Tag Archives: packaging

News

UK Businesses Face ‘Eye-Watering Sums’ that Could Threaten Their Survival as April Packaging Deadline Looms – Leading Compliance Firm Warns

Thousands of UK businesses risk unnecessary costs and financial instability if they neglect their packaging reporting obligations, experts at a leading environmental compliance firm have warned.

Manchester-based Ecoveritas, which works with leading brands like Harrods, Suzuki, Spar, and Selfridges, is urging firms to invest in their data to avoid overpaying and risking their survival.

With the April 1st Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) deadline fast approaching, some businesses may be too late to submit their reports for this cycle, and instead, the firm is advising them to focus on refining their data processes now to avoid unnecessary cost increases in the future.

The firm highlighted that large retailers could see their packaging compliance costs range from £40 million to £130 million annually.

“While it may be too late to overhaul reporting for this cycle for some, businesses need to take action now to strengthen their data accuracy for future reporting,” said Andrew McCaffery, Chief Strategy Officer at Ecoveritas.

“Compliance isn’t a one-time event – it’s an ongoing obligation that directly impacts financial planning and operational efficiency. Those who delay addressing their data accuracy may find themselves repeatedly overpaying and struggling with higher costs.

“For many businesses, this isn’t just about compliance – it’s about financial survival long term.

“A single miscalculation on packaging weight could cost companies eye watering sums well into hundreds of thousands of pounds. A 20-gram discrepancy per product might not seem like much, but for a product selling 12 million units, that’s 240 tonnes of material – equating to an extra £150,000 in fees for just one item.”

The new EPR legislation, which replaces the 1997 Packaging Waste Regulations, places the full financial responsibility for packaging waste management on producers. Businesses that introduce packaging into the UK market must now track, report, and finance the collection and recycling of their materials.

The regulations apply to businesses with an annual UK turnover exceeding £1 million, a physical UK presence, and those handling more than 25 tonnes of packaging each year.

Andrew added: “Companies that take a proactive approach to refining their data collection and reporting processes now will be in a stronger position for future reporting cycles.

“Those who put off addressing their data accuracy issues now may find themselves trapped in a cycle of inflated costs and avoidable penalties.

“Accurate and well-maintained packaging data also unlocks opportunities for businesses to optimise packaging design, reduce material costs, and streamline supply chain operations.

“This is about more than just avoiding fines. It’s a chance for businesses to take control of their packaging responsibilities, improve sustainability, and demonstrate leadership in environmental stewardship.

“By accurately reporting their packaging data and making informed choices, companies can reduce waste, lower their carbon footprint, and contribute to a circular economy – creating a better future for everyone.”

Businesses concerned about their compliance status can contact Ecoveritas by emailing info@ecoveritas.com or by calling +44 (0)1865 502176 for guidance.

News, Packaging

Lesters looks to green the supply chain with new automotive offer

Delivering a sustainable supply chain is at the heart of a new dedicated offer launched by Burntwood-based Lesters.

The UK’s leading manufacturer of high-performance packaging has introduced a specialist ‘automotive’ division to work even closer with its growing customer base that features OEMs, first and second tier suppliers and third-party logistics providers.

A team of experts in design, sales, marketing, and logistics are on hand to help clients reduce their carbon footprint through supply chain optimisation and the replacement of plastics and foams with sustainable packaging mediums.

“Our automotive experience, expertise and consultative approach go beyond the product to help identify and create value in supply chains…whether that is reducing end-to-end costs, increasing efficiencies or boosting sustainability,” explained Mark Aucott, Automotive Business Manager at Lesters.

“The sector is complex and requires a circular approach and that is where this new offer really comes into its own. From initial consultations and identifying different types of material to testing and tapping into our expansive prototyping capability”.

He continued: “By employing this method, we’ve been able to help several of our automotive customers potentially reduce their supply chain costs by up to 25% – a saving that can run into the hundreds of thousands of pounds!

“We also have the added benefit of Lesters Logistics – our very own supply chain capability that closes the loop for the customer and can provide next day delivery, ‘stock and serve’ and ‘pick and pack’ services.”

