The Reflex Group

THE REFLEX GROUP I PROFILE

The Reflex Group is one of the UK’s largest labelling and packaging solution specialists –delivering the highest quality and most cost-effective packaging, produced on its state-of-the-art machinery. Innovations & NPD Manager Kevin Dudman and Sustainability Manager David Liversuch reviewed the group’s portfolio, awards and sustainability agenda, in conversation with Phil Nicholls.

ASa leading producer of labelling and packaging solutions, the Reflex Group is taking an active role in developing the sustainable solutions its customers need.

“Our focus remains on researching, developing and delivering innovative materials and print techniques in packaging and label markets,” explained Innovations & NPD Manager Kevin Dudman. “For example, our ability to use water-based inks and coatings in carton boards allows for environmentally friendly innovative solutions.”

Reflex began in 2002, with a single print site in the UK. Driven by the goal to be the world's most sustainable packaging company, Reflex steadily expanded into today’s operation with multiple facilities around the globe. The company has always worked with sustainability at the heart

of operations; continually finding new ways to offset carbon emissions and help support the environment and local communities.

Packaging with purpose.

An eye-catching label gives a product instant brand recognition. Reflex produces a huge variety of label products, across multiple sectors, for some of the world’s best loved brands. These labels can be f ound on all manner of food and beverage items, including tray-packed, bottled and even netted and bunched products. Other options include luggage and carcass tags, or small flash labels that help promotions stand out on the shelf. Reflex labels are also certified for use on pharmaceutical products.

For customers looking for more impact, Reflex Label Plus offers a premium label solution, delivering enhanced labelling for brands seeking premium finishes, materials and a bespoke service. These labels stand

THE REFLEX GROUP I PROFILE

out from the crowd, win awards and convey a premium brand message.

These deluxe labels are frequently presented on products such as beers, wines and spirits, cosmetics, pharmaceutical products and premium food packaging. Customers also have the option to work closely with Reflex’s in-house proofing studio, Proof+, who create label and packaging prototypes to help finesse the final design, use of colour, varnishes, foil, et cetera, before customers commit to a full print run: thus , saving clients’ money and time. This integrated way of working means an incredible final outcome.

The Reflex Group provides the full end-to-end solution, with offerings in each aspect of the packaging world. Options include flexible packaging, such as dynamic pouches that re-seal to keep food f resh, alongside bags and printed lidding films. Reflex also supplies an extensive range of protective packaging solutions, from specialist packaging tape to pallet wrap.

The Reflex Group also has its very own creative design studio Graphic Brands, that specialises in designing packaging and labels, helping brands ensure their labels are compliant and print ready with its compliance and artwork teams. This award-winning studio helps customers

with every aspect of design and branding

These extensive services include CAD design, 3D rendering and creative product photography.

In consideration of the environment, Reflex offers many sustainable options to clients. Leading the way is the Reflex Pack Plus range, using up to 90% less plastic than traditional plastic trays, and featuring 100% recyclable board and film. Another sustainable option is the Linerless Labels range, which delivers additional environmental and financial benefits to clients due to the reduction of backing paper, reducing waste and allowing more labels per reel.

Reflex’s ongoing drive for innovation and sustainability can be seen in its latest products. 2022 saw the launch of the British Collection vine tomatoes from UK retailer Marks and Spencer, in a one-of-akind recyclable carton board punnet. This packaging replaced the traditional plastic sleeve that can be difficult to recycle, with an easy to recycle cardboard punnet and uses only minimal plastic film to preserve

freshness. Reflex adopted sandwich packaging to develop this new line, which uses 95% less plastic and helped the company r emove eight million units of plastic food packaging by the end of 2022.

New for 2023, Reflex Pack Plus introduces t hree new skillet packs perfect for the foodto-go market, offering lightweight, robust, plastic-free and sustainable packs. This new launch is helping to change the landscape of the food-to-go market, offering a sustainable and recyclable option for one of the fastest growing food sectors, and one that produces millions of tonnes of waste each year.

The Reflex Group hopes to continue to offer packaging options that help reduce this waste, including the introduction of Reseal-it: resealable film that keeps food fresher for longer.

Award-winning quality & ethics

The reputation of Reflex within the industry is clear from the sheer number of its awards: 2022 alone saw Reflex win the Environmental and Sustainability Award

at the Sammies, reflecting the company’s efforts to reduce the Food-to-go sector’s impact on the environment. This impact was reinforced by the FlexoTech 2022 award for being the Environmentally Sustainable Company of the Year.

Reflex also performed well at the prestigious Flexographic Industry Association (FIAuk) awards. At the 2023 event, Reflex took home an incredible five awards including best in show.

With such an award-winning pedigree, it is no surprise that Reflex stands out from the competition as a one-stop solution for a customer’s labelling and packaging requirements. This position is reinforced by the company’s sustainable options, with a range of environmentally-friendly packaging choices offered to customers.

“Our paper-based label stocks focus on the use of recycled pulp to allow for the recovery of materials,” said Mr Dudman.

“We also offer customers flexible packaging options, such as our single-substrate packs. Another popular option is our Reseal-it labels that help consumers reduce their food waste.”

A sustainable industry

These labelling options from Reflex are fully aligned with the broader, consumerled trend for sustainability. A dedication to pulp-based paper and cardboard materials, combined with the use of PCW (post-consumer waste) in face materials, enhances the sustainability of Reflex’s output.

“ Reflex is at the forefront of using new and emerging materials and structures to meet the ever-changing packaging requirements of our customers,” Mr Dudman explained. “The ability to make quick and effective innovations and investments, along with our supplier relationships and

development opportunities, are what keeps Reflex at the cutting edge of packaging development.”

The company delivers sustainability not just with its products, but also in its operations. Reflex has embraced on-site renewable energy generation, with solar panels and wall-mounted wind turbines installed across multiple sites. The company tracks real-time energy use and aims towards a zero-to-landfill policy.

Reflex also endorses nature conservation with a tree-planting programme

supporting UK woodlands, with over 50,000 trees planted so far. Investments include state-of-the-art machinery to deliver efficient operation and waste reduction, plus deploying a fleet of hybrid and electric cars.

“At the local level, we are launching site bursaries in 2023,” added Mr Liversuch, “whereby each Reflex site can choose a sustainable community initiative to become involved with and to sponsor. This creates freedom at our sites for choosing partnerships that mean the

most to them, which encourages employee participation.”

Working in this supportive environment has many rewards. “The varied nature of the Reflex Group business means that n o two days are ever alike,” concluded Mr Dudman. “There is huge personal satisfaction in developing a product and seeing it on the shelf, like the M&S Collections Tomato on the vine range. This gives me the drive to receive, create and execute a customer’s brief, along with supporting Reflex’s many production teams.” n

Reflex Woodland in Stronafian