Author: dev@samuel

Samuel Grant Packaging achieves FSC® Chain of Custody certification

Posted on by dev@samuel

We’re delighted to announce that Samuel Grant Packaging has achieved FSC® Chain of Custody certification.

Author Lauren Davies Head of HSEQ and Group Operations Samuel Grant Packaging

This certification applies to the FSC-certified products we supply, giving our customers confidence that these materials can be traced through a verified supply chain. Every stage is independently audited, helping to ensure the integrity of FSC-certified materials from the forest through to the finished product.

What does this mean for you?

Choosing FSC-certified products from Samuel Grant Packaging gives you greater confidence in the packaging you buy. It demonstrates that the FSC-certified materials used in your products come from responsibly managed forests and other controlled sources, helping you make more sustainable purchasing decisions.

Our Chain of Custody certification also provides independently verified traceability throughout the supply chain, so you can be confident in the origin of the certified materials you receive.

For many businesses, using FSC-certified packaging supports wider sustainability objectives and helps meet customer expectations or procurement requirements. As more organisations look for responsible sourcing as part of their supply chain, choosing FSC-certified products is a simple way to strengthen your environmental credentials.

Our commitment

Sustainability is an important part of how we work, and achieving FSC Chain of Custody certification is another step in helping our customers make informed, responsible packaging choices.

Whether you’re looking to meet sustainability targets, satisfy customer requirements or simply want greater confidence in the provenance of your packaging materials, we’re here to help.

If you’d like to find out more about our FSC-certified product range or discuss the best option for your packaging needs, our team would be delighted to help.

Find our certificates online here: Our Certificates, Statements and Policies – Samuel Grant

PPWR update: what UK businesses should review in their packaging now

Posted on by dev@samuel

Part of our Responsible Packaging guidance
Last updated: April 2026

Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR)

The EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, PPWR, applies from 12 August 2026. For some UK businesses, that may still sound a long way off. In practice, it is close enough to start asking some sensible questions now.

Download the PPWR Explainer (PDF)

The short version

  • PPWR is the EU’s packaging regulation, applying from 12 August 2026.
  • It affects UK businesses that export to the EU or sit in EU-linked supply chains.
  • The direction of travel is clear: less material, better recyclability, more packaging data.
  • The most useful step now is a practical packaging review, not a legal deep dive.
  • PPWR and UK EPR are separate regimes, but both push businesses the same way.

Why this matters

PPWR is an EU regulation, not a UK one. But if your business exports into Europe, supplies customers who do, or operates in an EU-linked supply chain, it may start to influence what is expected from your packaging.

That matters because PPWR is pushing packaging in a clear direction. Less unnecessary material. Better recyclability. More attention on packaging design, reuse, labelling and recycled content. The European Commission has described the Regulation as part of a move towards packaging that is more recyclable and less wasteful, with wider measures including mandatory recyclability by 2030, minimum recycled content in plastic packaging and reuse targets.

For most businesses, the question is not whether they need to panic. They do not. The question is whether the packaging they use today is likely to stand up well to tighter customer expectations tomorrow.

What is PPWR?

PPWR is the EU’s packaging regulation, with key requirements coming into force from 12 August 2026. It replaces the earlier Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive with a single regulation that applies directly across the EU.

It affects UK businesses supplying goods into the EU, including the packaging used to protect and transport them.

Who does PPWR affect?

Direct impact

  • Businesses exporting to EU markets
  • Businesses supplying EU customers
  • Manufacturers, retailers and logistics providers with EU operations

Indirect impact

  • Supply chain requirements passed down from EU-facing customers
  • Customer expectations around recyclability and recycled content
  • Specification changes that ripple through multi-tier supply chains

What should businesses be reviewing now?

Ahead of August 2026, the most useful step is not a legal deep dive. It is a practical packaging review. That review should start with a few straightforward questions:

  • Are any of your products or packaging going into the EU market, either directly or through customers?
  • Which packaging lines are most likely to come under pressure on recyclability, packaging reduction or material choice?
  • Do you already have the packaging data you would need if a customer asked for more detail, including material type, weight and pack format?
  • Are there lines where you may be using more packaging than you need?
  • Could any formats be reviewed now, while there is still time to make sensible changes rather than rushed ones later?

Early review helps avoid costly last-minute redesigns. The closer you get to August 2026, the fewer options you tend to have on material, lead times and supplier capacity.

One area to keep an eye on

Transport packaging is a good example of how this is developing in real time.