Lesters has enjoyed a major period of expansion, with over £7m invested in creating an ecosystem around its core large format high performance box manufacturing capabilities and capacities.

This is supported with market leading design and innovation facilities, aligned with both theoretical and physical pack testing to support product development and testing before implementation.

Thanks to its two TCY Casemakers, which are capable of printing in three colours, the company has the capability to run over 465,000 large format, sustainable cases per day.

On the automotive side of the business, Lesters offers heavy duty packaging for extreme protection of intricate components and valuable items, and ‘Easy Pick’ folding pick bins that don’t require gluing or staples, making them easy to assemble.

It also has a strong track record in bespoke die cuts, providing a wide range of style and board grades, as well as a host of tailored options that offer a unique combination of strength and weight saving features.

Mark, who has been involved in the automotive industry for the last twenty years, went on to add: “Electrification is something that everyone is talking about, and we have already developed innovative packaging that has reduced costs in their supply chain.

“There is also major growth in the field of new automotive start-ups, where our expertise in setting up packaging and packaging lines can ensure a smooth transition into start of production (SOP).”

One recent example of Lesters capability in this field is its work with Rolec, the UK’s leading manufacturer and supplier of EV chargepoints.

With sales for electric cars going through the roof, the customer had seen a massive increase in demand for its products, yet the packaging hadn’t really kept up with its innovation and growth.

Led by Design Manager Greg Burton and his three-strong team, Lesters came up with a new solution for its Zura intelligent charger that was optimised for the courier service, removed all plastic from the equation and upgraded the end user ‘opening’ experience.

Following numerous prototypes, the client settled on a unique one-piece design using a high-quality print large format box, with the print carried through the internals and the box featuring integrated fittings.

The packaging has reduced the number of SKUs from 4 to just 1 and is suitable for the complete product range, including the 5-metre tethered, 5m double tethered and 10m single tethered options.

For further information, please visit www.lesterspackaging.co.uk

Food & Drink, News, Technology

£750k funding boost for OSY Group’s technology which extends shelf-life of food produce

A company whose flagship technology increases the shelf-life of food produce and reduces waste has secured £750,000 from investors to support its rollout across the UK and internationally.

The funding boost for OSY Group will accelerate its commercialisation of Xtend, an antimicrobial packaging coating which enables a range of food types, including fruit and vegetables, to stay fresh in their packaging for longer.

It will also enable OSY Group to expand its team, who are based at the Manchester International Office Centre near Manchester Airport.

Marc Braterman, chief executive of OSY Group, said: “Currently 1.3 billion tonnes of food is wasted or lost each year globally, and between eight and 10 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions result directly from food waste.

“We aspire to lead the charge in global food waste reduction through our innovative technology, as well as helping to drive down greenhouse gas emissions and food poverty, supporting grocers as they strive to achieve their sustainability targets, and enabling food producers to tap into more export markets.

“This latest funding round is a major milestone as it will enable us to accelerate the commercialisation of Xtend in the UK and internationally, while also focusing on growing our team. We are looking to create a number of roles in the coming months in line with our strategy.”

Xtend is a water-based antimicrobial coating for packaging surfaces. It leaves microscopic pins on the packaging surfaces that puncture and kill microbes and slow the natural spoiling process that affects the fresh produce within.

It has undergone extensive testing at independent laboratories, universities and other facilities, which has proven the technology to be food safe and compliant with the Food Contact Materials regulations for fresh produce, said Marc.

Testing has shown that Xtend extends shelf-life by multiple days on various forms of packaging, he added.

It is suitable for lidding film, plastic trays, flow wrap, fibre and board, flexible film paper, outer packaging and board and film combined for food-to-go, such as sandwiches.

Trials of Xtend have also been conducted with a major UK grocer as well as leading soft fruit producers and large European packaging companies.

Marc said: “These trials, in addition to the extensive testing carried out at facilities in the UK, have demonstrated that Xtend maintains freshness for longer and therefore significantly contributes to reducing food waste.

“It can be easily integrated into existing packaging production, and has a range of other applications beyond food produce due to its direct coating qualities.”

