Your packaging is the first experience the consumer has with your brand, so it’s crucial to make sure it reflects who you are and the quality of your products. 

What is Branded Packaging? 

Let’s start with the obvious – what actually is branded packaging? Branded packaging is exactly what it sounds like. It gives businesses the ability to personalise the container, protective packaging, or any additional material that comes with a purchase of their products. 

When starting a business, packaging can often become an afterthought. Brands seem to focus so much on the product that they can forget the importance of the packaging it sits in. Recent research by Inc shows that 95% of new products fail, due to the fact most consumers judge a brand based on their first impressions alone. Bespoke packaging helps to enhance these initial impressions a consumer has with your brand, allowing you to make a memorable impact. 

Why is Branded Packaging Important?

It allows for quality 

Branded packaging adds quality to your products and helps to leave the consumer feeling valued and truly appreciated. It shows the consumer that as a business you care about the engagement they have with your brand, putting time and effort into every stage of the consumer journey.

You can add personalisation  

It’s important to think outside the box. Branded packaging doesn’t always have to be a logo stamped on a cardboard box. Personalising your packaging to suit your brand’s values, tone of voice and target allows you to create a lasting impact. The more creative your packaging is, the more likely the consumer will remember you, increasing the likelihood of a repeat purchase.

Make an environmental statement 

Branded packaging also allows you to make an environmental statement. In today’s commercial climate, more and more consumers are becoming concerned about the environmental impact brands have. Some consumers will actively choose not to shop with companies if they fail to meet their own personal environmental standards. 

Making sure you use recycled, recyclable or compostable materials in your branded packaging will show your consumers that you are environmentally conscious and care about issues that matter to them. 

Better protect your product 

Ultimately, businesses use packaging to make sure their products are protected during shipping. Having a better protected and packaged product means consumers are less likely to receive damaged goods. Branded packaging is made bespoke and allows you to create tailored packaging to make sure it keeps your products as safe and secure as possible. 

If you are interested in getting branded, custom packaging made for your business, then get in touch with our team today!

The post Why Branding Your Packaging Can Benefit Your Business appeared first on Test Valley Packaging.

In 2008 there were some important changes that PEI needed to make with their packaging as they faced challenges with delayed deliveries. This alone is a significant problem that needed to be resolved but other factors such as communication and service also played a part in the need for them to switch suppliers. PEI switched to Test Valley Packaging in July 2008, providing them with solutions and support as their new packaging supplier.

PEI selected Test Valley Packaging as their new supplier for multiple factors:

• Competitive pricing

• Excellent Customer Service

• Simple Communication

• Local Supplier

• Quality products

12 years on, these factors are still important and relevant. Magda, Consumer Buyer at PEI had this to say, “We are always looking at the price, quality level and customers service. First off, we are getting very good quality for the price which is sort of the main thing. Excellent customer service is provided to us and as mentioned it has been 12 years and it is a very good relationship; we are like family. When you call businesses usually, you never know who you are talking with, but with Test Valley we are not just a number”

“When we call in or are exchanging emails, we know the names, Fallon, Orella, Beatrice and it is a great friendship we have with them all.”

“It has been 12 years and it is a very good relationship; we are like family.”

The team at PEI continue to have competitors approach them with new quotes, they commented, “Our job is to look for best prices on the market and we did have some TVP competitors come in and quote us but they could never beat TVP on price, quality of products, relationship and communication we have had with the entire team.”

Magda added, “For example, sometimes within an hour of contacting TVP we already have a response. Being fairly local was also a good attraction for us, some days I may of forgotten to add something to our order and I would call in at 8am to speak with one of the sales team asking if we can have a delivery today, I would understand if the answer was no but it never has been. So yes, we have always had great support.”

Test Valley Packaging pride themselves in resolving all customer challenges, have a passion for outstanding communication and customer service and provide simple solutions to issues that could be detrimental for any business.

“very proactive and offered us an alternative product which would resolve the issue.”

Magda also gave us an example where Test Valley have done exactly this, “In terms of Test Valley resolving some internal issues; we had a package going to Turkey and they had some issue with the jiffy bags being opened or damaged upon delivery. The team at Test Valley were very proactive and offered us an alternative product which would resolve the issue. TVP have always been very willing to help in these situations.”

