Entries by Catherine

The Best Advent Calendars 2024

Advent calendars used to be made from two sheets of card, but not any longer. Now they are beautiful examples of retail packaging that showcase complex box designs. In place of the small, festive scene that was once hidden behind the door, you’ll discover a selection of miniature goods. Each box contains a daily treat […]

Ambition 2030 for Food & Drink Packaging

Last month, the Food & Drink Federation announced an industry strategy to promote and support a shift to sustainable solutions. Launched at London Zoo, Ambition 2030 promises practical action and guidance to enable the industry to reduce its environmental impact. Unfortunately, a recent plastic packaging count revealed that 83% of the domestic waste we dispose […]

Sustainable Student Action

The university term is well underway and we’re keen to promote a new City to Sea initiative that could help turn your campus green. The Refill Campus Award aims to: – Promote viable alternatives to single-use plastic – Encourage the introduction of refill options – Reduce plastic waste So, is there a way that your […]

Make Packaging More Dynamic

Moves to reduce the volume of packaging and favour minimalistic design are great for sustainability. However, they present a challenge; there limited scope for printed information. So, how do you provide customers with engaging messages that help them connect with your brand and make informed choices? One option is to use QR codes as part […]

Reusable Cups Save Packaging Waste

A pilot scheme that could prevent the use of 30,000 single-use cups has been launched in Cardiff. Cafes across the city are taking part by supplying customers with a reusable cup for takeaway drinks. The cups can be returned to any participating café for washing and reuse. Customers simply download a Refill app and scan […]

Cardboard Boxes in the Bag

Cardboard boxes are widely recycled, however, when they get wet or are contaminated with oil, liquid or food waste, it’s often not possible to recycle them. To address this issue, Conwy Council in Wales is issuing all households with a recycling bag specifically for cardboard boxes. This keeps the boxes separate from other recycled packaging. […]

Beauty Packaging Reuse

The Daisy Top refill system for aluminium beauty and personal care packaging was the winning innovation at London Packaging Week. Identified as the best product from a range of high-quality solutions, this Swedish design by Meadow encourages packaging reuse. Find out more This product is one of many fresh ideas that could revolutionise the beauty […]

Clam-ping Down on Bakery Packaging

In pursuit of reducing plastic packaging, all the major supermarkets are rethinking retail packaging. The latest to hit the headlines is Sainsbury’s. If you are a fan of a continental breakfast, you’ll be aware that croissants, pastries and other bakery items are often sold in clamshell plastic containers. However, to reduce packaging waste, this has […]

Bespoke Cardboard Trophies

Charity 10K races are a popular fundraiser. Enthusiastic runners of all ages and abilities take part in events up and down the country. Barnstable’s Care for Kids event was one example. The largely flat route started at the Rugby Club and followed the Tarka Trail, crossing both Taw Bridge and Long Bridge. Entries and sponsorship […]

Packaging Innovations 2024

London Packaging Week is a forum for the latest discussions, ideas, innovations and opportunities in our industry. This year, there is considerable interest in new products that support the long-term sustainability agenda. Ten Packaging Products Championing Sustainability Ten products are showcased as having the potential to drive fresh thinking in the packaging industry. They include: […]

A Shift to Minimalist Packaging

Lowering environmental impact, attracting conscious buyers and cutting costs are just three reasons why brands are shifting towards minimalist packaging. The days when items were wrapped in multiple layers to add shelf appeal are over. Consumers now favour brands that commit to sustainability and make it easy for them to make green choices. That means […]

Packaging Celebrates Heritage

Isn’t it compelling when you discover the story behind a brand or product? A little ‘behind the scenes’ taster of provenance and company values can influence buying decisions and differentiate brands from the competition. So, it was great to read about Clipper Tea’s latest packaging design, which tells a visual brand story in celebration of […]

Packaging Award Finalists Announced

As part of the annual London Packaging Week event, brands are invited to enter the packaging awards. In this competition, judges are looking for fresh ideas, innovative use of materials and recyclability. As with any great commercial packaging design, the shortlisted packaging solutions must balance functionality, appearance and user experience. The shortlist of 50 finalists […]

Call for Consistent Labels on Packaging

The latest consumer survey conducted by On Pack Recycling Label (OPRL) revealed that 68% of respondents believe recyclable packaging is important. This means that the majority of consumers want to avoid inefficient waste management. However, around half admitted to being confused about what can and can’t be recycled. Understanding Recycling Labels on Packaging The issue […]

Cost a Barrier to Sustainable Packaging

Research carried out by UPM, in collaboration with Pentawards suggests that manufacturers are dissuaded from sustainable packaging due to cost. When comparing like-for-like costs, green solutions are usually more expensive. For many, the final decision comes down to price. However, this is a narrow view that doesn’t reflect the real gains. So, if the finances […]