Market Update: Supply Chain Pressures Emerging
Recent developments in the Middle East are beginning to impact global supply chains, and there are early signs this may start to affect UK manufacturers. While it is still developing, there are some clear indicators emerging around energy, materials and lead times that are worth paying attention to. Why this matters The Strait of Hormuz […]
The Total Cost Concept
When is a cheap box not a cheap box? A guide to Total Cost of Ownership In the face of rising costs and uncertainty, it’s tempting to reach for the least expensive box on the shelf. But a low upfront cost can mask a range of hidden expenses. Instead, it’s worth taking a Total Cost […]
Quick guide to primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging
Quick guide to primary, secondary, and tertiary packaging All good things come in threes, but does that ring true for your packaging? In this blog, we take a closer look at the trio of protective layers that get your goods from warehouse to customer: primary, secondary, and tertiary (or shipment) packaging. Discover what they are, […]
Why packaging prices are rising in 2025 and how to stay ahead
Noticed your packaging costs creeping up recently? You’re not imagining it. Across the UK, organisations are experiencing the Great April Price Increase. This phenomenon is affecting industries nationwide, and packaging is no exception. The Great April Price Increase Costs typically go up at the start of the financial year. This April saw increases in […]
Onshoring: is it time to bring your packaging closer to home?
For decades, it made sense for companies to buy goods from China. Low costs, high manufacturing capabilities, and a reliable supply chain were a potent combination. But that was in the past. Now, working with such a distant supplier can be fraught with worry. Shifting geopolitics and environmental issues have cast a shadow over an […]
An introduction to Lean continuous improvement and packaging
April is the start of a new financial year and the month when a tidal wave of tax increases come into effect including uplifts in employer National Insurance Contributions along with rises in the National Minimum Wage. But despite escalating costs and shrinking margins, businesses still have opportunities to improve productivity, find savings, and stay ahead […]
Why you should be doing a packaging review right now
There are certain situations where it makes sense to do a packaging review. If it has been over 12 months since the last one, for instance, or if you are introducing new products to your range. But we have noticed that many successful businesses also look to their calendars. They tend to reassess their packaging […]
Actionpoint’s 2024 roundup
January The Red Sea crisis continued to disrupt global trade, including the polymer markets and UK manufacturing. Attacks on commercial vessels by Houthi rebels were forcing freight ships to abandon the Suez Canal and instead divert around the Cape of Good Hope. Thousands of miles were added to journeys, pushing up shipping costs and transit […]
Corrugated cardboard in Q4 2024: price increases and extended lead times
It must feel like Groundhog Day for businesses as, once again, the price of corrugated cardboard has gone up. In September, and for the third time this year, paper mills issued a cost increase that has had a knock-on effect in the supply chain. If you’re frustrated at this news, you’re not the only one. […]
Bespoke packaging and supply chain management
Packaging’s primary role is to contain and protect your goods, but its influence goes much further. How well your packaging performs has a domino effect on the supply chain. The chosen design and materials (and the way they are managed) can help or hinder areas as diverse as logistics, sustainability, regulatory compliance, and supply chain […]
Extended Producer Responsibility for packaging (EPR) 2024 update
As we edge closer to the introduction of fees for Extended Producer Responsibility for packaging, this blog gives you an update on EPR, related schemes, and the latest timeline of activity. Quick reminder, what is EPR? EPR was introduced as part of the UK Government’s Resources and Waste Strategy to increase resource efficiency, reduce waste, […]