The frozen food packaging industry is poised for significant growth in the coming years, driven by the increasing need for sustainable and high-quality packaging solutions. As consumer lifestyles become increasingly fast-paced and busy, the demand for frozen food packaging is on the rise. Additionally, manufacturers are increasingly turning to superior quality packaging materials in an effort to address concerns around food waste and environmental impact.
One of the major trends in the frozen food packaging market is the use of printing and customization. Manufacturers are developing printed and customized packages in order to attract consumer attention and build brand trust. This trend is being driven by new tactics from marketers who are highlighting their brand values and fuelling market expansion.
Skymark Packaging is well-positioned to serve the frozen food sector with IQF (Individual Quick Frozen) specific packaging and fully recyclable SKYMONO materials for retailers and brands. The company is on a mission to inspire as many people as possible to do more, using less. It prides itself on its track record of innovation and adding value where the customer needs it. Furthermore, the company’s IQF specific packaging, SKYMAX is designed to maintain the quality of frozen food and it’s fully recyclable SKYMONO materials are an eco-friendly solution that meet the growing demand for sustainable packaging.
Listening to our customers within the frozen food category has enable us to offer solutions that meet the demands of their consumer. Supplying recyclable and high quality IQF packaging materials
Dan Richards – Sales & Marketing Director
Recyclable packaging is important for a number of reasons, particularly when considering the implementation of EPR (extended producer responsibility). First, it helps to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and the environment. This not only helps to preserve natural resources, but it also helps to reduce pollution and protect wildlife.
Second, recyclable packaging can help to decrease the environmental impact of the packaging industry. By using recyclable materials, companies can reduce their carbon footprint and decrease their overall environmental impact. This not only helps to promote sustainability but also helps to meet the growing demand for eco-friendly packaging solutions.
The frozen food packaging market is experiencing significant growth and is expected to continue to do so in the future. With new trends emerging in printing and customisation, the market is well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of both manufacturers and consumers. Companies like Skymark are leading the way in this market with their innovative and sustainable solutions, and are poised to benefit from the growing demand for frozen food packaging. Their fully recyclable packaging is a great way to reduce waste, decrease the environmental impact and meet the growing demand for eco-friendly packaging solutions.
If your interested to learn more about the packaging we can offer for the frozen food category, then please get in touch:
https://www.skymark.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/frozen-food.jpg5281424Dan Richardshttps://www.skymark.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/skymark-logo-col-300x138.pngDan Richards2023-01-23 09:25:482023-01-23 09:39:03Frozen food is getting HOT
The year 2022 has seen a multitude of developments in the realm of packaging trends, making it difficult to stay abreast of all the changes. However, we are here to provide a summary of the most noteworthy trends we have observed in 2022
Questions to ask about recyclable packaging in the UK
If you are looking for information about recyclable packaging in the UK, here are a few key questions you may want to ask:
What types of packaging materials are currently considered recyclable in the UK?
In the UK, certain types of plastic packaging materials are considered recyclable and can be collected and processed through the recycling system. These include polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE), which are commonly used for bottles and containers. Other types of plastics that are considered recyclable in the UK include low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), and polystyrene (PS).
However, not all types of plastic packaging are considered recyclable in the UK. Some types, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyethylene film, are not easily recyclable and may not be accepted by most recycling facilities. Additionally, some types of plastic packaging, such as black plastic and biodegradable plastics, may not be easily detectable by the recycling equipment and may be contaminated in the recycling process.
Overall, it’s important to check with your local recycling facility to determine which types of plastic packaging are considered recyclable in your area. This can help you make more sustainable choices for your packaging needs.
What are the requirements for packaging to be considered recyclable in the UK?
In the UK, packaging materials are considered recyclable if they can be collected, processed, and used to make new products through the recycling system. To be considered recyclable, packaging materials must be made from materials that can be easily separated and processed by recycling facilities, and must be free from contaminants such as food waste or other non-recyclable materials.
