Tag: news
There are two design elements to the corrugated packaging solutions that we create – Construction and graphic.
Both are very different, yet both can be intrinsically important to the success of the pack, depending upon the brief outlined by the customer.
The role of constructional design
Constructional design is what makes the pack or solution fit for purpose. It adds strength, functionality, and performance to the solution, all of which we achieve for our customers. Our constructional designers draw on their material and industry knowledge to formulate a pack that protects the product and uses the right material to the best of its capabilities. They will consider things like whether it needs to be assembled with ease or speed, indeed whether it needs to be packed with ease or speed too.
For other types of packaging such as shelf ready, point of sale or display packaging, other elements are considered such as how best the product can be displayed, and often a more creative element to the constructional side is applied to catch the eye of the consumer in busy retail environments.
The role of graphic design
Graphic design is the artwork that communicates information. This can range from a simple one colour print to a high-quality design that brings a real wow factor to the box or packaging solution.
Our dedicated graphics team works with our customers to ensure everything that is needed from the artwork is achieved. This could be outer box product details to assist with warehouse management functions, through to a fully printed box or display solution produced on our BOBST Expertflex 6 colour HQPP printer.
Nick Lee, Operations Director, Cardboard Box Company commented; “There are so many elements to successful packaging solutions and our designs teams are at the core of both practical and visual aspects of the packaging.
“When combined, and with such a successful team working together, amazing constructional and aesthetically pleasing boxes and packaging is achieved, fulfilling customer briefs and often winning respected industry awards.”
Additional services bringing benefits to customers include our inhouse paper testing lab to determine performance of board grades and our onsite ink lab which permits ink mixing and consistent colour reproduction by our expert team.
For all enquiries, and to benefit from our constructional design, graphic design and print experts give us a call on 01254 232223 or info@thecardboardbox.co.uk
Last week our team attended the Flexographic Industry Awards (FIA) at the Titanic Hotel, Liverpool, and were delighted to have three separate projects win medals!
We received a Gold award and a Bronze award for two separate projects in the ‘Uncoated Line and Screen’ Category and a highly commended in the special category, ‘Use of Flexo for brands’.
The gold and bronze awards were given for ‘the attention to detail and skilled printing paying close attention to accurate registration of artwork and iconic company branding ensuring consistent detail and precise alignment.’ Meanwhile, our highly commended was a project that saw the team reproduce a 5-color plus varnish print using the flexographic process while maintaining the high quality associated with lithographic printing.
Tom Penman, Graphics Manager, Cardboard Box Company commented; “To receive the gold and bronze awards in one of the most competitive categories is a brilliant result for the team and shows the hard work and dedication we give to achieve print perfect finishes for our customers.”
Daniel Johnston, Managing Director, Cardboard Box Company added; “Our graphics and print teams are renowned across the industry for their skill and precision across all our printing processes and for them to be acknowledged at this leading industry event is amazing.
“Customers enjoy many benefits of this level of skill and to be award winning for our print solutions at an event attended by industry peers shows how accomplished our team is.”
To out more about the FIA visit https://fiauk.co.uk/
Point of sale (POS) packaging can add infinite value to a business sales and marketing campaigns.
Perhaps some of the most positive ways it can make an impact is:
• Raising brand awareness
• Highlighting new products and special offers
• Driving impulse purchases
• Influencing buying decisions
POS packaging has many facets to it, and all can be tailored to ensure maximum impact is gained from the solution chosen.
General Point of sale display units and free-standing display units (FSDUs) can optimise valuable shop floor space drawing a consumer’s eye and making the buying decision easy as they ‘grab and go’ whilst passing the display.
Counter Display Units (CDUs) are perfect for till points and high traffic areas. These displays often capitalise on impulse purchases such as snacks or other essential items such as tissues, batteries, or gift cards that shoppers may have forgotten to purchase, or decide to purchase at the last minute.
Dump bins give greater instore prominence, and we ensure our solutions are easy to assemble meaning large bins can be shipped flat packed and product in another box driving supply chain efficiencies.
Additionally, we are proud to work on event displays of all scales ranging from those suitable for large scale trade fairs to smaller local events.
“POS display packaging is a great addition to a brands marketing and sales strategy and the way it supports these is hugely diverse,” said Matt Herd, Commercial Director, Cardboard Box Company. “The sheer range of products we have created can’t really be communicated and we therefore always advise current and prospective customers to simply chat through their ideas with us so that we can be involved in the project from an early stage, so the best possible outcomes are achieved.”
In addition to highly skilled constructional and graphic design teams we have a range of print capabilities. The latest addition to our machinery portfolio, a Fujifilm digital printer allows us to offer lower volume, high quality print runs for customers.
With decades of experience in designing, producing, printing, and supplying a range of POS packaging for some of the most notable brands in the UK, we are well placed to work with a variety of businesses, from small independents to global blue chips, to create Retail Ready and POS packaging that does the job perfectly.