In February 2026, the European Commission confirmed that pallet wrapping and straps would be exempt from an earlier 100% reuse requirement in certain circumstances. At the same time, the wider direction of travel under PPWR remains the same, with reuse and packaging design still very much part of the picture.

That tells businesses two key things:

  • First, the detail may continue to evolve.
  • Second, the overall pressure on packaging performance, material use and design is not going away.

How could PPWR impact your business?

Businesses are already dealing with more questions around packaging than they were a few years ago:

  • How recyclable is it?
  • Can it be reduced?
  • Is there a better material option?
  • What data do we actually have?
  • Are we likely to be challenged on this by customers or supply chain partners?

Those questions do not just sit with compliance teams. They affect purchasing, operations, warehousing, product protection and cost. In practical terms, PPWR is likely to push businesses toward:

  • Packaging redesign requirements, particularly on recyclability
  • Increased data and reporting obligations
  • Multiple EU EPR schemes to navigate across member states
  • Material availability pressure as demand for recycled content rises
  • Increased scrutiny from customers and supply chain partners

Not sure where your packaging stands?

We’ll review your packaging for EU markets, identify risks and help you stay aligned with PPWR.

Book a packaging audit

PPWR and UK EPR are separate regimes

UK EPR is the UK’s packaging producer responsibility system. PPWR is the EU’s broader packaging regulation.

They are not the same law, but they are moving businesses in a similar direction, with more attention on packaging data, recyclability, design and waste reduction. For UK businesses with EU customers, both will sit in the background of any serious packaging review.

Read our EPR guidance for how the UK side fits together.

What happens if you don’t comply?

For businesses placing packaging on the EU market, non-compliant packaging may:

  • Be rejected at EU borders
  • Result in fines or enforcement action
  • Disrupt supply chains and customer relationships

The risk is rarely just the fine. It is the operational knock-on: held shipments, customer escalations, and the time taken to find a compliant alternative under pressure.

How Samuel Grant Packaging can help

At Samuel Grant Packaging, we help customers take a practical view of packaging. That means looking at protection, performance, material use and cost, while also helping customers build a clearer picture of the packaging they buy and use. It is the same thinking behind our wider approach to packaging audits, material reviews and compliance support.

We can support you with:

  • Identifying at-risk packaging in your range
  • Improving recyclability without compromising protection
  • Reducing material use where it makes sense
  • Preparing for EU requirements and customer questions
  • Joining up your thinking across PPWR, EPR, RAM and PPT

In many cases, the right next step is not a major packaging overhaul. It is a structured review of the packaging you already use, so you can see where changes may improve efficiency, support recyclability or simply put you in a stronger position for future customer and market demands.

A practical next step

If you sell into Europe or supply EU-linked customers, now is a good time to review your packaging properly.

Book a packaging audit

Related packaging regulations

PPWR sits alongside other packaging regulations, which are increasingly linked. Together, these influence how packaging is specified, measured and costed.

EPR Extended Producer Responsibility – reporting and waste costs RAM Recyclability Assessment Methodology – recyclability-based fees PPT Plastic Packaging Tax – tax based on recycled content

Further guidance

For more information, visit the Government website for Business guidance, or speak to your Samuel Grant Packaging account manager.

Download the PPWR Explainer (PDF)

Recyclability Assessment Methodology: What UK Businesses Should Know

Posted on by dev@samuel

Part of our Responsible Packaging guidance
Last updated: April 2026

Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM)

The Recyclability Assessment Methodology (RAM) is changing how businesses assess packaging under Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). For large producers, it introduces a clear link between how recyclable packaging is and how much it costs. This page explains what RAM is, who it affects, and what you should be reviewing now.

Download the RAM Explainer (PDF)

The short version

  • RAM rates household packaging green, amber or red based on how recyclable it is.
  • Those ratings feed directly into the EPR fees a producer pays from 2026.
  • More recyclable packaging means lower costs. Harder-to-recycle packaging means higher costs.
  • Missing data is treated as red, so accurate packaging data matters.
  • Even if you are not directly obligated, RAM can still reach you through customer requirements and the supply chain.

Why this matters

Recyclability is no longer just a sustainability consideration. Under EPR, it is becoming a direct cost factor.

RAM brings this into focus by introducing a structured way of assessing packaging. For many businesses, the question is no longer “Is this recyclable?” but “How will this be classified, and what will it cost?”

What is RAM?

