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.

Our research found that businesses are just as environmentally minded. 24% of online retailers and third-party logistics companies (3PLs) said improving sustainability and lowering carbon emissions is important to their businesses. So, it makes sense for companies to utilise paper products as they’re an environmentally friendly alternative to other popular packaging solutions.

In this article, we will explore what paper packaging is and show you some popular products. Alongside giving you a simple guide to which paper packaging solution is best for your business!

What is paper packaging?

Paper packaging is a versatile and popular packaging option for many products. It’s made from paper materials, which make it strong and durable enough to protect your product during transit. Additionally, paper packaging can be designed in many ways to make your product stand out on the shelf.

Paper is derived from wood pulp, made from trees, making it a renewable material. It’s also recyclable and can be made from recycled material. Depending on the finish, you can also find compostable paper packaging – making it a great eco-friendly option.

Types of paper packaging

Paper is a versatile packaging product used throughout the packing process. To give you an idea of the range of products available, we have listed some of the most popular paper packaging commonly used in retail and industrial sectors:

• Packing Paper – These sheets fill voids within a package to create cushioning and can also be wrapped around shipped items for added protection. For example, products such as crockery, glass and homeware can be given an extra layer of protection.
• Tissue Paper – This can be a great addition to a standard box, providing products with that extra layer of protection for shipment and making the recipient’s unboxing experience a bit more exciting.
• Paper Bubble Wrap – This can be used in multiple ways to provide your goods with the ultimate level of protection. Pad out loose spaces inside a box, cushion into corners or wrap around the outside of an object for effective protection. Utilising paper means it’s fully recyclable, which makes it a perfect, environmentally friendly alternative to traditional bubble wrap.
• Kraft Ribbed Paper – Pure kraft paper is a robust and high-performance wrapping paper, making it a great way to fill out packages or parcels. It prevents movement, helps keep contents safe and secure, and stops unwanted damage from occurring. Packaging papers can also be used to wrap items for extra protection and security when placing things in transit.

What sort of paper packaging do I need?

Check out the guide below to see the paper packaging products you need. The table covers the types of paper packaging we offer at Macfarlane and their various applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Is paper packaging eco-friendly?

Yes, when correctly designed and used, paper packaging is considered a great eco-friendly alternative. Paper packaging is also biodegradable and compostable, often made from a renewable material that can be recycled. However, some exceptions, like waxed kraft paper, must be disposed of in a general waste stream.   

Is paper packaging better than plastic?

At Macfarlane Packaging, we believe you should always make an informed choice, especially regarding packaging and sustainability.

There is no correct answer in the paper vs plastic packaging debate – both paper packaging and plastic packaging, when designed and used correctly, can help you reduce waste and cut CO₂ from your supply chain.

Both materials have positives and negatives. Which material you choose should depend on your sustainability goals. To help you make an informed choice about your packaging, all our catalogue products have been assigned an Environmental Impact Rating (EIR). The EIR for each product shows the material type if it contains recycled content, and if a product can be recycled or reused. Request a copy of our catalogue to learn more. 

Can I get custom paper packaging?

Yes! If you can’t find what you’re looking for, our team can help you source any sort of custom packaging you need. This includes custom paper packaging. We can help with printed tissue paper, “zig zag” shredded tissue and paper to add pops of colour to your in-box presentation and also paper packaging automation.

If you would like tailored packaging advice, contact our team of experts today!

The post The ultimate guide to paper packaging appeared first on Macfarlane Packaging.

To enable more circularity and recycling, it is critical to tell your customers how to properly dispose of packaging in the most environmentally friendly manner. However, with the abundance of recycling symbols on the market, do you or your customers really know what each one means?

In this blog post, we’ll look at different types of labels that you’ll see on packaging. We’ll be talking about the On-Pack Recycling Label scheme, international recycling symbols, and some other labels you’ll see around. We’ll also explain what each label means.

What are the recycling symbols and what do they mean?

With so many recycling labels available, it may be tricky to determine whether packaging is recyclable.

Research from OPRL has shown that customers are often confused by multiple labels appearing on packaging and don’t always comprehend the meaning of the recycling symbols.

Below, we’ve rounded up some of the most popular recycling labels on packaging, so you can get a better understanding of what they mean and how they can help guide your customers.

The On-Pack Recycling Label (OPRL) scheme

The OPRL is a nationwide programme developed by the British Retail Consortium (BRC), the Food and Drink Federation (FDF) and their leading members in partnership with WRAP (Waste & Resources Action Programme).

This independent programme is designed to help customers determine whether the packaging is recyclable, based on the existing recycling regulations and infrastructure in the UK.

It provides a simple and uniform labelling solution that can be applied to a wide range of packaging. The three primary labels are:

Recycle

Refers to packaging collected by 75% or more of UK local authorities and then sorted, processed and recycled into new packaging or products.

Don’t recycle

Used on packaging that is collected by less than half of UK local authorities and/or cannot be sorted, processed and recycled into new packaging or products.