The latest investment, from three new individuals and one existing backer, follows a £250,000 equity fundraising last year and an award from Innovate UK through its ‘Better Food for All’ competition to support companies forging innovative ways to tackle nutrition challenges. Innovate UK’s funding is supporting OSY’s ongoing research and development.

OSY is one of only a small number of companies selected to be part of a global innovation business programme run by Innovate UK in Canada and Australia.

Among the advisers to OSY are Dr Malcolm Driffield and Dr Rhodri Evans, of scientific, engineering and regulatory consultancy Exponent International.

News, North of England, Packaging

Jobs saved as eco-friendly packaging manufacturer is sold in pre-pack deal

A company which manufactures eco-friendly packaging for takeaway food items as well as wooden cutlery, paper straws and cups has been bought out of administration, saving the jobs of its 14 staff.

Steven Wiseglass, a director at Manchester-based Inquesta Corporate Recovery & Insolvency, was appointed administrator of Eco Packaging Products Ltd on Thursday, February 15.

Following his appointment, Mr Wiseglass completed the pre-pack sale of the business to EP2 Packaging Ltd.

Eco Packaging Products was founded in February 2020 and operated from a 25,000sq ft facility in Little Hulton, Salford. The premises are accredited with grade A status by the British Retail Consortium. EP2 Packaging is operating from the same premises.

The company supplies wholesalers with a range of corrugated cardboard and solid board takeaway food boxes which are free of plastic, responsibly sourced and biodegradable. They are used for snacks and meals as well as cakes and baked goods, pizzas, burgers and chips.

Its wooden cutlery is produced from ethically sourced birchwood and all items are recyclable, biodegradable and compostable, as are its paper straws and cups.

Mr Wiseglass said: “Eco Packaging Products showed great potential and spent a lot of money on research and development, but unfortunately business did not go quite the way its owners wanted.

“We are pleased that the business has been sold and that the jobs of its employees have been safeguarded, and hope it flourishes under its new ownership.”

Food & Drink, News, Packaging

Celebration Packaging introduces new range of tamper-evident food packaging made from rPET

Celebration Packaging has introduced a new range of tamper-evident food packaging made from a minimum of 30 per cent recycled PET.

The new range, introduced under Celebration Packaging’s SolutionWare brand, includes sandwich packs, rectangular salad containers with hinged lids, and deli containers with separate lids.

“Our new ranges of high-clarity tamper-evident food containers feature a patented safety lock lid, giving tamper proof protection to prepared foods,” says Celebration Packaging Managing Director Nick Burton. “These new ranges are manufactured with a minimum of 30% post-consumer rPET recycled plastic, and are therefore not liable for the plastic packaging tax. Once used, the packaging can be rinsed and recycled through kerbside collection.”

Both the rectangular tamper-evident rPET salad containers with hinged lids, and the square tamper-evident rPET deli containers, with separate lids, are available in 8oz, 12oz, 16oz, 24oz and 32oz sizes. An rPET tamper-evident triangular sandwich pack with hinged lid is also available.

Celebrating 40 years of innovative off-the-shelf packaging solutions

Celebration Packaging has been supplying innovative off-the-shelf catering disposables since 1983. Today, the SolutionWare brand encompasses a wide range of essential foodservice packaging solutions, from hot and cold drink cups and salad and deli containers, to platters, trays and bar accessories, and microwavable and tamper-evident containers.

The SolutionWare brand sits alongside the PrintPac brand which offers a wide range of custom print and bespoke packaging options from drinks coasters to placemats and cutlery sleeves, and the EnviroWare® brand which was established over 17 years ago to deliver exciting and innovative sustainable food and drink packaging.

Ensuring product integrity while enhancing reputations

“Tamper-evident food packaging helps to ensure product integrity by providing a visible indication as to whether the container has been opened or compromised. It also helps to prevent contamination and preserve the quality and freshness of the product,” concludes Nick Burton.

“These new high-clarity rPET packaging solutions ensure excellent product presentation, and whether it is for fresh salads, deli products or sandwiches, the use of tamper-evident packaging in any foodservice business delivers added confidence for consumers. Ensuring tamper-proof protection for food while also specifying packaging which is made from a percentage of recycled material and can be recycled, can also enhance an operator’s reputation.”