Ruth, Sales Manager at TVP said “The solution that Test Valley have provided to PEI and all our customers is simple, we give 5 star customer service no matter how big or small the company is. We know communication is key when it comes to an important service such as packaging, and we are consistently providing quick, innovative solutions for any issues that arise within a company’s packaging division.

“Thank you to PEI for being a loyal customer for 12 years. We look forward to providing all their future packaging whatever that may be within the industry.”

The post Test Valley Packaging celebrate 12th year providing PEI Genesis with Packaging! appeared first on Test Valley Packaging.

Ava May Aromas started in July 2018 with Hannah hand pouring candles and wax melts from her parents kitchen hob, having quit her full time marketing job.

Fast forward to the present day and they now work from seven Andover based workshop units with a dedicated team.

Ava May Aromas have been a customer of Test Valley Packaging since early 2020. Having struggled to find a packaging company that could provide sustainable products, Ruth from TVP visited them to provide a demo of sustainable paper bubble wrap “Hexcel Wrap”. Ava May Aromas instantly loved the product stating “they didn’t even know it existed” and that it was “very competitive”.

Hannah also mentions that the switch from plastic to paper was “very easy” and they “have not had any issues”. Ava May Aromas were very conscious about the environment and were excited to be able to switch with ease from plastic bubble wrap to paper Hexcel wrap, emphasising that smaller businesses should be doing the same.

Making the switch can be a daunting process, but TVP have proved that it can be very simple and new methods of smarter packaging can be achieved when working with the TVP team.

TVP are now in the process of working on a new project with Ava May Aromas, to support the launch of their branding later this year. Hannah says how great it has been to meet face to face and go through all the available options. She has been impressed with how committed TVP have been in finding the right solution for her products, as “packaging is a minefield but TVP are not just offering brown boxes, it is nice to know we can basically do whatever we want to do with our packaging”.

Sales Manager at TVP, Ruth has said “It has been great to help a growing company move through the stages of switching from plastic packaging to our sustainable paper alternative. We are very excited to be working with Ava May Aromas on transitioning to better packaging options and I am looking forward to what the future holds for our customer”.

The post Ava May Case Study appeared first on Test Valley Packaging.

To help you decide, we’ve compiled some of the advantages and disadvantages of plastic and paper packaging below.

Advantages of plastic packaging

The main advantage of plastic packaging is its price. Plastic can be produced quickly and cost effectively, which is why it has become such a popular material for packaging across the globe. Other benefits of plastic packaging include its durable and lightweight qualities, making it ideal for transporting goods safely.

However, from April 2022, the UK Government is introducing a Plastic Packaging Tax on all packaging manufactured in, or imported into, the UK. This means that businesses using packaging that contains less that 30 per cent recycled plastic will have to pay a tax, so plastic packaging may no longer be the best option. 

Below you can see our latest release of products that we stock with 30% recycled content or more.

Disadvantages of plastic packaging

Plastic packaging is becoming increasingly recognised for its damaging environmental qualities. Plastic can take thousands of years to biodegrade, so single-use plastic packaging is highly polluting. Even plastic packaging that claims to be recyclable often ends up in landfill – especially with recycling capabilities varying from council to council in the UK.

When plastic does degrade, small plastic molecules release toxins which can poison soil, rendering local land infertile. These molecules can also infiltrate waterways and damage delicate ecosystems.

The plastic production process is also damaging to the environment. Most plastic is produced as cheaply as possible in factories based in developing countries where there are limited laws on pollution. These factories release copious amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, and many also discharge toxic waste and manufacturing by-products into local bodies of water.

Advantages of paper packaging

Unlike its plastic counterpart, paper packaging does not damage the environment. Paper packaging can be 100 per cent recyclable and is easy to recycle for customers – packaging can simply be disposed of in home recycling bins, unlike many types of ‘recyclable’ plastic.

Paper packaging derives from natural sources so no harmful, carbon dioxide-emitting production processes are involved. Test Valley Packaging’s paper packaging products use paper from FSC-certified forests which are managed sustainably, ensuring that there is no detrimental impact to the environment with excessive deforestation.

