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 […]
The Future of Packaging
The future of packaging looks set to be a balancing act. Brands want sustainable alternatives to plastic and ways to engage with buyers. However, they also need solutions that are functional and cost-effective. So, as a packaging manufacturer, how do we tick all the boxes? A Future Less Reliant on Plastic Packaging The future of […]
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 […]
Natural Beauty & Sustainable Packaging
According to the British Beauty Council, sustainable packaging for beauty products is a challenge that has yet to be fully addressed. Most brands have made moves away from excessive packaging layers and single-use plastic, but much greater steps are needed. What is the answer? Is Beauty Packaging Sustainable? The British Beauty Council surveyed 23,000 beauty […]
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 […]
Is Plastic Packaging is Recycled?
When we separate waste and dispose of plastic packaging in recycling bins, we expect it will be collected and recycled into new plastic products. Is this the case? UK Plastic Recycling Rates The British Plastics Federation publishes data* on plastic recovery and recycling rates. As a result, we know there is positive news; investment in […]
How to Reduce Packaging Waste
Zero Waste Week This week is Zero Waste Week, an opportunity to consider what happens when we dispose of packaging waste and other rubbish. We explore if there are alternative options to reduce the volume of rubbish being sent to landfill. Where does the Litter Go? During the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the refuge collectors went […]
Packaging Pollution: Brands Exposed
A place on a Top Companies list usually means positive publicity, but the Dirty Dozen is different. It focuses on packaging pollution and names the brands exposed as being responsible for the highest volume of branded litter in the UK. Surfers Against Sewage highlight the issue, but what can be done to tackle packaging waste […]
Exploring Packaging Material Innovations
When Aylesbury Box Company first opened its doors, polystyrene inserts and bubble wrap were widely used as void fillers. Many brands favoured layers of packaging to heighten the perception of luxury or value for money. Plastic was widely accepted as a desirable packaging material. Awareness of the impact of packaging waste on the environment has […]
Are Custom Boxes Worth It?
With soaring prices, every business is looking for ways to keep prices down and remain competitive. When it comes to packaging, buying off the shelf options is cheaper than custom boxes, but which offers the best value? Off-the-Shelf V Bespoke Boxes “I need to keep fulfilment and shipping costs to a minimum, so bespoke boxes […]
What can we Learn from Easter Egg Packaging?
It’s hard not to notice that Easter Eggs started making an appearance on the supermarket shelves as soon as the Christmas stock had cleared. Perceived as one of the worst examples of excessive packaging, do Easter Eggs deserve their bad press? Excessive Packaging in Decline There is no doubt that the volume of packaging used […]
Fresh Look for Health & Beauty Packaging
Health and beauty e-commerce is one of Europe’s fastest-growing markets. Established and emerging brands are packaging and delivering goods to fulfil shifting customer behaviours. Statista data forecast online beauty sales to be 36.9% of total sales by the end of 2021, with volumes increasing through to 2025. This is music to the ears of skincare, […]
Avoid Tax with Packaging Re-design
April 2022 will see the introduction of the UK Government’s Plastic Packaging Tax. What can companies do over the next 12 months to avoid these unnecessary costs? The volume of plastic being produced across the world is causing major waste issues. It is seriously impacting our environment. Although some plastics can be recycled, the vast […]
Shipping: Post Brexit Trade
The UK has been renegotiating trade and economic relationships with the EU for years, with little impact on daily operations. Although the UK formally left on 3 January 2020, we have been in a year of transition. This has now ended and, ready or not, changes have now come into force. The print on your […]
Growing Demand for Printed Subscription Boxes
In the 2019 Royal Mail report ‘UK Subscription Box Boom’ it was revealed that 27.5% of the population were signed up to at least one subscription service. As the opportunity to browse the shops has been hindered by Covid-19 restrictions, consumers have further increased their desire to purchase subscription box services. Unlike ordering goods online, […]
Prevent Christmas Packaging Waste
Christmas 2020 will be a little different to usual. Social distancing will impact on family gatherings, office parties and shopping. The number of gifts bought online has been steadily growing over the past decade and a sharp rise is expected this year. As online sales peak, what is the impact of good e-commerce packaging design […]
Promoting Sustainability during Second Hand September
Aylesbury Box Company is passionate about sustainability and the circular economy. With a focus on continous improvements, we have made considerable changes to our operations to minimise energy use and waste. We produce cardboard boxes which are made from predominantly or 100% recycled fibres. Sustainability packaging has been a hot topic for many years and […]
What I Wish I’d known about E-commerce Packaging
If you are about to launch an online business, there is so much to consider. Insight from others can be invaluable, so let us share some points that have been raised in discussions with other online retailers. We hope they help you to make informed decisions about e-commerce packaging. The Right Level of Protection will […]
Shopping for Christmas?
