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What a year it’s been at Eco Flexibles! As we reflect on 2024, it’s been a landmark year of investment, innovation and growth for our team. From market-first technology installations to industry recognition, we’ve made significant strides in our mission to revolutionise the sustainable flexible packaging sector.
The year began with a bold statement as we unveiled our new state-of-the-art 40,000ft2 production facility in Northampton, a brand-new home for our team. And it wasn’t empty for long, our site became home to the very first Fujifilm Jet Press FP790 water-based inkjet press installed outside of its native Japan. Showing what the future of flexible packaging production looks like, here and now, this remarkable press prints CMYK+WW at speeds of up to 50m/min with exceptional 1200×1200 dpi resolution, combining the throughput of flexo with the quality of gravure and the flexibility of digital – the best of all worlds.
With its 790mm substrate width and two digital white channels achieving 55-58% opacity, the press has revolutionised our production capabilities for industrial-scale digital flexible packaging. The success of this investment was so immediate that by summer, we had ordered a second press to meet surging demand.
But our investment story didn’t stop there. We expanded our capabilities with a Karlville Swiss KS-SUP-400-D pouch machine, establishing ourselves as the UK’s only supplier capable of designing, manufacturing and supplying fully recyclable water-based printed monopolymer and paper pouch solutions. And just like our Fujifilm Jet Press, the demand was so great that we’ve recently installed a second pouch machine, further cementing our position as a sustainability-focused flexible packaging powerhouse.
Our technological advancements have been matched by recognition from the industry. We were proud to secure multiple award nominations throughout the year, including three shortlistings at the prestigious UK Packaging Awards 2024 for Innovation of the Year, Flexible Plastic Pack of the Year, and Investment Project of the Year. Our collaboration with Whitworths on their ‘Mission Nutrition’ project particularly caught the judges’ attention, leading to a win at The Grocer New Product & Packaging Awards.
But perhaps most importantly, 2024 has been about investing in people. We’ve strengthened our team with both experienced industry professionals and emerging talent. The appointments of David Smith as General Manager and Amy Gray as Key Account Manager bring experience and fresh perspectives to our operations, while our commitment to nurturing the next generation of packaging professionals has seen us welcome and develop new talent across the business.
What’s more, we’ve also showcased at key events through the year. At lunch! 2024, we spotlighted our innovative approach to sustainable packaging solutions, demonstrating how we’re helping brands transition from traditional mixed-material packaging to recyclable alternatives without compromising on performance or the visual appeal that’s so important in today’s fierce retail market. This commitment to industry leadership was further highlighted when our Sales and Marketing Director Simon Buswell was invited to share our digital printing success story at the prestigious Digital Packaging Summit in Florida, showcasing how our use of water-based digital inkjet technology is reshaping flexible packaging manufacturing.
Our dedication to excellence was also recognised in March when we achieved Grade AA BRC accreditation for the third consecutive year, with zero instances of non-conformance. This exceptional result underscores our commitment to the highest standards of quality and safety in flexible packaging production.
What makes these achievements particularly significant is their timing. In a market where sustainability isn’t just preferred but expected, we’ve shown that with the right technology and expertise, businesses can make the switch to recyclable packaging while enhancing their brand presence.
As we look ahead to 2025, we’re excited about the possibilities our expanded capabilities bring. With our enhanced production capacity, we’re better positioned than ever to support brands in their transition to sustainable packaging solutions. Whether it’s pouches, film-on-a-reel products, or custom solutions, our commitment to innovation and sustainability remains unwavering.
2024 has been a year of transformation, but it feels like we’re just getting started. As we continue to grow and evolve, our focus remains clear: making sustainable packaging simple, accessible, and value-adding for brands of all sizes. The investments we’ve made this year have laid a strong foundation for the future, and we’re excited to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in sustainable flexible packaging.
We’ve built fantastic relationships with customers, helping them to reimagine their packaging designs for a more sustainable future.
Thank you to everyone involved in making Eco Flexibles the success it has been in 2024 – our employees, suppliers, customers and partners. We’re looking forward to working with you all in 2025.
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