The Recyclability Assessment Methodology is used under UK EPR to assess how recyclable household packaging is within the UK’s current recycling infrastructure. Each packaging item is assessed and given a rating:

Green Widely recyclable
Amber Recyclable with limitations
Red Difficult to recycle

These ratings directly affect the EPR disposal fees a producer will pay from 2026.

How does RAM fit with EPR?

RAM is part of the wider EPR framework. EPR requires businesses to report packaging and pay for waste management. RAM determines how those costs are calculated, based on recyclability. Together they mean:

  • More recyclable packaging – lower costs
  • Harder-to-recycle packaging – higher costs

Who does RAM affect?

RAM applies to large producers under EPR.

Obligation thresholds

  • Turnover of £2 million or more
  • Handling more than 50 tonnes of packaging annually

Packaging in scope

  • Household packaging
  • Packaging likely to end up in public bins
  • Glass drinks containers

Not in scope

  • Reusable packaging
  • Export packaging
  • Drinks containers covered by Deposit Return Schemes

In practice

Even if you are not directly obligated, RAM may still affect you through:

  • Customer requirements
  • Packaging specifications
  • Cost pass-through in the supply chain

What should businesses be reviewing now?

RAM is not just a reporting exercise. It is a packaging review exercise. A practical starting point:

  • Which packaging lines are likely to be classed as red or amber
  • Where materials or formats could improve recyclability
  • Whether you have accurate packaging data
  • Where supplier information is missing
  • How recyclability links to cost under EPR

In practice, this often highlights packaging that has not been reviewed for some time.

What do you need to do?

For large producers

  • Assess packaging under RAM criteria
  • Record red, amber or green ratings
  • Submit results alongside EPR data
  • Reassess when specifications change

For all businesses

  • Gather material and specification data
  • Understand packaging composition
  • Ensure supplier data is available
  • Prepare for future recyclability reporting
  • Be aware of potential cost impacts through the supply chain

Not sure where your packaging stands?

We’ll assess your packaging and show you where recyclability affects cost.

Book a packaging audit

How does RAM impact cost?

RAM introduces a direct link between recyclability and cost:

Rating Effect on EPR fees
Green Lower EPR fees
Amber Standard fees
Red Higher fees
Missing data Treated as red

In practice

  • Two similar packaging formats may carry different costs
  • Poor data can increase costs unnecessarily
  • Small material changes can shift classifications

Common misunderstandings

“We don’t need to worry about RAM yet.” For large producers, RAM is already part of EPR reporting. For others, it is coming through supply chains.
“Recyclable means low cost.” Not always. It depends on how packaging performs across collection, sorting and reprocessing.
“We don’t have the data, so we’ll deal with it later.” Missing data is typically treated as red, which increases cost.

How Samuel Grant Packaging can help

We take a practical approach to RAM:

  • Identify packaging likely to be rated red or amber
  • Provide material and specification data
  • Recommend practical changes to improve recyclability
  • Support alignment with EPR reporting
  • Help balance performance, cost and compliance

We’ll assess your packaging, highlight where recyclability affects cost and help you stay on top of RAM.

Talk to us about a packaging audit

A free review of your full packaging process, with clear next steps.

Get in touch

Related packaging regulations

RAM sits alongside other packaging regulations, which are increasingly linked. Together, these influence how packaging is specified, measured and costed.

EPR Extended Producer Responsibility – reporting and waste costs PPT Plastic Packaging Tax – tax based on recycled content PPWR Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation – EU requirements affecting exports

Further guidance

For detailed guidance, download the explainer or visit the Government RAM guidance, or speak to your Samuel Grant Packaging account manager.

Download the RAM Explainer (PDF)

Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT): What UK Businesses Should Know

Posted on by dev@samuel

Part of our Responsible Packaging guidance
Last updated: April 2026

Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT)

Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT) is now a standard part of how packaging is costed, specified and supplied in the UK.

While not every business is directly responsible for paying the tax, most will feel its impact through material choice, supplier pricing and packaging decisions. This page provides a practical overview of what PPT is, who it affects, and what businesses should be reviewing now.

Download the PPT Explainer (PDF)

The short version

  • PPT applies to plastic packaging with less than 30% recycled content.
  • The 2026 rate is £228.82 per tonne, rising annually with inflation.
  • Affects importers, UK manufacturers and businesses placing packaged goods on the UK market.
  • You must register at 10 tonnes a year, even if all your packaging meets the 30% threshold.
  • Costs are often passed through the supply chain, so most businesses feel it indirectly.