The countdown to Christmas offers an annual peak in sales, so retailers start preparations in the spring. We deal with enquiries for Christmas gift packaging throughout the year, but even we were surprised to hear that the John Lewis online Christmas shop has gone live in August. This ‘earlier than ever’ festive launch is apparently […]
Packaging Preferences 2020
The European Packaging Preferences 2020 Study gathered responses from 5,900 consumers in 9 countries. What were their perceptions and preferences regarding the different packaging materials? How does this influence buying decisions? The study revealed that cardboard was the packaging material that won the consumer vote. They identified that it was: Recyclable Lightweight Low Cost Easy […]
Eco-friendly Fashion Packaging
The polybag is the staple packaging in the fashion industry. Billions of these plastic bags keep clothing clean in transit. This generates a lot of waste. According to an article on packaging waste, only around 15% of the polybags produced are collected for recycling, the rest are contributing to the plastic problem. As the fashion […]
Wish you Were Here?
Through most of the lockdown period, the UK has experienced unseasonably good weather. If you have a garden or can get out for local walks, it is delightful. Still, many people pine for a day at the seaside. There is nothing like water stretching to the horizon, sand between your toes and a little dip […]
Restricted Travel for Packaging Waste
Many of us have had to cancel holidays, business trips and family visits. Plans have changed with immediate effect and we’ve had to adapt. We need to rethink how we undertake everyday activities. This sudden change also occurred in the waste management industry. For several decades, much of Europe’s recyclable waste was sent to China. […]
How to Have a Greener Christmas; Reducing Packaging Waste
Over the Christmas period, we generate 30% more waste than at any other time of the year. With a fresh approach, it is possible to reduce waste and boost recycling rates. This article provides some small changes that can help you to have a greener Christmas, without missing out on the festive fun. How to […]
Perfectly Packaged for Pets
It is no secret that the UK has a passion for pets. Our faithful friends become one of the family and we want the best for them. When it comes to pet food, bedding, toys and treats, there has never been so much choice. As a result, packaging has become an important factor in standing […]
Preventing Packaging Waste
With a choice of green, blue and brown bins, sorting out your household packaging waste can be time-consuming. We all know that our consumer lifestyles are having devastating effects on the planet. Most people are therefore willing to separate packaging waste into the appropriate bin, but does it really make a difference? All EU Member […]
Committed to Recyclable Packaging
One of the recent packaging design projects we have worked on is for an Oral Health company. Georganics produces natural and sustainable toothbrushes and toothpaste. Their products contain no plastics, no synthetic chemicals and no toxins; just naturally sourced ingredients. With an ethical approach, the company has also adopted a minimal waste approach to packaging. […]
Spring into Action
From Friday 22 March until Tuesday 23 April, individuals and groups across the UK will be hosting and supporting litter picking events across the UK. Awareness of the damaging effect of rubbish, particularly plastic waste, the Great British Spring Clean aims to get us all out making a positive contribution to our local environment. Cleaning […]
How to have a More Sustainable Christmas
The festive celebrations can be a time of excess. It’s easy to get carried away and splash out on far more than you need. With a little thought, it is possible to make sustainable choices and that doesn’t mean compromising on the fun. Reducing Packaging Waste As a cardboard box manufacturer, Aylesbury Box Company knows […]
Product Packaging Causes Consumers to Switch Brands
Once shoppers find a brand that they like, they typically stick with it. This might be true to a certain extent, but don’t get complacent. If you fail to address their changing expectations, you may well lose out to the competition. Demand for Sustainable Packaging This message was clearly illustrated in research undertaken by PRO […]
