Tag: news
We are very pleased to announce that we are finalists at the 2025 Red Rose Awards hosted by Lancashire Business View Magazine!
Celebrating the best of Lancashire business for the 15th year, we’ve been shortlisted in the Design Team of the Year category, reflecting our superb design team and their achievements, particularly in the last twelve months.
Daniel Johnston, Managing Director, Cardboard Box Company said; “Reaching the finals of these prestigious local awards is a great result for our design team and the business.
“We have been renowned for our award-winning construction and print design for many years and to be able to showcase this to businesses in our region on a wider platform is very pleasing.
“My warmest congratulations to all other finalists and to the awards team for organising and hosting this event to highlight business success in our region.”
The team cited many reasons as to why they were deserving of this award not least the pioneering print work they do, the winning of two FIA awards in summer 2024 and the constructional design prowess the team displays to its customers.
Tom Penman, Graphics Manager added; “This is a wonderful result for Marc (Stobbs), me and all our graphic, print and constructional design team, and we look forward to the award evening in a few weeks’ time.”
The Red Rose Awards 2025 is to be hosted on Thursday 13th March at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool.
All the finalists can be found here, whilst tickets for the event and further information can be found by visiting https://www.redroseawards.co.uk/
Kristian Howson is our Design Optimisation Manager.
Having studied Illustration at college he joined his family’s businesses which specialised in die-making for the packaging industry. After five years he moved on, after the family business ceased trading. It was a glance through a local newspaper when he saw a CAD design job advertised at CBC. He applied and the rest is history.
He was promoted to his current role in 2023 and now has a role which has two main parts.
One is to design the structural aspects of packaging, creating samples, and preparing jobs for production receiving work from our sales team, through emails, or by visiting customers.
Alongside this he focuses on production optimisation across all elements of the process. This can involve redesigning boxes, enhancing machinery, or creating more efficient manufacturing routes. He assists customers with their packing, whether it’s manual or automated work so the CBC team can create packaging solutions which suit customers operational requirements. By identifying the source of the customers problem and he determines what needs to be done to improve the situation.
Just for fun…
If you didn’t work in corrugated, what would you do?
I feel it may be something active. Although creative, I’ve always enjoyed sports. Knowing there aren’t many rich artists or designers, a career in the sports industry would probably be my second choice, but plain brown cardboard boxes are just too appealing!
A fact people may not know about you
Through CBC I’ve been lucky enough to take part in two Red Bull Soapbox Races and finished first in vehicle design. We achieved international stardom for the design (short period) with newspapers in Japan, America and Australia contacting me.
What you like to do outside of work
In my spare time I mainly climb, hike, wild swim, and gym. I train in the gym in the mornings and climb in the evenings, it’s very rare I’m caught sitting around doing nothing but if I am I will probably on my PS5.
It’s fair to say most people aren’t keen on change, indeed, it’s a basic human instinct to protect our routines and endeavour to remain in control of situations.
However, in a business committed to continuous improvement this could have proved challenging. Yet, it was nothing that a little reframing couldn’t fix to enable us all, in every role in the business, to help us all change together.
This is where our ‘Change Champions’ initiative was born.
Launched in the business just a few weeks ago, the senior leadership team took the decision to ask the entire Cardboard Box team to lead a new continuous improvement initiative, deciding what needed changing in the business to make improvements in output, cost saving, material efficiency, wellbeing, health and safety and general site improvements.
Most pleasingly, over 20 people took the opportunity to play their part in shaping the future success and longevity of the business.
“After running some trial projects in the past, we’ve found we had greater engagement from everyone at all levels by asking for key stakeholders to help solve issues that directly impact them,” said Daniel Johnston, Managing Director, Cardboard Box Company. “Many companies still take a more autocratic route to force necessary changes to improve productivity, but for us it’s about being a better business in every way – as efficient and productive as we can be, whilst ensuring our team is happy and supported at work.”
After the volunteers came forward, discussions took place which resulted in ten team members identified to spear head the changes in ten areas of the business – the areas of the business where they are the experts.
A range of challenges across the business were also prioritised, and a programme put in place to make the changes necessary.
Daniel concluded; “It’s been eye-opening to see common problems identified across the business but by creating the Change Champion team, it’s already starting to feel they can solve any issue in a positive and inclusive way.
“It is reducing resistance to change, building stronger teams and driving autonomous conversations crucial in helping us reach our health and safety goals which encompass our teams mental and physical health and wellbeing, and the financial health of the business.”