Recycle with bags at large supermarkets | Don’t recycle at home

Applied on plastic wrapping such as bread bags, fruit and veg bags, crisp packets and chocolate wrappers. You can recycle this type of packaging at recycling points in selected supermarkets.

If you need help locating your nearer recycling facility, Recycle Now provides an easy-to-use online recycling locator.

OPRL predominantly works to a “binary labelling system” to streamline recycling process and decrease contamination. The new OPRL label feature a straightforward “recycle” or “don’t recycle” instruction on the packaging. The Government’s new Extended Producer Responsibility scheme is mandating this on-packaging labelling for use across household packaging from 31^st March 2026.

International recycling codes

The international recycling codes for materials are another type of labels frequently seen on packaging. They help determine whether a product can be recycled based on the type of material it is made of.

Below is an overview of the main categories, along with a brief explanation and recycling status.

Recycling symbols for plastic

PET (Polythene Terephthalate) – Widely recycled

Commonly used in consumer products such as soft drink bottles and some packaging. It is recyclable and widely recycled across the UK, but not suitable for repeated use. Recycled PET is called rPET – often referred to as Post-Consumer Waste. It can be incorporated into layers of PET sheet for further manufacture.

HDPE (High Density Polyethylene)- Recyclable – Check locally

Most commonly recycled plastic used in products such as recycling refuse sacks, oil bottles and some plastic bags.

It is stiff and hard-wearing, and both reusable and commonly recyclable at major supermarkets.

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) – Non-recyclable

Soft, flexible plastics used in products such as clear plastic food wrapping, cooking oil bottles and toys. It can be toxic and only less than 1% is recycled.

LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene)- Recyclable – Check locally

Commonly used in plastic packaging such as Airsac, plastic carrier bags, shrink wrap pallet covers and stretch wrap. It can be reused and is also considered less toxic than some other types of plastics.

PP (Polypropylene) – Recyclable – Check locally

Tough, lightweight plastic with excellent heat resistance properties.

Commonly used for plastic bottle tops, plastic pallets and some packing tapes. It is recyclable and safe for reuse.

PS (Polystyrene) – Recyclable – Check Locally

Ultra-lightweight plastic, commonly used in products such as take-out food containers, egg cartons and packaging (i.e. Styrofoam).

It breaks easily, so is often used for yogurt 4 packs, for example, where the other plastics will not “snap”, however, this can also contaminate the environment. PS plastic is recyclable but is not well recycled in practice, with almost no kerbside collection in the UK. Specialist providers such as Nottingham Recycling Ltd (part of the Macfarlane Group), do offer this service to businesses, however.

Non-recyclable

Any other plastics for which reusability and recyclability rules have not been specified.

Recycling symbols for paper

Recyclable – PAP (Cardboard)

Refers to packaging manufactured using corrugated cardboard. Commonly used for products such as cardboard boxes, postal wraps, postal envelopes, ecommerce and transit packaging.

Recyclable – PAP (Paperboard)

Refers to products manufactured with non-corrugated fiberboard. Examples include gift packaging and postal tubes.

Recyclable – PAP (Paper)

Indicates products that are made from regular paper. These include paper bags, paper tape, FlexiHex®, Kraft ribbed paper, copier paper and tissue paper.

Recycling symbols for metal

Recyclable – FE (Steel)

Recycling code for steel products, such as steel strapping

Recycling symbols for organic materials

Recyclable – FOR (Wood waste)

Recycling code used for products made from wood waste, including Presswood pallets, woodwool and Vermiculite.

Other symbols commonly seen on packaging

Below you will find some other labels that commonly appear on packaging.

FSC® Certification – the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) label identifies wood-based products, such as paper, card and wood, from forests that are responsibly managed, socially beneficial, environmentally conscious and economically viable. It requires relevant certification. Read more here.

Industrially compostable packaging – This symbol identifies products that are industrially compostable. To be classified as industrially compostable, products must meet specific requirements defined in the European Standard EN 13432. Read more here.

Home compostable packaging – This label appears on products that are certified as home compostable. Products and packaging are not suitable for home composting unless they have relevant certifications, therefore, always check the label to ensure you dispose of them correctly. Read more here.

Help with Recyclable Packaging

At Macfarlane Packaging, we strive to help businesses make informed decisions about packaging. This is why our products are clearly labelled with information about the material, whether it can be recycled, and if it contains recycled content. We are also members of the On-Pack Recycling Label Scheme.

We can offer a wide range of sustainable packaging products and solutions to help lower the environmental impact of your business, reducing waste in your supply chain and lowering your carbon emissions.

If you need support finding the best eco-friendly packaging solution for your products, contact us today.

The post Recycling symbols explained: a guide to labels found on packaging appeared first on Macfarlane Packaging.

When it comes to eco-friendly packaging materials, one of the most common requests that we hear is for compostable packaging.

On the surface, compostable packaging sounds great – but it’s important to understand what compostable packaging is, how it differs from other sustainable packing materials and acknowledge that not all compostable packaging is made equal.