Why this matters

Packaging is no longer just a purchasing decision. Plastic Packaging Tax means material choice now has a direct impact on cost.

For many businesses, the focus has shifted from:

  • “Do we pay PPT?”

to:

  • “Where is PPT affecting our packaging and costs?”

Even where businesses are not directly obligated, the tax is often passed through the supply chain and reflected in packaging prices.

What is Plastic Packaging Tax (PPT)?

Plastic Packaging Tax is a UK tax applied to plastic packaging that contains less than 30% recycled content.

From 1 April 2026

  • The rate is £228.82 per tonne
  • It increases annually in line with inflation

The aim is to:

  • Encourage the use of recycled plastic
  • Reduce reliance on virgin material
  • Improve sustainability across packaging supply chains

Who does PPT affect?

PPT applies directly to businesses that:

  • Import goods or packaging into the UK
  • Manufacture plastic packaging in the UK
  • Place packaged goods on the UK market

Registration threshold

You must register if you handle:

  • 10 tonnes or more of plastic packaging in a 12-month period

In practice

Many businesses are affected indirectly, as PPT costs are often built into packaging prices and passed through suppliers.

Important: You must still register if you exceed the threshold, even if all packaging meets the 30% recycled content requirement and no tax is payable.

What should businesses be reviewing now?

Rather than focusing on the tax in isolation, it is more useful to review packaging in the round:

  • Which packaging lines fall below the 30% recycled content threshold
  • Where recycled-content alternatives are available
  • Whether material usage can be reduced
  • How PPT is affecting overall packaging cost
  • Where performance and sustainability need balancing

PPT is now as much a specification decision as it is a tax.

What do you need to do?

If you are registered for PPT

  • Submit quarterly returns
  • Pay tax where applicable
  • Keep records for at least 6 years
  • Maintain product-level packaging data

If you are approaching the threshold

  • Track packaging volumes
  • Monitor progress towards the 10 tonne threshold
  • Review packaging specifications early

For all businesses

  • Gather evidence of recycled content
  • Understand how PPT applies across your supply chain
  • Be aware of cost pass-through in packaging pricing

Not sure where PPT is hitting your packaging spend?

We’ll review your plastic packaging and show you where the tax is adding cost.

Book a packaging audit

How does PPT impact cost?

PPT directly affects packaging cost depending on material choice:

Recycled content Effect on cost
Below 30% Tax applies
30% or above No tax
  Annual increases continue to apply
  Costs are often passed through suppliers

In practice

  • Two similar packaging products can carry very different total costs
  • Lower unit price does not always mean better value
  • Specification decisions affect long-term cost and risk

Common misunderstandings

“We don’t pay PPT, so it doesn’t affect us.” In reality, the cost is often passed through the supply chain.
“All recycled content performs the same.” Material quality and performance can vary.
“Cheaper packaging is always better value.” PPT means total cost needs to be considered, not just unit price.

How Samuel Grant Packaging can help

We take a practical, specification-led approach:

  • Identify packaging below the 30% threshold
  • Provide clear recycled content data
  • Recommend compliant alternatives
  • Balance performance, cost and sustainability
  • Support longer-term packaging decisions

We’ll review your plastic packaging, highlight where PPT applies and help you reduce unnecessary cost.

Contact us to discuss a packaging audit

A practical, specification-led review of your plastic packaging.

Get in touch

Related packaging regulations

Plastic Packaging Tax sits alongside other packaging regulations, which are increasingly linked and should be considered together:

EPR Extended Producer Responsibility – reporting and waste costs RAM Recyclability Assessment Methodology – recyclability-based fee structure PPWR Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation – EU requirements affecting exports

Further guidance

For detailed guidance, visit the Government Plastic Packaging Tax guidance, or speak to your Samuel Grant Packaging account manager.

Download the PPT Explainer (PDF)

Sustainable Packaging Solutions: The Pregis and Samuel Grant Partnership

Posted on by dev@samuel

Who Pregis is  

Pregis is a global, customer-driven solutions provider of innovative packaging materials, equipment systems and surface protection. As a material neutral company, they work with customers to find the right packaging solution to solve their business challenges.  

Together, Samuel Grant and Pregis serve a wide variety of consumer and industrial market segments  

Why Pregis partners with Samuel Grant 

Pregis and Samuel Grant share a commitment to sustainability, innovation and responsible packaging. Both organisations recognise the packaging industry’s critical role in enabling a circular economy and reducing environmental impact. 