Additionally, packaging materials must be clearly labeled with recycling information, such as the type of material they are made from and any relevant recycling symbols. This helps to ensure that the materials are properly sorted and processed by recycling facilities.
Overall, the requirements for packaging to be considered recyclable in the UK are designed to ensure that the materials can be easily collected, processed, and used to make new products through the recycling system. By meeting these requirements, packaging materials can help to reduce waste and improve the sustainability of the UK’s economy.
How does the UK recycling system work, and how can I ensure that my packaging is recycled properly?
The UK recycling system is a network of facilities and services that are responsible for collecting, sorting, and processing recyclable materials. The system is funded by a combination of government grants and private sector investment, and is operated by local authorities, waste management companies, and other organizations.
To ensure that your packaging is recycled properly, it’s important to follow the guidelines and requirements of your local recycling facility. This may include properly sorting your recyclable materials, cleaning and preparing them for recycling, and properly labeling them with recycling information.
Additionally, you should check with your local recycling facility to determine which types of packaging materials they accept, as not all materials are considered recyclable in all areas. This will help you make more sustainable choices for your packaging needs and ensure that your materials are properly recycled.
Overall, by following the guidelines and requirements of your local recycling facility, you can help to ensure that your packaging is recycled properly and contribute to the sustainability of the UK’s economy.
Are there any regulations or standards governing the use of recyclable packaging in the UK?
Yes, there are several regulations and standards governing the use of recyclable packaging in the UK. These include the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulations, which require producers and manufacturers to take responsibility for the environmental impacts of their packaging and to use sustainable materials wherever possible.
Additionally, there are several voluntary standards and certifications that companies can use to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and recyclability. These include the British Retail Consortium (BRC) Global Standard for Packaging and Packaging Materials, which sets out requirements for the sustainability, performance, and safety of packaging materials, and the European Recycling Label, which provides a standard way to communicate the recyclability of packaging to consumers.
Overall, these regulations and standards provide guidance and incentives for companies to use more sustainable and recyclable packaging materials in the UK, helping to reduce waste and improve the sustainability of the economy.
How can I make my packaging more sustainable and improve its recyclability?
There are several steps you can take to make your packaging more sustainable and improve its recyclability. These include:
Choose the right materials: Select packaging materials that are considered recyclable in your area, and avoid using materials that are difficult or impossible to recycle.
Use recycled content: Consider using packaging materials that are made from recycled content, as this can help to reduce the overall environmental impact of your packaging.
Design for recyclability: Make sure that your packaging is designed to be easily recyclable, with clear labeling and no contaminants such as food waste or other non-recyclable materials.
Use eco-friendly packaging: Consider using packaging materials that are made from sustainable, natural, or biodegradable materials, such as paper, cardboard, or plant-based plastics.
Reduce packaging waste: Try to reduce the overall amount of packaging you use, and consider using packaging that can be easily reused or repurposed.
By following these steps, you can make your packaging more sustainable and improve its recyclability, helping to reduce waste and improve the environmental performance of your business.
Are there any support programs or incentives available for companies that use recyclable packaging in the UK?
Yes, there are several support programs and incentives available for companies that use recyclable packaging in the UK. These include government grants, funding programs, and certification schemes that recognize and reward companies for their efforts to reduce waste and improve the sustainability of their packaging.
One example is the UK government’s Resource and Waste Strategy, which includes a number of initiatives and programs to support the use of sustainable and recyclable packaging. These include the Packaging Recycling Fund, which provides grants to support the development of more sustainable packaging, and the Courtauld Commitment, which is a voluntary agreement that encourages companies to reduce the environmental impact of their packaging.
Additionally, there are several certification schemes that recognize and reward companies for their efforts to use sustainable and recyclable packaging. These include the BRC Global Standard for Packaging and Packaging Materials, which provides a certification for companies that meet specific requirements for sustainability and performance, and the European Recycling Label, which is a standardized way to communicate the recyclability of packaging to consumers.
