Food & Drink International speaks with Kite Packaging to learn more about their packaging solutions, and how they balance sustainability and performance.
Can you tell us a little about Kite Packaging and what you do?
We supply packaging to businesses across several industries in the UK through our ten locations. Our employee share-owned business was established in 2001 with the vision of offering exceptional service while sharing the benefits of our success with everyone who helps create it. We have since become a trusted packaging partner for thousands of businesses, offering everything needed to keep supply chains running smoothly. From boxes, tape and pallet wrap to production line and pack room equipment like conveyors and pallet trucks, we are a one-stop packaging supply shop.
How are you balancing sustainability goals with the practical performance demands of chilled packaging?
It’s all about using sustainable materials like recycled paper and biodegradable options, while lightweighting and reducing the overall size of the packing material so there is no compromise to performance. However, it is important to understand that some materials are inherently better at maintaining temperatures than others, which is why we offer a variety of options for customers to choose from.
For example, our thermal paper pads are great for businesses that need dependable insulation with reduced environmental impact. They are 100% recyclable and filled with macerated paper. Paper has low thermal conductivity which slows the transfer of heat while the macerated filling enhances insulation by trapping air within its fibres. This combination helps maintain cool temperatures for up to 24 hours, depending on the coolants used, external temperature and inner void space. In this way, thermal paper pads achieve a strong balance between environmental responsibility and functional performance.
For times when traditional materials are still the most effective solution, our insulated polystyrene boxes deliver exceptional thermal protection. Our standard boxes keep contents cool for up to 48 hours while our premium versions offer 72 hours of insulation. Beyond their proven thermal capabilities, the boxes are 100% recyclable and CFC-free, helping to offset the environmental impact typically associated with foam materials. Being lightweight lowers transport emissions and shipping costs, while moisture resistant and shock-absorbing properties prevent damage, humidity exposure and bacterial growth.
We’re exploring more options in the arena of sustainable chilled packaging, with wool padding being one of the latest additions coming soon. By offering a range of options, we hope to give businesses the options to tailor their chilled packaging to their specific operational and sustainability priorities.
How do your industrial food packaging products comply with food safety regulations and industry standards?
We have an AA rating for BRCGS Storage and Distribution of packaging and associated consumer products. We happily participate in regular unannounced BRCGS audits as we’re confident in our practices and ability to provide compliant packaging solutions under food safety standards.
What options do you offer for bulk ordering?
As a wholesale packaging distributor, all our products are available for bulk purchase, with discounted prices for larger pack and pallet quantities. We have 40,000 pallet spaces at our Coventry site which means there’s always ample stock, with next-day delivery available on most orders completed by 4:30PM Monday – Thursday. Our cut-off times for delivery on Saturday is 3:30PM on Fridays.
Businesses also have the option to open a credit account with us, which allows flexibility to buy packaging as and when needed and to pay later. For companies with multiple UK sites, our key account managers and packaging technologists work together to provide the best packaging solutions along with supply chain support.
We can also tailor delivery schedules and stock management to suit your business needs so you receive a consistent supply of packaging at the best time for you. With our extensive warehousing and logistics capabilities, we can accommodate forecasted demand, seasonal fluctuations and planned replenishment cycles.
For larger organisations, we offer consolidated invoicing, usage reporting and sustainability tracking to help streamline procurement and support your environmental goals. Through options like bulk purchasing for cost efficiency or a tailored supply solution such as stock and serve, just-in-time or direct line feed, we can create an arrangement that best supports your operations.
To learn more about Kite Packaging, please visit www.kitepackaging.co.uk