Shared values that strengthen the partnership 

EcoVadis & continuous improvement
Pregis Europe received the EcoVadis Silver Award in 2025, reflecting a commitment to improving environmental, ethical, and social performance, a value shared by Samuel Grant. 

Reducing fuel consumption
Samuel Grant’s use of Webfleet route optimisation to reduce fuel consumption synergises with Pregis’ reduction philosophy: right-sizing packaging, reducing material use and ultimately keeping more trucks off the road. 

Circular packaging & waste reduction
Pregis designs packaging that increases recycled content, enables recyclability, and supports alternative end-of-life pathways, all while maintaining the performance Samuel Grant’s customers require. 

Resource efficiency
Both companies help customers “do more with less.” Whether optimising freight routes or working to reduce reliance on virgin resources and minimising landfill waste. 

Material innovation
Pregis’ 4R sustainability strategy aligns with Samuel Grant’s “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” philosophy. Together, we amplify PCR content, design for recyclability, and eliminate unnecessary materials and resources to reduce carbon footprint. 

How the partnership works 

Pregis and Samuel Grant work together to deliver sustainable, high-performance packaging solutions tailored to customer needs. Together we take a consultative approach, assessing operations, product protection requirements and sustainability commitments, to design solutions that improve efficiency, reduce waste and support customers’ bottom line. 

Thanks to our partnership, Samuel Grant Packaging’s customers can access Pregis’s products and systems which range from inside-the-box protection, bagging solutions and temporary surface protection. As a material neutral company, their offerings include renewable resource solutions like void fill paper, cushioning made with post-consumer recycled content and renewable material for premium product protection, and high throughput bagging systems. 

A sustainability-focused approach 

Sustainability is embedded in how  Pregis designs, innovates, and operates. Our combined approach is built on delivering packaging solutions that protect products while minimising environmental impact across the entire lifecycle. 

Together we validate our sustainability progress through data-driven insights, measuring performance and carbon-footprint reduction. This mindset ensures the solutions meet evolving legislation, customer expectations and circular-economy commitments. 

Supporting key industries 

E-Commerce & Fulfilment: 

Together Pregis and Samuel Grant take a consultative approach to help retailers choose the right-sized packaging and improve packing efficiency. Through data‑driven insights and sustainable materials, we help fulfilment operations cut waste, lower last‑mile costs, and meet consumer expectations for recyclable, sustainable packaging. 

Industrial & Manufacturing 

Samuel Grant and Pregis work collaboratively with manufacturers to analyse workflows, identify inefficiencies and design protective packaging that reduces material use without compromising performance. Our consultative approach helps customers lower total cost of ownership, minimise damage, and transition toward more sustainable, circular packaging systems. 

Automotive 

Samuel Grant and Pregis partner to assess component‑specific risks, optimise packaging workflows and design solutions that reduce waste while ensuring safe transit. With a focus on sustainability, performance, and operational efficiency, we help automotive suppliers navigate change with packaging that supports both compliance and cost control. 

3PL & Logistics 

Samuel Grant and Pregis take a consultative, operations‑first approach, evaluating workflows, identifying bottlenecks, and designing packaging systems that improve speed and reduce labour dependency. With sustainable materials and automation‑ready solutions, we help 3PLs maximise space, control costs and deliver reliable service across their networks. 

To learn more about sustainable packaging solutions from Samuel Grant and Pregis, speak to the Samuel Grant team. 

Is your packaging costing more than it should?

Posted on by dev@samuel

Is your packaging costing more than it should? Why a packaging audit matters in 2026 

Packaging is often treated as a fixed operational cost… until something goes wrong. 

Rising material prices, product damage, warehouse inefficiencies and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) reporting requirements are forcing many businesses to reassess how their packaging performs. 

If your packaging specifications have not been reviewed for several years, a professional packaging audit can uncover significant opportunities to reduce costs, improve performance and strengthen compliance. 

What Is a packaging audit? 

A packaging audit is a structured review of how packaging is specified, applied and managed across your operation. No two audits are the same. The scope and focus areas are agreed with you in advance, so the review is shaped around what matters most to your business, whether that is cost reduction, throughput, damage, compliance or a combination of all of these. 

It looks beyond unit price and examines: 

•   Material performance in real working conditions 

•   Packing line efficiency 

•   Damage rates and returns 

•   Waste and recyclability 

•   Storage and stock control 

•   EPR exposure and reporting complexity 

The aim is simple: to help you pack smarter, reduce waste and control your total packaging cost. 

