due to climate change, Brexit trade barriers and the pandemic. 

However, there have been significant jumps in prices in the first quarter of 2022. It is estimated that Government measures cost £310 to £410 billion (£4,600 to £6,100 per person in the UK). As a result, taxes have been raised to account for this expenditure and government deficit. Alongside this, the Bank of England has and will continue to raise interest rates to moderate price increases, further driving inflation. 

The US is in the midst of the highest inflation rate in 40 years. Consumer inflation rate jumped to 8.5% in March 2022.

In the UK,  the cost of living in March 2022 hit an all time high, with the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) increasing 7.0% – an all time high since 1992.  

The pandemic 

In 2020 over 100 countries went into a full or partial lockdown in an attempt to stop the spread of COVID-19 and reduce pressures on healthcare. This had a butterfly effect on inflation rates and cost of living rises. 

With businesses across the world reducing or even shutting down activity, economic activity decreased because industries and households couldn’t produce and spend like they usually would. As households and businesses tightened their belts, uncertainty in financial and job security was amplified and confidence was lost. 

As spending was curbed, export and demand was reduced, weakening economic activity and impacting international supply chains. This negatively impacted industry revenue and household income, and therefore inflation rates.

The fluctuation of energy prices 

As the world went back to work, the demand for fossil fuels came back at a rapid pace, and power plants struggled to keep up.

On April 1st 2022, the energy price cap was lifted in the UK.  This lift was driven by wholesale global gas prices quadrupling in 2021. As a result, more households and businesses will see increased energy bills, as energy suppliers pass on the wholesale costs to their customers.

The Ukrainian war

On 24th February 2022, Russian troops were ordered to invade Ukraine by Russian president, Vladimir Putin. To help Ukraine, the UK government has sent military equipment and 5.29 million items of medical supplies to support casualties of the war. This will indirectly impact taxpayers as this creates budget deficits that must be paid for. 

Several world leaders have also placed sanctions on Russia and stopped trading with them,  showing solidarity with Ukraine (without further escalating the situation). The aim of this is to strangle the economy and bankrupt their Government so that Putin can no longer fund the war.

This also affects supply and demand, and energy prices, as countries that once sourced goods and oil from Russia need to go elsewhere, placing more strain on demand. For example, many countries get their oil from Russia. If Governments have chosen to sanction Russia, they must source oil from elsewhere, further putting more strain on depleting oil resources and increasing the costs.

Okay, but what has this got to do with packaging? 

Every single industry is feeling the pinch, and packaging isn’t exempt. From the energy needed to produce materials, to sourcing raw materials, HGV driver shortages and rising costs, the packaging industry is having to evolve and adapt every single day. 

According to pulparnews.com, timber exports from Ukraine and Russia are valued at €12 billion. This is having an extraordinary impact on paper, pulp and corrugate prices and putting even more pressure on supply chains, materials shortages and lead times. 

Papermill closures 

In 2021, pulp and paper company Stora Enso closed two paper mills in Sweden and Finland due to the drop in demand for paper. Following these closures, Stora Enso moved its product offering more towards biomaterials and cardboard packaging.  

As producing paper is energy-intensive, paper mills have also had to temporarily cease operations, due to the fluctuations in energy prices and materials shortages. Italian tissue and packaging producer, Pro-Gest halted production of their six paper mills due to, “rapid escalation of natural gas prices.” 

UPM’s pulp and paper mills in Finland faced an unprecedented strike that lasted five months. The strike involved UPM Pulp, UPM Biofuels, UPM Communication Papers, UPM Specialty Papers and UPM Raflatac units in Finland.

“It caused serious issues with the availability of graphic and label papers across Europe.” (Print Week) 

Plastic packaging tax

In April 2022 the UK introduced the Plastic Packaging Tax. Any business that manufactures or imports plastic into the UK will be charged £200 per metric tonne of plastic packaging that contains less than 30% of recycled plastic. 

This tax has created an increased demand for recycled plastic, paper and cardboard, and the ever increasing rise in online sales has further compounded this. By the end of 2022, ecommerce sales are expected to reach $5.42 trillion. The more people order, the more product packaging is needed, the greater the demand on an already struggling supply. 

The HGV shortage

The HGV driver shortage is another fork in the road. 

In 2020 the number of EU HGV (heavy goods vehicle) drivers employed in the UK dropped by a third, due to Brexit and COVID-19. IR35 tax further impacted this as drivers in the UK who work as contractors have to pay National Insurance contributions.

However, more and more people turned to online shopping during lockdown, which meant the demand for cardboard packaging increased. Due to the high recycling rate (83% in 2018), the packaging industry relies on labour for production, and HGV drivers to collect and deliver old boxes for recycling. 

So demand for everything is nearly outstripping supply.

What materials are impacted?

Paper
Due to the unstable energy prices and material shortages, and how energy-intensive the paper manufacturing process is, around a quarter of paper mills have even closed temporarily. More are expected to close and take this opportunity to complete maintenance. 

Corrugated cardboard 
With paper shortages and plastic tax coming into play, the demand for corrugated cardboard is going to increase tenfold. There is no more paper capacity coming into the UK market, meaning prices may continue to rise into 2022.

Polythene
Polythene is a raw material and is directly affected by energy price. Current indications show that recycled material is in high demand due to the plastic tax, with no price benefit. Increases keep coming at the moment with prices now only being held for around 7 days due to market volatility.

Label manufacturing
The UPM strike has massively affected the market, having gone on for 112 days meaning the material backlog from them, as one of the biggest manufacturers is around 4 months. Material orders from other manufacturers are being rationed and it’s very much a sellers market with increased pricing, long lead times, cancelled orders and inconsistent deliveries. 