Nathan Czuczko joined our team in 2018 and is a graphic designer within our Design Department.
Having spent five years as a Graphics Operator (whilst still at college) for Event Broadcasting Ltd where he contributed to the Matchday coverage for Blackburn Rovers, creating and managing real-time graphics to enhance the fan experience, he moved into his full-time role with us.
His role is hugely varied, but briefly Nathan creates and adjusts artwork to ensure it meets flexographic machine tolerances, maintaining precise specifications for high-quality output.
Additionally, he manages the ordering and coordination of print plates, facilitating smooth production and accurate reproduction of designs.
Nathan commented; “No two days are really the same because of the huge range of corrugated packaging we manufacture and the graphics requirements of our customers. With so many print options available it’s about making sure the right print methodology is selected and the graphics created accordingly to ensure the best possible outcome for our customers.”
After college, Nathan began to search for a full-time role and CBC presented the perfect opportunity at the right time, offering Nathan a chance to start his career immediately in a professional setting.
“CBC felt like the ideal path for me allowing me to apply my skills and learn without additional years of university, said Nathan. “It was definitely the right decision, and my professional and corrugated knowledge continues to expand and develop daily!”
Just for fun…
If you didn’t work in corrugated, what would you do? – I’d definitely still be pursuing something in design, I love to create.
What you like to do outside of work? – I enjoy live sports, especially going to football games and darts matches.
We are very pleased to share that at an unannounced BRC audit recently, the team retained the highest BRC accreditation possible – AA+.
Visitors from the accreditation body for BRCGS called to do a full inspection and were delighted with the standards and procedures kept by the Cardboard Box team.
“Grading is achieved through a rigorous certification process and achieving the grade of AA+ BRCGS is a fantastic accomplishment by the entire team,” said Dan Johnston, Managing Director, Cardboard Box Company. “Having the highest accreditation, particular when it was unannounced, gives assurance to our customers that we operate at the highest standards, always.”
BRCGS is a globally recognised accreditation body that evaluates company practices and procedures to ensure they are operating at the required standards across all elements of the business including health and safety and legal requirements.
Customers also benefit from knowing that products are manufactured consistently to the highest standards of quality and safety. Furthermore, the team constantly strive to be the best in its field bringing confidence to the supply chain and beyond.
Dan concluded; “This audit saw us have just one minor non-conformance. To achieve this status for the second year in a row highlights the commitment our team has to maintaining high standards.
“My thanks go to the team for their professionalism towards the process throughout all that we do.”
BRCGS certification is used in over 130 countries across the globe and sets the benchmark for good manufacturing processes.
Product returns can be the the bane of a manufacturers life.
But the good news is that product returns can be reduced or virtually eradicated when the correct packaging is chosen.
Design Manager, Marc Stobbs, explains how the team take designs from concept to completion and why customers benefit from choosing the Cardboard Box Company team.
Understanding the challenge
The first thing we do as a sales and design team is understand the challenges the customer is facing with regard product return.
Is the volume of product return too high? – The answer is almost always yes!
Is the return always for the same thing? – Most often it is and this indicates a weakness in the way the product is packed or the packaging used.
Why is the current packaging failing? –Could it be that it’s too complex to pack goods into and therefore open to human error?
Is it that the design is wrong? – Fundamentally, the design is the most common reason why product damage and return occurs.
Once these facts have been ascertained the team begins to work on a new solution exploring board grades and most importantly, how a new pack can be designed to better support the product.
The design process
Detailed product information is collated. This is not just the size and specification of the product. It is also about understanding how products are packed, how they are dispatched and through which transport or courier method, and how easy it is for the customer to unpack upon receipt.
Once this information is understood a new design is created. Board grades are considered, designs explored to ensure requirements such as easy assembly, easy packaging and easy opening are achieved as required.
Depending upon the product type appropriate testing can be undertaken specific to our industry or specific to the industry requirements and tolerances of our customer. This includes testing for hazardous and dangerous goods; a process which our team can ably offer support and guidance on. It is at this stage that the design will be sampled and sent to the customer for approval. Currently, further amendments can be made until final sign off is given.
Depending upon the requirements of the customer print is also considered as part of the design process. Our graphics team understand the full print capabilities of our machinery portfolio and can work with customers existing artwork, or create new artwork, to manufacture everything from one colour print to six colour print that equally matches digital quality.
Print testing and approval are approved once the construction and robustness of the design has been agreed, to ensure print design is accurate and meets the requirements of the box or pack design.
