As the industry is set to be hit by another legislative change in terms of reducing “empty space” in packaging, leading firm Southgate continues with its trajectory of market innovation.
Southgate Global is one of Europe’s leading packaging companies, advancing packaging and order fulfilment through innovation, productivity and its leading brands.
The latest pioneering products from Southgate – utilise new technology to maximise sustainability and efficiency and received a positive response at the latest trade show Packaging Innovations.
Packaging Innovations is the largest annual event involving packaging specifiers and buyers – demonstrating new materials and formats for brand packaging. Registrations to the event were at a record high and over 6,500 unique attendees visited Birmingham’s NEC over the course of the two-day event, an increase of over 20 per cent when compared to 2022’s event.
Over the last 18 months, Southgate has launched a huge number of sustainable products from carton sealing, paper mailers and void fill, as well as machinery to increase productivity. This is part of Southgate’s ambitious commitment to introduce sustainable alternatives for all its key product lines.
As an industry leader in the field of sustainable packaging, Southgate has invested heavily in new product development and is committed to developing alternative products to significantly reduce waste and plastic content and promote the idea of a circular economy.
Visitors at the last event were able to watch the head turning RSW6 Robotic Pallet Wrapper in action again at the exhibition, ideal for palletised loads that are too large, heavy, or unstable to be wrapped on a traditional turntable machine.
Those looking for sustainable e-commerce solutions could also witness the OP320 Optimax Shredder in action, showing how easy it is to turn old carboard packaging into high-bulk void fill. Reducing the costs of disposal and providing free, environmentally friendly packing material.
Southgate successfully demonstrated its BP555 Tape Dispenser and Roll Cages. Plus with a focus on sustainability, products displayed included: the RSW6 Robotic Pallet Wrapper, BP555 Tape Dispenser, OP320 Optimax Shredder and a range of Water Activated Tape and Padded Paper Mailers.
With the packaging sector looking towards new forthcoming legislations, Southgate has a portfolio of products that reduce waste and space, specifically for e-commerce.
Setting its sights on reducing empty space in packaging, new proposed EU regulations “Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive” revisions were published in draft form late in 2022 for proposed implementation in 2030. The EU Commission’s proposed Regulation on packaging and packaging waste. It includes a wide range of areas including packaging design, materials, re-use and recycling.
A section titled ‘packaging minimisation’ requires that “packaging shall be designed so that its weight and volume is reduced to the minimum necessary”, this covers grouped and transport packaging, including e-commerce packaging, in relation to the total volume of the grouped or transported products and their sales packaging… and space filled by paper cuttings, air cushions, bubble wraps, sponge fillers, foam fillers, wood wool, polystyrene, Styrofoam chips or other filling materials shall be considered as empty space”.
Businesses will have to ensure that the empty space ratio is a maximum of 40 per cent, which also applies to e-commerce packaging and has major implications across the sector.
Darren Smith, Head of Marketing at Southgate, said: “We were delighted with the response to our latest product innovations, demonstrating products and equipment first-hand to visitors relevant to changing demands of packaging.”
Southgate serves over 600 leading distributors across the UK and Europe, with customers specialising in warehousing and logistics.
Southgate has achieved a Silver EcoVadis rating, showcasing its focus on driving sustainability within its business and the wider industry. The rating recognises Southgate’s continued focus on cultivating innovative, eco-friendly packaging alternatives.
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