Stretch film 
Prices for stretch film are increasing month on month again availability is tight and the plastic tax further impacting any virgin material prices. We are also hearing UK manufacturers don’t have enough recycled material to offer the majority of customers. We believe we can supply grades including 30% recycled material to avoid the plastic tax. 

Carton board 
The UK carton board market is also in a crisis with severe problems with obtaining materials. Prices are constantly changing and paper merchants are charging high prices due to availability, again prices are only being held for a matter of days.

How to manage packaging price increases 

Look at the lifetime costs of packaging

One way to manage the costs of packaging is to look at the lifetime costs of the packaging your company uses and ensure it allows for efficiency and lean production. 

For example, if you’re consistently getting customer complaints of products damaged in transit, it indicates that your packaging isn’t protecting your products and needs to be changed.

Damaged packaging also damages brands, alongside incurring additional costs for postage, repacking or wasted product which has to be scrapped.

The boxes or bags being used might be too big or even too small. There may be instances where you can even reduce the amount of packaging used – especially if your packaging process involves excessive packaging. It is always useful to take stock of what’s available on the market and see which types of packaging will suit your needs, time, and budget. Find out how to choose the right packaging for your products.

Consider looking at packaging machinery 

If your staff are spending hours packaging products, you’re probably wasting valuable resources and labour. 

Automated packaging machinery and packaging equipment such as conveyers, e-Commerce baggers, corrugated packaging systems and pallet wrap machines can revolutionise the process and reduce overheads.

One quick and easy way to reduce costs and streamline efficiency is by switching from manual tapers to water-activated tape machines – they are much more efficient and eliminate the need for plastic, whilst also reducing waste, packaging process can become carbon neutral 

Building more stock pre-increases

We expect to see demand for corrugated cardboard, recycled plastic and polythene rise, so it may be worth building your stock levels to get ahead.

Speak to packaging consultants 

As the cost of living and raw materials continues to rise and oil prices fluctuate, it’s no secret that packaging market trends are changing daily. It’s important that you work with packaging consultants who not only keep up to date with these packaging trends, but understand the implications. 

Businesses such as Titan Packaging will review your packaging process from start to finish and help you transition to a more sustainable, cost-effective packaging process that follows the plastic tax guidance. Speak to one of our experts.

At Titan Packaging, we’ll do everything we can to ensure our packaging services and materials are affordable. Where we can, we’ll pick up costs along the way. But much like our suppliers, our costs may rise.

It’s fair to say that COVID-19 has changed the packaging landscape for several industries. As hundreds of people flocked online to replace physical events and needs with virtual substitution, brick and mortar retailers had to quickly adapt to selling products online in order to stay in business.

Additionally, eCommerce companies that had an already robust strategy were inundated with more orders than they could keep up with. 

For example, sports equipment brand Peloton’s global membership base hit 3.1 million at the end of June, and sales of bikes and treadmills soared as people opted for home exercise classes after gyms were closed across the country.

Find out the latest trends in eCommerce and retail packaging.

Over the last few years, the COVID-19 pandemic has had an extreme impact on consumer and shopping behaviour, drastically changing retail and eCommerce packaging. 

Shops up and down the country were forced to close down due to government-imposed lockdowns, and several brick and mortar stores had to adapt their business to work online in order to continue bringing in sales and therefore income. 

We’ve seen a knock-on effect in packaging for the retail and eCommerce industry. Find out more below. 

Sustainable packaging will become commonplace

Attitudes towards sustainable packaging are slowly changing for the better.  With the Plastic Packaging Tax coming into fruition in April 2022, eCommerce and retail businesses dealing with more than ten metric tonnes of plastic packaging in a 12-month period will have no choice but to opt for plastic packaging with over 30% recycled material otherwise, they risk a fine. 

The aim of this tax is to increase the demand for recycled plastic (therefore reducing the demand for non-recycled plastic), thus decreasing the amount of plastic ending up in landfills. 

As more retail and eCommerce companies do all they can to meet this levy, we predict this change in attitude will impact other packaging materials, as businesses start to look at how they can reduce their impact on the environment overall. 

Find out more about sustainable packaging in our ultimate guide.… and attitudes towards plastic packaging will change.

As more retail and eCommerce companies move over to plastic packaging with 30% recycled material, we suspect there will be a knock-on impact as they offer instructions to their consumers on how to recycle or even repurpose this packaging. 

As a result, the attitudes towards plastic will change, because people will know what is recyclable and how to recycle.

We’ve all seen news articles where journalists blame plastic for the demise of the earth. All 

too often, plastic gets a bad (w)rap and is seen as the root of all evil, but that’s not always the case. 

Plastic is a really useful material that offers a vast range of benefits including: 

Durability – the right plastic packaging can keep foodstuff fresh and protect products such as electronics, ensuring your products turn up to your customers or store shelves in the best shape possible. 

Plastic is lightweight – according to Plastics Europe, “over 50% of all European goods are packaged in plastics, they account only for 17% of the total packaging weight on the market.” This means lighter loads are transported and fewer lorries are needed, reducing transportation costs and emissions.

Plastic can be sustainable – recycling rates in the UK are rising – whilst we only recycle 45% of plastics in the UK, this figure is slowly growing. Additionally, most types of plastic are recyclable.

There will be a shift towards closed-loop recycling

The UK government is pushing recycling onto a wide range of industries, so we won’t be surprised to see more conversations surrounding closed-loop recycling.

Closed-loop recycling is common in specialised industries such as electronics or batteries, with complex or expensive products that can’t be broken down with ease but can be reused. 

We’re already seeing movement in the retail industry to close the loop on product recycling. 

For example, big retailers such as H&M offer a Reuse and Recycling scheme where they offer financial incentives for customers bringing in old clothes. 

Additionally, eCommerce brands such as Asos and Pretty Little Thing already utilise recyclable plastic packaging.

