The new EPR system holds producers accountable for the entire lifecycle of their packaging, from production to disposal. By encouraging businesses to reduce the environmental impact of their packaging, the EPR scheme aims to foster more sustainable practices and reduce waste.

In this blog, we’ll discuss the objectives of EPR, which businesses will be responsible for EPR fees, when the scheme kicks into action and the potential costs to your business. We’ll also outline three practical steps your business should be taking to prepare.

What is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulation

EPR is a new packaging regulation designed to shift the financial responsibility for waste management from local authorities to producers of packaging.

Businesses that handle packaging will now be required to cover the full costs of managing the waste they generate, rather than just a portion. This system incentivises businesses to adopt more eco-friendly packaging solutions and reduce the amount of material they place on the market.

The money raised is intended to be used to reform the way that household waste is collected and processed, improving recycling rates and reducing packaging waste.

Which businesses will be responsible to pay EPR fees

The EPR legislation will apply to businesses that supply or import packaging into the UK market. This doesn’t only include packaging companies who manufacture, sell or import packaging directly, but the companies who use packaging too.

Businesses who fall under the legislation are primarily providing goods and services where the packaging enters UK households. This includes brand owner packaging, packers and fillers placing goods into unbranded packaging, businesses who operate in online marketplaces and direct to consumer shops, and distributors of retail goods.

Fees will apply to companies who handle 50 tonnes or more of packaging and have a turnover of £2million or above.

Companies below this threshold will still be required to report their annual packaging use.

When does EPR legislation start?

Whilst the fees have been pushed out to late 2025, the responsibility of reporting packaging use is already live.  Companies should be logging their packaging usage for 2024 ready to report in early 2025. 

To comply businesses with need to be able to identify the portion of their packaging that is ultimately sent to UK households vs what is sent only other businesses. Both types of packaging will attract fees but those servicing the household market will be required to pay the most.

Penalties for non-compliance in packaging regulation schemes can be significant, ranging from fines to prosecution for serious breaches.  Therefore, it’s crucial for businesses to take immediate steps to assess their packaging, implement changes, and ensure they meet the new EPR requirements.

How much will EPR cost my business?

If your business falls within the category for EPR obligations, the costs will be dependent on the tonnage of material used.

In August 2024 the UK Government published illustrative fees by material type, whilst these fees have not been confirmed, they gave a lower, intermediate and higher projection of the costs that could be involved.

For example, the intermediate cost for each tonne of plastic used is projected at £515 per tonne.  So, if you use 15 tonnes of plastic, your end of year household cost will be £7,725 for this material alone.

The fees cover aluminium, fibre-based composites, plastic, paper or board, steel, wood, glass and other materials too. 

Three things your business should be doing to prepare for EPR legislation

We’ve pulled together three key tips to help you prepare for extended producer responsibility legislation:

1) Understand your packaging use and how the fees will apply to you: It’s important to understand what the impact will be to your business and whether you are eligible to pay the fees.  You can then devise a plan of attack to manage this additional cost.

Does your business supply packaging which will end up in UK households?

You need to understand:

• Which packaging lines are potentially going into UK households
• Which packaging lines are only going to other Businesses
• The weight and type of all packaging materials that you use

This will allow you to do a quick calculation of the impact to your business.  It also provides a framework for your packaging usage reporting.

Remember, you will need to submit detailed reports on the tonnage and material types on the packaging that you use.  You must maintain accurate records to demonstrate compliance and be ready for audit.

2) Switch to more environmentally friendly materials: EPR costs are calculated by material used, with materials which are more problematic being charged higher than easily recycled materials. By taking stock of the packs you are using and the materials they contain, you can devise a plan of attack to switch materials to more environmentally friendly choices.

3) Consider a packaging review to reduce your packaging weight: Reviewing your packaging SKUs may not sound like the most exciting way to spend your time so, consider a packaging review. A review can help to reduce packaging material use and packaging costs, as well as the overall packaging legislation fees to your business.

A packaging expert can review the products you are using and identify ways to take weight out of your packaging. If you are using 50 tonnes of packaging annually, you may be surprised by the impact that shaving a few grams off an individual pack can have on your total packaging weight and your future EPR fees.

How Macfarlane Packaging can help you with EPR legislation

Navigating the complexities of EPR and transitioning to more sustainable packaging materials, or reducing packaging weight, can be a challenge for businesses of all sizes.  Macfarlane Packaging is here to help you at every step of the journey. 

The Macfarlane Packaging Optimiser tool can calculate the potential cost of EPR to your business and help uncover areas of opportunity for savings. 

Our friendly packaging experts are on hand to conduct a packaging audit and advise on sustainable materials or opportunities for packaging weight reduction.

Why not contact us today to arrange a packaging audit for your business?

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Products that become loose and fall off your pallets during transit and storage can break, leading to increased costs and customer disappointment.

Palletised goods face not only physical damage from knocks and drops but also often need protection against moisture, dirt, dust or even rust, depending on the nature of your products. This blog article will offer 5 tips for palletising bulk deliveries to guarantee that your goods arrive in optimal condition.

We’ll explore the importance of effective palletisation, discuss common challenges and provide guidance on choosing the right pallet. We will also look at the significance of correct load distribution and selecting appropriate packing materials.

Understanding the importance of palletisation

Your goods may encounter various dangers during the shipping process. Ensuring they are properly secured to pallets is crucial for their protection on the way to the end user. The right palletisation can help in several ways:

• Preventing damage – Goods that are not securely palletised may become loose during shipping and storage, potentially leading to damage or causing injuries
• Protecting against moisture and dust – if you are transporting liquid products or your goods are exposed to wet conditions, proper palletisation is essential to protect them when encountering elements, such as moisture and water as well as spills and contamination
• Reducing additional costs – when goods arrive damaged, this often means they will have to be replaced and shipped again, which incurs additional shipping costs and the expenses associated with issuing new items. There are also hidden costs to consider, including labour, administrative tasks, damaged reputation and extra carbon dioxide emissions
• Preventing scratches – Choosing the right materials for palletising your goods ensures they are protected against scratches and chips
• Ensuring happy customers – products that arrive well-presented, damage-free will make a good impression on you customers, Even more so when they don’t have to deal with excess packaging. Good experience may lead to repeat orders and building a strong reputation, resulting in new customers

Common challenges in bulk deliveries

When it comes to bulk deliveries, understanding the nature of your products, including their size and weight, is crucial. This knowledge helps in selecting the appropriate pallet and wrapping materials to ensure the safe delivery of your goods.

