Leading packaging firm announces sustainable product investment

As part of its continued focus on product innovation for the sustainability market, one of Europe’s leading packaging suppliers, Southgate, is developing a range of new, eco-friendly packaging solutions.

The investment is part of the company’s ongoing, pioneering activity to lead the industry in developing sustainable packaging products. In the past year, Southgate has launched several new sustainable products including another Paper Tape Dispenser and Void Fill, with many more innovations to come.

As an industry leader, Southgate is committed to developing a line of alternative products to expand its current range and significantly reduce packaging waste and plastic content.

For example, its Carbon Neutral Air Cushions already use 53 per cent of recycled content and its Water Activated Tape product reduces the amount of tape needed compared to standard packaging tape. Southgate’s Air Pillow Void Fill also uses less material than other void fill alternatives, consisting of 98 per cent air, reducing wastage.

Craig Turner, Managing Director at Southgate Packaging, said: “With the increase in demand for packaging supplies having a knock on effect on the supply chain, we are already starting to see industry restrictions on items such as corrugated boxes. In addition, there is also a need for warehouse space and fulfilling daily order quotas.

“With such a huge increase in demand, we are taking responsibility by giving our customers sustainable packaging solutions, reducing waste and plastic content, whilst feeding into the consumer shift for more eco-friendly packaging products.

“Currently we are re-focusing on our most sought after sustainable products, whilst developing new product innovations, with plans to have a suite of eco-friendly options available for every product.”

With the Plastic Packaging Tax coming into effect in April 2021, which will apply to plastic packaging produced in or imported into the UK, that does not contain at least 30 per cent recycled plastic, Southgate’s plans will continue to expand its range whilst reducing plastic content and increasing users’ productivity and profitability.

Highlighting its focus on sustainability, Southgate was recently awarded a bronze certificate by EcoVadis, the ratings platform to assess corporate social responsibility and sustainable procurement, and recently launched a Sustainability E-edition brochure to showcase its latest sustainable product line.