The £15m turn-over business which has seen a steady increase in demand, leading to this years move to expand capacity, has had a series of successful product trials in Northern Europe.

The ‘Growth through Innovation’ programme, a bold shift in Marpak’s strategy towards solutions based product development, has allowed Marpak, in conjunction with the Refining & Chemicals Division of Total, to diversify on their product ranges, including the pioneering Lumicene® range. This has provided cost savings to businesses through innovative product advancement.

Managing Director, Richard Gibson says of the strategy “With ever changing market conditions and increasing prices to our customers, Marpak have invested heavily in the research and trialling of high performance products, working closely with Total to improve value to our customers and stay at the forefront of flexible packaging. This has led to our organic growth and our increased work-force. We couldn’t be more pleased”

Marpak also attributed their move into new European markets to the programme, citing it as being “fundamental in developing key relationships with global manufacturers”

www.totalrefiningchemicals.com

Contact details regarding press release:

Please contact Group Marketing Manager and Communications Manager on 07786 745402 / 0113 2775518.

WikiAnswers describes logistics as: “The complete process involving planning, managing and controlling the flow of goods and services, information, real-time data and human resources from the point of origin to the point of destination. There is hardly any manufacturing or marketing activity that can be achieved without the support of an effective logistical department.”

To be effective, a logistics department must engage a number of important aspects:

• Material handling
• Warehousing
• Information
• Transportation
• Packaging
• Inventory management

“The primary duty of an effective logistics system is to ensure geographical repositioning of unfinished goods, and it is also concerned with the finished inventories of the organization being at the required place at the lowest possible cost.”

Material handling, warehousing, information, transportation, packaging and inventory management determine an enterprise’s ability to participate effectively in the global marketplace.

At the heart of logistics is packaging. Without a sound packaging plan, a smooth logistical operation is impossible. Packaging makes material handling, warehousing, information, transportation and inventory management work.

About Packaging

Some companies develop and handle their own packaging solutions. Many companies outsource packaging solutions. In addition to the industries mentioned above, packaging plays an important role in every delivery and storage solution and is important from large, industrial equipment to small items distributed by pharmaceuticals.

21^st century packaging options include:

• Air shrink packaging
• Skin packaging
• Stretch wrapping
• Overwrapping
• Blister packaging
• Clamshell packaging

Custom design packaging is gaining in popularity because it is an effective way to promote the brand. In today’s market, delivery speed is a prime consideration for all purchasers. Rapid delivery is expedited when proper packaging processes are in place. The goal is to handle materials as little as possible. With proper information and labeling, handling is decreased from receipt of materials to shipment. This saves, time, money and reduces risk.

Benefits of Proper Packaging

• Knowing that goods received are safe and secure.
• Knowing the goods shipped are safe and secure.
• Knowing that hazardous materials conform with best practices shipping.
• Ability to reuse industrial packaging materials.
• Extend life of shipped goods.
• Increase effectiveness of storage facility.

Understanding the Cost of Best Practice Packaging

The cost of 21^st century packaging solutions depends upon several factors including:

• Size of package.
• Type package.
• Storage requirements.
• Shipping requirements.
• Type packaging materials used.
• Nature of content.
• Method of transportation.
• Labeling requirements.

Today’s distribution centers can reap large savings by the use of professional packaging equipment and through economies of scale. Anyone who has received or shipped goods to Amazon.com understands how effective today’s packaging solutions, materials and processes can be. Businesses charged with warehousing responsibilities, distribution and careful handling have no choice but to invest in reliable, new-age packaging solutions that are re-usable.

Managing Multiple Products

The challenge for many of today’s manufacturers, warehouses and distributors is handling multiple products that must meet unique shipping and receiving protocols. Products with short shelf lives, like perishables, have very different packaging solutions than do audio-video equipment. In some cases, “First-in, First-out” (FIFO) policy is important. In the case of audio-video equipment, FIFO is not as necessary.

In cases where “Last-in, Last-out” (LIFO) and FIFO are the norm, labeling with information about the product is essential. In many of todays processing centers and warehouses, receivers are requiring shippers to label and pack packages with precise instructions. This places a burden on the shipper but can save the receiving facility huge amounts of time and money and streamline the entire distribution system.

Best Practices In Packaging

What may work well for one company and one product may not be as effective for other products offered by the same company. However, branding packaging products is a best practice that can turn packaging into a money-making, marketing tool.

Best packaging practice include:

• Readable informational labeling.
• Implementation of Advance Shipping Notification (ASN) procedures.
• Cross-docking directly to shipping.
• Implementation of a vendor compliance protocol.
• Retention of a permanent vendor compliance manager.
• Automatic data collection technology.
• Pre-planned picking procedures.
• Zoning of warehousing operations.
• Recording every product movement as a separate transaction.
• Implementation of a hands-free selection process.
• Emphasize minimal touches policy.
• Implement print and label systems.
• Implement dynamic slotting systems.
• Determine a definite policy for returns.
• Implement an ongoing cycle count protocol.
• Constant revaluation of the entire distribution chain.