 

News

Manufacturer plans for expansion and creates new jobs following award win and revenue surge

A FAMILY-OWNED manufacturing company celebrating more than two decades in business is planning for expansion and creating new jobs.  

And news of further growth at Corwen-based Neatcrown comes after the firm won the prestigious Co-Manufacturer and Packer of the Year title at the UK Packaging Awards, held in London.

Business Development Manager Karen Jones attended the event, and said the group’s commitment to customer service, quality, and the performance of its “incredible team” have led to sustained success.

With a 39,000 sq ft warehouse, laboratory and headquarters sited on 2.5 acres in the picturesque Denbighshire town, Neatcrown – which employs up to 40 staff and is accredited to ISO 9001:2015 – has big plans for the future.

“We are probably one of the best kept secrets in the region and have grown significantly over recent years,” said Karen.

“As a contract manufacturer we work with a lot of distributors and companies that have their own brands, helping them to develop products via our onsite laboratory and ultimately manufacturing them, before they are sent out for sale across the UK and internationally.

“For that and the hard work of the incredible team we have here to be recognised with such an amazing award is a great privilege, so we thank the judges for this accolade.”

Established by the Griffiths family in 2002, Neatcrown Corwen Ltd began to diversify pre-pandemic to focus primarily on growth within the agriculture sector, notably crop nutrition, bio-stimulants, and innovative methods to drive sustainability in farming, having been manufacturing horticultural products at the site for more than four decades.

While expansion continues, the company is renowned for its flexible and reactive approach – switching to disinfectant manufacturing during the first wave of Covid-19 kept the business operational – and partnerships across a wide range of sectors.

CEO Colin Roberts said innovation and forging new relationships centred on advances in technology and sustainability are vital moving forward.

“Given the changing environment, climate change and other global factors, collaboration is pivotal to our continued success,” he said.

“We work with a wide range of organisations, co-manufacturing their products, packaging them and helping to develop them – it’s an end-to-end journey and experience for us, and for the customer.”

Colin added: “Neatcrown is growing, and not just in terms of revenue and reputation but also the jobs we are creating for skilled, passionate workers in what is a remote, rural area.

“We want to continue supporting the local economy as a key employer in the area, building our name and raising standards, for ourselves and the industry.”

They had an opportunity to showcase the business at this year’s CropTec Show, held over two days in Warwickshire. The event has been delivering and showcasing technical knowledge, products, services and practical advice to the country’s progressive growers and agronomists for more than 10 years.

“We are delighted to have exhibited at the show for the first time, it was a chance for us to meet with leading names in the agriculture and horticulture arenas and demonstrate what we do,” said Karen.

“These are fast-growing markets, and we want to get the message out there that we are an expanding, evolving business with a clear vision for further growth that will have a positive impact on our partners, customers and the sector, for many years to come.”

For more information and to see the latest job vacancies at Neatcrown, visit the website www.neatcrown.co.uk or follow Neatcrown on LinkedIn.

Alternatively, call 01490 413121 or email customer.support@neatcrown.co.uk.

News

Greiner Packaging UK & Ireland celebrates 50 sustainable years and announces £10M+ investments

On October 11th 2022, Greiner Packaging UK & Ireland celebrated its 50th anniversary at Dungannon, Northern Ireland, in the presence of the Greiner Family Council from Austria, representatives of regional and local government, and investors.

At the event, the company announced new investments totalling over £10M, for the installation of new bespoke machinery, commissioning of a new manufacturing hall, and the expansion of the warehouse from 3,000 to 11,000 spaces.

“For fifty years, we have produced some of the world’s most sustainable packaging for food and non-food applications at our factory in Dungannon,” says Director Operations at Greiner Packaging International, Jarek Zasadzinski.

“As we celebrate this important anniversary, we are proud to announce these new investments which follow the more than £35M we have invested since acquiring Wilsanco in 2006. Sixteen years ago, the site was turning over £15M and today we are achieving £60M. Our goal is to grow this site to £100M over the next 3-4 years.”