Some common challenges in bulk deliveries include:

• Choosing the right type of pallet – This involves selecting a pallet that suits the type, dimensions, and weight of your goods
• Deciding on the most appropriate wrapping material – It’s important to choose a wrapping material that provides adequate protection throughout the supply chain
• Understanding the best methods to secure bulky or oddly shaped goods – Securing bulky or oddly shaped goods can be challenging, but it’s essential to ensure they are held securely
• Preventing accidents and ensuring adequate staff training – Providing a safe and consistent approach to pallet wrapping is crucial, especially when dealing with seasonal staff or when there is a high turnover of staff
• Protecting goods against adverse weather conditions – It’s important to safeguard your goods from adverse weather conditions to prevent damage and contamination.

Our tips for palletising bulk deliveries

Tip 1: Assess your product type

Review the size, weight and fragility of your products and consider the conditions they will be transported in. This will help ensure you select the appropriate pallet type and size and choose the right packing materials for the job.

Tip 2: Choose the right pallet

The ideal pallet type depends on their nature of your goods and your specific shipping needs. There are various pallet types available, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages, including:

• Wooden pallets – Popular for their availability, affordability and durability, this type of pallet is suitable for a broad range of products and industries
• Plastic pallets – Offering superior hygiene, they are perfect for applications requiring a clean and contamination-free environment. Ideal for shipping pharmaceuticals, medicines, food and beverages
• Presswood pallets – A type of wooden pallet designed for easy stacking, offering space savings while still being able to hold significant weight
• Corrugated cardboard pallets – A lighter pallet alternative capable of holding up to 750kg without the need for heat treatments. This makes them ideal for those wanting to reduce the overall weight of their shipments 
• Metal pallets – Renowned for their strength and durability, they are best suited for heavy-duty applications

For more information about different pallets type and how to choose the right size, read The Ultimate Guide to Pallets and Pallet Sizes.

Tip 3: Optimise load distribution

Ensure your load is stable and its weight is equally distributed across your pallet to optimise product safety. This will help prevent your load from tipping over and collapsing during shipping and storage. Place heavy items at the bottom and lighter on top.

Be cautious not to overload your pallets, as this can strain the packing materials and affect load stability. Always check the weight and load capacity of your pallets and wrapping materials, ensuring you do not exceed recommended limits.

Tip 4: Use appropriate packaging materials

Selecting the appropriate packaging materials is crucial for ensuring the safe delivery of pallets during bulk shipping.

Pallet wraps, such as stretch wrap and shrink wrap are the perfect packing materials to secure your palletised goods. They keep your products in place, offering a safe and tight hold while providing protection against scratches, spills, water and dust exposure. There are different types available, suitable for different product types and applications.

Stretch wrap can be applied manually or with the help of a specialised machine. For instance, the Wrapplicator, an innovative handheld stretch wrap dispenser, simplifies the pallet wrapping process, making it easier and more efficient.

For larger volumes, turntable stretch wrap machines can accelerate your packing operation while ensuring you use only the necessary amount of packing material to protect your goods.

To find out more about different stretch wrap types and uses, read our essential guide to stretch film. Alternatively, if you are interested in shrink films, you fill find more information here: a guide to polythene and shrink film.

You may also want to consider using corner protectors and dunnage to provide additional cushioning and protection for your palletised loads.

Tip 5: Label your pallets for easy identification

Once your pallets are suitably protected, make sure you label your shipments correctly to ensure easy warehouse management and identification of your pallets. It’s a good idea to use clear, quality labels and include information such as product type, quantity and any special handling instructions.

Help with pallet shipping

At Macfarlane Packaging, we offer an extensive selection of protective packaging materials, including various types of pallets, stretch wrap, shrink wrap, corner protectors and more.

We can also provide manual, semi-automatic and fully automatic packaging machines to streamline and optimise your packing process. Contact us today to discuss your specific needs. Our team is here to help you select the most suitable packaging solutions for your unique packaging requirements.

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The online butchers market are set to rise too, with a predicted market share of 11.2% by 2027, which will account for £1 in every £9 spent on grocery.

We’re not just feeding ourselves well. The UK dog food market was valued at an impressive £1.84 billion in 2023. Home deliveries for dog food are becoming increasingly common.

The growth in these sectors relies on one key factor – temperature controlled packaging, which helps to ensure these products are delivered fresh and safe to eat.

Proper packaging is essential for transporting products that require a controlled temperature environment. Whether you are delivering pharmaceuticals, perishable foods, or other temperature-sensitive items, following the right procedures ensures your products reach their destination in optimal condition.

In this blog we’ll explore the different types of cold chain packaging solutions available as well as provide some tips on how to pack your products.

What is temperature controlled packaging?

Temperature controlled packaging (TCP), also known as thermal or chilled packaging, is designed to maintain a specific temperature range for perishable goods throughout the supply chain. Whether shipping fresh, chilled, or frozen foods temperature controlled packaging helps ensure that items remain in peak condition during transit.

A typical temperature controlled packaging solution consists of an outer cardboard box, an insulating liner, and a coolant such as ice packs or gel packs. These elements work together to maintain the required temperature, protecting the contents from spoilage or degradation.

Which services need chilled packaging?

Chilled packaging is most obviously used for food. Meal kits, fresh meat, and dairy products all require controlled temperatures to stay fresh during delivery. Beyond food, chilled packaging is also crucial for the safe delivery of pharmaceuticals.

Key sectors that benefit from temperature controlled packaging include:

Cold chain airfreight: For transporting perishable goods globally, ensuring they stay at the correct temperature throughout their journey.

Perishable goods delivery: For foods, pharmaceuticals, and medical supplies, where precise temperature control is critical from the warehouse to the customer.

Bulk cold chain stock movement: For moving large quantities of perishable products, such as produce or seafood, through the supply chain.

