76 email: news@printmonthly.co.uk July / August 2024 - Issue 349 that has impacted every industry, especially the packaging sector. She adds that while it is not a new trend, it is continually evolving, and the pace of change is definitely picking up. “In recent years, major legislation specifically targeting packaging, such as the plastic packaging tax, has been put in place, and further measures like Extended Producer Responsibility are planned as the industry is pushed towards more easily recyclable products,” O’Loughlin explains. “It is not just legislation that is driving these changes, as consumer preferences and brand goals are also a factor. Many brands and retailers have set targets to reduce or eliminate plastic packaging by 2025 or 2030, as they look to respond to consumers who want businesses to provide more sustainable packaging options.” Another trend O’Loughlin says is affecting the packaging industry is the rising cost of materials and energy. O’Loughlin says Parkside tries hard to mitigate cost inflation where possible for customers. This, she adds, might mean looking at cost-effective alternative materials, new structural designs, and streamlined production processes to help keep costs low without compromising on pack performance. “Quality versus cost has always been a critical balancing act to pull off. We work every day to balance increasing costs with our strict quality standards,” O’Loughlin says, adding: “Secure supply chains are also important. “There have been quite a few issues recently that have seriously affected supply chains across the world, such as the Red Sea attacks and the continuing war in Ukraine. We have a solid, diverse network of suppliers that we work closely with and have therefore fortunately seen minimal impact.” As for what is new from Parkside, the company recently launched the Recoflex range of barrier papers with varying properties. These materials, O’Loughlin says, are suitable for various end applications, with products ranging from translucent paper for salad bags to freezer-grade paper that is robust enough for the entire cold chain. “The freezer-grade paper material was first used in an award-winning packaging innovation last year, where we used it to create a first-to-market fully freezer-proof, 100% recyclable paper pouch for frozen seafood,” O’Loughlin explains, continuing: “The launch of Recoflex builds on this success by adding new grades of material for a variety of exciting new applications including a high barrier paper, a metallised paper, and a flow wrap material – all of which are 100% recyclable.” This also follows last year’s launch of Recoflex monopolymer laminates, a range of PE and PP recyclable substrates for a variety of product applications. In addition, O’Loughlin says the compostable portfolio at Parkside remains popular, and after over a decade in development is the most refined and accredited on the market. “Compostables are popular with small- and medium-sized brands that pride themselves on a more ethical ethos,” O’Loughlin concludes. There are several major trends that PSPs need to be aware of and respond to if they are to grow and succeed within the packaging market. Ensure you are using the right materials from trusted suppliers to achieve the highest quality output. It is not just legislation that is driving these changes, as consumer preferences and brand goals are also a factor ▲ Parkside says its compostable products continue to prove popular with customers PACKAGING MATERIALS
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