Team players FIBRE FOCUS The Go-Pak Group ethos is a stringent quality management programme, enabling consistent delivery of products to customers. With a global network as part of SCG Packaging (SCGP) in Asia, the UK-based business is enjoying the fruits of its labour. Go-Pak’s latest innovation is a range of paper cutlery, which has already won a THAIFEX- HOREC Asia 2025 Innovation Award. It aligns with the ongoing shift towards sustainable, fibre-based disposables in FTG. “We’re proud to offer solutions that combine functionality with environmental responsibility,
meeting the needs of operators and consumers,” said Go-Pak marketing director, Mike Bristow. “We were also honoured to receive the Manufacturer of the Year Award at the Foodservice Packaging Association (FPA) Awards 2025. Such recognition validates our efforts to drive positive change and leadership in the sector.” And Go-Pak has its finger on the pulse of what’s coming next. “A key trend is the shift away from
plastics towards fibre-based. But the challenge lies in ensuring alternative materials are genuinely recyclable or compostable, aligning with consumer demand for real sustainability – not just the appearance of it. “While this is evident across the market, Go-Pak is committed to a material-neutral approach. We focus on what is suitable for each customer, based on end-of-life infrastructure, regulatory requirements and sustainability objectives. Our goal is to support informed choices – through fibre, plastic or alternative materials.” Go-Pak is also aware that customers want cost-neutral innovation. While fibre-based packaging may carry higher initial costs, potential savings through Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes or reduced food waste can make the total cost to operators neutral or even beneficial. “We help partners evaluate trade-offs to find effective solutions.” PARTNERSHIP EXPANSION Go-Pak works with most major foodservice distributors, as well as high-street FTG and QSR chains. As costs rise, it is focused on delivering throughout the supply chain. “We highly value strategic partnerships with customers looking to align with a manufacturing partner – not just a supplier,” continued Bristow. “Looking ahead, we are expanding into retail and building relationships with manufacturers across a broader range of FTG channels.” But navigating expectations and
Award-winning, with a packaging reach across the world, Go-Pak wants to bring the sector together around its sustainability goals.
legislation in 2025 is not easy. “To support customers, we’ve developed a comprehensive EPR guide that helps operators make informed packaging choices. “In 2021, Go-Pak was acquired by SCGP, the largest vertically integrated packaging company in Asia. It is listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index, and as part of this group, we’re involved in a coordinated effort to reduce carbon emissions across our manufacturing and supply chain. “We’ve recently launched our OCC Backhaul programme, offering customers the option to return their old corrugated cartons (OCC) for recycling back into our paper mills. “And FTG is booming. Established brands are expanding footprints into new regions and categories. Retailers have also become more sophisticated, partnering with well-known high street brands to offer chilled and hot FTG options, further fuelling growth. “Additionally, many are opening later and extending menu offerings with popular items like cold coffee drinks, reflected in the significant uplift we’ve seen in sales of our cold drink cups,” concluded Bristow.
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