Double success for Smurfit Kappa at UK Packaging Awards 2014
Smurfit Kappa UK sealed its position as leaders of the paper-based packaging industry with two Gold awards, for Resource Efficient Pack of the Year and Supply Chain Solution of the Year at the 2014 UK Packaging Awards.
Speaking at the awards ceremony held at London’s Park Lane Hilton, Clive Bowers – CEO of Smurfit Kappa UK Corrugated said, “We pride ourselves on bringing new ideas to our customers by using various tools to gain invaluable insights, and ultimately helping our customers sell more. We constantly strive to offer a value proposition that exceeds our customers’ expectations and needs in terms of market requirements, production, supply chain and sustainability. These two awards are the culmination of a lot of hard work across the whole of the Smurfit Kappa network and it continues the successful journey we are on, adding to recent commendations and awards achieved.”
Winner of the Resource Efficient Pack of the Year was Smurfit Kappa’s transit carton solution for private label chilled food manufacturer Bakkavor. The 100% recyclable stacking tray scored well with the judges on all counts. The corrugated tray replaces a plastic crate, which reduces overall transit weight, improving Bakkavor’s carbon footprint. The pack’s integral stacking lugs improve pallet handling and stability throughout the supply chain, which reduces food waste by an impressive 15%.
Terry McGivern, Smurfit Kappa Regional Director South commented; “The judges identified how important reducing food waste is, not just for manufacturers, but as a social issue for the population as a whole. Our approach therefore reflects the need for packaging to be designed with a responsibility to an audience wider than just those in the supply and retail environments. Food waste is a global issue, and our design will now be made available throughout Smurfit Kappa worldwide.”
Winner of the prestigious Supply Chain Solution of the Year Award was Smurfit Kappa’s revolutionary Internet Dispatch Pack that marries practical requirement, with improved packing safety - by removing the current need for trimming or using blades to customise the box. The new pack allows a flexible approach to picking and packing a wide range of products of different shapes and sizes. The pack requires 50% less sealing and has corners that can be folded in order to reduce the height. Quick and easy to erect, the pack is supplied glued to be ‘popped’ into shape and takes just 3 seconds to construct. The pack uses FSC certified, 100% recyclable B-Flute Kraft liner for economy and strength.
Brian Colivet, General Manager of Smurfit Kappa Gosport (where the pack was manufactured and designed) said “Speed on a picking line is critical, but even more important is the safety of the personnel picking and packing. By removing the need for cutting and trimming, the opportunities for harm and injury to occur are removed completely, it’s a win-win situation all round.”
Sometimes a simple, well thought through design can be the most impactful way of meeting the needs of our customers.