Over the last few decades, Globalisation has driven big business to expand supply chains across disparate continents, relying Just-In-Time thinking to squeeze maximum efficiencies out the of value chain but the Global disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic has exposed cracks in ‘lean’ supply chain thinking.

The Covid-19 pandemic has already changed the way many of us shop. There has been a massive up-tick in ecommerce, click & collect and home delivery services. As demand ‘sky rockets’ in the run-up to Christmas, how are retailers dealing with more unpredictable shopping behaviour?

The Christmas holiday period accounts for a large chunk of toy company sales and leading toy companies are desperate to see supply, staff and skills shortages addressed in the run-up to Christmas. A worldwide shortage of materials, factory downtime, a huge rise in the cost of shipping, cargo backlogs, a shortage of HGV drivers, energy price hikes and local staffing problems are causing huge disruption to supply chains.

After COP26 got off to such a promising start with big commitments in Week 1, the final few days of the conference have been branded something of a disappointment by critics around the world.

The world’s eyes have all been on Glasgow this week, waiting expectantly (or, in some cases, sceptically) for the first news of COP26, and it’s safe to say there has been no shortage of news!

What effect will the COP26 Deforestation deal have on the future supply of paper and cardboard within the packaging industry?

Unless you’ve been on total media blackout for the past few months, I’m sure we are all aware of the global hot topic at the moment: COP26.

E-commerce spending was already on the rise before 2020 but across the globe the pandemic has compressed 10 years-worth of growth into an unprecedented 2 year peak.

During Covid, consumers became more in touch with their emotions and prioritised their mental wellbeing and snacks are an integral part of the narrative around self-care. With spending on travel and other activities down, there is more room in many budgets for premiumised snack options that provide an opportunity to ‘treat yourself’.

Gillian acknowledges Shilpi Chhotray as a ‘sustainability pioneer’ for amplifying the requirement for a future free from plastic pollution and creating a brand based on the same principles.

For retailers and FMCG brand owners, as is the case with pretty much any business that you may come across; to bring a product or service to life there is normally a plethora of different people and processes needed. The result of this of course is also an abundance of IT systems to support them.

IKEA, world renowned for its affordable, flatpack home furnishing, is also leading the way with sustainability. With ambitious 2030 targets to become a circular and climate positive business, IKEA has lots of ideas up its sleeves.

Next in the Sustainability Pioneers series, Gillian acknowledges Dame Ellen MacArthur who has inspired a whole generation to rethink, redesign and build a positive future.

Packaging that is designed to fit perfectly for a product must also allow the correct amount of space to protect it, to ensure it arrives at the end of its journey un-damaged.

Next in our Sustainability Pioneers series Gillian, a converted subscriber of Who Give a Crap, applauds them for thinking differently, being willing to take risks and push boundaries.

Gillian acknowledges Captain Charles Moore as an ‘ultimate pioneer’ for discovering the ‘Great Pacific Garbage Patch’ and bravely opening our eyes to the devastation we are creating with our waste.

The second consultation on the planned UK EPR scheme concluded last Friday June 4th, taking us one step closer, to a reformed EPR model in the UK.

I’m sure we’ve all walked along a beach and witnessed pollution at some point, I know I have. But how many of us really understand the impact it’s having? Today is World Ocean Day and we should all take a moment to appreciate the beauty of 71% of our planet.

Green Toys is a California-based toy manufacturer that first launched its environmentally responsible range of toys in 2008. Although the toys are plastic, they are made from 100% recycled materials with US-based manufacturing. Green Toys say that “every day is Earth Day”, it undoubtedly delivers a commitment to sustainability and playfulness as part of its DNA.

I’m sure everyone has heard the famous Henry Ford quote, “you can have any colour, as long as it’s black”, well maybe ‘green’ is the new black. That’s certainly something Freya Williams is passionate about and I happen to agree.

You may recognise Divine by its beautiful, decorative wrappers, its organic range or for its Fairtrade certification. But did you know it is the only chocolate company that gives its profits back to the farmers that grow the cocoa beans?

Globally recognised as one of the most iconic sustainable brands, what is the secret to Patagonia’s success?

Like other disruptors before them, Airbnb has caused ripples around the globe, especially in large cities with a well-established hotel industry.

The introduction of a truly game-changing product or service will have a huge impact on its industry. Some companies make disruption their aim, with step-change technology and marketing marrying to produce mind-blowing product launches that take the world by storm.

As one of our greatest influencers and pioneers of our natural world approaches his 95th birthday on the 8th May, I would like to commend this great man on the influence he has had on my life and the packaging industry.

‘Big bang’ disruption differs from normal disruption in that the start-up offers an innovation that’s not only cheaper, but better — higher quality, more convenient, or both — almost straight away.

The past year has seen much upheaval in the workplace and has been strange for all, but especially challenging for some employees. For those of us lucky enough to have the opportunity, our homes have become our offices. We have converted spare rooms, dining tables, bedrooms and sheds into our workspaces and sometimes even into classrooms.

Retailers can no longer rely solely on conceptual brand values like reputation, heritage and goodwill. The rules are changing.

If ever there was a time for reflection, it’s now. In a year where we have lived (and continue to live) through a deadly global pandemic, devastating wildfires across several continents and one of the most brutal hurricane seasons, we all need a reason to be positive. The theme of World Earth Day 2021 is ‘Restore Our Earth’ and thankfully at its heart is optimism.

Regional, country specific legislative changes are complex enough however take a moment to appreciate the pain global brands and retailers face.

Regional, country specific legislative changes are complex enough however take a moment to appreciate the pain global brands and retailers face.

Is there a vegan revolution underway? There’s been an explosion of interest in vegan products and lifestyles over the last few years and whilst there’s definitely a gender bias towards female vegans the divide is shrinking.

It’s not just retail that needs to embrace the new digital world, it is also businesses. 

I think it’s fair to say that Covid 19 is affecting all of our lives as we learn to cope with the challenges of social distancing, home schooling and working from home whilst the pandemic devastation unfolds around us directly effecting many lives. 

Our Group Commercial Director Greg Lawson shares his thoughts on COVID-19 and how it's affecting the world we live and work in. Greg has 30 years of packaging expeience under his belt and has significantly influenced the packaging market in terms developing IT systems and strategies for the environmental impact of packaging across global supply chains. 

We were privileged to be invited to The Grocer Breakfast Briefing on Packaging Sustainability held in The Gherkin with magnificent views over London. Although the view was definitely a topic of conversation over breakfast, the main topic of sustainable packaging was the reason we had all come together.

The purpose of food labelling is to help consumers make appropriate food choices. Labelling undeniably has a contribution to make in addressing how consumers choose foods to ensure their diet is healthy. 

There’re literally thousands of health and beauty brands out there and so many of them revolve around cleaning your skin and hair. The industry has been scrutinised in the past for not having the best record when it comes to sustainability, with an excess of non-recylable plastic packaging being one of the biggest issues.

This year’s NPD (New Product Development) Food and Drink Conference provided insights into the latest consumer, shopper, health, packaging, retailer & market trends. 

It’s not just retail that needs to embrace the new digital world, it is also businesses. 

There is no doubt on the damage that packaging is doing to our oceans and marine life, and that this should not be shied away from. 

There are some consumers who want to live ‘plastic-free’ lives and there are retailers who aim to provide ‘plastic-free’ products, but is this possible? And more importantly, is this the most sustainable solution for our planet?

Pressed for time, spoilt for choice and always wanting more; today’s consumers’ demand for convenience in every area of their lives presents a huge challenge for brands and retailers. We designed this infographic to give a bit of an overview as to what trends we're seeing in the convenience sector today.