9 Aug. 2024: The ‘evolution’ of the corrugated industry will be highlighted London Packaging Week 2024 (11 & 12 September at ExceL), according to James Montero-MacColl, senior marketing manager at organisers Easyfairs.
Megatrends such as “paperfication” of the packaging industry and a global health crisis have given corrugated a boost, supported by developments in materials, hardware and design that make the material an increasingly adaptable and appealing packaging medium.
Firms will be showcasing variety and versatility at London Packaging Week 2024
Exhibitors McLaren Packaging (K60) and The Box Factory (A10) and their respective product portfolios illustrate this.
- McLaren is a Scottish manufacturer of high-quality corrugate packaging, serving the UK food and drinks sector. It specialises in presentation and transport packaging, so delivering great shelf appeal as well as robust packaging that protects products in transit, or both.
- The Box Factory is one of the largest independently-owned, high-volume manufacturers of FSC-certified corrugated packaging in the UK. It designs, manufactures, stores and delivers corrugated boxes, from regular cases to shelf-ready packaging (SRP) and die-cut boxes, these are suitable for a range of end uses and applications.
- Corru-Loc from Item Products (D12) will be showcased; the integrated fastener is marketed as can not be removed or lost from a pack; while Corra-Screw is used to bind and release multiple layers of board, eliminating the need for tape and staples.
- Mercury Global Packaging (H44) is highlighting its stone corrugated boxes and cylindrical wine boxes, many of which can be decorated using various print and finishing techniques, depending on their intended application. From simple, two- or four-colour flexo and offset prints that aid the integrity of the supply chain, to full-colour digital options that allow for short-runs, versions and personalisation.
- Kite Packaging (B14) will be displaying its insulating corrugated box liners, made of double-wall corrugated constructed with 125gsm paper, giving them the same temperature controlling qualities as polystyrene and making them suitable for use in temperature-controlled packaging for food, fish and pharmaceuticals. The company will also be demonstrating its integrated peel-and-seal strip, which removes the need to apply tape, speeding up the fulfilment processes and shortening the time from order to delivery.
- SR Mailing (C22) offers boxes that are available in a range of different sizes within the specifications that Royal Mail stipulates to be PiP compliant. They are made from recycled corrugated material, and are biodegradable and compostable too.
In the ’Innovation Gallery’ Re-Zip (A14) will be showcasing its return system – a ‘circular packaging’ concept for the e-commerce industry. Re-Zip offers a variety of reusable boxes and bags suitable for use by webshops to reduce CO2e, water consumption, wood consumption and packaging costs.
Montero-MacColl said: “The above examples provide a glimpse into the current possibilities for corrugated and showcase future capabilities. This will see corrugated go from strength-to-strength as a packaging medium of choice for an endless array of brands, retailers, applications and environments.”