Although paper packaging may be initially more expensive than plastic packaging, it can be more cost-effective for businesses in the long run. Test Valley Packaging’s paper packaging products, such as Paper Bubble Wrap, take up 80 per cent less space when flat and increase packing speeds by up to 50 per cent.

Paper packaging is also an excellent way to promote your brand ethos. With more and more consumers looking to spend their money ethically, positioning your brand as environmentally friendly can give sales a boost. Packaging your goods in paper products communicates your sustainable values to customers – plus any others who see your packaging in transit. 

Disadvantages of paper packaging

Some paper packing – especially low-quality products – can be less durable than plastic packaging. To solve this problem, Protega Paper has a cutting-edge design with creases and crimples to ensure that it is highly durable.

Paper packaging can cost more than plastic packaging. However, with innovative packing machines, clever packing techniques and space-saving product design, paper packaging can save your business money with increased efficiency and reduced packaging materials.

Get in touch with Test Valley Packaging today to discuss switching to paper packaging.

The post Pros and Cons of Paper and Plastic Packaging appeared first on Test Valley Packaging.

The switch from Salisbury to the 88,000sq ft site in Andover will help deliver efficiencies to Test Valley Packaging’s operations and enhanced service levels to customers. The investment represents a continuing commitment to customers to provide a truly sustainable packaging solution and an extension to the UK manufacturing capacity.  The spend includes new offices, racking for the storage facility and a state of the art manufacturing plant, enabling a considerable reduction in supply chain lead time.

Test Valley has been a leading supplier of sustainable packaging to the South West of England for over 40 years. By upgrading its operations, the new manufacturing facility will help the company deliver further efficiencies that will boost the drive for more innovative and eco-friendly products, such as the revolutionary Hexcel Wrap ‘paper bubble wrap’.

Managing Director, Jerry Steedman commented: “We are capitalising on the opportunity that this ‘blank canvas’ affords to design both our manufacturing and storage facilities to be fit for the future. With greater capacity we will have the advantage of smarter buying and bespoke stock holding, which will help protect customers from any supply chain disruption as well as minimise their carbon footprint.”

Refocusing on planet friendly packaging solutions, Test Valley is focusing its innovative approach on launching new sustainable options throughout 2022. The company aims to reach new markets across Europe and the UK to follow on from the success of its suite of paper cushioning and void fill machines. 

Andover was chosen primarily because of its proximity and excellent road links to the firm’s current site, meaning less staff disruption. The excellent transport links have the additional benefit of reducing carbon emissions and driving efficiencies. It is also a return to where Test Valley packaging was originally established and provides an excellent opportunity to work with more customers in that area.

Test Valley is so excited at the opportunities the larger premises will offer it is planning an open day (date to be announced). Both existing and new customers will be able to tour the facility to see for themselves the impressive set-up and learn about the earth friendly solutions Test Valley Packaging are developing. 

The post PRESS RELEASE: GROWTH STRATEGY LEADS TO NEW FACILITY FOR TEST VALLEY PACKAGING appeared first on Test Valley Packaging.

Avoid plastic packaging taxes

As governments pledge to reduce their plastic waste, new plastic packaging taxes are coming into force. The UK government is launching a Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT) on 1 April 2022 which will charge £200 per metric tonne of plastic packaging.

As climate change continues to worsen and governments come under more pressure to take action, it is likely that taxes like these will only increase in severity and abundance. Read our Plastic Tax Guide below to find out more:

Prepare for eco-conscious customers

There are already a large proportion of eco-conscious customers on the market, and this number will only increase as time goes on. The effects of pollution and climate change will encourage more and more consumers to adopt sustainable shopping habits.

Now is the time to switch to eco-friendly packaging to get ahead of the curve. If you show your commitment to the environment with sustainable packaging, your business will be a more attractive choice than your competitors.

Source your packaging from the UK

A vast amount of the world’s plastic is produced in China, with almost a third of it produced there. However, using UK-made packaging can prevent supply chain issues from arising when you import your packaging from abroad, as seen during the pandemic.