Overall, these support programs and incentives can help companies to use more sustainable and recyclable packaging in the UK, and can provide recognition and rewards for their efforts to reduce waste and improve the sustainability of their operations.
How can I find out more about the latest developments and trends in recyclable packaging in the UK?
There are several ways you can find out more about the latest developments and trends in recyclable packaging in the UK. These include:
Research online: You can search for articles, reports, and information about recyclable packaging on the internet. This can provide a wealth of information and insights about the latest developments and trends in the industry.
Attend industry events and conferences: There are many industry events and conferences focused on packaging and sustainability, where you can learn about the latest developments and trends in recyclable packaging.
Join industry organizations and networks: There are many industry organizations and networks that provide information, resources, and networking opportunities for companies involved in packaging and sustainability. Joining these organizations can help you stay up to date with the latest developments and trends in the industry.
Consult with experts: You can also consult with experts and professionals in the field of packaging and sustainability to get their insights and advice on the latest developments and trends in recyclable packaging. This can help you make more informed decisions about your packaging choices.
Overall, by researching online, attending industry events, joining organizations and networks, and consulting with experts, you can stay up to date with the latest developments and trends in recyclable packaging in the UK.
By asking these questions, you can gain a better understanding of the current state of recyclable packaging in the UK and learn how to make more sustainable choices for your packaging needs.
https://www.skymark.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/recycle.jpg6271200Dan Richardshttps://www.skymark.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/skymark-logo-col-300x138.pngDan Richards2022-12-14 16:06:072022-12-14 16:06:40Make the switch to Recyclable Packaging
How will the extended producer responsibility benefit the UK
Extended producer responsibility (EPR) is a policy approach that requires manufacturers and producers to take greater responsibility for the environmental impacts of their products throughout their life cycle. This can include responsibilities such as the collection and disposal of products at the end of their useful life, as well as the use of more sustainable materials in the production of those products.
In the UK, the implementation of EPR has the potential to provide several benefits. These include:
Reducing waste and pollution: By requiring manufacturers to take responsibility for the disposal of their products, EPR can help to reduce the amount of waste that is generated and prevent pollution from discarded products.
Encouraging the use of more sustainable materials: By making manufacturers responsible for the environmental impacts of their products, EPR can provide incentives for them to use more sustainable materials in the production process. This can help to reduce the overall environmental footprint of products.
Improving resource efficiency: EPR can help to ensure that products are designed for reuse, repair, and recycling, which can help to extend the useful life of products and improve the overall efficiency of the economy.
Creating new jobs and economic opportunities: The implementation of EPR can create new jobs in the waste management and recycling industries, as well as new opportunities for companies that provide eco-friendly products and services.
As a business, you should consider several factors in preparation for EPR.
First, you should assess the environmental impacts of your products and identify any potential challenges or liabilities that may arise from implementing EPR. This could include the cost of collecting, transporting, and recycling your products, as well as any potential negative impacts on your supply chain or operations.
Second, you should consider how EPR may affect your business strategy and operations. This could include changes to your product design, manufacturing processes, distribution channels, or marketing efforts. You should also consider how EPR may impact your relationships with customers, suppliers, regulators, and other stakeholders.
Third, you should develop a plan for implementing EPR in your business. This could include setting targets and goals, identifying responsible parties and roles, developing systems and processes for collection, transportation, and recycling, and providing training and support to your employees.
Overall, it is important for businesses to carefully consider the potential impacts of EPR and develop a plan for implementing it in a way that minimizes any negative effects and maximizes the benefits for the environment and your business.
https://www.skymark.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/EPR-WEB.jpg5281424Dan Richardshttps://www.skymark.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/skymark-logo-col-300x138.pngDan Richards2022-12-14 15:40:122022-12-14 15:41:24How will the EPR benefit the UK?