What are the best packaging products to ship temperature-sensitive goods?

There are three main types of packaging in thermal solutions:

Boxes and liners: These shipping packs include an outer cardboard box and thermal liners. Used with the appropriate coolant, they are ideal for shipping frozen, chilled, or ambient goods. Some examples include:

• RecycoolMe: A sustainable solution made from recyclable paper-based liners.
• CooliMate®: Consists of a double-wall carton and metallised bubble liners, maintaining temperatures of 2-8°C for up to 48 hours.
• Coolants: To maintain temperature during shipping, you need coolants that suit the type of product you’re sending. Options include:
• Ice sheets: Available in multiple sizes, these provide clean and safe cooling.
• Gel packs: Contain highly purified water and maintain a stable shape when frozen, ideal for chilled products.
• Sorbatek: Designed for longer temperature control, particularly suited for shipping seafood.
• Bulk solutions: If you’re shipping large quantities of temperature-sensitive goods, bulk options like insulated pallet boxes, thermal pallet covers, and roll cage covers are available. For example:
• CooliMate® pallet boxes: Easy to assemble and perfect for bulk shipments.
• Breathable air cargo covers: Protect perishable goods in air cargo from temperature fluctuations, moisture, and contaminants.

How to pack chilled foods for transport

Perishable goods will often pass through multiple warehouses and vehicles, so maintaining temperature throughout the journey is crucial. Follow these steps for best results:

Prepare your packaging materials: Pre-assemble the outer boxes and liners before bringing products out of cold storage. Have your coolant, tape, and other materials ready to minimise the time your products spend outside refrigeration.

Limit exposure to warm air: Products should be outside of cold storage for no more than 20–30 minutes before being packed. Extended exposure to room temperature can cause your products to warm the coolant, reducing its effectiveness and cutting transit time.

Use proper coolant placement: Place coolants (ice sheets or gel packs) at the top of the package, as cool air naturally moves downward. This ensures your products remain at the desired temperature throughout transit.

Fill voids for insulation: Any gaps between items should be filled with a suitable void filler to prevent movement and provide additional insulation.

Choose the right coolant for your product:

• For goods to arrive ambient, use ice sheets conditioned to around 20°C.
• For goods to arrive chilled, gel packs or ice sheets are suitable.
• For goods to arrive soft frozen, use duration ice sheets or gel packs.
• For goods to remain frozen, dry ice is necessary.

Keep parcels in cold storage until dispatch: To maximise the effectiveness of your temperature controlled packaging, store your packed parcels in a refrigerated or freezer environment until the delivery vehicle is ready for loading.

Choosing the right chilled packaging solution

In today’s competitive market, effective temperature controlled packaging is essential for businesses shipping perishable goods like meal kits, fresh meat, and raw pet foods. With a variety of packaging options available, from eco-friendly boxes to advanced coolants, companies can find tailored solutions to meet their specific needs. By carefully selecting and packing your products, you can ensure that your temperature-sensitive goods stay fresh and safe throughout their journey to the customer.

For more information on choosing the right solution for your business, contact us today or download our full temperature controlled packaging guide.

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By changing how you package items and improving your packing methods, you can save money and make your supply chain more efficient.

This blog post explores how increasing business costs affect companies and how optimising packaging can help reduce these expenses. We’ll also consider strategies for successful implementation.

Understanding the impact of rising business costs

Today, businesses are facing tough economic challenges. They are dealing with more competition and changing markets and costs are rising. These factors are causing financial instability in all industries.

Factors such as inflation, changing consumer behaviour and legislative changes are contributing to increased costs. Higher energy prices are increasing raw material costs, while labour costs are rising faster than the cost of products. This is contributing to labour shortages in the UK as businesses struggle to keep salaries competitive.

When it comes to overall business expenses, the cost of packaging plays a significant role. It’s an essential component of product delivery and protection, and where inefficient packaging processes can contribute to higher packing costs.  By optimising packaging processes, businesses can reduce expenses, enhance operational efficiency and improve their bottom line.

What is packaging optimisation?

Packaging optimisation improves design, reduces material use and enhances efficiency in the packaging supply chain to minimise environmental impact.

The right packaging solutions save time by speeding up the packaging process, as well as improve the utilisation of storage space on site. This can ultimately lower costs for labour, warehousing and shipping.

How packaging optimisation can deliver cost savings

Efficient packaging is crucial for businesses looking to gain a competitive edge. It has an impact right across the supply chain, including:

• Material reduction: By using the right type and size of packaging for your products, you can significantly reduce the amount of materials needed and reduce your packaging costs.
• Packaging taxation: By reducing material use, you will also reduce the amount of taxation paid on packaging usage on schemes such as PRN (Packaging waste Recovery Notes) and the forthcoming EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) scheme where packaging enters UK households. By switching to recycled content plastics, you can also remove the additional costs of PPT (Plastic Packaging Tax).
• Labour cost: The right pack design and packaging automation can help your team to work smarter and faster, removing the need for temporary staff at peak times and allowing you to move team members to more productive tasks.
• Reducing shipping costs: Optimised packaging can improve parcel cubage, allowing you to fit more shipments on a pallet / courier vehicle to maximise payload and reduce the cost of delivery.
• Reduced product damage: The right packaging should deliver high levels of product protection, particularly for fragile items. This will reduce the incidence of damaged products, product waste, write-off and disposal costs as well as double order handing.

Packaging optimisation also has a positive impact on your business sustainability goals by reducing material use, moving to improved pack recyclability and lowering the number of delivery vehicle runs. This can support supply chain accreditations, reduce carbon emissions and help you to hit those ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) goals.

Strategies for packaging optimisation

So, now we understand the advantages of packaging optimisation, what strategies can you implement to deliver significant savings through the supply chain?

Here are some key strategies to consider:

Using lightweight yet durable materials

One effective way to reduce the cost of packaging is by using lightweight materials that still offer durability and protection. There may be options to switch to a different corrugate fluting in a cardboard box for example, or a lighter gauge stretch wrap. But it’s important to strike the right balance of material and not compromise the safety of your products. By hitting the sweet spot of weight and strength, companies can optimise packaging while keeping expenses in check.