Test Valley Packaging is based in the UK and produces paper-based packaging using paper from FSC-approved forests. We are now the first UK manufacturers of award winning HexcelWrap, Paper Bubble Wrap thanks to our Sister company Protega Global. This means you can continue shipping your products, whatever happens in the world.

Increase packing speeds

Switching to eco-friendly packaging with an innovative packing system can save you money in the long run by speeding up the packing process.

For example, Test Valley’s Integrated Packing Systems are designed to increase your packing speeds and therefore your dispatch rate. These sustainable packing systems are a great investment to prepare your business for the future.

Reduce the amount of packaging needed

Sustainable packing products can also reduce the amount of packaging needed per item. For example, Test Valley’s Paper Void Fill reduces waste and the amount of product needed – especially when using their innovative packing techniques.

If you’re thinking of switching to paper packaging, get in touch with the Test Valley Packaging team today.

The post 5 Ways Switching to Eco-Friendly Packaging Future-Proofs Your Business appeared first on Test Valley Packaging.

The industry’s first UK manufactured paper bubble wrap was displayed in the ‘Innovations Gallery’ at the show, which was held on 25-26th May at the Birmingham NEC.

Daniel Willock, Marketing Manager at Test Valley Packaging, commented: “We are thrilled to have won the 2022 Packaging Innovations Showcase Award for ‘Most Innovating Product’. Our investment in moving premises to begin manufacturing HexcelWrap in the UK is a game changer for businesses trying to lower their carbon footprint. We are very proud to be the first and only UK manufacturer of paper bubble wrap, taking sustainability to the next level and leading the packaging industry to an eco-friendlier future.”

HexcelWrap has become the first UK manufactured paper bubble wrap, allowing UK retailers to reduce their carbon footprint even further. With online sales continuing to grow at a rapid pace, retailers are urgently taking action by switching to a more sustainable and eco-friendly packaging solution. The company’s investment in manufacturing locally provides a simple chain of custody, without the need to track carbon emissions through multiple channels overseas.

The product is made up of both virgin fibres and recycled paper to ensure the strength gives the ultimate protection for all types of products. Households are able to simply identify paper as being recyclable, unlike some types of packaging such as plastics and foam, less than 10% is estimated to be successfully recycled in the UK. Paper is also biodegradable and takes an average of 4-6 weeks to break down in landfills. The UK consumer demand for eco-friendly paper packaging reaches new records every year, with a reported 77% willing to pay more for sustainable packaging.

It is easy stretch and easy tear. Once stretched around the product users simply tear the paper, and the paper interlocks on itself, with no need for adhesive tape.

Not only does this reduce plastic use, it also reduces pack times by up to 50%, allowing customers to increase the number of daily despatches. With no adhesive tape to remove it also makes it easier for customers to unwrap the products too. The use of Hexcel is spreading rapidly as more companies seek a sustainable alternative to bubble.

Hexcel has a track record for reducing customers breakages by 50%, reducing the number of returns, saving on costs and increasing customer satisfaction.

Designed and manufactured in the UK, Hexcel’s packing benches come with the option to house a Hexcel dispenser under the bench, feeding through the desk top. This saves on space, time and making it simple for packers to use.

The post HexcelWrap Wins at Packaging Innovations Showcase appeared first on Test Valley Packaging.

On the website mentalhealth.org.uk there is advice on how to overcome and how to help others to cope with loneliness and to improve your mental health. This their advice below:

Dealing with loneliness can be difficult. But there are things we can all do to cope with loneliness and prevent some of the negative feelings and mental health problems that can come with it. Here are some coping strategies that you might find useful.

1. Try to do some enjoyable things that will keep you busy 

One way of trying to manage loneliness is by keeping busy and doing things we enjoy. This might be a hobby such as a bit of gardening, going to the gym or even sorting out your kitchen cupboards, jigsaws, puzzles or knitting. Small activities can give you energy and positive feelings. It’s important these things are fun or fulfilling.

Be careful about working too hard or watching TV shows simply as a distraction. These will only delay or suppress your feelings and could actually make your mental health worse.