Asda is one of the largest retailers in the UK. With more than 300 locations throughout the country, Asda is dedicated to providing the best in both customer service and products. From fresh produce to fashionable clothing, Asdas wide variety of products appeal to shoppers of all ages and interests. Asda is a company that values reliability and consistency, and these values are reflected in the products they offer their customers.
ASDA’s effort to provide customers with the finest value has been in place since 2012.
It includes a list of Approved Printing Suppliers. Every supplier has been evaluated to ensure that only suppliers with the proper qualifications, best capabilities, and the most cost-efficient are included, thanks to a process improvement culture and excellent customer support.
Their close collaboration with the ASDA Printing Team is apparent, as is their attention to consistent printing, colour control, process control, continual improvement, and sustainable print and material innovation, which is supported by intelligent technology. As part of the ASDA Approved Printer list, ASDA removes those that are at the pinnacle of their field each year. Therefore, we are pleased to be a part of this select group of Packaging Printers and are dedicated to
It doesn’t take long whilst scrolling through LinkedIn or browsing packaging media outlet news feed that you’ll come across a post or an opinion that would suggest that one form of packaging is “better” than the other. Especially when it comes to the debate of paper “vs” plastic and recyclability “vs” carbon emissions.
The comments section is filled with “no it isn’t”, and “”but you’re only consider one thing”, or “there is no one single solution” and I agree with them all.
We must always go back to why we have packaging, it is to PROTECT & PRESERVE
To protect: There wouldn’t be any hunger in the world if there were no food losses. More food is produced than we really eat or utilise. While packaging is powerless to stop waste, it is able to stop spoiling. Although shelf life is constrained, it can be extended. The shelf life of unpackaged beef is four days. Meat that has been vacuum-packed has a shelf life of around 30 days. Increased product shelf life helps prevent food waste and postpone deterioration.
For growth: The flow of commodities increases as a result of urbanisation, expansion, and globalisation, posing new infrastructural issues. Significantly less transport capacity are required throughout the life cycle as a result of the low weight and space savings. Less traffic, less strain on the infrastructure, and less environmental pollution are all benefits of having more merchandise on the trucks. It is feasible to save weight and space during shipment by using thinner films. As a result, the amount of cargo during transportation rises dramatically, and loading zones may be utilised to their full potential. Thus, the life cycle evaluation is enhanced (LCA). Flexible packaging is efficient and economical. Products are more reasonably priced for those with modest incomes when they are packaged in small, economical amounts.
In a technical sense, it is possible to recycle all plastic, and the technology is available. However, in order to sift, recycle, and sell them as raw materials for new products, they must first be gathered. All of this must be accomplished economically. The development of new recycling methods that enable the industrial-scale recycling of even more forms of plastic may take a few years. However, in the interim, the plastics sector is collaborating with the government to achieve the shared objective of streamlining the materials that are gathered for recycling across the UK to make life simpler for individuals.
What we see in the interim is a race for alternatives to plastic as it is somewhat seen as the enemy! Yet time and time again publication and research back the opinion that alternative have a negative impact vs plastics.
The plastics investigated in a recent research by KcKinsey & Company offer lower overall GHG contribution compared with alternatives in 13 of 14 applications for which nonplastic alternatives are deployed at scale. Taking into account both the impact of consumption and the product life cycle, GHG reductions range from 10 to 90%. Additionally, there aren’t many alternatives to plastics today in many applications, particularly those that are centred in food packaging. Given their smaller GHG footprint, plastics use in the near term can actually aid decarbonization efforts in these sectors, notably in terms of food spoilage and energy efficiency.
It all depends on the application
The degree to which sustainability factors are given priority affects the sustainability of packaging materials. Businesses in the value chain will need to be aware of the trade-offs between reducing waste and carbon footprint.