Just a few weeks’ ago we were pleased to welcome Stacey Thurston to the team as our Head of Logistics.
Stacey has worked in E-commerce logistics for the last thirteen years, firstly in administration before managing the logistics operation, the warehouse, and the people within the team.
She will oversee the warehouse and despatch operation at Cardboard Box Company.
“I was looking for a new challenge and being a part of the team at CBC is something I’m really excited about,” said Stacey. “I’m looking forward to reviewing processes and making sure that we are operating as efficiently as possible in all areas, putting in place solutions and empowering the team.”
In addition to overseeing the day-to-day operations Stacey is also looking forward to identifying and making process improvements with the team and motivating them to be the best that they can, respect colleagues, and enjoy their work at CBC.
Stacey concluded; “It’s great to move into a new industry and I’m looking forward to learning all about corrugated from the team, many of whom have been with the business for several years. Everyone has made me feel so welcome – I know I’ve made the right decision!”
Just for fun…
If you didn’t work in Logistics, what would you do? – I’m really interested in building strong teams and what goes in to bringing people together so I would love to work with sporting teams to work with them to improve their sporting performance through teambuilding.
A fact people may not know about you. – I can’t think of anything! I’m really quite boring!!
What you like to do outside work? – Love to just spend time with my family, and socialising with friends.
As part of our ongoing plans to be as sustainable as possible in all our operations, we are delighted to announce that Cardboard Box Company is now ‘Zero to Landfill’.
In partnership with a local recycling company who have supported us in delivering the practicalities of achieving this, the initiative forms part of our Carbon Pledge and future certification ISO 14001 which we expect to achieve and finalise in later summer 2024.
ISO14001 is an internationally recognised Environmental Management System (EMS) framework which provides a ‘systematic approach for measuring and improving environmental impact.’
It can help businesses reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, streamline waste management, and reduce the environmental impact of a business’s day to day operations.
Daniel Johnston, Managing Director, Cardboard Box Company commented; “This effective framework gives us clear direction fort develop and environmental strategy that meets the specific needs of Cardboard Box Company.
“Through this we can make a commitment to a sustainable future and put in place all necessary actions to achieve certification and improve our environmental performance.”
As part of the certification process, many other projects have been identified within the business some of which have already been successfully delivered. Other larger ones are planned for completion in due course.
Daniel concluded; “It is important that businesses analyse the way they do things currently to ascertain if there are changes that could be made that would have a positive environmental impact.
“The activities we are undertaking here demonstrates our commitment to sustainability and to improving our environmental performance, both of which will only bring positive improvements for the business.”
Cardboard Box Company is a multi-dimensional designer and manufacturer of corrugated packaging solutions.
Many of our products require little, no, or simplistic print specifications, however we are also print specialists with a wide variety of printing capabilities to suit most requirements, volumes and finishes.
The three types of printing that we offer are:
Flexographic – widely recognised as the simplest printing method
Digital – perfect for low volume production runs and creating prototype samples
Litho-lamination – particularly suited to high volume work, it’s a manufacturing method that provides the highest quality of finish and print to corrugated board
All offer very different capabilities and benefits and most importantly, different visual experiences for your customers, and it is the latter that can make all the difference to your packaging, your customers experience and the visibility of your brand.
Our team of graphic and constructional designers work together to bring your brand to life. Perhaps you have a logo and brand guidelines but don’t really know how this can translate into a comprehensive range of packaging. From point of sale to transit, and from luxury gift packaging to global supply chain solutions our team can create a truly bespoke range of packaging solutions to suit all your operational requirements.
Similarly, if you have an existing range of packaging but want to explore how we could perhaps do things differently, we can work with existing graphics and artwork to either print, just as required, or make pertinent suggestions to elevate your print quality and brand visibilty.
Daniel Johnston, Managing Director, Cardboard Box Company commented; “ Print can make such a difference to a wide variety of packaging, and our industry experts are well placed to offer experienced and respected advice to ensure our customers maximise the benefits of print for their packaging.
“Whether its simple on pack instructions or product information or a statement graphic that will make a product stand out in a vast retail situation, amazing print can truly be a secret weapon, imparting important information in warehouses and to customers, or inviting enhanced retail sales due to product visibility and brand credibility.”
To speak to our dedicated graphic team contact us on 01254 232223 or email info@thecardboardbox.co.uk
Towards the end of last year, we commissioned the latest investment in our printing capabilities – a Fujifilm Acuity Prime L, LED UV flatbed printer.
Ideally suited to high quality, smaller volume print jobs, it brought an added capability to our portfolio, addressing a need in the marketplace, and for our customers.
A four-colour digital process with varnish option, it is perfect for creating high quality packaging that requires a superior print finish.