2. Try to do things that stimulate your mind 

Activities that occupy your mind can help with loneliness. This can include the benefits of taking courses or listening to podcasts on topics from comedy to fitness. This can be stimulating and something as simple as listening to the familiar voice of someone you like can help you feel less lonely.

3. Think about doing a physical activity 

Physical exercise can help with loneliness. It can be as simple as having a walk in the park when you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed. Alternatively, you could listen to music and do a bit of dancing around your living room. (Be aware of your neighbours though!) 

4. Try to engage with the people you meet in your daily life. 

It can be hard to talk to others when you’re feeling lonely. However, trying to connect with the people you meet as you go about your day can be helpful. Even catching someone’s eye and saying “hi” as you walk along can make you feel better. Or it could be about saying hello to the postwomen or postman or going to the shops and talking to the person at the checkout. By sharing a polite greeting – you might find you give someone else a positive lift too.

5. Find people that ‘get you’ 

It can be hard to connect with others when you’re feeling lonely. But there are great benefits in finding people who have been through similar experiences to you. Interacting with others that ‘get’ you can give you a sense of belonging that may be missing. People who have been there have found connections in local groups or social media.

6. Spend time with pets 

If you are lucky enough to have a pet, it can be a great way of managing loneliness. Not only do animals provide us with unconditional love and support, but they also help to give structure to our days and even encourage us to get out and connect with others. Interaction with pets is also shown to help reduce stress levels.

7. Try to use social media in a positive way 

Social media can help your mental health. But it can also affect it negatively. The key is to use it in a positive way. Finding digital communities, you share interests and passions with can help. Most importantly be aware of how you feel when you use social media and focus on topics and activities that work best for you.

8. Talking therapies can help 

Talking through your feelings with a counsellor or therapist can help you cope with your feelings of loneliness. Talking therapy can be hard to get – but if you can find a professional, it can really be of benefit. It’ll provide you with a safe space to work through your feelings and thoughts without judgement. Check out your local resources by visiting the NHS website.

How to support other people who are feeling lonely

1. Don’t judge or stigmatise

It’s important not to judge or stigmatise people who feel lonely. Stigma around loneliness is a huge barrier to the kind of open and genuine conversations that can help. It’s more important to be aware of just how common loneliness is. It’s a normal feeling that all of us are likely to experience at some time in our lives. Telling other people that their poor mental health is the reason why they are feeling lonely is really not helpful.

2. Try to make groups welcoming to other people

It can be difficult for people who are feeling lonely to join a group like a club. This might be because people are shy or feel nervous about existing relationships in the group which they don’t feel part of. It’s important to be aware of this and try to make groups be as welcoming as possible to newcomers. Flexibility around things like how often people attend is also important.

3. Try to listen and show understanding

A great way to help a friend or family member is simply to listen. People who have experienced loneliness relate how they valued friends who really considered what they might enjoy and were even willing to join them in some shared activities. Having an understanding and compassionate approach, and not ignoring the person’s experience, will help them to feel heard and understood.

The post Mental Health Awareness Week appeared first on Test Valley Packaging.

In this article, we discuss why investing in your employees is vital for the success of your business, and how to speed up your production line with regular training.

Why does your supply chain need high calibre staff? 

A strong workforce is the best asset of successful businesses. This applies to every area of your business, including the production line. The quality of your packers and operators will determine your productivity, plus the speed at which customers receive their orders.

If you have a high calibre of staff on your production line, this will have a range of benefits for your business. Firstly, the speed your staff package your products directly impacts your output and capacity. If they pack quickly, you can get more of your goods out the door, therefore improving your productivity. The quicker you pack, the more orders you can fulfil and the more profit you can generate. 

Qualified staff are the key to boosting your efficiency. You’ll also benefit from a high standard of packing across the board, which will impress customers by ensuring that your products are always delivered in in pristine condition.

How to upskill your employees to boost productivity 

To boost your business’ productivity, upskilling your employees is a great investment. The best way to invest in your staff is through training. This shouldn’t just apply to new employees; providing training for existing employees keeps their current skills fresh and teaches new techniques to enhance efficiency. Providing regular training for your employees also makes them feel valued – by investing in their development, you are encouraging a commitment to your business and their careers with you, therefore resulting in a higher standard of work.