Redesigning packaging

When did you last review the types of packaging you’re using and how it performs? Often, little consideration is given to the packaging and its simply reordered time after time because “it’s always been used”. Think about ways to make the pack better by choosing designs that are faster to pack, use less material, and require less storage space. Smart packaging designs can all have a positive impact on cost across your operation.

Customising pack sizes to fit product dimensions

Another strategy to be cost effective is by customising pack sizes to fit products more efficiently. By eliminating excessive void spaces with a range of box sizes, businesses can minimise the amount of packaging material required and reduce shipping costs. Customised packaging not only saves money but also enhances the customer experience by ensuring products arrive in perfect condition.

Implementing automation in packaging processes

Automation can greatly improve the efficiency of packaging operations, leading to cost savings in the long run. By automating tasks such as filling, sealing and labelling, businesses can streamline their packaging processes, reduce errors and increase productivity. This not only helps combat rising costs but also allows employees to focus on more value-added tasks.

Reviewing how you order packaging

Optimisation also includes looking at the packaging procurement process. Do you order in bulk to get the best price, but then find you have racking full of packaging? Keeping excess inventory takes up space and ties up cash flow. This means packaging is bought but not needed, sitting unused for months. 

Consider a stock and drip (or JIT) option, where packaging is delivered in smaller quantities and only as you need it. This not only improves cashflow but also has the potential to unlock space in your warehouse for more product to sell at peak times or, even increase production space.

What factors should we consider when optimising packaging?

When improving packaging, think about:

• The size and weight of the product being packed
• How fragile it is
• Storage and transportation needs
• Any relevant industry rules or guidelines

The primary purpose of packaging is to protect your products and deliver them to their destination in pristine condition. Packaging optimisation should not compromise the safety or security of your products.

How Macfarlane Packaging can help

Macfarlane Packaging offers a range of innovative solutions to help businesses rethink their packaging and reduce operational cost.

We offer a free packaging review to support you to use less packaging and improve pack recyclability. We can speed up your packing time and help you to fit more products on your delivery vehicles.

We can also help you to prepare for the forthcoming EPR taxation to minimise the cost on your business.

Why not contact us today?

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If you’re an online retailer, the packaging you use can be a make-or-break factor in the success of your Black Friday operation.

In this article, we’ll look at exploring Black Friday, the critical role played by packaging and 10 tips to help get your packaging Black Friday ready.

Understanding Black Friday

What is Black Friday?

Black Friday is the Friday after Thanksgiving in the United States. Traditionally, huge sales are held that mark the start of the Christmas shopping season. The term “Black Friday” has been associated with retailers since the 1950s, with the practice of Black Friday sales cementing themselves in the 1980s. The retail sale moniker is inspired by the fact that many retailers saw it as a pivotal day in the year when their operations became profitable – going from being “in the red” to being “in the black”.  

Since the 1990s, these discounted sales have taken place both offline and online.

The tradition has migrated across the pond to the UK and Ireland, and Black Friday now represents the peak season for retailers. Sales often start days or weeks in advance and extend to Cyber Monday, traditionally the Monday after Thanksgiving.  Some retailers now call this “Black Friday Week”.

The importance of Black Friday in UK retail

So, how significant is Black Friday in UK retail?

According to Mintel, in 2023, total sales during Black Friday were an estimated £13.3billion. To put this in context, in a single day, it accounted for just over 3% of all UK retail sales during 2023!

The IMRG highlights that this is one of the key selling points of the year for online retailers, with 81% of retailers reporting they make more revenue when they hold longer sale periods.

In essence, all these facts highlight the importance of Black Friday in UK retail. Therefore, it’s critical for retailers to streamline Black Friday or peak operations to achieve peak success.

How packaging plays a role in Black Friday

If you’re an online retailer, the packaging you use plays a critical role in successfully shipping your products to consumers. On the surface, packaging’s primary purpose is to get goods from A to B – a no-brainer, right?

In fact, packaging can impact so many touchpoints in your supply chain, it can influence everything from product damages and returns through to efficient dispatch, storage and even your courier fees and labour costs.

Packaging that’s difficult to assemble will slow down throughput (particularly if you’ve got temporary staff). If you’re keeping too much packaging stock in your warehouse, you could be wasting valuable space to store your product. Packing materials that are too big or too small for your products? You could be facing increased returns, reverse logistics costs and costly replacements.

Simply put, the packaging materials you use and the packing process you employ can drastically impact the success of your Black Friday operations.

With this in mind, how can you get your packaging Black Friday ready?

10 tips to prepare your Black Friday packaging

1. Review packaging forecasts

Preparing what packaging you need, as early as possible, is a high priority.

Assess your current packaging supplies and identify what you’ll need to meet the expected demand. Preparing forecasts now will help you ensure continuity of supply throughout the busy season.

2. Pre-order your Black Friday packaging  

Running out of packaging materials on Black Friday can lead to delays and disappointed customers. Once you’ve got your stock forecast, you can pre-order your packaging essentials like postal boxes, packing tapes and void fill.

Ordering in bulk can offer cost savings, and early ordering can help you avoid longer supply lead times that will come into play as demand increases closer to peak. However, you might not want to have all your packaging materials in one go. Taking advantage of a stock and drip service or  Just-In-Time (JIT) production can help you minimise stockholding, save space and protect cash flow.

3. Optimise your packaging processes

Reviewing your current packaging process can help identify inefficiencies and bottlenecks.

This can include an end-to-end view from picking through to pack bench organisation and how packaging is assembled and then sent on to dispatch. Even small adjustments can significantly speed up your packing process. For example, you can use a “water-spider” method to re-stock packing benches. This is where one member of your team replenishes workstations, so packing operatives do not need downtime to fetch additional packing materials.

If dispensing packaging speedily is an issue, you could also consider installing some quick packaging automation solutions for further productivity gains.

4. Check the quality of your packaging materials

Is your packaging optimised?

Quality packaging that is fit for purpose is vital to protect your products and provide operational efficiency. Ask yourself:

• Is the packaging quick and easy to assemble?
• Is the packaging too big or too small for any products?
• Does your packaging meet with any regulations, size or cubage requirements for your couriers?
• Does your packaging reflect your brand?
• Does the packaging provide sufficient protection?
• Do customers ever complain packaging is wasteful?
• Can the packaging be recycled?

