At last year’s ceremony, this 32-year-old company earned no fewer than seven accolades – five finalist awards, a Bronze medal and, most significantly, Gold for best in the paper and board category – the latter for Snackworks’ Bakers biscuit carton range.
This biscuit packaging provides an interesting case study, with both brand owner and converter taking steps to introduce a top-quality, unbleached coated virgin fibreboard for the entire Bakers portfolio. Previously, significant quantities of packaging materials and products went to waste, owing to boxes twisting on the filling line. Beyond production, sales were also negatively affected by damaged or crushed cartons, while variation in surface quality resulted in inconsistent imagery and poor quality graphics.
As a result, Snackworks’ management team asked Shave & Gibson to devise a consistent and durable product, from a sustainable source, to meet production line constraints, hold up during transportation, and provide excellent on-shelf aesthetics.
Positive results
‘The cartons we’re now producing can withstand the rigours of our manufacturing disciplines, plus Snackworks’ automated packing and filling lines,’ asserts Bill Furniss, national sales manager for Shave & Gibson, who has overseen the project from the start.
According to Bill, introducing the new carton substrate, Snackworks has experienced a major reduction in reject cartons and a significant increase in production line speeds. Cartons are also holding up perfectly during transportation and off-loading.
‘With fewer boxes damaged in transit, more products are making it on to stores shelves, benefiting both Snackworks and retailers,’ Bill continues.
‘The combination of vivid graphics and matt and gloss UV varnish, achieved on our new press with double coating units, enhances the packs, offering an improved visual appeal. Finally, a reduction of some 30% in material usage has been achieved thanks to the strength of the new substrate that allows for substantial calliper reduction. At the end of the day, we trust we have assisted Snackworks to deliver a premium-quality finished product to shelf,’ he adds.
Keeping pace with market demand
Besides the heady success achieved with Snackworks’ packaging, Shave & Gibson is making significant inroads with other leading FMCG brands in the food (dry and frozen), fast food, confectionery and snacks sectors with innovative packaging.
In addition to the focus on innovation, and in line with demands placed on converters by brand owners for a food safe manufacturing environment, Shave & Gibson has recently completed its Food Safety System Certification (FSSC) 22000 stage-two audit, confirming the company’s commitment to maintaining a secure world-class, manufacturing operation.
‘We want to provide our customers with absolute peace of mind that the cartons they’re receiving are produced and constructed according to the highest manufacturing standards,’ Bill stresses. ‘Still keeping pace with market demand, we have obtained full FSC certification and stock a host of FSC-accredited materials that provide excellent printability and strength; ideal for our numerous food packaging ranges. Being certified means we can print the FSC logo on our packaging. This in turn conveys to consumers that their favourite brands are committed to sustainable sourcing.’
Whether it’s cost-effective, environmentally friendly, sustainable packaging that a brand owner is after, or luxury cartons with all the ‘bells and whistles’, Bill guarantees that Shave & Gibson always delivers a truly Oscar-deserving presentation!