Businesses that follow these recommendations are prepared to grow and win in the global distribution marketplace. Businesses that fail to meet these standards will struggle to keep pace with the competition.

For more information about how Marpak Extrusions can help with your packaging needs, contact us here or give us a call on 0843 289 0273

One of the main objectives of this campaign is educating the public on the importance of keeping food in its packaging. Studies have shown that most people remove foods from their original package as soon as they get home. This is done in the false belief that the polythene or plastic packaging the food was in will contribute to accelerating the rate at which the food spoils. This concept has however been dismissed as misinformation. Consumers need to realise that the retailer will always pack food in a manner that ensures maximum shelf life so as to avoid losses. Therefore, if you buy your food in a plastic or polythene package, that is the best packaging to keep it in.

Even as the plastic and polythene industry enjoys this precious relief from constant battering, there is a need to keep working on the delivery of high quality products especially when it comes to food packaging materials. While the “Fresher for longer” campaign assumes that quality products are being used to package food, it is up to manufacturers and processors to ensure that this is exactly what gets delivered to the market. Allowing the distribution of low quality products will adversely affect the industry and contribute to the false notion that keeping food in plastic or polythene aids in accelerating the rate at which food spoils. Guaranteeing quality products for the market will see the plastic and polythene industry enjoy many more significant reprieves from a community of satisfied customers.

For animal production, Marpak supplies high quality polythene that is used in water proofing of sheds, lining ponds, lining and covering silage pits, packaging of animal products and much more. Polythene from the company is used in plant production in many different ways. These include covering green houses, holding seedlings, packing produce and much more.

In all the above instances, the quality of the polythene products applied is critical. This is because most of the farm produce is intended for human consumption and especially as food. Using poor quality polythene for any of the applications mentioned above will easily result in contamination of food and other products that are meant for human consumption.

The ability to guarantee the supply of high quality polythene to farmers has been one of the biggest selling points that continues to position Marpak as a hot favourite among the sources offering agricultural polythene to the UK market. Some of the qualities that farmers greatly appreciate in Marpak polythene include greater UV resistance, superior tear and tensile strength, high chemical resistance, advanced formulations and much more.

Farmers interested in getting more information about the agricultural polythene products available from Marpak can contact the company’s sales team.

The first reason for the growing use of plastic and polythene in kitchens is hygiene. Polythene and plastic are not only easy to clean but also very reliable in keeping dirt, germs and other contaminants away from the food items or preparation surfaces we use in the kitchen. One good example is the plastic chopping board. While chopping boards were traditionally wooden, plastic boards are today a preferred option due to the ease with which you can clean them.

Another good reason for the growing use of products made from these two materials in the kitchen is affordability. Comparing the price of similar products made of other materials, the plastic and polythene options are often much cheaper. The financial advantage available here is especially important in this difficult economy. Further, commercial kitchens that will normally consume greater volumes of these items over time find it more beneficial to take up the lower cost option.

Reuse is another important reason that has seen polythene and plastic take up more space in our kitchens. Plastic containers and items can be used severally for a number of different purposes. Storage, mixing and preparation items made of plastic can be used and reused severally which makes them ideal for the many different and dynamic kitchen processes.

There are a number of other good reasons that have contributed to the domination of polythene and plastic products in our kitchens. Now you know what’s cooking in your kitchen and why there is so much plastic and polythene there. There are many good reasons for the presence of these products, but you need to be responsible in the way you use and dispose of plastic and polythene in your kitchen.

Durability is the first benefit that makes plastic a good option when it comes to food packaging. If kept in the right conditions, a plastic container can last a very long time. This then means it can be used and re-used over a period of time. The durability of plastic is a huge advantage when it comes to the transportation of foods. Since this material is easily sealed, it keeps the food fresh for a longer time and can makes it an excellent choice where you need to transport over long distances. The flexibility of plastic packaging also provides a significant advantage in that these packages are not easily broken. They may easily bend or deform in certain circumstances but this also means that they will not easily break open and this keeps your food safe from contaminants and also ensures that you do not have spills.

As a packaging material, plastics also ensure that the quality of the foods stored is maintained. Due to its properties, contamination is kept at bay and nutrients in the foods remain intact. Also, the fact that plastic packaging is airtight ensures that not even air borne contamination of food can occur. This makes it an excellent choice when it comes to packaging long shelf life goods.

The protective nature of plastic packages makes them ideal for storage of food under extreme conditions. If you live in areas that have extreme climatic conditions such as high or low humidity, very low or high temperatures and other such extremes, plastic packaging will ensure that your food retains freshness and quality for a longer period.