Choosing robust, high-quality packaging materials that fulfil these criteria can help your overall efficiency and cost-effectiveness. A packaging review or using a tool like our Packaging Optimiser can help you assess your packaging quality.

5. Consider custom packaging for maximum impact

Not all packaging is made the same.

Opting for custom packaging for Black Friday can tailor a packaging solution to your exact requirements. This can be ensuring it’s the right size for your products or branding it so you stand out from the competition.

For example, branded boxes, tape, or even printed tissue paper can enhance the unboxing experience for your customers. This not only adds a personal touch but also helps increase brand recognition.

6. Preparing for returns

In an ideal world, your Black Friday deliveries will all get there in one piece and not be returned. However, there is a big trend among consumers for returning items, even when they’re not damaged. On top of this, the peak season means more packages in the courier networks, increased pressure and often, increased damages.

Make sure your return process is as smooth as your delivery process. Using packaging that is easy to return is helpful and more sustainable. A mailing bag or shipping box with an extra peel and stick strip, is an easy way to facilitate a hassle-free returns.

7. Assess if your Black Friday packaging is eco-friendly

How easy your packaging is to recycle can impact your end-customer experience.

Consumers are increasingly eco-conscious, with 20% reporting that they will not buy from a retailer who uses non-sustainable packaging. Therefore, assessing if your Black Friday packaging is eco-friendly is a good way to prepare. Providing clear recycling instructions can also reduce waste and lower your environmental impact.

8. Train your team for packaging success

Your packing team plays a crucial role in ensuring orders are packed efficiently and accurately.

Providing refresher training to permanent colleagues and packing guidelines to temporary staff can lead to packaging success. Using the right materials and processes will reduce waste, lower pack times and help you get more shipments out the door.

9. Test your Black Friday packaging

Before the big day, test your packaging solutions to ensure they perform well under pressure.

Pack and ship a few trial orders to check that your postal boxes, mailing bags and void fill are up to the task. This can help you identify any potential issues before they impact your customers.

Another great way to do this is to perform some “mystery shopping” orders to see how your packaging fares during courier networks.

10. Plan for the unexpected

Even with the best preparation, unexpected challenges can arise.

Putting a contingency plan in place to deal with potential issues, such as running out of packaging materials, can help mitigate risks. For example, if you use custom packaging, it might work to assess if a packaging supplier’s stock range has similar sizes so you can order them in an emergency.

Support getting your packaging Black Friday ready

Black Friday is an exciting but demanding time. Getting your packaging Black Friday ready can help you enjoy a successful peak period.

At Macfarlane Packaging, our team of experts are here to help you prepare your packaging for peak. From our Innovation Labs which can provide e-pass testing and packaging design through to our account managers, who can work with you on stock forecasts and offer packaging reviews, Macfarlane Packaging has got you covered. Get in touch today.

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Last year, 8.8 million wine bottles were sold in the UK, marking a 10% increase from the previous year. This represents a continuous growth trend over the past five years, with no signs of slowing down.

As many customers opt for online shopping due to its convenience and ease, ensuring that your bottles arrive in perfect condition is crucial.

This blog post looks at why bottle packaging is important, examines various options available and provides advice on selecting the right bottle packaging for your products.

The importance of bottle packaging

The right packing materials protect your bottles from damage and ensure your customers can fully enjoy their gifts.

When any product arrives damaged, online retailers need to think about:

• The cost of product replacement
• The damage to your brand’s reputation and the customer’s experience
• The expense and hassle of reverse or replacement logistics
• The environmental cost, as the carbon footprint of transactions increases when products need to be replaced

All this adds to your operating costs and can greatly influence how customers view your brand and whether they will buy from you again. Therefore, it is essential to select the appropriate bottle packaging to fulfil its purpose.

Types of bottle packaging available

The choice of the right bottle packaging can vary based on various factors. Below are a few options available.

1. Airsac® inflatable bottle packaging

Airsac is an innovative, inflatable packaging solution, made of 2% film and 98% air. It is supplied flat and inflated on demand. This makes it a great lightweight, storage saving alternative to traditional bottle packing methods, like polystyrene and bubble wrap.

It is suitable for transporting one, two, three, six or 12 / 70cl wine bottles. Customers can purchase the bags individually or in combination with an outer cardboard box for a comprehensive packaging solution.

A hand pump or air compressor is necessary to inflate the bags and there are automated inflation options available for high-demand environments. Airsac bottle packaging contains 50% recycled content and the inflatable bags can be recycled at large supermarkets.

2. Flexi-Hex® bottle packaging

Flexi-Hex is an excellent, paper-based bottle packaging solution. It features a unique honeycomb design that expands to snuggly fit around bottes for exceptional transit protection.

This eco-friendly bottle packaging choice is completely kerbside recyclable, made from up to 85% recycled content and renewable paper material.

You can choose from one, two and three bottle options for online retail that include the sleeves and shipping boxes, as well as single bottle gift packs.  

3. Cardboard bottle boxes with dividers

Cardboard bottle packaging, such as bottle boxes with dividers, are widely available as an “off-the-shelf” solution or can be tailored to fit your specific needs.

You can choose from single bottle boxes or packages designed for cases containing six or twelve bottles if you are selecting from stock items. All cardboard bottle packaging is kerbside recyclable, which is good for the environment. However, it’s important to ensure the bottle box you choose can support the weight and dimensions of your products to prevent damage during shipping.

4. UPS approved spirit packs

UPS approved spirits packaging is a bottle packaging solution created by Macfarlane Packaging in collaboration with UPS and Sealed Air.

It is available in four distinct styles, catering to a variety of spirit bottle shapes and sizes. This includes a traditional bottle pack designed to provide an ideal fit for shipping wine bottles. Each pack features an outer cardboard box with a Korrvu insert that securely holds the bottle in place, offering a good transit protection for breakable goods.

5. Polystyrene bottle packs

Moulded polystyrene is a traditional bottle packaging option, offering a high level of transit protection. It’s widely available to transport wine in packs for one, two or three bottles with peace of mind.

