Cardboard, Cartonboard or Corrugated?
Cardboard is a generic term for heavy-duty paper. As such, it is used to describe different types of packaging material, most often cartonboard or corrugated cardboard. In this article, we explain the difference between the two, so you can specify your requirements to a packaging manufacturer. What’s the difference Between Cartonboard and Corrugated Cardboard? Both […]
The Season of E-commerce Returns
As an online retailer, you’ll know that the follow-up to any peak purchasing period is a season of e-commerce returns. There are many reasons why your customers reject their purchases and ask you to refund them. From unwanted gifts to excessive sales spend, it can easily eat into your profits. So, is there a way […]
A Harvest of Packaging Materials
When you think of Autumn does it conjure up images of a school harvest festival? Maybe, you enjoy foraging for seasonal produce including mushrooms, blackberries and apples. For every crop that is harvested, there are elements of the plant that we don’t eat. For example, the stalks of wheat or the skin of onions. However, […]
Thoughts on the EPR Scheme
The Extended Producer Responsibility scheme was first announced by DEFRA in 2018 and was originally due to come into force in 2023. The first EPR fees, based on data supplied by companies, were due to be paid this month. However, this has been delayed until October 2025. Is this a good thing? How Is EPR […]
4 Packaging Design Essentials
We all judge on appearances and that is why packaging design matters. As customers, we often have nothing more than the packaging to go on before making a purchase. The boxes, bottles and tins indicate whether this product can meet our needs and match our values. As such, they significantly impact sales. So, what are […]
Why Switch From Plastic Packaging?
Did you know that 74% of the UK population favour a reduction in plastic packaging use? As a result, many of us are actively looking for brands that use alternative packaging materials. So, a growing number of producers and retailers are switching to more sustainable options. However, the latest data shows we have a long […]
Green Initiatives
Ambitions to reduce carbon emissions and waste require investment in green technologies and incentives to encourage sustainable practices. The Plastic Packaging Tax is one initiative aimed at convincing manufacturers and retailers to embrace alternative packaging materials. But, does it go far enough or do we need more green initiatives? Investment in Green Initiatives The UK […]
Count Your Plastic Packaging
A recent YouGov poll reveals that 71% of consumers think retailers and supermarkets use too much packaging. If you agree that there is too much packaging waste, what action can you take to drive change? Reduce and Recycle to Minimise Packaging Waste The majority of consumers are aware of the environmental impact of excessive and/or […]
Sustainable Buckinghamshire Businesses
Many of our customers are sustainable Buckinghamshire Businesses. They are typically looking for a local, responsive packaging manufacturer, who can meet their requirements. In addition, keeping it local reduces delivery costs and environmental impact. As we are based in a county full of SMEs, it is always exciting to learn about the small enterprises on […]
Balancing the Box
Packaging design is far more than strong branding. Achieving effective solutions that fulfil every step in the supply chain and circular economy requires balancing the box requirements. In this article, we outline some points to consider for your packaging project. Protective Packaging The main purpose of packaging is to protect the goods inside from damage, […]
Ditch or Switch Plastic Packaging
July is Plastic Free Month! The perfect time to make long-term changes, as an individual, a business or a community, to ditch or switch plastic packaging. Small Changes to Reduce Plastic Packaging Waste Can small changes have an impact? You may believe that the scale of the issue is too big for your changes to […]
Paper and Cardboard Recycling Bins
Paper and cardboard are among of the most commonly recycled packaging materials in the UK. As a nation, we are adept at placing e-commerce delivery boxes, carton board packaging and paper waste into household and commercial recycling bins. Then, local Council collections take this packaging material to recycling centres. However, calls are out to separate […]
Circular Thinking: Glass Jars & Cardboard Boxes
When a company has been successfully built around environmentally and socially sustainable principles, circular thinking comes naturally. Every decision considers the full impact of production and processes. This means packaging materials that are made from recycled material and are widely recycled. E-commerce Packaging for Sustainable Sea Salt We were recently contacted by Joshua, who enquired […]
UK Packaging Updates 2023
In our Happy New Year article, we highlighted some goals for 2023. One of these was to help inform customers of EPR regulations aimed to reduce packaging waste. This article is the first step in this process. Reduce Packaging Waste To reduce packaging waste and instigate a shift towards Net Zero, Governments across the globe […]
Custom Boxes for Bespoke Tea Blends
Having invested time in researching and blending three herbal infusions for a new Wellness Collection, attention turned to the packaging. Mother Cuppa founder, Candice Mason, was keen to have beautiful custom boxes when launching her new tea range. Let’s find out more. Introducing Mother Cuppa Drawing on her interest in the benefit of natural botanicals […]
Recycling Myths Busted
There is a lot of conflicting information about recycling. Misinformation prevents some people from bothering to separate recyclables and general waste, so it’s time to bust some myths. Recycle Week 2022 Since its launch in 2004, Recycle Week has built awareness of and a commitment to improved waste management in households and businesses. This year […]
The Plastic Packaging Problem
It’s Plastic Free July, so we’re exploring the waste problem and some simple steps that can be taken to switch away from single-use plastic packaging. How Much Plastic Packaging is Recycled in the UK? The UK disposes of 2 million metric tons of plastic waste every year, many of it is product packaging. Soft drinks, […]
Cheers! To Paper-based Packaging
The packaging industry is always on the lookout for innovative solutions that promote sustainability. Glass wine bottles are recyclable and yet only 71% are recovered and recycled in the UK. It is also an energy-intense process, so is there a better option? Wine producers have been exploring the option of an unexpected packaging material; paper! […]
What’s on the Cards for Cardboard Packaging?
