Packaging 2022: A Review
As the final packaging orders of 2022 are dispatched, we look back at some of the key moments of the year.
Packaging Customer Success
One of the highlights of 2022 came just weeks ago. One of our new customers, NotPla, was shortlisted for the Earthshot Prize and won the Build a Waste-free World category! As a result of winning this international competition, they gain considerable publicity and funding to take forward their innovative work. So, what is it that they do? NotPla creates edible packaging from seaweed; find out more in our Can we Make Packaging Disappear? article.
Developments at Aylesbury Box Company
We have continued to invest in new facilities and equipment to provide the best service for our customers. This has been balanced with our ongoing efforts to minimise the impact of manufacturing boxes. We’re making great strides towards becoming a Net Zero business and, in line with this, we became a corporate member of The Woodland Trust early in the year. We’ll be updating you on progress towards our sustainability goals in 2023.
Helping Start-ups and Established Packaging Customers
Our business would not exist without our customers. We are always interested in the story behind their enterprises, with many featuring on our News pages. Firstly, it gives us great pleasure to advise start-up businesses on packaging design. This year, these have included Wined, Mother Cuppa, Leonie Botanics and PowerHands.
Secondly, we enjoy helping long-standing customers to upgrade their packaging as part of wider rebranding projects. This year, we’ve worked on packaging redesigns for brands including Real Drinks, Huel and Serious Readers.
Switching Away from Plastic Packaging
In recent years, sustainable packaging has become a priority. We’ve found that many customers have asked for advice on how to reduce or remove plastic packaging. This was accelerated this year by the introduction of the Plastic Tax in April. Now, more businesses are switching to paper-based and biodegradable alternatives to avoid paying plastic tax. Our recent article on the sustainability of foam inserts encouraged lots of businesses to get in touch and find out more.
As the year draws to a close, there is news that Environment Secretary Therese Coffey is looking to ban more single-use products. Following in the footsteps of plastic straws, stirrers and cotton buds, it looks likely that plastic cutlery and plates, along with polystyrene cups, could be phased out next year. This marks another small step in the right direction.
Online Deliveries Drives Demand for Shipping Boxes
Although the peak for shipping boxes was during the 2020 pandemic, demand has remained high through 2022. From industrial cartons to subscription boxes, our packaging makes it possible for online orders to be delivered to homes and businesses across the UK and beyond. However, we need you to keep recycling those cardboard boxes. Pop them in the recycling bin, so we can keep making more!
As we look to the future, it will be interesting to see how technology impacts packaging design. For a start, automated bots and drones are now being trialled across the UK to help meet the demand for home deliveries. Technology is also supporting parcel tracking and traceability, as well as protecting against counterfeiting. As a result, we aim to keep pace with developments, so we can provide packaging solutions that work.
Future Plans
Talking of the future, plans are already underway for Aylesbury Box Company in 2023. We will keep you posted! However, we are now giving our team a well-deserved festive break. Our office and factory will close on Friday 23 December, reopening on Wednesday 4 January.
If you need to order packaging supplies or want to discuss packaging design, contact us on 01296 436888 or enquiries@abcbox.co.uk in the New Year.
We’d like to round off the year by thanking all our customers and wishing you all a very Happy Christmas!
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