Polystyrene bottle packs can be quite hard to dispose of, which may lead to a negative customer experience and increased packaging waste. Additionally, this type of bottle packaging requires a significant amount of storage space. The extra bulk can also affect your shipping and courier costs, as the dimensions and weight of your parcels may be larger. This, in turn, can lead to higher CO₂ emissions during transit.

6. Moulded pulp packs

Made from paper pulp fibres, moulded pulp bottle packaging is an environmentally friendly, biodegradable alternative to polystyrene bottle packs.

It can be manufactured as endcaps to fit the top and bottom of a bottle or tailored to a specific bottle format.

This solution is easy and straightforward to pack, however, doesn’t provide as much protection as some of the other bottle packaging we’ve mentioned before. It can also be bulkier to store.

Choosing the right bottle packaging for your business

The bottle packaging you need will depend on several factors, including:

• How many bottles you send in each shipment
• The size of your bottles
• The weight of your bottles
• How damage prone your bottes are
• If your bottles are going in multi-pick packs  
• The storage space available in your packing area or warehouse
• How important the environmental credentials of your packaging are to your customers (and your own environmental impact goals)

Take a look at this concise bottle packaging comparison guide to find the most suitable bottle packaging option for your products, budget and requirements.

Support with bottle packaging

If you are unsure which bottle packaging solution is right for your products or would like to discuss your specific requirements, get in touch today.

Our team of friendly packaging experts, armed with extensive knowledge and a wide range of bottle packaging options, is here to help you find the perfect solution for your business needs.

The post How to pack wine bottles appeared first on Macfarlane Packaging.

We all know the humble cardboard box, but it isn’t the only packaging product we see on a (often) daily basis. There are many options; finding suitable styles to protect your products can be confusing.

In the blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know! From helping you choose the right solution and exploring the most popular products, you’ll be able to find the right postal packaging solution for your business easily.

What is postal packaging?

As the name suggests, its primary use is to protect products through transit. You’ll see this type of packaging used by e-commerce retailers, as the name can encompass many different styles. For example, postal tubes, mailing bags and cardboard envelopes are all types of postal packaging.

Choosing the right postal solution for you

The best postal packaging solution for your products depends on several factors. Below is a handy overview of the main types and their applications to assist you in making an informed decision:

• Bubble envelopes – If you’re shipping small items that require lightweight protection, bubble envelopes are an ideal postal packaging option. Many bubble envelopes come in letterboxable sizes, so they’re ideal if you’re looking for packing materials that fit Royal Mail postage formats.
• Plastic mailing bags – Perfect for posting items that don’t need heavy-duty protection. A popular choice for fashion and clothing brands. They’re also a waterproof option!
• Paper mailing bags  – Paper mailing bags are a recyclable alternative to traditional plastic mailing bags and can be used for similar applications. They come with a self-seal strip for easy closure.
• Postal boxes – Our postal boxes are suitable for items that meet Royal Mail small parcel guidelines. They are an eco-friendly postal packaging option that contains high recycled content and can be recycled.

Products

We offer a wide range of postal products to meet your shipping needs. Our postal products are suitable for many purposes and are available in various sizes, shapes, and styles to suit your needs – for any industry.

Below you will see a small range of what we offer, but if you want a specific type, please contact us today!

• Paper Padded Envelopes – provides excellent product protection. It is made from 100% recycled paper and recyclable. Offers a convenient tear strip for simple and clean opening, along with a peel-and-seal closure.
• Enviroflute – Enviroflute is an alternative to the traditional bulky padded mailers made from FSC paper and offers the same level of protection via a patented internal design.
• Postal Wraps – Wraps fit tightly around flat items and require no additional wrapping or packaging. No packing tape is needed for assembly, but taping your postal packs before mailing gives added security.
• Postal Envelopes – Postal Envelopes are fitted with a peel-and-seal closure. Items are delivered flat-packed and are available in various sizes.
• eCommerce Crash-Lock – These boxes are quick to erect and fast to pack. The smart base pops open for easy assembly, eliminating the need for tape. The boxes feature an easy-to-open tear strip for a better customer experience and a self-seal strip for faster packing.

Best practices for packing and shipping

Following best practices when packing and shipping your items is essential to ensure they arrive safely and securely. Here are some tips to help you pack your items effectively:

1. Choose the right packaging materials: Select sturdy boxes or padded envelopes suitable for the size and weight of your items. Use product protection like paper or bubble wrap for cushioning.
2. Wrap items individually: If you’re shipping delicate items, wrap each item separately to prevent scratching or damage during transit. Use tissue paper, bubble wrap, or protective sleeves to safeguard delicate surfaces.
3. Seal packages properly: Use strong packing tape to seal all seams and edges of your packages. Reinforce corners and seams to prevent accidental openings during handling and transportation. Plastic and paper tape are both strong but offer different benefits, discover more about the right tape for your business here.
4. Label and address parcels correctly: Ensure your parcels are clearly labelled with the recipient’s address and your return address. Document wallets securely adheres to the parcel and makes the desired information legible.
5. Follow postal regulations: Familiarise yourself with postal regulations and guidelines for packing and shipping. This includes restrictions on prohibited items, size and weight limits, and proper packaging requirements, especially if your shipping outside the UK as rules may differ.

By adhering to these best practices, you can pack and ship your items with confidence, knowing they will be well-protected during transit.

Postal Automation

As e-commerce continues to grow, businesses are handling more packages than ever before. This increase in volume can make packaging application a time-consuming and costly part of the shipping process. Postal automation offers a solution, streamlining packaging tasks to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance overall productivity.

Benefits of packaging automation

• Increased efficiency: Automated systems can handle repetitive tasks much faster than warehouse operatives, freeing up your staff to focus on more strategic activities.
• Cost savings: By reducing manual labour, businesses can lower labour costs and minimise material waste through more precise packaging processes.
• Consistency and quality: Automated machines provide a uniform level of quality, reducing the risk of errors and ensuring that every package is securely and properly packed.
• Scalability: automation allows businesses to scale their operations quickly in response to demand spikes, such as during holiday seasons, without the need for temporary labour.