Another great example is premium coffee company Nespresso. They also close the loop with their coffee capsules. 

Made out of 100% recyclable materials, they offer a drop-off and collection service for used Aluminium coffee pods, so that the material can be reused and made into other products. 

As more retailers and eCommerce brands start to think this way, we’ll see a change in packaging requirements when it comes to how companies choose their packaging, keeping closed-loop recycling in mind. 

Packaging with health and hygiene in mind will thrive

Coronavirus and other transmissible viruses are here to stay; as a society, there’s a consistent conversation on how we can reduce the spread of infectious disease, and we’re already seeing this conversation affect packaging choices. 

Both retail and eCommerce are high touch (and even high footfall) industries, with products and packaging going through several hands and touchpoints before they get to the consumer. Product packaging will also take a more hygienic approach. 

Anti bacterial coating can be used on printed materials and labels, helping eliminate the transmission of virus.  For example, we’re seeing innovation in the makeup industry, with testing and research into how products are dispensed and applied. From push-down airless dispensers touch-free powder products,  airless application devices and 360° metal rollable balls that offer touch-free application, product and transportation packaging is becoming more sanitary. 

Retailers and eCommerce will opt for value-added packaging suppliers 

The pandemic had a significant impact on the supply chain, impacting the packaging industry. Costs of raw materials rose significantly due to increased demand, with the industry having increases month on month, meaning prices are now at an all time high. 

In addition the cost of pallets, labour, fuel, transport and utilities have all had an impact on the price of packaging overall.  Also the UK rate of inflation more than doubled in April 2021, (going from 0.7% in March to 1.5% in April), driving prices even higher. 

Now, retailers and eCommerce businesses have to balance the rising cost of packaging with consumers who are becoming increasingly price sensitive. 

As a result, more and more business owners will find ways to make their packaging do more and work harder, enhancing the brand and advertising upcoming promotions.  From ensuring their packaging meets the right specifications and even the transition of packaging products, the demand for packaging consultants will rise, as retail and eCommerce companies try to find the best possible packaging solutions to fit their needs.

Speak to our expert packaging consultants 

As retail and eCommerce continue to evolve and adapt to the ever-changing market, it can be difficult to find the right kind of packaging that works for your business.

Businesses such as Titan Packaging will review your packaging process from start to finish and help you transition to a more sustainable, cost-effective packaging process that follows the plastic tax guidance. Speak to one of our experts.

Following the UK’s pledge to reduce gas emissions by 68%, and the EU pledging 55% respectively (in comparison to 1990 levels), carbon prices are rising.  Last year, the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) started trading and opened carbon prices over £50/tCO2e in line with the UK’s ambitious emissions reduction plans (KPMG). 

When organisations look at ways they can reduce carbon emissions, their practices and processes are reviewed, which reduces operating costs, material costs, improving productivity and efficiency, all of which is beneficial to their bottom line.

Read our guide on sustainable packaging. 

One effective way businesses can decrease their carbon footprint is by opting for low carbon or carbon neutral packaging materials and processes.

What is carbon neutral packaging? 

For packaging materials and processes to be carbon neutral, the amount of Co2 the packaging releases into the atmosphere  (from production to transport and waste),  must be balanced by the same amount (or more) of Co2 being removed or offset elsewhere in the packaging process. 

For example, in 2021 potato company Root Zero launched the UK’s first carbon neutral potato with paper-based packaging. 

Their packaging aims to prevent “more than five and a half tonnes of plastic arriving on supermarket shelves.” and uses water based inks and adhesive technology so that it can be recycled into high-quality paper or used to store vegetables. In order to become completely carbon neutral, Root Zero are investing in carbon offsetting projects to neutralise their emissions. 

Which packaging has the lowest carbon footprint? 

The type of packaging a company uses does matter – especially when plastic packaging is so dominant and accounts for 42% of plastic produced globally. 

Glass

Glass packaging is often used in the cosmetics food industries as it is safe, nonporous and non-toxic. 

In most cases, glass has a long life and leans towards closed-loop recycling because it can be recycled and reused again and again. 

Manufacturing glass has a really big carbon footprint because of the amount of energy it requires. Additionally, glass is fragile and heavy, it poses challenges during transportation. Due to its weight, there are transportation constraints, increasing emissions. 

There are some instances where glass can’t be recycled due to high costs and the need for special equipment.

Aluminium 

Aluminium is used across several sectors, including electronics, food and transportation as it is non-toxic, versatile and lightweight. Aluminium caters towards closed-loop recycling as it can be reused and recycled endlessly, and this process has a low carbon footprint.  

Because it is lightweight so much more can be transported, reducing transportation emissions. 

The initial production of aluminium varies depending on the source of energy used during the production process. According to ClimateAction, the carbon footprint ranges from less than four tonnes of Co2 per tonne of aluminium to 10 tonnes of Co2.

Paper and cardboard 

Paper and cardboard are used across a wide range of industries, including retail, food, and manufacturing. Both materials come from trees, which is renewable resource. These materials don’t have any wastage, leakage or harmful dyes that impact the environment. 

Cardboard and paper are lightweight materials that promote closed-loop recycling and don’t need oil to manufacture them. Due to their weight, much more can be transported, reducing costs and transportation emissions. 

Plastic

Plastic is one of the most popular packaging materials and is used across several sectors, from healthcare to food, beauty and more, due to its versatility and durability. 

The UK government is introducing a plastic packaging tax in April 2022, so that businesses use recycled plastic instead of non-recycled plastic packaging. 

According to CIEL, 3.5kg of Co2 is emitted per kilogram of plastic that’s manufactured, but recycled plastic has a much lower carbon footprint, which was shown in a 2018 life cycle assessment. 

