Sheetplant

Nick suggested that most companies in the industry were in it to make money, not boxes, and that in a turbulent market place with unstable raw material prices, returns were not always satisfactory and it was sometimes difficult to maintain credibility. The range of print and finishing services offered by Swanline gives an opportunity to all box makers to extend their capabilities without the need for capital investment. Clients of Swanline are able to add value, having the ability to take advantage of the in-house expertise in arriving at innovative solutions, and can benefit from the ability to train their sales people in promoting the availability of a wider range of products and services.

The modern trend is towards larger formats, and in recognising this fact, Swanline has recently complemented its range of Sias screen printers (max size 1660 x 2260) with the installation of the first ultra large format automatic laminator in Europe, capable of handling a board size of 3050 x 2030.

Sales Director Judi Chapple explained that Swanline offers a range of services that has effectively extended the portfolio of a wide range of clients, including corrugated and solid board converters, merchants, printers, point of sale converters, as well as print management consultancies , agencies and consultants. In addition, Swanline can offer technical assistance and training, an in-house design service, together with the services of a sales team that has an understanding of alternative markets.

Judi went on to announce that Swanline would shortly be offering a new ‘Toolbox’ to clients - a pack containing samples of litho, screen and process work on a selection of board substrates.

Newly appointed Creative Manager Linsey Brookes went on to talk about the growing importance of Retail Ready Packaging, which is increasingly specified by major retailers seeking to achieve time and labour savings, both in-store and along the supply chain, and to reduce ‘stock-outs’.

Linsey explained that RRP is required to maximise shelf space, be easy to open and to replenish, and must enable the consumer to easily pick up and replace the product. For the suppliers, RRP is a means of achieving increased sales through better visibility and identification of products and brands. RRP offers renewed challenges to packaging manufacturers, as demand for more innovative solutions increases and less notice is given of changes. Better print quality is required, and there may be requirements for less common formats requiring multi-point gluing. For the shopper, RRP brings with it improved availability of products and reduced aisle congestion, better visuals and easier navigation. Improved stock rotation means fresher products, and overall value for money may be improved.

Overall, RRP means more pressure on suppliers for innovations in pack design and better print quality, but will also result in better collaboration between all of the parties involved.