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Packaging Companies Facing Demands for Green Wrappings

No matter how good a product may be, green-conscious consumers are demanding more eco-friendly wrappings for their goods. Contract packaging companies are now looking closely at ways to cut down on excessive packaging, and offering clients more eco-friendly options.

The challenges of producing wrapped household products while considering environmental sustainability is a hot topic right now. While it is true that commercial business and the environment don’t always go hand in hand with regards to product packaging, many packaging companies, such as Quantrelle, are doing something to address environmental concerns over plastic waste.

What business owners need to understand is that the first thing that their customers see is their product packaging, and how eco-friendly that packaging is can heavily sway their decision to buy or not.

Businesses are set up to make money, so naturally they will think about ways to encourage consumers to buy their product, but they also want to deliver that product in the cheapest possible way. Unfortunately, this can often mean choosing packaging that is not environmentally stable or easy to recycle.

A greener option

With Quantrelle, when it comes to plastic packaging, we use rPET plastic. PET stands for polyethylene terephthalate, which is a plastic resin and a form of polyester material. Our rPET also contains a minimum of 50% post-consumer waste, meaning we are reusing plastic that would otherwise be destined for the landfill.

Our packaging is fully recyclable and can be disposed of easily by consumers through their household recycling collections along with their plastic water or soft drink bottles. This means that customers have a convenient way to easily remove and dispose of the product packaging that doesn’t harm the environment.

Consumer education

Another way that packaging companies are tackling the demand for green packaging materials is through consumer education. Working with their clients to help highlight the potential for product  packaging to be reused or repurposed in some way rather than simply being thrown away is a really positive move. For example, upcycling and reusing plastic packaging as materials for arts and craft projects, food containers, sandwich bags and household storage such as pen holders and desk organisers.

Another option for product manufacturers is to use compostable, biodegradable packaging. Something that Quantrelle has been at the forefront of offering their clients. Take a look at our Eco-Pack range for more information.

Quantrelle Contract Packaging Company OHSAS 18001 & ISO 27001 Accreditations

Quantrelle Contract Packaging Company have been busy behind the scenes this year.

In addition to preparing for the new GDP Regulations, we have been working towards accreditation for both OHSAS 18001 (Health and Safety) and  ISO 27001 (Information Security).

We are thrilled to be able to tell you that we have secured accreditation in both of these standards.

The OHSAS 18001 standard is designed to ensure that an organisation is committed to assessing risks and promoting a safe and healthy working environment for employees and visitors.

This certification is proof of our adherence to the high standards set by the Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Series (OHSAS) Project Group.

Our Contract Packaging Company have achieved this important award through our dedication to safety by identifying, controlling and managing risks to keep our employees, and visitors to the premises in which we work, safe.

An annual external audit is carried out by a third party where our practices and systems are assessed to confirm that standards remain high and that any non-conformances are noted for rectification.

ISO 27001 is recognised worldwide as the standard for information security management.

We have shown that we have reached the high standards set by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) through our achievement of the ISO 27001 certification.

To gain the ISO 27001 award, we have proved that we could not only prevent but defend against potential data system vulnerabilities. This achievement was due to our comprehensive suite of information security controls and the management system we introduced to ensure these controls remain efficient and continue to meet our customers’ needs.

An annual audit is carried out by an external third party to ensure our systems continue to meet the stringent requirements set out in the ISO 27001 standard.

These accreditations compliment our existing ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications.

For more information about our Contract Packaging Company and the services we have to offer, visit our website or get in touch.

Why Use A Contract Packaging Company?

A Contract Packaging Company is basically what it says – a packaging company that offer services on the basis of a contract. There is a lot that goes into packaging, from the initial design and creation, to the final product sitting on the shelves of the local Supermarket, Wholesaler or Retailer. This is why many businesses choose to outsource these tasks to professional contract packaging companies so they can save time and money.

Contract packaging companies can specialise in different methods of packaging or like Quantrelle, they can offer a vast range of packaging options. At Quantrelle, the range of services we can offer are clamshell and blister packaging, Eco packaging, shrink and sleeve wrapping, pallet and pop-up displays and more, so whatever packaging your business may need, we will go over and above to ensure you are happy with the finished product and service.

As a company that offers contract packaging, we provide the expert knowledge, the labour and the equipment, packaging is one less thing you have to worry about. If you need regular packaging to be undertaken, then our services could help save you time and money, we also ensure that all packaging is completed within your time schedule and up to the high quality and standards that you expect.

Whilst you can focus on the sales and marketing of your product, the packaging aspect can be left in the safe hands of a contract packaging company like us, taking a huge weight off your mind.

For more information on the services we have to offer and the range of sectors we do work for, feel free to get in touch directly or visit our website.

How Our Eco Clam Pack Is Helping The Environment

After the recent Blue Planet series on TV, awareness about how plastic is negatively affecting our environment and its inhabitants is becoming a more dynamic concern. Each year, an estimated 12.7 million tonnes of plastic ends up in our oceans, ranging from plastic bottles to plastic straws. This is having a worrying effect on those that call the ocean their home – turtles are being suffocated and whales and seals are becoming entangled in the floating plastics. Some sea creatures are even eating the plastic mistaking it for food. Something needs to change!

As a packaging company, Quantrelle wants to make a difference by managing it’s plastic output, which is where our Eco Clam Pack comes in. Our Eco Clam Pack is a sustainable method of packaging which reduces the amount of plastic used in packaging by up to 65%*! This pack contains recycled paper materials as well as recycled plastic, and produces a more premium result. The shelf appeal for our Eco Clam Pack is enhanced by allowing enough space for branding and messaging as well as eye catching aesthetics.