How to implement a carbon neutral packaging process 

Understand the impact 
Calculate your carbon footprint

Companies must understand the impact of their packaging process and benchmark their carbon footprint. But this isn’t easy to do. However, organisations can understand how to improve by doing the following 

• Identify the sources of emissions that rely on fossil fuels and produce carbon dioxide
• Collect quantified data on this 

There are basic carbon footprint calculators available online that might be able to help, but getting an accurate figure can be really difficult. It is best to speak to packaging consultants who can help with ballpark targets to aim for.

Undertake a competitor analysis

By looking at what other companies and competitors are doing, businesses can get a gauge on what is and isn’t achievable. It’s also a great way to generate new ideas and improve on what’s already out there. 

Collaborate with the supply chain 

Companies should ensure that the businesses they work with in the supply chain have carbon neutral strategies in place, so that sustainable practices are felt throughout the supply chain. 

For example, companies that use corrugated cardboard packaging should ensure they’re buying their cardboard from FSC certified suppliers. This means their cardboard is being sourced from a responsibly managed and renewable source.

This is a big job in and of itself, but can be executed with ease when you employ packaging consultants who have insight,  knowledge and experience. 

Set your goals and strategy

Once the groundwork is in place, businesses must set targets to work towards, so that they can reflect and measure progress. When deciding these goals, managers and business owners must ask the following questions: 

• What types of materials do they want to reduce the use of in their packaging portfolio? 
• How much do they want to increase the use of compostable, reusable and recyclable materials? 
• How much do they want to decrease their current carbon footprint? 
• What will their primary and secondary types of packaging be? 
• What packaging materials are in scope?
• Are there any offsetting projects to offset any carbon emissions to join? 

Make sustainability part of your brand’s values 

A business’s commitment to carbon neutrality should extend to more than just packaging. 

When business owners and managers incorporate sustainability into their brand values, it becomes part of their culture. Everything they do and their customers do has an impact. 

Managers should also ensure that their employees have the right training and support to ensure that products are packaged efficiently, improving productivity and profitability. It is important that stakeholders communicate with their staff and let them know just how beneficial their work is to the environment.

Look at automation and machines 

Packaging machinery such as void fill machinery, automated tapers and pallet wrap machines help package products efficiently and result in less waste. They also reduce the risk of any human-errors. 

One simple way of improving the packaging process is by switching from manual tapers to water activated tape machines – they are much more efficient and eliminate the need for plastic. 

Machinery that runs on renewable energy is more sustainable than those that run on fossil fuels – if there is scope to implement solar, hydro or wind power, this will help companies become carbon neutral. 

Don’t discredit plastic

The connotations surrounding plastic isn’t great, but not all plastic is bad. Recycled plastic has a much lower footprint than virgin plastic, and is a cost-effective, versatile and sustainable packaging material that avoids plastic tax.  

Because it is lightweight, more can be transported in one journey, reducing costs and emissions, along with taking up less warehouse space. 

Partner with net-zero couriers  

Businesses should strive to partner with net zero couriers who are doing their bit to ensure their transportation is carbon neutral.  For example, the delivery service DPD is deploying electric vehicles across their fleet in order to comply with the government’s Road to Zero Strategy. 

Educate your customers on how to recycle or repurpose your packaging

It’s important to educate consumers on how to recycle, repurpose or reuse packaging. Companies should ensure the recycling symbol is clearly printed, along with any other instructions in regards to how consumers can reuse or recycle packaging. 

This is something fashion retailer FatFace does really well. They have a video on their website demonstrating how customers can reuse their paper bags as Christmas wrapping paper. Find out more here.

Measure the impact  

Companies need to measure the impact of their efforts so that they can understand how close they are to implementing carbon neutral packaging. This can be done by 

• Liaising with the supply chain to recognise the influence and impact to the packaging portfolio 
• Investing in packaging consultants to ensure all packaging is designed for with recyclability at its core
• Staying up to date with the latest packaging technologies
• Measuring success and progress against preset goals and target 
• Displaying sustainability efforts and credentials in their  packaging portfolio
• Sharing progress reports through internal and external communication

Work with packaging consultants who are committed to sustainability

When you work with packaging consultants who strive towards a greener future, transitioning to carbon neutral packaging becomes much easier. 

Titan strives to deliver low carbon and sustainable packaging processes – it is in our DNA, and we’re working towards ISO9001. We’re also working with Ecologi to offset our carbon emissions as we strive towards a net zero future. 

For companies with hundreds of products, knowing where to begin can be quite difficult, so it’s worth speaking to our packaging experts. We’ll review your packaging process from start to finish and help you transition to a more sustainable, cost-effective packaging process that follows the plastic tax guidance. Get in touch.

Earlier this year, the UK government increased the Plastic Packaging Tax from £210.82 per tonne to £217.85 per tonne for any plastic with less than 30% recycled content. This blog explores the introduction of the plastic tax levy in 2022, and what it means for businesses.

In April 2022, a Plastic Packaging Tax was introduced in a bid to reduce the amount of virgin plastic in circulation. This plastic levy impacts consumers who buy plastic packaging or goods in plastic packaging, importers and manufacturers of plastic packaging and business customers of manufacturers and importers of plastic packaging in the UK.

To help you understand the plastic packaging tax and integrate a more sustainable packaging process, we’ve pulled together this guide. 

What is the aim of the plastic packaging tax? 

The goal of the plastic levy is to reduce the amount of non-recyclable plastic ending up in landfills and to help reduce carbon emissions.

Whilst this measure isn’t thought to have notable macroeconomic impacts, this levy is a great incentive for companies to transition over to recycled plastic packaging. This, in turn, will create incentive and significant demand for plastic with over 30% recycled material, therefore stimulating greater levels of recycling.

