AS price competition intensifies across the sector, Bidvest Labels is demonstrating that integrity, compliance and good governance are worth more than a quick saving. With new leadership at the helm, the company’s label division is doubling down on transparency, accountability and sustainable innovation.

When speaking with Tim Grisdale, managing executive at Bidvest Labels S&N Labels and recently appointed head of Bidvest Labels’ label division, and Grant Watson, the new managing executive at Bidvest Labels Rotolabel, it’s clear their focus lies in building trust through every label they produce.

‘Integrity in our supply chain partners is non-negotiable,’ Grant states. ‘I recently came across a case where some raw material suppliers were non-compliant with the new EPR legislation – and that’s exactly the difference between doing things properly and playing cowboy.’

For both executives, that phrase – ‘doing things properly’ – is a guiding principle. Tim puts it plainly: ‘We could easily buy cheaper substrates elsewhere, but when things go wrong, those suppliers won’t be the ones helping you out. We value trusted partnerships because credibility and reliability matter more than the lowest price.’

That ethos has served Bidvest Labels well. According to Tim, even during global supply disruptions, the company has never short-supplied a customer. The secret, he explains, lies in flexibility and foresight. ‘We work hard to align with credible raw material suppliers and we’re not tied to just one. That gives us multiple sourcing options and a stronger local supply chain. It’s how we make sure our customers are never left stranded.’

Compliance: the new competitive edge

‘Technology has levelled the playing field,’ Grant observes. ‘Label quality across suppliers is often similar, but compliance, governance and accountability are what separate the professionals from the pretenders.’

Tim agrees, adding that Chain of Custody (COC) certification and traceability are essential safeguards. ‘You can be FSC-certified and still not be using FSC-approved stock,’ he points out. ‘We track every batch, so if there’s an audit, we can prove exactly where it originated. It’s essential that label suppliers provide a valid COC to confirm the material’s FSC status – without it, the certification means nothing.’

Behind the scenes, Bidvest Labels also submits quarterly ESG reports – a structured process within the Bidvest Group that measures risk mitigation, sustainability and compliance across all its operations. ‘It keeps us accountable,’ Grant says. ‘Our documentation and reporting systems are always in order, which gives customers peace of mind.’

Green premiums

Sustainability is equally central to operations. But it’s approached with the same pragmatism that defines the company’s culture. ‘As we often say, nobody wants to pay the green to go green,’ Tim smiles.

That’s why Bidvest’s material choices – thinner liners, lighter facestocks and more recyclable substrates – are designed to reduce costs as much as environmental impact. ‘We’ve seen cost and sustainability benefits run hand in hand,’ Tim explains. ‘Those innovations make a tangible difference, especially in our Johannesburg operations where blank label volumes are high.’

Grant adds that sustainability’s evolution has also been a story of scale and patience. ‘A few years ago, wash-off adhesives such as CleanFlake PET were expensive,’ he says. ‘Now, pricing has stabilised to almost match standard materials. As sustainability scales up, it drives long-term efficiencies – less waste, lighter transport, smaller storage footprints. Everyone wins.’

And the next chapter? Post-consumer recycled content (PCR). ‘Legislation already requires 30% PCR in rigid PET,’ Grant notes. ‘Labels aren’t regulated yet, but retailers are demanding it. Our suppliers are developing topcoats that combine PCR with wash-off adhesives – and that’s the future.’

For Bidvest, absorbing a small cost difference to secure volume and reliability is a straightforward business decision. ‘We’d rather take it on the chin and position ourselves as the supplier who can actually deliver sustainable solutions consistently,’ Grant says.

Tim concludes: ‘Everyone makes mistakes, but there should never be intent to mislead a customer. We operate on transparency and good faith. That’s what keeps relationships strong – and our reputation stronger.’

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