So, in this blog we’ll be diving into the topic of compostable packaging, looking at its pros and cons and understanding its role in reducing businesses’ impact on the environment…

Key points to take away:

• The recycling infrastructure in the UK does not currently support compostable packaging at scale and careful consideration needs to be given to end of life handling
• This sort of packaging is likely to lend itself best to particular applications, like closed loop events such as festivals, where it can be readily segregated and collected
• Clear labelling is critical in this type of packaging alongside adherence to the standards and regulation (it’s worth noting that in the UK all biodegradable and compostable packaging will be required to carry a ‘Do not recycle’ label by 2026)
• Biodegradable is a very broad term, and it is important to understand whether packaging is fossil oil based, plant based, or a mixture as well as whether it is compostable in industrial processes or at home.

What is compostable packaging?

Compostable packaging is a type of packaging material that can be disposed of in a responsible way and adheres to the principle of circular economy.

Compostable packaging products are made from materials that decompose fully into compost without producing toxic residue as they break down. To be classified as compostable, packaging materials must meet specific criteria set out in European Standard EN 13432 – “Packaging: requirements for packaging recoverable through composting and biodegradation”. Materials are tested against standards for:

• Disintegration
• Biodegradability
• Absence of negative effect on the composting process
• Low levels of heavy metals / toxicity
• Impact on characteristics of compost (such as pH levels, bulk density, and salinity, etc.)

For these standards, independent testing and certification is available. But not all compostable packaging materials are considered equal. Different requirements need to be met for a packaging material to be classed as industrially compostable versus home compostable.

Home compostable vs. industrially compostable packaging

When packaging is labelled compostable – it is important to differentiate between industrially compostable and home compostable materials. Both types are held to different standards and should be labelled differently.

	Industrially Compostable	Home Compostable
Biodegradation	Materials are tested for biodegradation at 58 °C +/- 2 °C, with carbon dioxide at least 90 % compared with control within 6 months.	Materials are tested for biodegradation at an ambient temperature (20-30°C), with carbon dioxide at least 90 % compared with control within 365 days.
Disintegration	Test for disintegration is performed at whatever temperatures are achieved in testing vessels. Vessels are at least 140 litres. After a maximum of 12 weeks no more than 10 % of original dry weight of test material should be > 2 mm.	Test for disintegration are performed at 20 – 30°C in vessels that have at least a140 litre capacity. After a maximum of 26 weeks no more than 10 % of original dry weight of test material should be > 2 mm.
Certification logo / labelling	Din Certo	Vinçotte

This highlights how clear labelling is key on packaging materials as it helps the end user know how to dispose of packaging properly. For example, in our most recent Unboxing Survey, 11% of consumers were unsure of how to dispose of the packaging they receive. Compostable packaging can make this extra tricky – as not all compostable packaging is suitable for home composting, which is why the labelling is so important.

In fact, most of the compostable packaging is unlikely to be home compostable, with industrially compostable the most common, and lots not compostable at all.

The difference between compostable and biodegradable packaging

There is a common misconception that compostable and biodegradable packaging are interchangeable. In fact, they are not the same.

If something is biodegradable, it simply means it will decompose with the help of bacteria or other living organisms over time. Theoretically, all things will decompose eventually, but some may take thousands of years to do so!

Biodegradable products also require specific conditions to break down properly and may produce harmful greenhouse gas emissions if left to decompose in landfill. Therefore, although the decomposition process occurs naturally, it can still be harmful to the environment.

In contrast, compostable products disintegrate without harming the environment, turning into soil enriching compost instead. To be classified as compostable, they must meet specific requirements set out in the BS EN 13432 certification scheme.

For more information, read our blog post: What’s the difference between recyclable, biodegradable and compostable packaging?

How compostable packaging can reduce impact on the environment

So, how can packaging reduce your businesses impact on the environment? Here we look at several factors – it’s role in the circular economy, if it can be recycled and the benefits and challenges associated with using this type of packaging:

Compostable packaging and contributing to the circular economy

For many, compostable packaging is a step in the right direction in terms of packaging and the environment. However, it is worth noting that compostable packaging is still single use.

The Ellen MacArthur foundation describe a packaging material’s ability to compost as “nature’s recycling” and emphasize how the right application of compostable packaging is key to its success in building a circular economy.

When used appropriately, it is another weapon in the packaging industry’s arsenal to prevent waste and regenerate nature but long-term, infrastructure to support organic material collection and repurposing will be key to make compostable packaging a success.

Therefore, businesses must ask themselves if compostable packaging is right for their packaging strategy and make an informed decision whether they should first look at material reduction or reuse. 

Is compostable packaging recyclable?

This all depends on the type of compostable packaging you’re using.

For example, some compostable and biodegradable materials, such as cardboard, can be recycled. Compostable plastics, however, are not designed to be placed into the mixed recycling bin, due to the differences in decomposing processes.