So what is the criteria that should be considered:
Minise the harm that non recyclable packaging will have on the environment
Assess the GHG emission
Recyclability and recycled content
Recycling is effective. Recently the British Plastic Federation concluded in response to the Big Plastic Count that between 30 and 80 percent of the carbon emissions produced during the manufacture and processing of virgin plastic are avoided through recycling. The quantity of plastic recycled has grown 2.4 times since 2006, with the UK recycling 51 percent of plastic packaging in 2020. For the first time ever, the UK recycled more plastic within its borders than it did for recycling abroad last year. Although there is still work to be done, it is apparent that progress has been made.
At Skymark we want to enable & inspire every individual and organisation to do more, using less. With our passion & desire to listen and give a personalised, collaborative experience, developing Innovative, forward thinking packaging solutions
At Skymark we have always been proud to drive innovation through flexible innovation. We first launched our mono structure PE laminates into the wet wipe sector with great success, launching with some of the major retailers such as Tesco, and Waitrose.
We didn’t stop there, we now have our fully recyclable mono structure packaging for the food sector: SKYMONO EB with high barrier for multiple food markets, in particular cheese, sauce & condiments, meat and dried fruits. Providing a direct replacement for current non-recyclable alternatives, SKYMONO EB will meet and in some case exceed current shelf-life requirements, as well as maintaining packing line efficiencies through SIT technology.
We have tested this material on existing flow wrap lines for block cheese and have successfully reached 6 months shelf life within specification, with packs showing same initial snug, maintained cheese flavour and no mould growth.
We enlisted the help of our colleagues at Institut Cyclos HTP in Germany to test our mono-materials for recyclability and NIR detection within the Waste streams. Our product scored very high for recyclability, achieving 95% recyclability under LDPE plastic films with no issues for LDPE NIR detection within the waste streams.
We take another big step toward our SME Climate Commitment to half our CO2 emissions by 2030 and to be net-zero by 2050. As part of our SKYGREEN agenda, we’re pleased to announce that our Scunthorpe facility is now 100% powered by renewable electricity backed by REGOs
What are REGOs?
Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGOs), are certificates which show that electricity has been generated from renewable sources. Energy generators are given one REGO for each megawatt hour of electricity they produce. All of this is administered by Ofgem (the Energy Industry Regulator).
Renewable energy is energy that comes from sustainable sources. This means that they won’t run out, unlike other energy sources such as coal. Some examples of renewable energy out there include solar power, wind power and hydro-energy.
Why use renewable energy?
Because we only have a limited amount of resources, such as fossil fuels, whereas renewable energy is potentially unlimited. Renewable energy sources also cause less damage to the environment, as well as reduce carbon emissions and the effects of global warming.
It is our top priority to continue to move towards a sustainable future, not only in the materials we manufacture but the way in which we make them. Switching to 100% renewable energy is another contribution to our REDUCE headline under our SKYGREEN agenda.
Big consumer-facing organisations have made bold commitments to achieve zero or drastically reduced greenhouse gas emissions to enhance their overall corporate sustainability performance, including us. Simultaneously, their attention on packaging has been on boosting recyclability and recycled content.
Sustainable packaging efforts are frequently motivated by a goal to not comprise on the primary function which is to protect the product, but the list of desirable packaging solutions is long. Consumers want brand owners and retailers to quantify the environmental or sustainability impact of packaging based on many factors, which will ultimate make consumers feel pleased with their purchase.
Reduce weight or reduced the use of materials
Reduced carbon footprint
Reduced use of other resources
Reuse
Use of recycled material
Use of recyclable material
Use of compostable or biodegradable material.
Even though brand owners, retailers, and regulators recognise the importance of sustainability, there is no universal method or solution on how to implement it across these interconnected factors. There is no one solution that fits all.
