PACKAGING
An essential need for transparency Key steps can be taken to negotiate sustainability challenges and exceed customer expectations, according to Celebration Packaging. which has been part of the company’s ethos for decades, has resulted in us having a very good reputation in the foodservice market/industry.”
CERTIFIED QUALITY Celebration Packaging offers a wide range of products, from paper tabletop items – such as napkins – to rPET sandwich wedges and sustainable/ compostable takeaway burger clamshell boxes. New product development is a core belief. “Celebration has always invested in certifications which we take very seriously, so that when we make environmental and sustainability claims, we can always back them up,” said Celebration Packaging managing director, Nick Burton. “This sets us apart from many competitors, while also giving customers confidence to help them on their sustainability journey.” By obtaining certification, Celebration can confirm that its products are suitable for direct contact with food & drink; made from sustainable resources where applicable; and are recyclable or can be composted, either industrially or at home. “We have also obtained various accreditations. BRCGS for own manufactured products; and BRCGS for storage and distribution. We also have ISO9001, ISO14001 and Forestry Stewardship Council® (FSC®) Chain of Custody accreditation, as well as being members of Sedex,” said Burton. “Celebration Packaging strives to ensure that products meet and exceed customer expectations, evidenced by the low number of complaints we receive. This approach,
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SIMPLE SOLUTIONS Packaging in the sandwich/FTG arena is a complex beast – and Burton believes there could be more assistance from the powers-that-be “We would like to see guidelines from the UK government stating that single-use food & drink packaging has the relevant certification to confirm that it’s safe for direct food contact and is either recyclable or compostable, and is made from renewable resources (such as FSC®). “Additionally, the launch of consistent recycling collection methods as soon as possible across all four UK nations, which standardise what is and isn’t recyclable. We also feel that the funds from the introduction of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) fees must be used to ensure that products sent for recycling are recycled here in the UK and turned into new products (although not necessarily more food and drink packaging). “We would also like more activity by the CMA/ Advertising Standards Authority, cracking down on ‘greenwashing’. If something is claimed to be compostable, it should show the relevant certification that proves it.” This drive for high standards is reflected by Celebration Packaging’s relationships with reputable suppliers around the world, ensuring that products are fit for purpose. “We have worked with a number of these suppliers for a very long time. We try and visit as many as we can and, if we can’t, arrange for third-party factory audits to be undertaken. Where possible, we work with suppliers who have Sedex CSR accreditation, as we want to ensure that the people who are employed by our suppliers are well cared for. Celebration doesn’t buy on price alone but looks at suppliers with good reputations and the production of quality products. “Celebration Packaging was established some 40 years ago and our sustainable EnviroWare® brand was launched over 17 years ago. We have many customers who have been purchasing from us for many decades. It is our belief that by continuing to offer good quality products with the relevant certification, the company has a bright future.”