“After a soft launch, where we tested several different print runs to understand exactly what it could deliver, we have seen customers, both new and existing benefit from this new machine,” said Dan Johnston, Managing Director, Cardboard Box Company. “It complements other machines across the Logson Group and gives us a diverse range of print capabilities to suit a wide variety of demands across the corrugated sector.”
Great success has already been achieved for high quality gift packaging and free standing display units (FSDUs) for customers in sectors such as online retail or FMCG manufacturers supplying into the major supermarkets.
“We’ve undertaken some superb local projects on this machine that we would have been unable to support previously,” said Dan. “For us it’s all about continued investment, ensuring we fulfil the demands of our customers, and having a range of services and capabilities that suits customers of the corrugated sector, and in particular the Cardboard Box Company.”
The new printer is housed in a bespoke printing room with views over the main production floor.
It offers different finishes, an option to print on white board and print sizes up to 3.2m x 2m.
Two of our team celebrate 25 years’ service each with the business this year.
Chris McNaul joined the team at 16 years old and is one of our most experienced operators with an enviable knowledge of most machines in the factory.
Typically found operating our 4-colour slotter diecutter, Chris is also experienced in operating and troubleshooting on a range of other printers and machinery.
Away from work Chris is a big football and Manchester United fan and an enthusiastic golfer.
Paul Mason, one of our lead operators, is usually found operating a flat bed die cutter within our machinery portfolio, and has experience across a range of machines.
Away from work, Paul can be found at the side of various fishing lakes across the region.
In addition, both Chris and Paul have forklift truck licences bring even more capabilities to their skill sets.
Nick Lee, Operations Director, Cardboard Box Company commented; “People do really make a difference to the success of the business and the knowledge and experience that Chris and Paul have respectively is a great asset to our team.
“25 years is an amazing achievement, and we look forward to having them in our team for many more years to come.”
National Apprenticeship Week takes place from 5th until 11th February and this year’s theme is ‘Skills for Life’.
Taking place for the 17th year, the weeklong campaign celebrates the positive impact apprentices, at all levels and age, have on business and the wider economy.
“We are proud to have two apprentices at Cardboard Box Company that are at very different stages of their careers, however, both are reaping the benefits of this workplace-based learning opportunity,” said Dan Johnston, Managing Director, Cardboard Box Company. “Apprenticeships enable those starting out, or those looking to change direction, a scenario where they can learn and earn – perfect for those who either need, or want to work, whilst they develop their chosen career path.
Laiten Scholes, 17, joined the team last summer after completing a two-week placement from Blackburn College as part of his college course. He is doing an engineering apprenticeship and is supported through Training 2000.
Jim Meikleham, 56, has been with the business since 2005 working as a production operative. However, a desire to become an engineer, saw him move to the engineering department last year where he is now undertaking an Electrical Maintenance Course which will give him a formal qualification and consolidate the skills he already has.
Dan concluded; “We wish Laiten and Jim ongoing success with their respective apprenticeships and hope that they continue to reap the benefits that apprenticeships have brought for them.
“We hope to expand the number of apprentices we have in the coming year, as we identify opportunities that will add value to the business and give people from our local community work and training options.”
To find out more about National Apprenticeship Week and how apprenticeships could benefit your business visit https://www.apprenticeships.gov.uk/influencers/national-apprenticeship-week
The team at CBC is what sets us apart from other businesses.
We’re proud to employ lots of local people, many who have been with us for several years, if not decades.
One of those is our Managing Director, Dan Johnston.
Dan assumed the role of MD last year but joined the business in September 2003 as a cost estimator. Since then, he has worked as Office Manager, Sales Manager, Commercial Manager and Commercial Director before his last promotion.
“I’d never planned to work in corrugated, and I accepted the job on a night out after my friends Dad offer me a post. I’d finished Uni and didn’t know what to do so it seemed sensible. Clearly it was the right thing to do!” said Dan. “As with most small businesses, you had to get your hands dirty but that meant that you were involved in all roles across the business at some point, giving you a great learning experience about every part of the company.”
Dan now has overall responsibility for the business and the team and is proud to be leading Cardboard Box Company into the next chapter of its history.
Already renowned for its capabilities, quality products, and customer service Dan has plenty of plans for the future to capitalise on its successes to date.
“Seeing others develop in the business is probably one of the highlights of my role and I encourage this through open communication, empowering others, and compassion,” said Dan. “It’s a great place to work at, and a fab team to be part of.”
Just for fun…
• If you didn’t work in cardboard, what would you do?
I’d be a Premier League groundsman. I’ve got a thing for stripey grass!
• Tell us a fact that we might not know?
I was born on Christmas Day
• What you like to do outside of work?
With 2 young kids under the age of six, it’s all about family at the moment. Once they’ve done the usual weekend of rugby, dance, football and swimming, there’s not much time left for me and my wife. Eating out and watching live sport are two hobbies that we are slowly getting to do more of.