Who will be affected by the plastic tax? 

Businesses of all sizes dealing with plastic packaging will need to register with HMRC. This includes everything from supermarkets to retailers, manufacturers and packaging companies.

Organisations that manufacture or import plastic packaging with less than 30% recycled plastic must pay. However, importers and manufacturers who deal with less than 10 tonnes of plastic a year do not need to register with HMRC. The test for this is both retroactive and future-looking. This is put in place to help mitigate any administrative burdens that will be disproportionate in comparison to businesses dealing with larger amounts of plastic. 

Registering for the plastic packaging levy

• Businesses need to register for the Plastic Packaging Tax if they: Expect to import or manufacture 10 tonnes or more of finished plastic packaging components into the UK in the next 30 days.
• Have imported or manufactured 10 tonnes or more of finished plastic packaging components into the UK in the last 12 months. 

Find out more about registering for Plastic Packaging Tax here.

How much will the plastic packaging tax cost businesses? 

Any company that’s manufacturing or importing plastic into the UK  will be charged £217.85 per metric tonne of plastic packaging that contains less than 30% of recycled plastic.

What materials and products will be impacted? 

Any plastic packaging that contains less than 30% recycled packaging will be levied. So, any packaging that’s predominantly plastic by weight will be taxed. This includes plastic drinks bottles, food wraps and film. 

Organic plastics may also incur tax. At present, if you’re using green packaging that’s compostable or recyclable and has less than 30% recycled plastic, you will be taxed. However, this is being reviewed by the government and could change at a later date. 

Will there be an economic impact? 

The levy is still in its infancy and has only been around for 2 years. It will be a while until we know the real impact. However, the tax has increased the demand for recycled plastic and therefore the amount of plastic being recycled, reducing the amount of plastic ending up in landfills. 

Behavioural responses to the tax incentive will also be taken into consideration, including smaller actions such as reducing the use of plastic packaging, and reduced levels of productions containing plastic packaging being purchased. 

What happens if you don’t comply with the tax?

The government will enforce anti-avoidance rules for businesses trying to avoid this tax. 

If you don’t register with HMRC, fail to comply, file your returns or do not pay, there will be a penalty. 

What’s exempt from the plastic packaging tax? 

There are some instances where certain uses of plastic packaging won’t be levied. This includes packaging that is used: 

• For licensed human medication, first aid boxes or any products that fall within regulation 2 of the Human Medicines Regulations 2012.
• As transport packaging for goods into the United Kingdom. 
• Packaging that is used on railway stores, aircraft and ships going on international journeys. 
• That is permanently designated for use other than a packaging use (this doesn’t include protection, handling, delivery or presentation).
• Exported goods that are transported overseas within 12 months. 
• Other products such as CDs, DVDs and game cases, printer and toner cartridges and toolboxes are also exempt from the tax.

Will the plastic tax impact consumers? 

In theory, the plastic packaging tax shouldn’t impact B2C customers unless companies choose to pass this charge on in their pricing. However, this cost can be passed along the supply chain and ultimately impact consumers.  Should you choose to incorporate the cost of the plastic tax, then they would feel the impact. 

Speak to a packaging expert

The best way to ensure that you’re plastic packaging is compliant is to speak to a plastic packaging consultant. A lot goes into choosing the right packaging for your product, so it’s important to make sure you’re following government guidelines and opting for packaging that protects your product and is cost effective. Find out more about how to effectively package your products.

Businesses such as Titan Packaging will review your packaging process from start to finish and help you transition to a more sustainable, cost-effective packaging process that follows the plastic tax guidance. Get in touch. 

You’ve gone through the process of getting your product(s) ready – the designing, prototyping and research are complete, so now all your hard work is done, right? Not entirely… 

Now it is time to think about the packaging. The UK packaging services industry is valued at £4.9 billion, and there’s a lot to consider. 

Whether you’re an independent business or SME,  it is vital that you choose packaging that attracts prospective customers, clearly displays necessary information and keeps your product safe during transit. 

Finding the right packaging takes time – if you rush into a packaging decision, there’s a risk that you might damage brand reputation and harm customer satisfaction. 

In order to help you find the perfect packaging for your product (and avoid becoming part of a #packagingfail blog or thread on Twitter), here are some tips on how to choose packaging that will work for your business.

Test out your packaging design

You know what they (Paul Rand) say, “Design is the silent ambassador of your brand.” It’s true. Your packaging design will help make your products stand out both on the shelf and in transit. So it’s important that your packaging echoes your brand’s values and gets people excited. 

If you’re unsure of what to choose for your packaging design, it is worth hiring a packaging consultancy firm (such as Titan) so that they can design and test some prototypes across a wide range of materials and printing processes. 

Find out more about the importance of design in our blog, ‘how to package your product’.  

Choose packaging that will survive transit 

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last two years, you’ve probably noticed that online ordering has rocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic, having a profound effect on several industries, including manufacturing, retail and eCommerce. Now, businesses need to send their products all over the world and ensure that their packaging will survive transit.

You could have an amazing design, but if your product gets broken, the box is battered or your items don’t stay fresh, you’re heading for a PR nightmare. It’s much more cost-effective to make sure your packaging protects your items, rather than having to replace them later on. 

Packaging fragile products 

Any fragile or breakable items require extra TLC when it comes to packaging and transit. For items that contain glass, antiques or are prone to breaking easily, you should use rigid boxes that aren’t too big or too small, and material such as void cushioning to pad the walls of the box.  You should also make sure the box has the fragile symbol on there so that the box is handled with care during transportation.  

Packaging products with a long shelf life

Packaging can determine a product’s shelf life – if you have a product that does have a long shelf life, you need to make sure your packaging aids this rather than shortens it. 

