Finding a sustainable alternative to plastic packaging
With sustainability continuing to be at the forefront of consumers’ minds when making their purchase decisions, it’s never been more important for companies to show positive changes. Alternative substrates produced from recycled, or recyclable materials, are some of the many options available for consideration.
The challenge
blp was approached by a well-known FMCG client wanting to remove all plastic packaging from one of their bestselling product ranges.
The challenges were clear from the start – although the packaging needed to be strong and attractive, above all, it needed to be secure. The product was a high value consumable, with the current plastic packaging offering protection against theft. The main concern was that any sort of carton board would make it easier for the packaging to be tampered with.
The blp solution
Our packaging development team set to work, designing a custom prototype. Using solid folding carton board removed the need for plastic – not only is it a flexible substrate but it’s easy to recycle after use. blp is an FSC® certified organisation, guaranteeing to source our materials responsibly and this assurance addressed any sustainability concerns.
The product would no longer be on view to the consumer, so high-quality product imagery was printed onto the packaging, with soft touch finish and foiling to make it stand out among competitor products.
To meet security concerns, the development team created multiple elements that would work together, making the product less susceptible to theft. Creating an interlocking design between the fitment and the outer packaging would make it more difficult to remove the product inside.
The fitment was designed to hold the product snugly enough to make it difficult for hasty removal, but flexible enough for the consumer to be able to easily remove it. The inclusion of a specially designed ‘euroslot’ allowed the packaging to hang in-store and be strong enough to prevent it being torn from its holder.
The results
We created a standout piece of packaging that exceeded the client’s expectations. Using solid folding carton board removed the need for any plastic components and had the added benefit of being completely recyclable after use. The final design was fit for purpose in terms of product security and also attractive to the consumer, instantly drawing their attention to the product.
Our capabilities
Sustainable materials
Plastics, including fitments and hard casings, can often be replaced with more ...
Packaging testing
Your product packaging can experience many physical challenges before it even arrives ...
Finishes and coatings
Our high-speed litho printing presses can perform a range of finishes and ...
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Case Studies
Making a statement with custom packaging
You want your brand to be meaningful and to connect with customers. That’s why first impressions count. The packaging is as much a part of your brand as the product itself. Custom packaging can have a lasting impact and is a chance to engage with and delight your customers.
The ability to see a project through from design to delivery
blp’s in-house capabilities mean we can complete a combination of services on one site, from packaging development, printed packaging and co-packing to storage and mailing, giving us full control over every stage of a project. This helps keep costs within budget and reduces overall lead times, which is particularly important for time-sensitive projects.
Finding a sustainable alternative to plastic packaging
With sustainability continuing to be at the forefront of consumers’ minds when making their purchase decisions, it’s never been more important for companies to show positive changes. Alternative substrates produced from recycled, or recyclable materials, are some of the many options available for consideration.
Delivering print and co-packing from one place
When it comes to co-packing services, many clients just don’t have the in-house capabilities to complete the project themselves. With a designated packing facility, our skilled packing teams make light work of some of the most demanding projects.
The flexibility to turn around CAD samples quickly
Creating a physical CAD sample for customers is an important part of the design process. It shows what the chosen design will look like and lets customers compare different designs.