However the vast array of design options to improve the sustainability story could be handled in two stages:
The first step is to look for low-hanging fruit. Customers and packaging converters alike will benefit from the design changes, which will have a minimum impact on operational expenses and capital expenditures. These steps include removing needless packaging, increasing the use of recycled content in packaging materials, when possible (for example, in less sensitive applications such as non-food goods), and assisting in the successful communication of sustainability narratives (for instance, by showing consumers how to recycle packaging).
The second step is a little more difficult, but it’s still feasible. Package-design innovations which take into consideration the complete circular economy and the direct environmental effect of creating packaging materials, can generate more broad changes than those in step one. Packaging design that makes use of current material developments and uses more mono-materials might be part of this endeavour. It might also entail developing package designs in novel shapes and forms, as well as new substrates, to make recycling easier. It will be vital to guarantee that these design decisions do not have unintended negative implications, such as an increase in food waste, which might have a bigger environmental impact.
We think that taking an end-to-end view of the value chain and applying a science-based approach to sustainable claims. Some activities, such as adopting nonrecyclable lightweight packaging with a smaller carbon footprint, may result in inadvertent conflicts. As a result, it’s critical to give more transparency and provide a more rigorous and fact-based approach to packaging’s sustainability performance so that consumers, firms across the value chain, and regulators can make more educated packaging decisions.
For each proactive member in the packaging value chain, we propose the following three lessons:
Consumers and customers should be educated. Get your product’s sustainability story right by presenting a fact-based assessment of where your packaging product sits in comparison to the next-best options across the major sustainability elements—and be sure to emphasise the trade-offs.
Examine the trade-offs between sustainability goals in detail. Consider the whole value chain when calculating your carbon footprint, considering both direct and indirect carbon impacts as well as all the benefits and drawbacks of each material choice. Also keep in mind that innovative business models, such as reusable ideas, may help to reduce carbon emissions even more.
Expect external unpredictability. Recognize that how packaging sustainability is viewed is unclear and that the external environment may change (for example, new regulation focused on one dimension of sustainability could be introduced, potentially at the expense of others). To do so, you should analyse all aspects of sustainability, including the influence of other major packaging trends that are creating change and uncertainty, and develop a packaging product contingency plan.
As you will most likely be aware, unprecedented events are currently unfolding in the Ukraine.
Like many others around the world, we share the view that the actions being taken are inexcusable and intolerable. Our thoughts are with all the people affected by this devastating situation and our hope is for a swift and peaceful resolution. We have overwhelming sympathy and support for the brave and proud nation of Ukraine.
We want to take this opportunity to reassure our valued client base in this testing time. At this moment in time, we do not foresee any direct issues with our business in terms of our ability to continue to operate as usual and meet your expectations. Naturally, due to the fluidity of this situation, we will monitor the events and their impact on our ability to maintain supply very closely.
We have taken pre-emptive steps by assessing the key stakeholders within our supply chain on whether any of our key materials are subject to restrictions of supply, both in terms of their general availability, as well as their geographical origin and any associated political restrictions. Our current assessment has indicated that none of our materials is affected, nor do they originate from the affected areas.
Whilst the conflict and the widespread sanctions do not currently pose a direct impact on our business, we are well aware that some elements of our business will invariably be impacted at some stage. It is no secret that the existing energy crisis will be exacerbated by the trade sanctions. We are seeing already record spikes for both Oil, Gas & Commodities prices – costs which will ultimately impact all of us. We will continue to monitor these volatile commodities and assess their potential impacts placed upon us. As always, our aim will be to avoid any price increases to you wherever possible. However, given the uncertain nature of this development, we cannot guarantee that there will be no cost impacts going forward; given that even before the escalation, we had been made aware of significant surcharges on some products.
Please rest assured that we will continue to assess all facets of this conflict and its resulting impacts on our ability to service our valued client base with the Quality, Response and Service which you dearly value.
We trust that this message allays any concerns you have at this stage. Should you still require further information on this complex topic, please contact us on the below details and we will endeavour to answer any questions you may have to the best of our ability.
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