Meeting the demand for cardboard packaging has been a bit of a rollercoaster ride for Aylesbury Box Company and other packaging manufacturers. Globally, demand outstripped supply in early 2021 and we had to respond. We expanded to fulfil customer orders, but what is in store for 2022? Demand for Corrugated Cardboard The reliance on deliveries […]
British Made Product & Packaging
When it comes to packaging, we compete against the mass production of large-scale factories in China. The scale of their operations allows them to offer cheap boxes, but the finish is variable and the service is impersonal. By offering quality materials, responsive service and a greatly reduced carbon footprint, we attract customers. This experience is […]
Is your Packaging Hard to Recycle?
Packaging design always used to prioritise styles, colours and designs with shelf appeal. To get the right look, designers would mix and match layers of packaging materials and the result could be visually stunning. Priorities have changed and whilst beautiful packaging is still desired, environmental considerations also impact consumer decisions. Many consumers are shunning brands […]
Removing Plastic Packaging from Bananas
France has placed a ban on plastic packaging for the majority of fruit and veg, which commences in the New Year. Whilst dramatic actions like this are necessary to turn the tide on environmental damage, there are concerns that such actions may increase food waste and contamination. In the UK, smaller-scale actions are being undertaken. […]
Why Shop Local This Christmas?
As the Christmas countdown begins, we encourage you to shop local. This applies to Business to Business (B2B), as well as consumer purchases. There are many reasons to support the businesses in your community and we focus on three: Lower Environmental Impact Better Customer Service Thriving Local Economies Reducing the Environmental Impact by Shopping Local […]
Cheers to Paper-based Packaging
Paper-based packaging is nothing new. Paper bags, cardboard boxes and carton board containers have been widely used to store and transport goods. As specialists in cardboard packaging solutions, we work with customers from all industries, but surprises still come our way. We are fascinated by a development in the drinks market. Food and Drink Packaging […]
Rethinking Packaging for 2020
Is rethinking your product packaging and delivery boxes a priority for the coming year? According to the latest survey by DHL, changing attitudes will push packaging design into the spotlight over the coming 5 years. What shipping solutions are customers looking for? Those brands which continue to use excessive packaging materials, oversized boxes and plastic […]
Best Practice in the Packaging Sector
In the past, the production of goods was a linear process. Items were designed, raw materials were supplied, the goods were manufactured and used, then dumped. The same process applied to the packaging; it was simply a disposable means of transporting goods. It is now realised that for both goods and packaging, a circular model […]
Printed Packaging Reduces Waste
Are you fully confident about what packaging can be recycled? Research conducted by the Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) suggests that at least half of us regularly bin recyclable materials in the general waste. This suggests that there is still confusion about what packaging materials can be recycled and what can’t. In 2009, the […]
Is Sustainable Packaging Important to Customers?
As a manufacturer, brand or retailer, you will be keen to positively influence buying decisions. Packaging design plays an important role in this process, but does it matter which packaging materials are used? According to a Coleman Parks survey, which was commissioned by Pro Carton, 68% of UK shoppers have been swayed by the environmental […]
Consumer’s Role in Influencing Packaging Materials
The scale of the global plastic problem makes it seem insurmountable. As individuals, we can feel disempowered. Even if we take a stand, how can we possibly make a difference? On our own, little can change, but we’re not on our own. Millions of people are striving for change, whilst many organisations and environmental groups […]
Get Plastic Clever
Back in April, we wrote about Water To Go, one of our amazing customers who are committed to providing access to clean, safe to drink water in reusable water bottles. Their unique bottles include a filter that instantly makes river, pond or any non-salt water source drinkable. You can read the full blog here. Water […]