Most recycling plants in the UK are not equipped to deal with compostable plastics, and placing them into mixed recycling could simply lead to potential contamination. They will have to be placed into your general waste bins instead.

If packaging is labelled as “home-compostable”, you should be able to dispose of it by placing it in the home compost in your garden.

Benefits of using compostable packaging

Switching to compostable packaging can help reduce your environmental impact and carbon footprint.

Compostable packaging takes less time to break down in landfills and does not produce harmful substances in the process. It can enhance soil quality and, as it’s made from organic materials, requires fewer sources to be produced.

Compostable packaging can also help improve your brand image and show that your company cares for the environment – but it must be used appropriately and labelled properly – as we’ve highlighted in this article.

Challenges of using compostable packaging

While there are benefits of using compostable packaging, there are potential challenges too.

Packaging labelled as “compostable” is not always suitable for home-composting. It is important to check the labels to make sure the packaging is disposed of correctly to avoid cross-contamination. This is something that businesses need to factor in.

Compostable plastics cannot be placed into the recycling bin as they require the correct decomposing conditions to fully disintegrate. Currently, there are only a few facilities within the UK that can process them, therefore, unfortunately, they often end up in general waste bins.

Compostable packaging can also be more expensive, however, as demand for it grows, there’s a potential for it to become less pricey. If designed correctly and used in an appropriate application, it can also save you costs in the long run, but businesses should balance the swap against if reducing material use or returnable packaging options could have better environmental impact for their operation.   

When considering plant-based bioplastics, case should be taken to understand how that plastic is being created and the environmental consequences around land use, agriculture and transport relative to the alternative.

There are some exciting innovations in the compostable packaging area, and it is the one to watch, as it’s likely to continue to evolve! One fantastic example is the Seaweed Packaging that won the Earth Shot prize with packaging that is completely natural and harvested in an environmentally friendly way from seaweed.

This has brilliant applications currently for primary packaging but is not yet on the scale to offer viable secondary packaging solutions.

Support with sustainable packaging

If you need help with sustainable packaging, including compostable packaging materials, Macfarlane Packaging is here to help.

Our experts can help you make an informed choice about the packaging solutions you use, so they control your operational costs without costing the Earth!

You can see more about our approach to eco-friendly packaging here.

Contact us today for further support.

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If you do, you may be aware of the incoming rise to business rates for large distribution warehouses. Announced in the 2022 Autumn statement, the review of business rates could see some online retailers (and their 3PL partners) feel the pain of a 27% increase in their bills from April 2023.  

Understandably, the warehousing sector has criticised the move, with the rates rise being described as “painful” and ”unfair”.

So, what’s the driving force behind the and how can your packaging optimisation help you combat the increase in costs?

The background of rising business rates for large distribution warehouses

Why are the UK Government set to increase business rates for large distribution warehouses? Well, there are a number of factors and it’s largely being driven by the bricks vs. clicks imbalance…

Bricks vs. clicks imbalance

Online retail has been the great digital disrupter across many industries. The prime example that comes to mind is the Netflix effect on Blockbuster.  Once valued at over $4bn and with over 10,000 bricks and mortar retail, Blockbuster was the video entertainment brand leader for decades, but failure to innovate and the bricks and mortar business model meant that Netflix rapidly overtook them.

With online retailers usually having lower overheads versus traditional high street retailers, there has long been a tussle between clicks and bricks. Traditional retail models are often seen by some as unsustainable.

And stats back this up – by the end of 2019 almost ¼ of all retail sales had moved online. In the UK, pandemic lockdowns exacerbated this trend, with online sales reaching a peak of 36% of all retail in January 2021. At the same time, bricks and mortar retail has been in sharp decline. Britain’s high street vacancies are at an all-time high of 13.7% and the British Retail Consortium reported a 77% decline in footfall to stores.  

Shelving the Online Sales Tax

To address the bricks vs. clicks imbalance, the UK Government had floated the idea of the Online Sales Tax  (OTS) at the start of 2022. At the time, it was estimated that a 1% OTS on businesses with a £2m turnover or higher could raise £2bn.

However, the consultation raised issues around complexity, non-resident evasion and how the tax would be applied to non-pureplay models like click and collet and omni-channel retailers. Therefore, for now the Government has decided to shelve the proposed Online Sales Tax.

Introducing increased business rates for large distribution warehouses

The solution to the complexity of the OTS and the clicks vs. bricks imbalance? A rise in business rates for large distribution warehouses and a £13.6bn freeze on bricks and mortar business rates.

Pressure for online retailers to keep costs down

On top of rising business rates, online retailers are seeing operational costs rise. Constraints on supply chains and the availability of raw materials are all pushing costs up and margins down. On top of this, labour shortages and the premium expense of warehouse space are only adding to the pressure online retailers face when trying to operate cost-effectively.

With the cost-of-living crisis also having the potential to negatively influence internet retails sales in coming months too, now more than ever retailers need to look at how to make savings…

So, where does packaging factor into all of this?