Protecting the brand
A combination of good design and good print ensures that the packaging we supply supports all elements of your business operation.
Having high product returns due to damage can be harmful to brands, and therefore it is important to get every part of your packaging right to protect your product, your brand and your reputation so that recommendations, repeat business and customer loyalty occurs.
This is particularly important when product damage occurs in a retail environment, such as supermarkets or stores, through shelf ready or display packaging that has not withstood the rigours of the supply chain.
Manufacturing everything corrugated
Cardboard Box Company manufactures the full range of corrugated packaging solutions from high volume FEFCO cases to highly specialised solutions that feature complex design and print.
Why don’t you and your business begin to benefit from our expertise?
Give us a call on 01254 232223 or email us info@thecardboardbox.co.uk
Heading into Q4 can be a challenging time for businesses.
Managing supply and demand, movement of stock and balancing warehousing and distribution, all whilst keeping customers happy during any peak period can present issues.
However, one problem that can be solved is ensuring you have the correct packaging to store and distribute your products through the supply chain. Or to take your products into retail outlets through bespoke point of sale packaging to catch the eye of consumers and capitalise on the festive spending period.
Right place, right time
Perhaps one of the most important factors to consider is choosing a packaging partner who can help you get your products in the right place at the right time.
This means that your products will leave the production line and be packed, stored or distributed as required, safe in the knowledge that the packaging specified will protect the produce at all stages of the supply chain.
If you are dispatching direct to the customer through ecommerce channels it is equally important that the product arrives intact, and that the customer unboxing experience is positive.
Design with purpose
Key to the success of any packaging is the design, and our team of constructional and graphic designers are on hand to create the perfect solution.
Whether it’s transit packaging to get goods from A to B, a smart ecommerce solution or any eye-catching point-of-sale or retail ready solution our team interpret customer briefs with accuracy and flair.
This translates into packaging solutions that fulfil all requirements whether its boxes with product info and product codes for easy location and stock management in warehouses, or boxes that really stand out in retail situations. Rest assured our team has it covered.
Managing demand
So, the packaging is looking perfect, but one other aspect that needs to be considered is how demand is managed.
Our teams work with yours to ascertain anticipated demand and build a production schedule to suit this.
However, we recognise that consumers can be unpredictable and that this may have an impact on the amount of packaging required to get you through.
This is where our customer service team comes into their own; building a relationship with you and keeping in regular contact to ensure any additional requirements are met.
Giving much reassurance to our customers, this level of service means customers who typically experience an uptick in demand are confident in our ability to meet that demand.
Matt Herd, Commercial Director, Cardboard Box Company commented; “We are experienced and have an assured confidence allowing us to support our customers and meet their packaging requirements.
“By forming partnerships with them, we understand the facets of their business and how they operate, which allows us to tailor a solution taking into account design, print, warehousing and delivery.”
To speak to a member of our team about any packaging requirement, including those to support peak period demand contact us on 01254 232223 or info@thecardboardbox.co.uk
Print on packaging can take many forms and types but can make such a difference to the constructional designs our team create.
Renowned for our print capabilities, with customers benefitting from a wide range of print types, we offer everything from one colour to six colour and a variety of printing methods to achieve the look and finish customers require.
Tom Penman, Graphics Manager, Cardboard Box Company explains why printed packaging is so important in the marketplace, the capabilities that we have, and how we support our customers to achieve the perfect print finish.
Why printed packaging is important
Printed packaging is the finishing touch to the constructional design of the box or pack. Whilst the constructional design is vitally important to protect product through all parts of the supply chain, it’s the print that can convey information, represent the brand, or simply create a wow factor.
In a crowded marketplace many products, particularly those in retail settings, must stand out to draw customers into choosing their products over those of a competitor. This is particularly evident in shelf ready and retails ready solutions, where customers are bombarded by many types of the same thing.
Similarly, within a supply chain, printed packaging is key to communicating vital product information. It may be QR and bar codes to help with stock management and location, it may simply explain what is in the pack and in what quantity.
For brands who wish to deliver a user experience when opening products purchased either online or in a retail store, high quality print finishes can assist a product in elevating its status and deliver a positive unboxing experience for the customer.
Whatever the scenario that printed packaging sits in, it’s never been more important to ensure it meets the expectations of our customer and their onward customers wherever they are in the supply chain.
Our capabilities
We have a superb range of printing machinery and a skilled graphic team that understand how to get the best from each type of press.
