BCMPA - Special Feature “Sustainability is the agenda”

“ Sustainability is no longer on the agenda – it is the agenda! ” So says Emma Verkaik, Membership & Marketing Director of the BCMPA - The Association for Contract Manufacturing, Packing, Fulfilment & Logistics, has been learning from members how the ever-increasing drive for true and measurable sustainability is being embraced by luxury brands and their third-party suppliers.

Verkaik told SPN: “Both the need and the desire to put sustainability at the forefront of business’ thinking have never been stronger, more urgent, or more far-reaching, impacting all areas of manufacturing, packaging and fulfilment, and the luxury packaging market is no exception. Quite rightly, this priority is being addressed as a non-negotiable element in the design of products and packaging, as well as the development of new manufacturing processes and facilities.

However, while these changes are not easy in any sector, they present particularly testing challenges for luxury goods and packaging, where improvements in sustainability have to be made without affecting the premium appeal of the goods that they represent.

The BCMPA represents over 200 firms in the contract manufacturing, packing, fulfilment, and logistics industries. With the exponential growth in reliance by retailers, brands, and manufacturers on their third-party supply services in the last few years, they have become very adept at providing agile and effective solutions to a wide range of challenges, and it is clear that sustainability is now the key focus for 2023!

Boosting sustainability, keeping the luxury

With many BCMPA members offering contract packing and packaging solutions in the luxury arena, the demand for strong green credentials in this premium market has seen third-party suppliers accelerate their efforts to provide sustainable options.

Ben Chater, of Celeritas Solutions, has seen progress in this process: “Luxury brands and retailers are now focusing strongly on the use of sustainable packaging in order to protect the brands’ reputations in this area. Materials are changing, whether it’s the use of FSC approved board for luxury drinks displays and gift boxes, or Eco foils and laminates for labels, sustainability is key to ensuring that the consumer remains emotionally satisfied that their purchases are ticking all the right boxes.”

This move to sustainable alternatives is not just restricted to packaging materials; all areas of production are being analysed and affecting consumer enthusiasm at point of purchase. Revised ergonomic product shaping, carbon offsetting and the creation of containers that encourage further secondary use are all contributing to the drive towards true sustainability. The increased use of QR codes on packaging to explain the wider journey and create consumer traction is also becoming commonplace in communicating these measures.

Smarter factories

In addition, the third-party fulfilment sector is working hard to develop manufacturing sites that offer the most environmentally responsible solutions. These initiatives include the use of solar energy and built-in smart sensors to manage energy consumption.

Steve Goodman, Director of Silver Crane Co., adds:

“When building our co-packing facilities, sustainability was at the heart of our thinking, with sustainable materials, integral energy efficiencies and waste processing capabilities as much strategic priorities as any commercial considerations.”

Reducing waste from damaged products

The growth of online shopping is prevalent in the luxury sector, and it is therefore important to ensure that these products are delivered safely, door-to-door. To ensure that waste is minimised, BCMPA members are switching to eco-friendly shipping solutions which provide sustainability without compromising product protection.

Alistair Ezzy, Group Sales Director at Paragon Customer Communications, notes: “Reducing the incidence of damage to products provides a huge benefit to a brand or manufacturer’s bottom line. At Paragon, we are already seeing great results from our use of recyclable, Cyclos-certified padded packaging, helping brands to achieve improved sustainability and ensuring product protection at the same time.”

The creativity delivered by third-party suppliers in developing sustainable and responsible packaging solutions further illustrates the enormous value added by outsourcing partners. They enable brand owners and retailers to benefit by exploiting their shared experience and innovation across the supply chain, delivering beautiful sustainable packaging to the consumer”.