How packaging optimisation can help combat increasing business rates

Inefficient packaging and processes can have a big impact on the costs throughout your supply chain. If a business uses packaging that doesn’t provide protection, their product gets damaged and returns rise. Likewise, packaging materials that are too big or clunky it could take up too much space.

And when we’re thinking about the rise in business rates, the volume of warehousing space you’re using is important. This is because business rates are calculated based on a property’s “rateable value”. The larger the square footage of your warehouse, the more likely it is to attract higher business rates. Not ideal with the 27% increase on the horizon!

That’s where packaging optimisation comes in…

Tackling storage space through lighter, more efficient packaging

Using packaging materials that are lighter and more space efficient can help you reduce your costs associated with storage and warehousing.

Shaving just a few millimeters off the size of a cardboard box could enable you re-think how they’re palletised and stored. The same goes for an alternative design that’s more space efficient.

Similarly, are you using any bulky-to-store in fill like polystyrene or packing chips? Swapping to compact, on-demand inflatable air pillows or tightly wound rolls of paper void fill could all help you cut back on the storage space you need.

Taking advantage of stock holding so you can use smaller premises

How many pallet spaces does your packaging take up in your warehouse? If you’re purchasing packaging direct from a manufacturer, you may need to buy high volumes of packaging to achieve a certain price point. The flipside of that may be that you need to take delivery of a high volume of packaging and store it all in your own warehouse.

If you work with a distributor (like us), you could take advantage of stock holding and just-in-time supply. This is when your packaging is stored at your supplier’s warehouse and drip fed into your site in line with demand.

Services like this can help you release space and could even allow you to use smaller premises, rather than allocate valuable pallet spaces to a relatively low value commodity – a win if you want to mitigate the impact of rising business rates.

Assessing storage and packing area layouts to maximise existing space

If you’ve been through a period of growth, you might be considering moving to a larger warehouse. But with the business rates hike on the horizon you might find yourself put off by this. So, how do you make the most of the space you have?

If you’ve already made your packaging lighter and smaller, and use a stock holding service, it might be time to assess your warehouse layout.

Often, warehouse layouts evolve over time. This could mean that the space isn’t being used as efficiently as possible.

Investing in compact or revised packing benches could help you make the most of the space you have and help you organise where packing materials are stored more effectively.

Another option is flexing space for spikes in demand with corrugated or correx pick bins. These modular storage spaces are light enough to be moved around and can be broken down.

Support with packaging optimisation

At Macfarlane Packaging we can help you with all areas of packaging optimisation, including combatting storage and space issues that could help you save on the size of the warehouse you need.

We can even show you how changes to your packaging can impact key areas across your supply chain and the financial and environmental savings you could be making with our Packaging Optimiser tool.

Why not get in touch to see how we can help you protect your business from business rate rises?

The post How online retailers can combat rising business rates through packaging optimisation appeared first on Macfarlane Packaging.

At Macfarlane Packaging we always think about what we could do differently to the last in the coming year in January. It’s a great time to assess how peak went, spot bottlenecks, and implement initiatives to achieve new goals.

That’s why this blog looks at the 10 things you could do differently with your packaging in 2023! A good place to start is considering what the packaging trends will be in 2023….

Blog Contents

A quick look at packaging trends for 2023

In December we published a blog about the packaging trends people can expect in 2023. So, what were they?

Based on the current economic climate, as well as consumer pressures and supply chain challenges, the packaging trends we predicated are:

Reducing operating costs through packaging – it should come as no surprise that businesses will want to control operating costs in the tough economic climate. However, many people will not always pinpoint packaging as a big business cost. But the right packaging solution can drastically cut operating costs in a number of areas, including warehousing and transport, as well as labour costs and damages. So, reducing costs associated packaging will be a key trend in 2023!

Putting carbon reduction at the heart of packaging strategies – sustainability has become more and more important to businesses, as well as consumers. In fact, 27% of consumers reported that they won’t buy from companies who don’t use sustainable packaging. On top of this, more businesses are focusing on serious carbon reduction, which is a key in the fight against climate change. When it comes to packaging, materials matter, but so do the carbon emissions associated with the manufacturing and use of the packaging. In 2023, we predict more businesses will consider the total carbon impact of their packaging throughout the supply chain.

Using connected packaging to enhance the customer experience & innovate – as brands compete for share of voice, looking for ways to differentiate is key. Connected packaging presents the opportunity to get their digital and physical customer journey to align and engage with consumers. Looping customers back into a brand through an interactive experience also offers the opportunity to collect more customer behaviour data, that allows businesses to further personalise customer experience and offers, which is why it’s a trend we expect to see more of this year.

Digitising packing processes through packaging automation – using automated packing machinery can help businesses tackle labour shortages, cope with seasonal demand and future proof for growth. All great reasons why increased use of packaging automation is one of our packaging trends for 2023.

Are any of these trends on your agenda for the year? With these trends in mind, now let’s consider what you’re aiming for in 2023 and what you could do differently with your packaging.

What will you protect this year?