For example, some tinned food items may have two to three years until their “Best Used By” date – you need to make sure the sleeve doesn’t discolour, fade or tear over time.  Some long-life products that are high in sulphur will need specific coatings on jars or can. Liquid coatings, high-gloss UV treatments can also stop product information fading. 

Read our ultimate guide to sustainable packaging.

Packaging for fresh produce 

Produce packaging can result in a lot of food waste for both B2B and retailer-to-consumer. It is important to get this right the first time. 

For B2B, your fresh produce packaging should keep food fresh, give physical protection, ensure on-time ripening (where necessary) and control any contamination from germs or bacteria. Paper bags, reusable wood fibre trays and high-density polyethene bags are often used, along with packaging and distribution technologies that keeps produce fresh. 

Retailer-to-consumer packaging needs to balance the needs of both the retailer and customer, whilst reducing food (and packaging) waste. Packaging for fresh produce needs to convey freshness, offer product information, aid temperature control and be air-tight, all whilst having an eye-catching design to stand out. 

Go green with your packaging 

More than five million tonnes of plastic is used in the UK every year, and half of this plastic comes from packaging. Additionally, the UK government is introducing a plastic tax in 2022 in order to reduce the amount of plastic used. 

Material such as corrugated cardboard, reusable or biodegradable polythene is a great way forward. You should also look at cost-effective and sustainable methods of transport as well.

Size does matter… 

If you’ve got a range of products in different sizes, or you offer deals where people can order multiple products, you should consider the size boxes you need. It isn’t always cost-effective to get four or five different size boxes – especially if you can get two or three boxes in different sizes that will work. It also means you’re not sitting on lots of different packaging products, which can take up space.

Think about the packaging process 

You should optimise your packaging process as much as possible, in order to minimise delays and enhance productivity. If you’re able to quickly get your products shipped, customers will be satisfied. There are a number of ways you can speed up your packaging process, from looking at optimising your pack benches to ensure they work effectively without wasting time to incorporating automation into your business.  

You may need to give your employees training so that they can properly package products, ensuring the correct size is chosen each time and that every package leaving the warehouse is consistent with how it is packed.  For example, if you wrap your items in tissue paper or want leaflets or cutouts in every parcel, or you want a label to sit on a specific part of the box, training should make this clear.  

For companies with hundreds of products, knowing where to begin can be quite difficult, so it’s worth speaking to packaging consultancies such as Titan.

We’re perfectly placed to help manage the transition of packaging product(s) or processes, provide packaging training to employees and revolutionise the process through automation and more.

As the Plastic Tax deadline creeps forward, businesses across a wide range of industries need to start reviewing their packaging processes and materials in order to ensure they’re not stung with a hefty tax bill. 

This tax applies to any plastic packaging components including compostable, biodegradable, oxo-degradable and bioplastics that aren’t made from recycled materials. This tax “is charged at £200/tonne for all plastic packaging components with less than 30% recycled content.”

The following types of plastic packaging are exempt from tax:

• Packaging that contains 30% or more recycled plastic.
• Immediate packaging for the human medicinal product.
• Packaging that is directly exported (deferred for up to 12 months or tax credit application).
• Packaging that is permanently set aside at production or importation for a non-packaging function.
• Transport packaging that is used to import goods into the UK.

It is important to note that just because your packaging is compostable or recyclable, it doesn’t necessarily mean it is exempt from the tax.

If you want to avoid the possibility of paying over the odds for this new tax, you should speak to plastic tax packaging consultants as soon as you transition to sustainable packaging.

What Is Sustainable Packaging?

The purpose of sustainable packaging and processes is to have a minimal impact on the environment.  

According to the World Packaging Organisation, “sustainable packaging must meet the functional and economic needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”

Sustainability can be achieved by looking at the lifecycle of packaging and making improvements throughout the process. This includes the supply chain, transit, the function of packaging, marketing and lifecycle assessment (LCA). 

A business’s packaging can be eco-friendly in a number of ways, including: 

• Materials and ingredients made from recycled or raw materials.
• Packaging that creates a circular economy through usability and extended lifestyle. 
• Efficient supply chain, production process and reduced carbon footprint.

The benefits of sustainable packaging

• Reduced carbon footprint.
• Reinforces brand image and ethos.
• Reusable or recyclable. 
• Versatile.

Different types of sustainable packaging

There are different types of sustainable packaging, from biodegradable paper to recycled plastic and recyclable cardboard. If you’re at the beginning of your packaging journey, find out about closed-loop recycling and how to choose the right packaging for your product. 

Recyclable packaging

Materials such as cardboard, paper and metal can be recycled and then re-used after processing.

Closed-loop recycling 

Closed-loop recycling is where packaging such as tin, cardboard or plastic is used, recycled and then made into a different product over and over again. As a result, it never enters landfill. 

More and more brands are putting measures in place to bring closed-loop recycling into their packaging process. For example, department store company John Lewis, partnered with the Aldersgate Group in a bid to reduce wastage in their packaging and close the loop. However in their Corporate Responsibility Report, they recognise there is still more to be done. 

Corrugated cardboard 

Corrugated cardboard is the most recycled type of packaging. 84% of corrugated cardboard is recycled right here in the UK. Made from paper, lining layers and fluting, corrugated cardboard can be cut into a wider range of shapes and sizes. Plus, it can easily display any designs and both customer and tracking information. 

If you’ve ever ordered from multinational eCommerce giant, Amazon, you’ll have come across a range of corrugated cardboard packaging in different sizes. For example, BDCM1 (Bulk Distribution Carton Metric) boxes are the industry standard for clothing manufacturers and retailers, whereas cardboard pallet boxes are used for fragile or bulky items that may get damaged during transit. Find out how to choose the right packaging for your product.