Common questions about postal packaging

Below we have listed some popular questions about postal packaging, but if you have any more queries that are not listed, our team of experts will be happy to help you.

Which postal packaging solution do I need?

The type of postal packaging you’ll need to ship your goods will depend on how big, heavy and fragile they are.

For example, if you’re shipping lightweight posters that could easily tear, consider postal tubes. Alternatively, if you’re shipping wine, beer or spirits, choose durable bottle packaging to provide protection in transit.

Our team can help you choose the best postal packaging, get in touch to ask for expert advice.

Is it okay to use branded boxes for shipping?

Yes, branded packaging is a great choice if you want to give your customers a better experience or provide enhanced protection for high-value products.

If you’re looking for custom printing options, we’ve got you covered! We offer a range of sizes and printing options to fit your needs. Plus, you can customise the packaging to your exact specifications – from the shape and size of the package to the style, colour, material, and coating.

Where can I buy postal packaging?

Whether you are looking for a postal envelope, a postal box, a postal wrap, a mailing bag, or a postal tube, Macfarlane Packaging offers a wide selection of postal packaging solutions to suit your shipping requirements.

Our products are available in a variety of sizes and styles, so you’re sure to find the perfect packaging for your products. You can order your postal product directly from our online store, or get in touch with our friendly team to discuss your options.

The post An updated guide to postal packaging appeared first on Macfarlane Packaging.

Before Christmas, consumer orders increase significantly. This increase in orders puts a lot of pressure on logistics teams and packing operations.

In this blog we’re going to look at three ways the right packaging and packaging equipment can help get your warehouse peak season ready.

What is peak season?

The busiest time for retail in the UK is peak season, which lasts from November to January. This is because of events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Christmas, and the January sales, which drive a surge in customer orders.

The higher demand can greatly affect the supply chain. Logistics teams will need to handle more stock, manage complicated inventory, and make sure orders are fulfilled on time. Increased order volumes can lead to bottlenecks in picking, packing, and shipping processes, potentially delaying deliveries and affecting customer satisfaction. Operational agility is key to respond to fluctuations in demand.

How to prepare for peak season?

Preparing for peak season is about managing increased sales and ensuring a seamless, efficient supply chain that can handle the pressure and deliver exceptional service.

So, how can you get your warehouse ready for peak?

Identifying common bottlenecks

The first thing you should do is try and identify and common bottlenecks.  This can be pivotal in maintaining your warehouse efficiency.

Key metrics to help you review pressure points are:

• Picking accuracy – Miss-picks can be a sign that something isn’t working or that capacity is being outstripped by demand.
• Packing times – During high-pressure times, packing times can be a bottleneck if processes aren’t efficient and packing materials aren’t easy.
• Dispatch lead times – Slower dispatch times can signify that current processes need to change to help meet demand spikes.
• Damages – An increase in damages can be an indicator that packing isn’t being completed properly or that the packing materials being used aren’t sufficient.

Once you’ve considered bottlenecks, you should think about the packaging materials you’re going to use during peak.

Optimising packaging for peak season

Efficient packaging is a cornerstone of successful peak season operations. The right pack can help you pack goods faster, keeping your production line moving smoothly and quickly, so you can deliver them on time! Here’s how optimised packaging can impact your operation:

• Reduce damages and returns – By ensuring you have the right packaging protection. This can minimise the need for double picking and delivering orders (reducing overall cost and sustainability).
• Improve parcel cubage – This will increase the number of goods that can ship on a single vehicle and optimise your vehicle delivery capacity. Reducing the size of parcels can prevent the necessity for additional void fill. This can help in saving materials, cutting costs, and decreasing your carbon footprint.
• Improve sustainability – For example, switching to recycled content materials and improving recyclability, can all have a positive impact on supply chain sustainability.
• Improve storage space – Consider the storage footprint of your packaging solution, a rethink in design could improve palletisation and reduce the number of pallets held on site.  It may also be worth looking at how your packaging is delivered. Buying in bulk for the best price can tie up space that could be used for additional sales stock during busy times. Discuss with your supplier the option to make frequent small deliveries, which can help reduce the need for large storage space.

A packaging review can help you to identify the right packaging for your products, to speed up packing time, improve parcel cubage and reduce damages.

Standardise your packing process

Standardising your packing process can improve efficiency and help maintain packing consistency. Here are 3 ways to help you improve your packing process:

Review – the current packaging that you are using and identify opportunities to reduce the amount of time it takes to pack out. For example, switching from a standard 0201 shipper to a crash lock base box that pops into shape, can significantly reduce the time needed to assemble the pack.

Develop – clear packing guidelines for your team. These should include instructions on how to pack different types of products, when void fill materials should be used, and techniques for sealing completed packs. Frequent training ensures that packaging is applied in the right way, driving consistency in the amount of packaging material used and reducing the potential for damage in transit.

Consolidate – the packaging your team needs in one place. A dedicated packing station, equipped with everything they need, will reduce the time spent searching for the appropriate packaging materials and keep the packing process organised.

Streamlining warehouse operations

To keep up with spikes in demand it’s essential that your warehouse operations are efficient and effective. Consider the workflow of space and look for opportunities to strategically place popular products and packaging for easy access. This will help to minimise unnecessary movement and maximise productivity.

A well-organised warehouse with no obstacles is essential for a smooth operation. A layout should be considered, following the flow of picking, packing and dispatch.

Here are some quick fixes that you could put in place to solve some common warehouse issues.

• Increase storage for seasonal stock with temporary shelving or pick bins to help keep stock off the warehouse floor, this will protect staff from trips and falls as well as protecting product from damage. It also makes products easier to find!
• Clear labelling of products on shelving and pick bins will help to reduce the incidence of mispicks.
• Keep litter and debris to a minimum with strategically placed rack and packing station sacks. Quick and easy to install, they will provide a space to dispose of waste and keep the warehouse tidy.
• Utilise packing stations to improve warehouse flow, a well organised pack bench will support faster packing times. Consider a customised option which can incorporate shelving, separators, fixed roll holders and dispensers. This puts everything needed to pack out orders at the operators’ fingertips. It’s worth noting here that anti-fatigue matting should be used at pack benches, especially if you have hard concrete floors. These mats ease the pressure on feet and legs and reduce fatigue from standing for long periods of time.
• Automate repetitive tasks where possible. Large scale packaging automation will be a challenge to implement so close to peak season but, you can still consider “plug and play” systems like electronic tape dispensers and automated void fill systems to speed up packing times and reduce operator pack touches.

