Packaging showcase
Yesterday, I visited Packaging Innovations at Olympia in London, to see what new developments the sector is working on for confectionery, bakery and snack products.
The key highlight was a product on show at the Innovation Showcase, which is exactly that – ten shortlisted innovations submitted by the exhibitors to a panel of judges. Known as the Qube, Qualvis’s packaging development is a flat fold tube design, featuring a metallised polyester carton tube base with a matching gold tinplate lid.
Printed cartons manufacturer Qualvis claims the Qube provides supply and environmental benefits, compared to conventional rigid tube packaging solutions. The Qube is currently being used by two confectionery producers, launched at retail under UK supermarket Asda’s Extra Special brand.
The company also highlighted its new digital workflow, which is designed to provide customers with an opportunity to rethink their product packaging and respond to changing consumer demands. An example is a collaboration with Border Biscuits to send Ed Sheeran personalised digitally printed packs of Dark Chocolate Gingers ahead of his tour, with ‘from one Number one to another’ on the packs.
Speaking to Confectionery Production at the event, a spokesperson for the UK company, which has been in operation for over 30 years, said Brexit has been “challenging” for the business, adding that it is hard to get price stability on materials that are imported from abroad. However, this also presents an opportunity to source materials from other countries, the spokesperson explained.
The company also highlighted the importance of sustainability and becoming more environmentally friendly in the current market. The spokesperson said digital, in its very nature, enables manufacturing companies to reduce wastage.
