Celebrating the first Women in Packaging Awards
We are delighted to share more information about the first-ever Women in Packaging Awards, to which our Head of Business Growth, Victoria, was invited.
The Women in Packaging Awards took place on the 10th of July at the Hilton Bankside in London. The event has been created to highlight some of the incredible achievements of women in our industry.
The awards covered a variety of topics, including sustainability, technology, mentorship and breaking down barriers in the industry. The awards evening was sponsored by many excellent businesses across the sector and was hosted by the wonderful Olympic Gold Medallist, Sally Gunnell OBE.
Women are often underrepresented in the packaging industry, so it was extremely rewarding to see some of the most influential individuals be recognised for their hard work and dedication to the industry.
At Granby, we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment for our employees. We are incredibly proud that 50% of our leadership team is made up of females.
The event served as an excellent opportunity to meet inspiring individuals, share stories and celebrate everything that women have achieved within the sector.
Invited by the BCMPA
Victoria was invited to attend the Women in Packaging Awards by the wonderful Emma Verkaik, CEO of the BCMPA, the Association of Contract Manufacturing, Packing, Fulfilment & Logistics. Emma was also a valued member of the judging panel for the awards ceremony.
The BCMPA is a leading trade organisation which is highly respected by many brands, retailers, manufacturers and eCommerce companies looking to outsource logistics or fulfilment. They cover a wide range of sectors, including food and drink, nutraceuticals, personal care, gift packing, pharmaceuticals, automotive and more.
Granby has been working alongside the BCMPA for many years and recognises the value of the partnership.
Here’s what Victoria had to say about attending the event…
“A huge thank you to Emma Verkaik for the kind invitation to the very first Women in Packaging Awards. It was an honour to be surrounded by so many inspiring women driving change in our industry, and the incredible men who champion and support us every day. Here’s to progress, partnership, and the power of community.”
Packaging trends and updates
At Granby, we align with our packaging partners to tackle the evolving needs of our clients, delivering practical solutions to complex challenges.
Sustainability is no longer an option
Eco-friendly packaging is no longer an option for businesses to consider; it’s a core expectation. Consumers are more environmentally conscious than ever before and favour brands that are transparent about their carbon emissions, sustainability initiatives and more. When it comes to packaging, brands must adhere to Responsible Packaging Regulations, which outline the importance of clearly communicating to consumers how they can recycle, reuse, or dispose of packaging responsibly.
At Granby, we have banned all single-use plastics and implemented the use of sustainable alternatives into our operations including paper shred, paper parcel tape, paper filled envelopes, FSC-certified cardboard and much more.
Evolving expectations in eCommerce packaging
The rise of eCommerce packaging
The rapid growth of eCommerce has reshaped expectations around packaging, shifting the focus beyond protection to include visual appeal, ease of use, and brand experience. At Granby, we prioritise packaging solutions that are designed with the end customer in mind. From intuitive opening mechanisms to impactful branding and efficient design, our eCommerce packaging is crafted to enhance the customer journey from delivery to disposal.
Maintaining service standards in a shifting economy
The packaging industry continues to face a complex mix of pressures and opportunities. Volatility in material and energy costs remains a challenge, and while we work closely with our partners to minimise the impact, some pricing adjustments may be necessary to maintain the quality and reliability our clients expect.
Encouragingly, forecasts suggest that paper prices may ease over the coming year, which could help stabilise packaging costs. At the same time, the sector is undergoing significant consolidation, with several manufacturers exiting the market, including a major European supplier recently announcing the closure of five UK sites.
In this shifting landscape, our priority is to support brands in delivering consistent quality and customer satisfaction, even as the market outlook remains uncertain.
Smart manufacturing and innovation
Innovation and automation are expected to experience significant growth in the next few years, particularly in production lines. By employing these actions, businesses can enhance efficiency, ensure consistency and drive sustainability.
Granby and its packaging partners are embracing advanced technologies, such as collaborative robots (Cobots), to enhance efficiency and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving industry. While automation offers clear operational benefits, it also prompts careful consideration of workforce impacts. Rather than focusing solely on cost reduction, many businesses are adapting by reskilling employees, redefining roles, and investing in training to ensure teams can work effectively alongside new technologies. This balanced approach supports both innovation and long-term workforce sustainability.
Here’s what one of our packaging partners, Daniel Johnston, Managing Director at the Cardboard Box Company, has to say about the future of the packaging industry.
“The packaging industry is evolving at pace, especially in the eCommerce space where packaging now plays a crucial role in the customer experience. At CBC, we see these changes as opportunities. By combining smart manufacturing with sustainable materials, we’re helping our clients meet consumer expectations while staying ahead of the curve. Undoubtedly, we are looking at tech to help us hit our 5-year growth plan, but the saying is ‘how can we do more with the same, rather than less?”
Granby remains at the forefront of industry developments to ensure we continue delivering the highest standard of service to our clients.
Are you searching for trusted brand fulfilment services? Contact us today.