With increasingly complex global supply chains, the packaging industry is dealing with challenges around supply and distribution networks, product quality, and new legislative obligations.
Food producers, foodservice providers, and retailers are looking for packaging companies that can support them in solving these challenges, through working more locally and developing solutions that support packaging circularity. Colpac is a full-service packaging partner that actively drives all parts of the packaging process, from conception to delivery, and beyond.
Continuity of Supply
Recent changes are making global distribution networks more difficult to manage and we are seeing the industry struggle to get materials and finished packaging to where it needs to be. This demonstrates the need for flexible supplier networks and the benefits of local packaging production.
Colpac has an agile manufacturing facility in the UK, which is highly adaptable to suit demand. The team also has an established supplier base to support the requirement for a variety of materials to meet customer requirements. This helps Colpac to provide regular supply to many UK customers that look to reduce risk by choosing packaging that is produced locally.
Quality Assurance, Health, Safety, and Hygiene
Food safety and quality are at the forefront of our customers’ businesses, and the packaging that their food is presented in should showcase this. With many of its core stock lines manufactured in the UK, the Colpac team can closely manage production processes and meet quality standards. This is reflected in the company’s BRCGS audit grade of AA+, the highest possible grade, which includes unannounced audits and meeting non-conformance requirements. This demonstrates Colpac’s commitment to audit ready safety standards and assures customers that products are manufactured in a safe environment.
In addition to having control over product quality and providing real-time updates to customers on production progress, Colpac also supports industry development. Frances Dickman, Head of Compliance, was recently part of the BRCGS Technical Working Group, set up to develop the BRCGS Global Standard Packaging Materials Issue 7, which was launched in October 2024.
Sustainability Legislation
Packaging reforms are bringing significant impacts to stakeholders throughout the supply chain. Colpac can guide you through legislative topics such as Packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR) and Simpler Recycling reforms.
The company is providing two-way support for industry and customers in implementing pEPR, with Talia Goldman, Colpac’s ESG Director, being part of the pEPR Scheme Administrator (now PackUK) interim steering group. By working with Colpac, customers gain access to a wealth of expertise across packaging legislation and the implementation of circular solutions.
Designing to Improve Circularity
Legislative changes are driving the need for materials that are more easily recycled and that reduce packaging weight in support of reduced pEPR fees.
Colpac’s design team constantly evaluates existing and new products to review materials, to lightweight and reduce plastic, improve closures for filling efficiency, and create new packaging formats to meet customer needs.
The team has worked with several customers to replace plastic laminates with direct food contact inks, to eliminate unnecessary plastic and increase pack recyclability. In doing so, Colpac significantly reduced customers’ projected pEPR unit costs, all whilst maintaining the look and feel of the packaging to suit consumer preferences.
Industry Collaboration and Impact
Colpac is thoroughly embedded in industry, as part of trade associations and technical working groups, driving collaboration and clarity in support of positive change. As a co-founder of the Alliance for Fibre-Based Packaging, which aims to unify the voice of the fibre supply chain, the company regularly advocates for customers within the packaging economy.
Active participation in these key groups enables its team and customers to access the latest guidelines in context with discussions from industry wide forums and demonstrates Colpac as a trusted voice at the heart of industry.
The culmination of Colpac’s experience positions the company as a full-service packaging partner to support you in overcoming industry challenges and developing your next packaging solution.