If you’ve visited our blog before, you know we often talk about the role of packaging… Its primary purpose it to protect things.

On a basic level, the transit packaging you use will protect your products. But have you ever considered how your packaging can help you protect lots of areas in your business?

The right packaging can help you protect:

• Your products
• Your profit margins
• Your customer experience
• Your brand
• The environment

Plus, lots more! So, what will you be protecting this year with your packaging? Here are 10 things you could do differently with your packaging in 2023 and how they can help protect your business and your products!

10 things you could do differently with your packaging in 2023

1. Review your packaging process to identify bottlenecks

If you’ve just been through a seasonal spike in demand, January is a great time to take stock and review your packing processes. This will help you identify any bottlenecks in your packing processes, such as pinch points like hard to assemble packaging or points that need multiple touches.  

A great thing to do differently in 2023 could be to introduce best practice packing guidelines. Giving your team clear instruction about how to pack effectively can help you protect productivity and optimise how your team spend their time.  This is great for futureproofing for spikes in demand too, as it can help you quality-control what packaging materials are used when and where.  Packing guidelines can also help you reduce waste, which is great if you’re trying to reduce your environmental impact and protect the environment.

2. Re-engineer your packaging to reduce cubage or improve palletisation

Is your packaging as space efficient as it could be? Re-engineering your packaging to reduce its cubage or improve your product palletisation can be a big win.

Smaller, more space efficient packaging can have a knock-on effect throughout your supply chain.  If you use couriers to deliver your product, optimised parcel cubage can help you reduce your dimensional weight and delivery costs. For those of you that palletise your products, increasing your pallet yield can drastically cut the fuel you need to deliver products and therefore reduce the emissions you’re creating during deliveries. A win for you and the environment.

In all cases, if your packaging is smaller, you will save on storage space. In a time where warehouse space is at a premium, reducing how much space you need can help generate savings. This is worth bearing in mind if you are company that will be affected by the rise in business rates on large distribution warehouses.

3. Adopt clear, recognisable recycling labelling

Did you know that under the forthcoming Extended Producer Responsibilities (EPR) businesses affected will have to adopt clear, recognisable recycling labelling?

The labelling required is expected to be binary – which means your packaging will needed to be labelled as either recyclable or not recyclable.

While there’s no date set for EPR to be introduced, it’s worth getting a head start on this now. Our own unboxing research shows that over 90% of consumers want to recycle, but 11% of packages still arrive  without recycling labels. Making things as clear as possible will help ensure more of your packaging is recycled at the end of its life too – helping protect the environment from pollution.

4. Introduce smart or connected packaging

Smart or connected packaging can work for both business-to-consumer (B2C) or business-to-business brands (B2B) companies.

Smart packaging that uses barcodes, RFID or NFC technology can be used to control industrial goods and tracking throughout the supply chain. Particularly useful if you want to monitor the conditions your goods are kept in – for example if you’re in pharmaceutical or food distribution and need to know what the in-container temperature is.

On the flip side, connected packaging is a great way for brands to connect with their customers. Simple QR codes can launch instruction videos or a simple website-based experience through full immersive gamification or augmented reality. This can act as a great differentiator in a competitive market, can be used to educate your customers and even help you create repeat sales through promotions. All of this can help you protect your customer experience and your brand!

5. Automate labour intensive packing processes

If you want to protect your productivity in 2023 and look for ways to combat labour shortages, packaging automation could be the answer.

You can automate almost any packing process from bagging and boxing through to sealing, filling, and conveying. There are numerous benefits such as controlling material use, increasing pack times and throughput and even future proofing your operation, as well as controlling operating costs longer term. Click here read our quick packaging automation guide.

6. Make simple sustainable packaging switches

Approaching sustainable packaging can sometimes seem daunting. There are lots of choices – is paper better than plastic? Which material will reduce your carbon footprint? Will it cost more than your current packaging?

That’s why it can sometimes be best to try simple changes first. A small but effective change can be swapping from plastic packing tape to paper tape. Swapping to paper tape helps you remove plastic from your operation, increases your packs recyclability and can help you use less sealing material.

If you’re not sure where to start, tools like our Packaging Optimiser can help you see how changes can impact your packing operation both financially and environmentally by showing you the carbon impact simple sustainable swaps can make.

7. Switch up your packing area for maximum efficiency

Is your packing areas as efficient as it could be? Often, packing benches and locations evolve as your business grows, so what once worked may no longer be fit for purpose.

Taking stock of where your packing materials are stored and how they’re organised on workstations can have a big impact on your productivity. Keeping packing materials no higher than shoulder height can encourage faster packing and implementing “water spiders” (team members with trollies who re-stock materials) can keep downtime to a minimum, protecting your productivity.

8. Increase recycled content in your packaging

Looking for extra ways to cut your carbon footprint? Increasing the recycled content in your packaging is a great way to remove emissions from your supply chain and support your sustainability goals. That’s why we have a wide range of recycled content packaging and our teams can provide dedicated support around eco-friendly packaging!

