Nestlé and Cepac partner to create innovative packaging solutions

The UK’s leading independent corrugated packaging supplier has won the Resource Efficient Pack of the Year at the UK Packaging Awards 2016.

Cepac was recognised for its innovative packaging which has been used with its partner, Nestlé, and incorporates new technology in the form of laser ablation to replace labels.

This process removes the element of damage caused during the supply chain, and increases recyclability. The Cepac design team created a brand new type of pack which entirely encapsulates the product, protecting against dents and tears. There is also no longer any plastic shrink-wrap, and the pack is easier to open as well as giving full visibility of the product. All of it can be easily recycled.

This packaging enables Cepac and Nestlé to add a complex bar code directly to the card, which reacts to an infrared laser and includes all of the necessary information.

The new technology was described by David Baker, Chairman of the Industry Council for research on Packaging and the Environment, as “an effective solution to resolve a major distribution challenge that reduces product damage, is fit-for-purpose and uses optimal packaging. Truly resource efficient.”

Rod Ainslie, Managing Director of Cepac, added: “This is excellent news and another example of Cepac working together with our customer to challenge an existing pack and pioneer an innovative solution. The resulting pack provides an excellent solution for Nestlé, simultaneously removing primary pack damage, improving line efficiency and reducing the waste stream.”

Mark North of Nestlé UK (Supply Chain, Product Supply Beverage & Food) concluded: “We are delighted that we have been able to develop the new pack in combination with Cepac. By working closely together we have resolved the challenge of transit damage in the supply chain, improved our potential for in-house efficiency improvements and had a very positive environmental impact. We can see significant potential for application of the laser ablation technology across other product lines.”

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