FSC certified cardboard 

Choosing an FSC (Forestry Stewardship Commission) certified corrugated cardboard supplier will improve your sustainability efforts. When you opt for FSC accredited paper and cardboard, the material comes from renewable resources and meets high environmental and social standards. Most suppliers in the UK are FSC accredited or are buying from a chain of FSC certified suppliers. 

Corrugated cardboard is a quick, cost-effective way to send your products and can be easily stored due to its flat-pack capabilities. Find out more about our corrugated cardboard boxes. 

How easy is packaging to recycle or reuse? 

Recycling rules vary across counties in the UK. If you’re a local business selling products in a specific region, you should find out what materials are recyclable in your county and make a decision based on this. 

Choosing reusable or recyclable materials is just one part of the battle. The next part is getting your customers to recycle or repurpose said packaging. You should add clear instructions on the packaging and universal symbols that are easy to understand. You can even go that extra step and include instructions on how to recycle, reuse or repurpose the packaging in any email confirmations and receipts.

This is something fashion retailer FatFace started doing a few years ago. Their Mindful Wrapping campaign talked about how wrapping paper isn’t recyclable, because of the lamination, inks and glitters used. To offset this, they designed three bags that can be repurposed and used as wrapping paper or to make Christmas decorations. They also created a supporting video and blog, demonstrating how to reuse their paper bags. Check it out here.

Compostable packaging

Compostable packaging is designed to break down over time and return to the earth as carbon dioxide, biomass and water. 

If you work in B2C, you should check whether the material is home compostable or industrial. Not all compostable packaging is suitable for home composting. 

Compostable packaging such as polyethylene wrap is usually made from recycled and plant-based materials, and is designed for industrial composting. You should include clear instructions so that the end-user can effectively dispose of it. 

If you want to close the loop on your packaging, it is also worth weighing up the benefits of recycling in comparison to composting. For example, recyclable polythene wrap will go back into the supply chain, whereas degradable plastic won’t. 

Polythene packaging

Used in the food industry, polythene packaging is a popular alternative to other plastics and paper because it is lightweight, adaptable, durable and offers excellent protection against adverse weather conditions. Plastics can also help food last longer and remove the need for preservatives. 

Polythene weighs much less than other packaging materials such as plastics, paper, metal and cardboard, meaning it uses less energy to transport (and costs less). According to NI Assembly, a single lorry can transport the same amount of polythene bags as seven lorries full of paper bags. 

What’s the difference between compostable and biodegradable packaging? 

The terms compostable and biodegradable are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same. For example, compostable packaging doesn’t emit toxins as it breaks down, giving the earth more nutrients as it deteriorates, whereas biodegradable packaging releases toxins as it breaks down. Compostable materials also break down much quicker. 

Packaging made from recycled materials 

If you need to use bubble wrap, void fill packaging and cushioning, packaging that’s made from raw materials such as mushroom roots, paper or recycled material is a great option. Void fill packaging and cushioning is often used to fill in the gaps in boxes. This is usually used in conjunction with protective packaging such as bubble wrap.

In the UK it is estimated that out of the five million tonnes of plastic used every year, half of it is packaging.  

Using packaging made from recycled plastic can help reduce this figure – especially if the packaging is then recyclable or compostable. This also falls in line with the UK’s plastic tax that aims to increase the use of recycled material in plastic packaging. 

Don’t discount plastic

All too often plastic is vilified and blamed for clogging up landfill, destroying wildlife and being the root cause of all evil on the planet. However, plastic does have its place in the world and isn’t the villain. 

Contrary to popular belief, a lot of plastic packaging is recyclable. Those iconic black and white ASOS packages or bright pink Pretty Little Thing Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE) plastic bags that fill up the Royal Mail’s trolleys can be recycled, helping these big fashion brands move to closed-loop recycling. 

Materials versus footprint 

Practising sustainability in your packaging requires much more than just utilising materials that can be recycled, reused or composted. 

You need to think about the bigger picture. For example, you may come across packaging that looks green but the carbon footprint required to transport the materials may outweigh the benefits of the packaging itself. 

Tian Packaging can help you offset this footprint by ensuring your packaging is from local manufacturers, minimising both transport costs and carbon footprint. It’s also worth considering the amount of material being transported;  looking at how to maximise deliveries, for example providing full truckloads to reduce unnecessary road journeys.  

Choosing lighter grades of materials also will take up less space in comparison, so you can transport more- this applies to corrugated, paper and polythene. 

How to transition to sustainable packaging 

It is difficult to deny the benefits of sustainable packaging, and with the plastic packaging tax coming into play in April 2022, business owners need to make the leap and use eco-friendly packaging. 

Consider your core goals
Before you start the transition, you need to think about your business’s goals. Do you want to save money and utilise less energy? Or ensure all your packaging is compostable? This will help you determine your next steps. 

Empower your employees
If you want this change to be felt throughout your business, it needs to become part of your company’s culture. You should empower your colleagues so that they can take charge – this way it will become part of your ethos.

Design with sustainability at the forefront
Your packaging should be designed with the aim of reducing harm to the environment, but you could go a step further and design packaging that suits multiple purposes. For example, Primark’s Christmas bags are designed to be used as wrapping paper.

Shout about it to your customers (but don’t greenwash!) 
Choosing recyclable, biodegradable or reusable packaging is great, but if you’re not telling your customers that your packaging is recyclable or can be repurposed, your efforts may be wasted. It is up to you to clearly label your packaging and instruct your customers on how they can reuse or dispose of the materials. 

If you’re making efforts to become more environmentally friendly, don’t forget to shout about it! But you should avoid greenwashing. 

What is greenwashing? 

Greenwashing happens when a company or individual takes an all talk and no action approach when it comes to sustainability. Whether this be intentional or not, they mislead their customers by spending more time and money on talking about how sustainable they are, rather than putting things in place to minimise their impact on the environment.