Packaging materials that make use of recycled content help conserve natural resources and cut emissions during the manufacturing process compared to the use of virgin materials. For example, virgin paper processing CO2e is 100kg per tonne higher than recycled material processing from a closed loop source.

On top of this, if you’re using recycled content plastic materials, ensuring they contain at least 30% recycled content can help you mitigate the plastic packaging tax.

9. Optimise how you buy packaging

Does coordinating the purchasing of your packaging take up a lot of your time? If you’re working with multiple SKUs or a range of packaging suppliers, packaging procurement can be lengthy and complex.

Optimising how you buy your packaging can reduce your admin in 2023 and give you back valuable time for other tasks. Consolidating your packaging materials with one packaging distributor can give you access to local and global packaging manufacturers without the hassle of dealing with multiple contacts. You can also take advantage of stock holding and management, which can help release space and cashflow!

Accessing e-trading software that integrates with your systems and generates reports can make packaging management a breeze too.

10. Get granular with your packaging product data to prepare for new legislation

Do you know everything about the packaging products you use? For example:

• The weight of the packaging
• The recycled content
• The material type
• How it’s recycled
• If it can be reused
• The CO2e of the pack
• Usage across all packaging SKUs

Getting your packaging data in order will help you prepare for updated packaging waste reporting under Extended Producer Responsibilities as well as any disclosures you will have to make if you’re in scope of the upcoming EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive.

It can also help you become more effective at managing your packaging supplies and help you spot inconsistencies or identify opportunities for improvement. This can help you protect your margins as well as protect your reputation from any legal repercussions.

Help making changes to your packaging in 2023

The experts at Macfarlane Packaging can help you make changes to your packaging that protect your business and keep costs down in 2023. Get in touch to learn more.

The post 10 things you could do differently with your packaging in 2023 appeared first on Macfarlane Packaging.

The packaging industry is a fast-paced environment, so we’re turning our heads to the packaging trends to expect in 2023. What will the latest packaging trends be? Are there any sustainable packaging trends to watch out for?

In this article we’ll consider what happened in the packaging industry during 2022, as well as the economic and social trends happening now that will impact the packaging trends we expect next year.

Blog Contents

Reviewing what happened in packaging during 2022

The start of 2022 was all about the impending introduction of the UK Plastic Packaging Tax. As businesses prepared for the tax to come into force in April 2022, we saw a flurry of recycled content and plastic-free packaging products enter the market, with more and more business opting for them. (See trend 2 from our 2022 packaging trend predictions!)

At the start of summer we launched our 7^th annual unboxing survey, which saw over 1,000 consumers give us their opinions on the packaging used by online retailers. The research highlighted how much ecommerce packaging has changed over the last seven years and emphasised how sustainable packaging materials and custom packaging should be key considerations for businesses using packaging.

In fact, 27% of consumers said they won’t buy again from retailers who don’t use sustainable packaging and 41% said that branded packaging can influence their repeat purchase decisions.

The latter half of the year saw the Environmental Packaging Summit take place at the Coventry Building Society arena. Experts from around the industry gathered to provide updates on Extended Producer Responsibilities, which are set to impact businesses that manufacture, import and distribute packaging, as well as brands that use packaging in the not too distant future. The summit also stressed how critical carbon reduction is as a baseline for lessening packaging’s impact on the planet.

Economic and social trends that will impact packaging in 2023

Life after lockdown – we’re spending slightly less money online

In 2022, we’ve all been adjusting to life after lockdown. This has had an impact on how people are spending, which has been reflected in a slight downturn in online retail sales, with more shoppers returning to bricks and mortar stores compared to pandemic years.

Although it is worth noting that while demand for online shopping is more subdued compared to during lockdown, ecommerce remains a huge piece of the total retail pie. A decade ago, online sales represented 10% of total retail sales, but now accounts for a quarter of all retail sales – well above pre-pandemic years.  

UK labour shortages – businesses struggling to fill vacancies

Job vacancies in the UK were at a record high as we entered 2022. The changes to freedom of movement as a result of Brexit meant the labour market was negatively impacted. Lack of viable labour has also been compounded by spikes in early retirement and industry specific impacts caused by the pandemic. This means businesses everywhere have faced recruitment difficulties.

In the high-pressure online retail and logistics sectors, the knock-on effect of this is that it’s harder to be as productive when you do not have a readily available workforce.

The political backdrop – supply chain challenges and rising costs

War in Ukraine and upheaval in Government leadership can’t be ignored either. Businesses are struggling to get raw materials, impacting supply chain continuity and the availability of key products across the nation, and driving up fuel prices – for both vehicles and energy. Inflation is also rising faster than ever, driving up the cost of essentials for everyone.

The result of these social and economic trends is the cost-of-living crisis being faced in the UK. Millions of people are looking to cut spending – both personally and at work.

Packaging trends to expect in 2023

So, thinking about what’s happened in the packaging industry this year, as well as the social and economic backdrop – what packaging trends should you expect in 2023?

