The Brief
Premium meat producer Houghton Hams, a family-run business established in 1983, set out to launch a new product line for a major retailer. To do this, it needed packaging that would match the quality of its award-winning meats. Having previously used plain lidding film with a label, this significant retail opportunity demanded a more premium presentation while also advancing the company’s sustainability goals.
The challenge was to create high-quality printed lidding film that would not only protect its premium pork products but also command attention on crowded retail shelves, and communicate its brand’s heritage and quality credentials. As a producer committed to excellence in every facet, Houghton Hams wanted packaging that would be as sustainable as possible without compromising on performance, presentation, or product protection. Naturally, they connected with Eco Flexibles.
Our Approach
Understanding the importance of this launch and Houghton Hams’ specific requirements, Eco Flexibles recommended the EcoLidd 32 PE HB solution – one of the thinnest high-performing high barrier lidding films available on the market at just 32 microns total thickness.
Our teams collaborated closely throughout the process, making full use of the fortunate coincidence that both companies are located just one mile apart in Northampton. The central location, a key reason behind Eco Flexibles’ choice of location for its multi-million pound production headquarters, enabled frequent face-to-face collaboration while minimising carbon emissions from transport and logistics.
Showing its skills as a full-service partner, Eco Flexibles conducted extensive trials to help Houghton Hams set up registered print capabilities, moving it from unprinted film with labels to a fully printed solution that would put a well-deserved spotlight on its product and brand. This careful approach included comprehensive shelf-life testing and approvals to ensure the packaging would maintain product integrity and freshness throughout its retail journey.
Using market-leading print technology, Eco Flexibles delivered exceptional 1200x1200dpi image quality for crisp visuals that perfectly complemented Houghton Hams’ premium product range and positioning.
As well as being thin and light weight, the EcoLidd film offers the superb seal and peal functionality needed for both pack integrity and consumer convenience, with easy opening and no sharding.
The Result
The final EcoLidd solution perfectly married sustainability with premium presentation, helping Houghton Hams make its retailer debut with packaging that matched the exceptional quality of its meat products. Its Deli Style Ham, made with 100% British pork, now stands out on selected Aldi shelves with eye-catching, high-quality graphics that tell the Houghton Hams story.
The EcoLidd film delivered multiple benefits:
- Exceptional barrier properties to maintain product freshness
- Superior print quality for premium shelf presence
- Excellent seal integrity and consumer-friendly easy-open function
- Significantly reduced carbon footprint through local collaboration
This successful launch represented a milestone for both companies – Houghton Hams’ first major retail offering and a showcase of Eco Flexibles’ ability to help premium food producers transition to recyclable packaging without compromise.
What They Said
Joe Nicholson, National Sales Manager at Houghton Hams: “After nearly 40 years of producing award-winning meat products, our launch into major retail required packaging that reflected our quality and heritage while meeting modern sustainability demands. Eco Flexibles’ EcoLidd solution has delivered on all fronts – the print quality is exceptional, showcasing our premium products perfectly, while the film’s performance ensures our ham reaches consumers in perfect condition.
The fact that we could work with a like-minded local business just a mile away made the process even smoother and further reduced our environmental impact by minimising transport needs. The service level and willingness of the Eco Flexibles team to go the extra mile to meet our deadlines was outstanding. Eco Flexibles has helped us reimagine what our packaging could be, reinforcing that sustainability doesn’t have to mean compromise.”
Have you got a packaging puzzle that needs to be solved?
Get in touch with the Eco Flexibles team today.