We have also designed our Eco Clam Pack to be opened without the need for a sharp tool once the consumer has purchased the item. One negative we hear about regular clam packaging is the issue of opening up the plastic and getting into the product. This issue is alleviated with our Eco pack, it doesn’t mean your product is not protected within this packaging, it simply allows separation and the individual items to be recycled individually.

So it’s a no brainer really, our sustainable Eco Clam Pack is the way forward if we want to make a difference to our environment – it may be a small step, but it can go a long way!

For more information on our Eco packaging or our other packaging services, visit our website or get in touch today. We would love to hear about any other ideas you may have to help make a difference to our environment.

*vs a plastic clam pack in equivalent size.

Blister Packaging vs Clamshell Packaging

Both blister packaging and clamshell packaging are very popular methods of packaging, most commonly, retail products. Many people believe them to be the same thing, but in fact the only thing they have in common is that they are both created using thermoforming. You will see both blister packaging and clamshell packaging all around you in stores, but do you know the difference?

Blister Packaging

Blister packaging is most commonly used for small consumer goods, pharmaceuticals and food, you will also see it used for things such as batteries. The main difference between clamshell and blister packaging is that blister packaging doesn’t have a hinge like clamshells do. It can be made from the same plastic as clamshell using the same method, thermoforming but the plastic does not cover the whole product. Most commonly, the material of the blister packaging is attached to a cardboard backing with the blister mould holding the product in place on top of the cardboard. This method also provides an easy way for the consumers to open the product by just pulling the plastic back from the cardboard. This is a great way to showcase products and bring attention to them using the cardboard as a promotional tool. The plastic attaches to the card via a strong adhesive.

Clamshell Packaging

This method uses a blister sandwiched in between 2 cards that is sealed using a welding machine, it is useful for shorter runs and allows the customer to stand the item in store or hang it on a euroslot. Clamshells were commonly produced as PVC 2 part packages however now there is a desire to have a more environmentally friendly version that incorporates R-Pet plastic and Card that uses oil based inks. These packs are both better for presentation purposes, better for the customer and also a more environmentally sustainable solution.

For more information on the packaging services Quantrelle offer, including our blister packaging and  clamshell packaging services, visit our website or get in touch.

Clamshell Packaging Services

At Quantrelle, we offer a range of different packaging options, our clamshell packaging services being one of them. We specialise in the wholesale and retail sector with many years working with some large global brands. You may believe you’ve never come across clamshell packaging services, but it is an extremely common method of packaging and it is seen across a variety of different products and sectors. Some products it can be used for are children’s toys and games, computer accessories, tools, food products and the list goes on…

What Are Clamshell Packaging Services

Clamshell may sound like a strange name for a method of packaging, but it does exactly what it says on the tin. It can involve the product being trapped between two sheets of moulded plastic and welded at a high frequency or it can be the plastic trapped in between a folded card. Our clamshell packaging services also ensure that products are encased in a tough transparent material so the risk of damage or theft is minimised, especially with small items that may be of high value. To further reduce the risk of theft, our clam packs can be security coded, so you can make sure your product is extra secure.

Clamshell packaging services also can save large space for transport and for a point of sale as the packaging can fit perfectly around the product without wasting extra space. It has also achieved huge savings in shrinkage.

This method of packaging is also very useful as it allows multiple items to be packed together. This can suit both supplier and consumer as it is an easy way for the supplier to adjust the content to suit consumers needs and therefore ending up with happy customers.

Clamshell packaging services also offer the use of a backing card, which will be covered using the material chosen. This can be a way to grab consumers attention and promote the product in the best way possible. A range of colours and text can be used and the product can still easily sit on a shelf, hook or in a tray.

How Is Clamshell Packaging Made?

The method of clamshell packaging sees the chosen material being thermoformed or injection moulded to create the shape that is desired for the particular product. Another piece of material is then used for the top and bottom of the packaging with a hinge that is integrated within the material. When it comes to closing the packaging, clamshell can have a range of means for sealing. Self-locking tabs, snaps, or friction fit methods of closing can be used dependant on the preference of the supplier. Sometimes, adhesive, tape, labels and staples are used as a method of sealing the packaging. Some packages can also be heat sealed, but this can sometimes cause frustration for the consumer as it may result in them struggling to open the packaging and resorting to using scissors or a knife.

At Quantrelle, we offer a range of different methods of packing, our clamshell packaging services being just one of those. Other services we offer include:

For more information about our clamshell packaging services or the other services we have to offer, visit our website or don’t hesitate to get in touch with any questions or queries you may have. The main sectors we supply to are consumer goods, cosmetics and toiletries, high tech and pharmaceutical. You can also read about the green materials we use here.

Scotchgard All Purpose Twin-Pack Packaging

Twin-Pack Packaging

Quantrelle has recently re-packed Scotchgard Multi-Purpose Protector spray into a twin-pack and on top of pallet skirts, providing greater space for branding and increasing presence in store.

Scotchgard Multi-Purpose Protector forms an invisible barrier to protect your belongings from water, wine, coffee or oily stains.

Available now at all Costco UK stores.

Party Pack pallet for Costco

Party Pack Pallet

Working with Burton’s Biscuits; Quantrelle have put together a ‘Party Pack’ consisting of 2 Jammie Dodgers, 2 Original Wagon Wheels and 2 Jammie Wagon Wheels.
Find them now in all UK Costco stores.