1. Packaging cost reduction will be a priority

It should come as no surprise that our first packaging trend is that businesses will be looking to reduce their packaging costs in 2023.

This is particularly important to the retail market, where some 41% of retail employees predict the cost of living crisis will negatively impact non-essential, non-food items for the next couple of years. So, as businesses tighten their belts and try to weather the storm, protecting profits will of course be a priority.

And while many will look at how they can shave pennies off the unit price of their packaging supplies, this may not always be the best tactic. 90% of a business’ packaging costs can be hidden behind the unit price paid.

Taking a holistic approach that considers how packaging can influence many areas in a supply chain, like storage, transport, damages, productivity, administration, and customer experience can yield much higher savings. That’s why we have created tools like the Packaging Optimiser, which will allow businesses of all kinds, including online retailers and third party logistics companies to assess what packaging is really costing them. The Optimiser tool also enables us highlight where and how to cut operational costs associated with packaging.

2. Sustainable packaging and carbon reduction at the heart of packaging strategies

While cutting how much packaging is costing businesses will be critical for many, it shouldn’t come at the expense of improving sustainability.

The climate crisis continues to escalate and that means packaging trend number two is that businesses will need to put sustainable packaging at the heart of their packaging strategies. So, when we look closely at this, what are the sustainable packaging trends?

Well, on the surface lots of online retailers and businesses across the country focus on swapping plastic packaging for paper packing materials. In some ways, this makes a lot of sense – paper is a renewable material and it’s easy to recycle for the end user. But businesses need to look beyond the physical material they’re using and consider the carbon impact of their packaging…

Carbon emission created by human impact on the world are simultaneously driving biodiversity loss and climate change. Biodiversity loss means the planet can absorb less carbon, fueling global warming, which then results in more biodiversity loss. It’s a cycle we need to break and it’s why considering the CO2e of your business’ packaging should be front and centre in 2023.

With this in mind – do you know how much CO2e your packaging creates?

First let’s consider the materials – their weight and how they’re manufactured can all contribute to carbon emissions.

Next, how your packaging is transported – effective palletisation can cut the amount of transport needed to move it, impacting fuel use and emissions. Likewise, if your parcels are optimised for delivery to the end-user as well (i.e. lighter weight, improved dimensional weight etc), this is another carbon saving.

How well your packaging protects your product is crucial too. Damages and returns will instantly push up the carbon cost of transactions, so making sure your packaging protects your products adequately instantly gives you a carbon saving.

All of this is why our previously mentioned Packaging Optimiser can also assess packaging’s carbon impact on your supply chain!

3. Leveraging packaging materials to connect with consumers and gather data for innovation

Marketing Week recently published an e-book about retail trends for 2023 that highlighted personalisation can be a key differentiator for retailers in the coming year. They stated 80% of shoppers are more likely to make purchases where brands offer personalised experiences.

Enter packaging trend number three – connected packaging. Connected packaging is when packaging materials use QR codes or NFC technology to create an interactive (connected) experience for consumers. Most people think about this as an option for primary packaging, but it can work just as well for the protective packaging used for shipping their goods.

The unboxing experience is a critical moment for customers of online retailers, as it’s the first physical interaction with a brand. Connected packaging offers the opportunity to align physical and digital touchpoints and redirect users back to a business’ website.

Connected packaging also offers the opportunity to gather behavioural data when consumers interact with the packaging and the experience that launches. For example, gamification could be used to explain a brand’s sustainability proposition AND help customers earn rewards such as discounts (this is a big driver for UK consumers  – 85% report that they desire discounts on future purchases the most!).

4. Digitalisation of packing processes

The fourth packaging trend we expect in 2023 is the continued digitalisation of packing processes.

In short, this refers to the use of robotics and packaging automation to enhance the packing processes businesses are using. For ecommerce and online retailers, as well as the logistics sector, this will be key to overcoming the labor shortages we mentioned earlier.

Packaging automation can also tie into cutting costs for businesses and link back to the first trend mentioned in this article.  While the initial investment in automation can seem expensive it can have a direct impact on the overall amount companies spend on packaging materials and labour. The precision offered by automation also allows businesses to optimise parcel sizes or pallet loads more effectively, impacting transport costs too.

Additionally, automated packing processes can help improve productivity and help businesses to future proof their operations for changes in demand further down the line.

Support handling the 2023 packaging trends coming your way

If you need help with your ecommerce packaging (or any type of packaging) in the New Year, Macfarlane Packaging is here to help.

We have packaging design experts on hand to guide you through the journey of optimising your packaging, as well as the tools to prove how we can help you handle the packaging trends we expect in 2023. Get in touch today to see how we can help your business.  

About the author – Rachel Fellows

Rachel Fellows is Macfarlane Packaging expert in all things retail and 3PL. As director of National Accounts for the retail industry, Rachel has over 20 years of expertise delivering ecommerce packaging solutions that fulfil the complex needs of online retailers and omni-channel retailers, as well as their 3PL partners.

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