Support with your packaging and packing operations during peak

It’s not too late to prepare your warehouse for peak season. A considered assessment of your current layout, processes and packaging can help you achieve a smooth-running operation in preparation for increased seasonal demand.

Streamlining your warehouse layout, installing packing automation and strategically playing your products will help to boost productivity and remove bottlenecks that can impact your dispatch times.

Macfarlane Packaging is here to help you get operation ready for the busy season ahead. Our range of warehouse products, automation systems and innovative packaging solutions can reduce packing times and increase operational efficiency. Contact us today for your free packaging review.

The post How to prepare your warehouse for peak season appeared first on Macfarlane Packaging.

Picture getting a high-end, top-quality watch that comes in a plain, uninspiring brown box, which has also been crushed and dented during shipping. Now, picture the same watch in an attractive, vibrant gift wrap that reflects the value of its contents.  

This concept isn’t just about luxury items or online purchases; it applies to any product intended as a gift, whether you operate from a physical store or as an online retailer.  

In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of gift packaging solutions, particularly during peak demand season. We’ll also examine four common types of gift packaging and discuss how to select the most suitable packaging for your brand. 

Importance of gift packaging in peak season 

During peak demand season, especially around Black Friday and Christmas, customers often purchase more products, both in stores and online. Given the higher volume of sales, it might be difficult to grab customer’s attention, so it’s essential your packaging stands out from the crowd. 

A memorable unboxing experience, from the moment your customers receive your package, all the way through the entire opening process will ensure your product and brand are remembered by customers. The look and feel of your packaging can also help customers recognise your brand – by incorporating your brand’s colours, logo, and messaging into the packaging, you can build a strong brand recognition, fostering customer loyalty. 

4 gift packaging options to consider 

Below we put together a list of four popular gift packaging solutions we thought you might be interested in. 

Gift Boxes 

Packaging solutions, such as gift boxes and branded custom cardboard boxes, are an excellent choice for anyone looking to enhance the look of their packaging. 

There are many options to choose from, including magnetic gift boxes and custom printed boxes, which can further be customised by adding some finishing touches and embellishments (tissue paper, bows, ribbons, handles, etc). All this helps created a beautiful, high quality gift box that enhances customer experience.  

Gift Bags 

If you rely on bags as your primary packaging option, there’s a wide range of gift bags to choose from that can be custom made to accommodate your packaging requirements.  

These bags come in a range of colours and finishes and, like with gift boxes, you can add handles, ribbons, bows and other accessories to further enhance the appearance of your packaging. Gift bags can also be custom printed with your logo or other branding elements as well as personalised messages.  

Luxury packaging 

Luxury packaging, including high end gift boxes and retail bags, are high quality, custom made solutions, crafted for beautiful presentation and an upscale feel. Designed to deliver stunning product presentation, these are perfect for a broad range of industries, such as health and beauty, home scenting, fashion and luxury goods, where visuals and aesthetics play a crucial role. 

Retail and presentation boxes 

Retail packaging solutions are designed to enhance your brand by creating memorable customer experience.  

There are plenty of options to choose from, from jewellery boxes and packaging for beauty products through to advent calendars, custom hampers and more.  

Whether you are a large business or a small company, looking for a simple gift wrap options or packaging for corporate gifts, there’s an option for everyone.  

How to choose the right packaging option for your brand 

For smaller operations 

It doesn’t always take much to create a positive unboxing experience, therefore, you don’t have to break the bank to impress your customers. 

If you are on a tight budget, solutions such as stock magnetic gift boxes, postal boxes or cardboard gift boxes, can be a cost-effective way to elevate the look of your packaging. 

You can also consider custom printed tape – with low minimum order qualities and various print options, this is a great, affordable way to incorporate branding into your packaging. 

In-box solutions, such as colourful tissue paper or shredded paper will visually improve how your products are displayed inside your packaging and, with so many colours to choose from, you can pick the ones that best represent your brand. 

Adding finishing touches, such as colourful ribbons, bows or printed labels, can further elevate the appearance of your parcels, taking it to the next level. 

For bigger budgets

For those with bigger budgets, consider printing your packaging with personalised messaging. This can include anything on the package as well as inside it to guide customers throughout the whole unboxing experience.  

Printing QR codes and barcodes on your packaging is another way to stay connected with your customers. You can direct them to your website, custom apps, games or special offers… The options are endless. This approach will set your brand apart from the competition and leave a lasting impression on your customers. 
 
Your packaging holds a lot of possibilities. Custom solutions, such as advent calendars or bespoke hampers can be true pieces of art with great potential for what can be accomplished. Customers will remember these items for a long time.

Sustainability in gift packaging

Unboxing experiences doesn’t truly end once your customers remove your products from their packaging. Rather, the journey continues as they are then faced with the task of discarding packaging that is no longer needed. 

Sustainable packaging solutions that come from sustainable sources can be of great importance to eco-conscious customers. If the packaging isn’t easily recyclable or there are no clear instructions on how to reuse or disposed of it, this could have a negative effect on customer experience. 

To avoid being known as a brand that overlooks environmental concerns (or one whose packaging is a constant challenge to dispose of), make it easy for your customers. Tell them how they can reuse or recycle different components of your packaging and make sure you opt for eco friendly packaging materials to demonstrate your dedication to sustainability. 

Help with gift packaging 

If you are unsure which gift packaging solutions are right for your products or would like to discuss different options to elevate the look of your parcels, contact us.  

Our team of packaging experts, along with our dedicated gift and retail packaging division, are here to assist you in selecting the most suitable packaging option for your packaging needs. 

You may also be interested in our retail packaging brochure to see examples of gift and retail packaging solutions we have created for our customers.  

The post 4 popular gift packaging options for peak   appeared first on Macfarlane Packaging.