The latest addition, just a few months ago was the Fujifilm Acuity Prime L, LED UV flatbed printer.
Ideally suited to smaller scale production runs a multi-coloured job can be quickly printed – 1 unit in approximately 60 seconds – and then cut on the CAD table as required.
This is a direct alternative to litho-lamination print we offer which achieves a similar high gloss finish by laminating the print finish to the corrugated. This has brought cost efficiencies for some customers depending upon requirements and volumes. It is always considered as a suitable alternative for smaller production runs and if suitable offered to the customer.
Litho laminating is still required for some larger scale jobs that we run and adds further capabilities to our portfolio.
Our main printing type is flexo printing and we have four presses that do this up to a maximum of six colour print.
Our rotary die cutters – a BOBST 618 and a Martin 924 – print up to four colours, fold/cut, glue and wrap into bundles as specified.
This is complemented by a Martin 1636, one of the largest industry printers at over 3m wide. This is ideally suited to large format boxes, typically to protect heavy and cumbersome products and it is usually a strong board grade that is utilised here.
Finally, our six colour BOBST 1624 is a High-Quality Post Print (HQPP) printer that is proving to be a suitable alternative for some litho-lamination jobs. With a digital checking table and CAD cameras it can bring benefits to customers who are seeking the highest quality print without using a digital solution.
Supporting our customers
Because of the experience we have we support customers to explore new ways to achieve the same or better finishes or explore new options when they expand their packaging range.
We do this by carrying out print development trials, sometimes for customers, sometimes just as research projects in house to discover new and improve ways of doing things. This allows to understand clearly what we can offer to our customers and how we need to achieve this. Small trials are run on each occasion to ascertain the correct expectations can be met on every occasion and that all tolerances are understood.
Quality artwork and ink also plays a part in achieving the highest quality print finishes which we are renowned for.
And, if you’re still unsure about why we’re ideally suited to providing some of the best printed packaging in the business, our print capabilities are award winning, having been commended at the Flexographic Industry Association awards on several occasion and most latterly in 2024 when we achieved four awards for our printed packaging.
To discover how we can work with you to support with printed packaging solutions give the team a call on 01254 232223 or drop us a line on info@thecardboardbox.co.uk
The CBC team has successfully received a ‘Commitment Badge’ from Ecovadis in recognition of achievements on their initial stage of their sustainability journey.
“It would have been amazing to receive a bronze medal at our first attempt, however being only seven points away from that marker is a huge achievement,” said Daniel Johnston, Managing Director, Cardboard Box Company. “It’s the perfect reflection of our business and its strong morals, and now we look forward to making even more changes and improvement to secure the gold medal accreditation within the next couple of years.”
Ecovadis is a global recognition scheme that helps to manage Environmental, Social and Governance r(ESG) risk and compliance and helps businesses meet corporate sustainability goals.
“It demonstrates to our customers our ongoing commitment to embrace various accreditation schemes and to achieve the standards necessary to support their supply chains,” said Daniel. “ESG and sustainability is something we take very seriously, and we have a number of initiatives, in their infancy, that will make tangible differences in the months ahead. This will make us even more attractive to businesses as their preferred packaging partner.”
To find out more about Ecovadis visit https://ecovadis.com/
Matt is our Commercial Director and has spent his entire working life at CBC.
He joined the business straight from University, being offered a job as Management Trainee by the then owner, Peter Street, of what was then Chapman Containers, later to be CBC.
Matt commented; “I held Peter in high regard and thought that he would be a great mentor. He turned out to be a tough task master with an incredible focus on our customers.
“This focus ingrained into the DNA of the business now and serves us well.”
In that time, he has worked in pretty much every department going including Planning, Production, Warehousing, Transport and Sales. He was promoted to his current role in July 2022.
When asked about his role Matt commented; “It’s all about the team here at CBC and our customers. It’s about delivering on our promises, making people happy, keeping it simple and not forgetting to have a laugh along the way.”
Just for fun…
If you didn’t work in corrugated, what would you do? – Professional Dancer…
A fact people may not know about you – I’m incredible on the Saxophone and played many a Hed Kandi night in the early noughties ?.
What you like to do outside of work – When I’m not on the Sax I enjoy spending time with my girls, Darcey who’s 8 going on 16 and Lara who’s 4. I’m a foodie and counter that by Trail Running. I’m lucky to live in the Ribble Valley, it’s an awesome place to get out in the countryside and enjoy some fresh air.