Since the first confirmed case of COVID19 in China back in November 2019, the economical disruptions caused by the virus has affected brands all over the UK to change the way in which they operate. Businesses both large and small have been forced to adapt to a new age of consumer purchasing behaviour.
Nevertheless, in times of struggle, there are always opportunities. One particular area of business that has kept the UK industry afloat is e-commerce.
In the past few weeks, one of our newest members to join the BFBI (Saxon Packaging) has seen a surge in demand for their array of packaging solutions, particularly for the subscription & e-commerce sectors. This is because many businesses are seeking alternative ways to enable customers to continue to receive their products and keep up with increased consumer demand.
“As many industries start to re-open after the period of lockdown during the coronavirus outbreak, we’re finding that businesses are adjusting their operations towards direct-to-consumer avenues in order to cater for newly developed customer behaviours. We are delighted to hear of so many success stories from brands taking the plunge into these new waters – coming out the other end with spikes in orders and repeat purchases. Our packaging expertise and solutions have helped to facilitate this.” Mike Impson – Sales Director
E-commerce in the United Kingdom is expected to be worth 222.5 billion euros at the end of this year. That would mean an 11% increase compared to the year before. It is predicted that by 2021, roughly 93% of UK internet users are expected to do online shopping [Ecommerce News Europe, Statista.com].
With one in 10 Britons having signed up to a subscription service during the COVID-19 pandemic [The Guardian], the growth of the direct-to-consumer market & recent changes in modern consumer behaviour has raised the bar when it comes to e-commerce packaging:
- New innovative structural designs to protect contents during transit
- High quality print to engage with customers & differentiate with competitors
- Used to create memorable unboxing experiences
- Designed to capitalise on the opportunity to make a favourable impression
- Helps to strengthen brand identity
- Generate brand loyalty & encourage repeat purchasing
Saxon Packaging works closely with online retailers and other popular e-commerce platforms to ensure they keep up-to-date with the industries latest packaging innovations. With print capabilities to produce a sundry of visual artwork designs and an in-house packaging design team, they have the facility to design innovative packaging to fit perfectly to your products ensuring safe product transportation as well as minimal material usage and print them to the highest quality standards.
“With over 30 years’ packaging experience, we are more than happy to advise companies on the best packaging solutions for their products, however they are being transported and whatever the product is. From industry standard FEFCO styles, through to intricate bespoke designs, we can develop a pack suit,” said Ben Watson, Technical & Design Manager – Saxon Packaging.
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Saxon Packaging (based in Lowestoft, Suffolk) has been manufacturing corrugated products since 1986, during this time, their knowledge & capabilities have grown dramatically, and so has their food & drink customer base. They became part of the Smurfit Kappa Group in 2016 and brought with them their 30+ years’ experience of designing & manufacturing corrugated packaging solutions.
Their comprehensive and modern manufacturing facility allows them to have a flexible method in producing a wide range of custom made (and standard) cardboard packaging, boxes and other corrugated products for the food & beverage industry. From boxes and cartons, to luxury gift items and mail-order delivery packaging, they are able to produce extraordinary sustainable packaging solutions to the exacting requirements of their customers.
They are encouraging fellow BFBI members who wish to learn more about Subscription & E-commerce packaging opportunities, to reach out and discuss their needs and possible solutions.
Contact Saxon Packaging on 01502 513112, visit saxonpackaging.co.uk or email saxon@smurfitkappa.co.uk.
