‘We’re in challenging but exciting times,’ says Brenda Harris, head of marketing at Trempak. ‘The packaging landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and we’re committed to staying ahead.’
Trempak and Didget Printing’s commitment to sustainability predates the current industry momentum. In 2011, long before load-shedding made energy independence a necessity, the company installed solar panels at its offices and factory to reduce its carbon footprint. Then, in 2019, it became the first company in South Africa to introduce a fully recyclable doypack – printed on a carbon neutral digital printing press – setting a precedent for local industry players.
Innovation in flexible packaging goes beyond sustainability – it’s about staying relevant, functional and delivering that wow-factor. The company works closely with local and international suppliers to develop packaging that balances environmental responsibility with core performance requirements like product protection, preservation and machinability.
‘The materials landscape is evolving rapidly, and while we prioritise local sourcing, some of the most advanced films remain exclusively available overseas,’ Brenda explains. ‘This creates challenges in lead times, stock holding and cost. But it’s a trade-off we’re willing to navigate to bring the best solutions to market.’
Despite growing consumer demand for sustainable packaging, cost remains a barrier for many brands. ‘Price sensitivity is real and not all markets can absorb the cost of premium, eco-friendly materials,’ she acknowledges. To address this, Trempak is investing in down-gauging technologies that reduce material use without compromising on product safety, durability or visual appeal.
For Trempak and Didget Printing, success is about more than just surviving industry upheavals – it’s about setting the pace. ‘We’re passionate about what we do,’ Brenda enthuses. ‘Our goal is to continuously optimise solutions for our customers, community and planet.’
In an industry often constrained by cost and complexity, Trempak and Didget Printing’s approach is a testament to the fact that innovation and responsibility don’t have to be mutually exclusive.