Think about the materials

From the material of the packaging itself to the tape, adhesives, strapping and staples used, you should try to use packaging that not only fulfils its purpose but is sustainable. 

Size DOES matter (for packaging)

It’s true what they say… size does matter when it comes to the packaging you use. 

You don’t want to end up getting shamed on Twitter by an eco-warrior if you’ve sent a tiny product in a giant box. However, for some companies, buying and storing several different sizes of packaging isn’t feasible, so it is best to find two or three sizes that will work across your product range.

Find out how to package your product. 

Don’t forget about quality control

The quality of your package is just as important as the quality of your products. Replacing or refunding items that have been broken during transit takes time, can be costly and damaging for brand reputation. You need to make sure your product and the packaging it arrives in gets to its destination unscathed.  

A well-planned quality control process will help you remain compliant and reduce any errors. It can also help promote long-term sustainability as you’ll be ensuring your packaging is right the first time.

Speak to Titan Packaging today 

Sustainable packaging starts with business owners and managers. It’s up to you to make positive changes in your packaging process, and you can do so much more than just opt for green material. 

At Titan Packaging, we help our customers find local manufacturers, identify cost-effective, sustainable materials and improve their overall processes. 

We believe in giving our customers cost-effective and high-quality packaging that reflects a company’s brand values, has minimal impact on the environment and offers exceptional customer experience. 

If you want advice on how to effectively package your products and ensure the materials and processes you use are sustainable, get in touch with the packaging consultants at Titan today.

Packaging. It’s everywhere.

Whatever industry you work in, whether it’s eCommerce, manufacturing or retail, you will have come across some form of packaging at some point.

And with more and more people choosing to order products online, the eCommerce industry is proliferating and shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

Fuelled by the coronavirus pandemic, global eCommerce sales grew to $26.7 billion and made up 19% of all retail sales in 2020. And as more businesses (both B2B and B2C) offer online ordering, the need for packaging increases.

So, it’s no surprise that the eCommerce packaging market was valued at $27.04 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach $61.55 billion by 2026, at a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 14.59% in the next five years.

But what does this mean for your business?

Regardless of the industry or sector you work in, business owners and managers need to implement an efficient packaging process and packaging solutions that protect products during handling, travel and storage.

If you want to stand out from the competition, then it’s important that you don’t overlook other packaging functionalities that can offer great customer experience and marketing opportunities.

Your product packaging should be an extension of your brand. From that iconic blue Tiffany & Co box to Kikkoman’s sleek soy sauce bottle or Beauty Pie’s luxurious pink box and tissue paper, your packaging can play a key part in your product’s success.

Why is product packaging important?

Packaging is often the first thing people see when they’re introduced to your product. It communicates who you are as a company and your brand’s values.

In order to maintain repeat business and increase business, you need to consider the touchpoints you have with your customers, in order to set yourself apart from your competitors and craft the best experience possible – so why not do this at one of the first touch points?

What should product packaging do?

• Offer the best protection to your products.
• Attract potential customers.
• Give all the information necessary – this includes tracking
• information and an address when the product is being shipped, and information on how to use the product.
• Help you stand out from the competition – innovative designs, logos and copy all play a big part here.

Choosing the right packaging for your product

When it comes to choosing the right packaging for your product, there are a number of variables you should consider:

• The size and weight of the product
• The size, weight and shape of your product will determine the packaging and protection you need.
• Your packaging budget

Your packaging budget will determine the type of materials, designs and transportation available to you. For example, custom diecut self seal boxes filled with tissue paper will cost more than plain brown boxes.

Once you have a clear understanding of your average order size and your profit margins, you can design which packaging solution will be the most cost-effective and offer the most value to your customers.

Types of packaging and materials

With so many different types of packaging and materials available, there’s a lot to consider. You should opt for a material that will fair well during transportation. You could have the best design, but if the box turns up dented or broken, it can harm your brand’s reputation and customer experience.

Where plastic packaging is necessary you should consider using recycled plastic. It’s estimated that five million tonnes of plastic is used in the UK every year, and half of that is packaging. The UK is introducing a plastic tax to deal with this issue in April 2022, and it’s worth understanding how this may impact your business or how you can avoid it all together.

Find out more about sustainable packaging in our guide.

Design and branding
Your target audience should be at the forefront when you’re designing your packaging. The bright, colourful designs for an online fashion retailer won’t necessarily work for a B2B components supplier and vice versa.

The material you use should also echo your brand values. If you’ve positioned yourself as sustainable eco-warriors who strive to reduce your carbon footprint and impact on the environment, using non-recyclable plastics will not reflect this.

Optimise your packaging process

Time is money, and if your packaging process takes a long time to complete or you don’t have the right tools, you’ll be disappointing customers and losing business.

From incorporating tape dispensers, wrapping machines and strapping tools, to simply just reviewing your packaging process and packbenches to highlight inefficiencies, there are several ways to optimise the packaging process.

Get in touch with Titan Packaging today

Your packaging creates the first impression of your brand, so it is vital that you get this right. From the design to the materials used and the packaging process itself, every aspect is vital. Working this all out can be a real headache, so why not leave it to the experts, so that you can focus on other areas of your business?

Titan Packaging’s Logical service will help develop a packaging process that suits your business’s needs. From finding the best costs to contingency planning and managing designs, we’re here to help every step of the way.

At Titan Packaging our goal is simple. We believe in giving our customers cost-effective and high-quality packaging that reflects a company’s brand values, has minimal impact on the environment and offers exceptional customer experience. So, what are you waiting for?

Get in touch with Titan today.

Our recent photo shoot really was a new way to look at packaging! It was all about the detail, zooming in on the products we know so well to produce something a bit different.