“These investments, by Greiner Packaging International, were partly funded by Invest NI, UK government, and EU regional development funds, and have contributed to building a highly successful and sustainable manufacturing business which services hundreds of customers across the UK and Ireland.”

“We are so proud of our achievements, of our loyal and committed workforce, and to be celebrating 50 sustainable years in Dungannon in 2022.”

To mark the 50 years, five trees were planted, one for each decade.

Investing in sustainability and aiming for carbon neutrality

“There are many sustainable highlights in our 50-year history,” says Greiner Packaging UK & Ireland Sales Director Julie Eller. “After we acquired Wilscanco in 2006, we invested over £2.5M in building Northern Ireland’s first high-bay warehouse, made from sustainable materials.”

“Three years later, through the introduction of energy consumption reducing wind power, Project SCool delivered the factory’s water-cooling needs. This was immediately followed by the need to remove excess heat from the cooling system, and Project SCool still delivers the heating requirements for the Integrated College across the road from the factory. It has not only made a significant contribution to CO2 reduction, but the energy savings made have resulted in the school being able to fund an additional four teachers.”

“The project was supported by Invest NI and UK government and preparations are now underway for Project SCool 2.0, which will see the existing school being expanded to three times its current size, with Greiner Packaging providing 100% of the heating requirements.”

“In 2019, we began the transition to meeting energy requirements solely from renewable sources, and by 2021 we reached that milestone. Plans are in place to become carbon neutral by 2030, in line with the Greiner AG Blue Plan for the entire Greiner Group.”

Investing in a sustainable future

“Since we acquired Wilsanco in 2006, we have invested close to £36M developing the site and installing a wide range of new manufacturing machinery,” says Jarek Zasadzinski.

“The K3® cardboard-plastic innovation was introduced in the following year, and since then there has been continuous investment at our UK manufacturing facility. But, alongside investing to create new packaging solutions, there has been a constant focus on investing in improving our environmental sustainability performance and pursuing our goal to achieve a circular economy.”

The first PET thermoforming machines were installed in 2009 and in-mold labelling (IML) followed in 2010. Kavoblow capability was added in 2015, followed by an upgrade of the forming hall and the introduction of the latest thermoforming technology in 2016. Further K3® and IML capacity followed in 2017 and in 2018 there was a major focus on quality, safety and efficiency. From 2019 to 2021, there was considerable growth with the installation of two more inline thermoforming machines, and another IML machine.

“Last year, we invested over £3.7m in our new PET decontamination and extrusion line,” says Jarek Zasadzinski. “We are proud to announce that the European Food Safety Authority has now approved the process we use to recycle post‐consumer PET into food contact materials, representing another significant and hugely important step in our journey to use increasing amounts of recycled material in our food grade packaging.”

“For the last sixteen years, we have steadily added a wide range of new sustainable packaging solutions, and are particularly proud of our category leading recyclable K3® cardboard-plastic combination packaging solution which has been hugely successful in the dairy and ready-meals sectors. Our new K3® r100 self-separates before reaching recycling facilities and is our most sustainable packaging solution to date.”

Delivering tomorrow’s packaging solutions

“As a business, Greiner Packaging needs to take a collective industry position and wherever possible, lead through example,” says Sustainability and Innovation Manager Rachel Sheldon. “We are already working closely with Plastic Pact and other industry bodies, and we recently joined RECOUP, the official RecyClass auditor for rigid plastic packaging in the UK. At an international level we are members of the Alliance to End Plastic Waste, and in 2018, we signed the New Plastics Economy Global Commitment launched by the UK-based Ellen MacArthur Foundation.”

“Our 50th anniversary provides an ideal opportunity to remind our customers that we have been on a constant and well-planned journey to deliver the most sustainable packaging solutions. We will continue to provide our customers with the reassurance that they can avoid the dangers of greenwashing, by adopting packaging which measurably improves their carbon footprint and sustainability position.”

“Plastic has an important role to play, particularly for food packaging where it can help to extend shelf-life and therefore reduce food waste. People all over the UK and Ireland will soon see our ‘We love sustainable packaging’ message, as a fleet of newly liveried trailers heads out onto the nations’ roads from our factory in Dungannon.”