Finally, plastic is a very dynamic material. It can be conveniently designed into many different shapes and sizes. You can easily identify products by simply looking at the shape or size of the packaging. Plastic packaging is also very good for children as they can be made to appear fun so as to encourage them to consume the healthy products that are packed within. Interesting shapes such as animals and fruits are examples of what would make the container more attractive and interesting and also easier to market.

The first thing that your customers interact with when they come across your product is its packaging. Good quality packaging implies a good quality product. Customers will be more attracted to a product that is well packaged and they are more likely to buy a product that is packaged using quality materials. Sourcing for the right quality plastic and polythene packaging is the first step in ensuring that your products sell. With the right quality packaging in place, branding will simply be the icing on the cake.

Your packaging material is the canvas on which your branding will be done. A good quality canvas is necessary for the production of quality art. Placing your branding on the best polythene or plastic packaging is guaranteed to attract the right kind of attention to your products. To achieve this you need to constantly be in touch with a top supplier of plastic and polythene packaging. They will advice you on the best packaging to use for your products and inform you of new and better products whenever they are available.

Here are some situations that may necessitate the use of polythene covers in your home or office:

When away from home

If you are travelling away from home for a period of time, it is necessary to leave your furniture and household items covered. Even where you may be leaving someone to sit your house, it is best to cover the items and furniture the house sitter will not be using.

During repairs or painting

Anytime you have repair work or painting in your house, it is important to cover your furniture and household items with polythene covers so as to protect them from dust, debris and paint stains. Since you can easily put on the covers and remove them it saves your preparation and tidying up time.

When spring cleaning

During your spring cleaning there is a lot of dust and dirt that flies around. You could easily transfer the dirt from the walls, floors and surfaces to your furniture and household items. Covering these items using polythene covers will protect them from dirt and debris.

There may be other situations where you need to cover your furniture and household items with polythene covers. At all times, the use of polythene covers will be cheaper, convenient and more reliable as compared to any other option that you may be thinking of.

For more information about polythene furniture covers, get in touch with Marpak today.

Shrink Pallet Covers

Significant investment into pallet research & development has led to superior load stability whilst down-gauging, without sacrificing quality.  All shrink covers are available gusseted or centrefold and can be supplied both perforated or individually.

Non-Shrink Pallet Covers

Our non-shrink covers are simple to use, without the need for machinery to apply them. Non-shrink pallet covers are ideal for protecting your products in a timely manner and protect your goods from the rain, dust or dirt spoils. Ideal for construction sites, warehouses, storage facilities and other outdoor working areas, non-shrink pallet covers are also available gusseted or centrefold, perforated or individual.

Pallet covers are often used in a number of industries including pharmaceutical, defence, manufacturing, renewable energy and shipping. If you would like to discuss your specific requirements or are interested to learn more about our products and services, please get in touch with Marpak now.

What no one seems to remember is that there is plenty of good that comes from the responsible use of these products. Here are a few good things that can be attributed to polythene and plastic which will hopefully change our attitude to the products and instead shift focus on how we can handle them better.

Preventing Contamination

There are many different ways in which polythene and plastic are used to prevent contamination. One of the best examples where plastic and polythene are used to prevent contamination is in hospitals and medical facilities. Here medical personal use latex surgical gloves to protect themselves and their patients from contamination and infections. While some of the latex used in making these gloves is from natural sources, a lot of it is synthetic. Without these gloves there would be a serious health crisis due to infections and contaminations. There are many other plastic and polythene products used in medicine for the purpose of preventing contamination.

The Economy

The number of economic activities involving the use of plastics and polythene cannot be quantified. Plastic is today used in almost every industry and sector of the economy. Plastic and polythene products are used in the automotive industry, IT, electronics, construction, food industries and so many other areas. Replacing the use of these products will not only serious affect the world economy it is very likely going to cause greater harm to our environment as the use of plastic would likely have to be replaced with natural products such as wood. There is also the issue of jobs that have been created directly and indirectly as a result of using plastic and polythene. Losing these jobs will cause a serious dent on the economy and will definitely lead to a financial crisis. It is also important to point out that plastic and polythene products are cheaper and as such better for business.

Opportunities for scientific advances

While most people only talk of the challenges attributable to polythene and plastic, there are a number of intellectuals who have seen this as an opportunity to deliver solutions. Scientists are working day and night to find ways of dealing with the problems that are attributed to plastics and polythene. Some of the notable scientific achievements of recent years include the 2008 discovery by a 16 year old Canadian, Daniel Burd who found that Pseudomonas fluorescens when combined with Sphingomonas can reduce polythene by up to 40% in as little as 3 months. There is also the 2010 release of a machine that produces oil from polythene by a Japanese researcher, Akinori Ito. There are many other ongoing plastic and polythene research projects that are expected to deliver significant progress in dealing with plastics and polythene.

As you can see, there are a number of good reasons not to universally condemn polythene and plastic. If we make an effort to responsibly use these products, the problems that we now face can be reduced to a large extent and we can continue enjoying the benefits of plastic and polythene without hurting the environment.