Corrugated packaging
in more detail

So what can MP’s and policy-makers do for us?

For more information contact corrugated@paper.org.uk

Corrugated packaging is a service industry that supports a very broad customer base, with turnover approx. £1.4 billion p.a. employing 10,000 nationally at more than 350 sites.  It makes up some 30% of the UK packaging industry and corrugated remains the UK’s ‘favourite packaging material’. Strategically important to UK manufacturing, without it FMCG business would not be able to function.

Innovation and new technology in recent years hundreds of millions of pounds have been invested in new plant, machinery and processes to ensure that the UK Corrugated and Paper Industry remains productive and competitive.

Continuous investment in new plants, new equipment and training has transformed the ‘cardboard box’ from being just a container to packaging that takes costs out of supply chains and reduces companies’ carbon footprints.

In retail, new types of corrugated packaging have contributed to major efficiency gains for both the manufacturers and the retailers, helping to keep our retail sector at the forefront of innovation.

Branding and promotion virtually unlimited printing and product design opportunities gives improved visibility, brand awareness and customer appeal, all of which are fundamental for modern FMCG goods.

Space efficiency – in transport & on shelf design professionals can make optimum use of warehouse and transport space with more product per pallet leading to fewer vehicle journeys.  ‘Retail Ready Packaging’ provides an easy route to shelf for the retailer and best use of space on shelf.

Versatility corrugated packaging can be any height, varying with time to meet the changing demands of modern society.  One of the unintended consequences of some other types of packaging, which are a fixed height, is the loss of space as product height varies.

Superb environmental credentials

• More than 80% of all corrugated packaging consumed in the UK is recycled, the highest recycling rate for any UK packaging material
• On average, UK made boxes already contain 76% recycled fibre
• Paper is a sustainable resource and the vast majority of European company owned forests used for papermaking have sustainable forest management certificates

Fact Sheets

• The Case for Corrugated
• Corrugated Packaging - Key Facts
• Corrugated Recycling and Landfill Prevention