Midlands News, News, Packaging

Large packaging specialist opens second warehouse after 120% sales boom

Lesters has announced it has invested £100,000 into the opening of a second warehouse to help it cope with a 120% increase in orders.

The large packaging specialist, which has recently recruited 15 new staff, has fitted out the 25,000 sq ft facility near its headquarters in Burntwood with flexible racking options meaning it has enough space to store over 2000 pallets.

This latest move, coupled with its existing Lesters Logistics facilities, means the company can now offer 47,000 sq ft of storage space, 20,000 sq ft of floor storage space and 3,000 pallet spaces.

It will help the firm bring its storage of its stocked items in-house, reducing lead times and ensuring even better customer service for clients in the aerospace, automotive, pharma, renewables and online shopping sectors.

A new Warehouse Manager has already been appointed to oversee the additional operation.

“We have a three-year expansion plan that will see the business move to £25m of annual sales and getting more of our stock under our control is an important step in making that happen,” explained Billy Hutchinson, Managing Director of Lesters.

“It was previously outsourced and that didn’t give us the flexibility we needed, especially with more customers coming online by the day.

“Taking on Unit 12, a stone’s throw from our current factory, gives us a lot more space for our stocked items, as we are increasing our ability to offer more ‘stock and serve’ options to clients.

“Supply chain challenges are a big talking point for our customers. Recent events and uncertainty have created a need for many UK businesses to increase their security of supply for the critical packaging lines they require. This will help us provide the security they are looking for.”

The last twelve months have been transformational for Lesters, the UK’s leading specialist in big box packaging for the aerospace, automotive, bike manufacturing, mail order and third-party logistics space.

Boosted by a significant surge in online shopping, the Burntwood-based company has seen sales soar to £16m and its workforce increase to 60 people.

The growth has been driven by investment in skills and, importantly, a £7m investment programme that has resulted in the installation of a new TCY Jumbo Casemaker (first of its type to be operational in the UK) and the impending arrival of a TCY N6 3 colour casemaker machine.

These acquisitions have helped the company reduce lead times and increase capacity from a combined 180 boxes per minute to over 360 – essential if it is going to meet planned expansion targets.

“Add all of this together and it means we are the very top of our industry when it comes to performance and supplying corrugated boxes, large format, heavy-duty cases and bespoke packaging to clients in the automotive, aerospace, bike manufacturing, mail order and third-party logistics space,” added Billy.

“We are exploring a way of creating our own eco-system where we have full control over the whole of the packaging production process, from print ink and design, right through to distribution through Lesters Logistics in Nuneaton.

“That was our first acquisition by the current management team, with plans in place to look at other complementary businesses that give us greater market share, access to new customers and wider geographic reach.”

Another big opportunity for Lesters has been the introduction of the plastic packaging tax on April 1st.

This means manufacturers or importers of plastic packaging could be hit by a £200 tax for every per metric tonne of plastic packaging, a great incentive for them to explore alternative forms of packaging, including cardboard boxes.

Billy concluded: “We have an action plan in place to offer new and existing clients the opportunity to find alternative solutions and, importantly, become a more sustainable business in the process.”

ESG/CSR, News

Sun Strategy partners with Amdaris to provide sustainable branding solutions at scale

  • Digital transformation expert will help Sun Strategy scale sustainable solutions to meet increased customer demand since the pandemic

Bristol, UK; 13 July 2022: Software development specialist Amdaris has partnered with sustainable branding experts Sun Strategy to transform the value of businesses through environmentally-conscious packaging. As digital partner, Amdaris will help accelerate the delivery of Sun Strategy’s sustainable and efficiency-driven technology solutions.

Sun Strategy is a packaging consultancy that works with brands to deliver innovative, sustainable, and measurable solutions for leading global clients, including some of the world’s largest online and offline retailers. Sustainability has significantly moved up on the consumer agenda in recent years, with Gen Z customers favouring environmentally-friendly brands and packaging. This new partnership with Amdaris will advance the services of Sun Strategy to meet the influx of sustainability-conscious customers.