Staff training with Test Valley 

At Test Valley, we help our clients to boost their productivity by providing training for employees. We supply innovative packaging solutions to help businesses boost their packing process and cut their carbon footprint by reducing the amount of packaging used. 

To ensure their new, timesaving packing solutions are being used efficiently, we offer in-depth training both face-to-face and virtually. Our products also come with detailed instruction manuals and videos to show your packers and operators how to use them effectively.

As a result, our clients then benefit from cutting-edge packing technology and specially trained staff. The combination of the two provides a valuable productivity boost across our clients’ supply chains. 

To find out more about Test Valley’s packing solutions and how they can boost your business’ productivity, get in touch with the Test Valley team today.

The post Investing in Staff will Boost Your Operational Productivity – Here’s Why appeared first on Test Valley Packaging.

At Test Valley, we are committed to helping businesses protect the environment with cutting-edge sustainable packaging solutions. With over 40 years’ experience, we have worked closely with hundreds of companies spanning a multitude of industries to implement eco-friendly packaging.

With more businesses than ever looking to make the switch, we’ve put together a guide to some of the best sustainable packaging solutions available in 2022. Here are our top eco-friendly packaging products to look out for this year that offer other sustainable solutions to Test Valley’s void-fill & protection paper products.

Compostable or biodegradable packaging 

One of the leading packaging trends for 2022 is predicted to be compostable and biodegradable packaging. These packaging solutions go one step further than non-plastic or sustainably sourced materials – compostable packaging is a zero-waste solution that will biodegrade over time.

Vegware is a leading manufacturer of compostable packaging, offering a vast range of over 300 plant-based catering disposables that can be composted with food waste. Products include cutlery, tableware, hot and cold drinks cups and takeaway packaging. All of Vegware’s products are made from plants using renewable, lower carbon, recycled or reclaimed materials.

Established in 2019, Paboco is a joint venture between paper packaging material developer and bottle manufacturing specialist. Their first-generation bottle design is made from paper from FSC certified sources. Currently under development, the next generation bottle aims to be fully bio-based and printed with water-based inks.

Paboco has already partnered with leading global brands including Coca-Cola, Absolut, L’Oréal, Carlsberg and Lenor.

Plant-based packaging 

Plant-based packaging is growing in packaging due to its sustainable production and biodegradable qualities. Seaweed, hemp, and corn-based packaging are becoming increasingly prominent on the packaging market, and one of the trailblazing companies creating innovative products is Notpla.

Notpla crafts its packaging material from seaweed and other plant materials which biodegrade organically within weeks. Among Notpla’s leading products are plastic-free sachets, offering a waste-free alternative to plastic sauce pots and condiment sachets for the takeaway industry. Notpla have collaborated with Heinz to create sachets of ketchup that are 100 per cent biodegradable, home-compostable and vegan.

Refillable containers 

The store provides products in bulk, and customers bring their empty refillable containers and fill them with product (see image above). Cleaning and personal care products are often available this way.

Bring your own and reusable container initiatives are likely to continue to grow in popularity in 2022 as consumers become more eco-conscious. Stores buy products in bulk, including dry foods, cleaning, and self-care products, and then customers bring a reusable container to fill up.

Some large supermarket chains, such as Marks & Spencer, are already trialling this in some of their stores, while independent businesses focusing solely on this zero-packaging method are cropping up around the UK. 

Many businesses are selling reusable containers, but one industry-leader is Clean Natured. Launched in 2016, Clean Natured offers a range of stylish and sustainable glass bottles that are designed to be used again and again. Their spray and pump bottles are designed for a myriad of household purposes, including shampooing, handwashing and cleaning, plus bespoke bottles for pets and children. 

Sustainability is certainly the main subject within the packaging industry and it’s great to see the environmentally friendly innovations coming in 2022 in all different sectors. Test Valley have been working hard this year to release all of our plastic products with at least 30% recycled content, you can view these products here or if you’d like to discuss paper-based, sustainable packaging solutions for your business, get in touch with Test Valley today.

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