Amdaris will work closely with the team at Sun Strategy to amplify and enhance the technology element of Sun Strategy’s solutions. Through its industry expertise in digital transformation and outsourcing, Amdaris will provide Sun Strategy with the ability to scale at speed and to bring in additional resources that will help meet growing demands. Amdaris will also take an active role in delivering Sun Strategy’s technology ecosystem and integrated automation solutions.

“We have seen a huge influx of clients asking for new branding software solutions since the pandemic. However, the market for developers is extremely competitive, so it’s challenging to recruit enough employees on a long-term basis in order to keep up with the growing customer demand,” commented Robert Quigley, Technical Director at Sun Strategy. “We were not just looking for a provider but a long-term partner. We selected Amdaris due to the company’s excellent industry reputation and experience in agile processes. This long-term partnership with Amdaris will help us meet our objectives and scale up when consumer demands require us to. It’s strategically very important to us.”

Andy Rogers, co-CEO of Amdaris, commented, “Sustainability is one of Amdaris’ key company values so we see a lot of synergies between us and Sun Strategy. We are excited to partner with Sun Strategy and help scale the company’s sustainability technology solutions. We look forward to helping the company take its solutions out to a wider market faster, through our agile approach to software development.”

“Unprecedented shifts in retail trends – such as the exponential rise of e-commerce and omnichannel, changing consumer behaviour, and growing supply chain complexity – have left many of our clients reeling. At Sun Strategy we have been busy developing original technology to offer solutions that help our clients not only survive but go on to thrive. We are looking forward to partnering with Amdaris to help achieve this at a greater scale,” commented Greg Lawson, Group Commercial Director of Sun Strategy.

News, Retail, Retail & E-commerce

New Research Highlights Cost Is Dictating Consumer’s Shopping Habits, Not Sustainability

Ahead of World Earth Day (Friday 22 April), new research from Levercliff – experts in FMCG consumer data – has found that despite environmental concerns being widely acknowledged by shoppers, it is in fact the rising cost of living impacting decisions made at the supermarket till. For 71% of consumers, value for money is the influential factor impacting product or brand choice, and rising prices are a top concern for 41% of people, in comparison to climate change being a top concern for just 8%.

As a result of increased interest rates, tax, energy costs, and rising food and drink prices, the cost-of-living crisis is having a discernible impact. Levercliff’s research – which polled over 1,000 people in October 2021 and then again in March 2022 – found that when shopping for food and drink, for 36% of consumers choices are mainly driven by needing to stick to a budget, looking for the best value and offers.  An increase from 24% in October 2021. This is compared to only 6% of people who stated their choices are principally driven by whether products have been produced responsibly. And it’s a worry effecting all age groups, regardless of socio-economic status[1].

However, it’s not all doom and gloom when it comes to sustainability. Almost 50% of consumers chose sustainable packaging in food and drink as a top priority, with key focuses on making all packaging recyclable (17%), reducing unnecessary packaging (16%), and eliminating plastic packaging altogether (15%). And with 48% of people judging whether a produce was produced responsibly by how sustainable the packaging is, when looking to create new products or update existing lines, this research clearly showcases manufacturers should make packaging a clear consideration to help gain a competitive advantage in a busy market.

What’s more, reducing food waste to limit environmental impact is high on the agenda. 45% of respondents are also buying only what they need to cut down on leftover food, and 39% eat more leftovers to have the same effect. The move towards plastic-free continues to be a key trend, with 39% of people also buying loose fruit and vegetables where they can. “Brands can’t underestimate the impact of the current economic climate on consumers.” Comments Fintan O’Leary, Managing Director of Levercliff. “Over the relatively short period from October 2021 to March 2022, our data clearly shows shoppers are increasingly feeling pressure to make their money go further, and this is being reflected in buying habits across food and drink, with less of a focus on sustainability, and an increased focus on cost.”

“Taking inspiration from this year’s World Earth Day theme of ‘invest in our plant’, we see a real gap in the market for solutions which both look after our planet and support consumers in their wallets. Further investment in sustainable packaging, or products with minimal packaging, is essential, and products being seen to deliver value for money will succeed across the board.”