Why packaging audits are increasingly important 

  1. Rising costs

Even small inefficiencies in stretch film usage, carton specification or void fill selection can add up to significant overspend over time. 

  1. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)

From 2025, many businesses are responsible for reporting packaging data and paying fees based on recyclability. Poor material choices can increase compliance costs unnecessarily. 

  1. Product damage and returns

Incorrectly specified packaging often leads to hidden costs in rework, customer dissatisfaction and transport inefficiencies. 

  1. Throughput and labour efficiency

Packaging impacts packing speed, workflow and consistency more than many organisations realise. 

A structured review highlights where improvements are commercially meaningful. 

What does a packaging audit typically review? 

While every audit is tailored, key areas include: 

•   Cartons, film, tape, pallets and void fill 

•   Packing machinery and pallet wrapping systems 

•   Application methods used by staff 

•   Waste streams and recycling practices 

•   Storage and stock rotation 

•   Damage records and returns 

•   EPR classifications (household vs non-household) 

Importantly, it examines the true cost of packaging – not just purchase price, but labour, damage, storage and compliance implications. 

When should you consider one? 

A packaging audit is particularly valuable if: 

•   Damage levels are increasing 

•   Costs have risen without clear explanation 

•   Your supplier has not reviewed specifications recently 

•   You suspect materials may be overspecified 

•   EPR reporting feels unclear 

•   Sustainability targets are becoming harder to meet 

In many cases, packaging has evolved incrementally over time without strategic review. 

The value of an independent review 

An experienced packaging partner brings technical, operational and sustainability insight to the table. 

At Samuel Grant Packaging, our packaging audit combines: 

•   Operational observation 

•   Material optimisation 

•   EPR awareness 

•   Sustainability expertise 

•   Practical implementation support 

The outcome is not just a list of recommendations, but a clear pathway to measurable improvement. 

Implementation and ongoing support 

A Samuel Grant packaging audit does not end with a report. Once changes are agreed, we stay involved. We support trials, train staff where needed, and revisit regularly to track performance and ensure improvements are delivering the expected results. 

We also provide ongoing EPR data reporting and internal stock reporting, as well as stock checks where required. Where it helps, samples and prototypes of recommended materials can be provided so changes can be evaluated properly before any decision is made. 

Packaging should protect your product and your margins. If you are not confident your current packaging is the most cost-effective, sustainable and compliant solution available, it may be time for a fresh look. Samuel Grant Packaging is not just a supplier in this process; we are a working partner throughout it. 

To discuss a packaging audit, speak to your local Samuel Grant Packaging representative.

How the Audit works

Product Spotlight: Honeycomb Wrap

Posted on by dev@samuel

Made from 100% die-cut kraft paper, activaWrap’s innovative honeycomb 3D structure interlocks during wrapping to deliver excellent cushioning and protection for fragile items without plastic waste. 

 

activaWrap honeycomb paper wrap

Key Benefits 

•   Produced from paper, and fully recyclable after use, helping reduce packaging waste and environmental impact. 

•   Unlike plastic bubble wrap, activaWrap is derived from renewable resources and contributes to sustainability goals by lowering dependency on fossil-based materials. 

 

Functional Benefits 

•   The honeycomb structure absorbs shocks and vibrations, ensuring fragile items like glassware, ceramics, jewellery and cosmetics arrive undamaged. 

•   Suitable for a wide range of products, from delicate objects to bulkier goods and sensitive electronics. 

•   Flexible paper structure can be cut, folded and shaped quickly, helping streamline packing processes and reduce labour time. 

•   Offers a premium look and feel that enhances brand image while promoting sustainable packaging values. 

•   Businesses wanting to reduce waste and improve sustainability claims 

•   Packaging fragile products with an emphasis on quality and environmental care 

 For more information or to discuss with one of our friendly team, call 0113 270 7221 or email sales@samuelgrant.co.uk

Samuel Grant Group Earns EcoVadis Bronze Sustainability Rating

Posted on by dev@samuel

At Samuel Grant Packaging, Marmax Recycled Products and Samson Pallet Stability, sustainability is at the heart of how we do business. We’re proud to announce that our ongoing commitment to responsible, ethical, and environmentally conscious operations has been recognised with an EcoVadis Bronze Sustainability Rating.

What the EcoVadis Bronze Rating Means

EcoVadis is one of the world’s most trusted providers of business sustainability ratings, assessing companies across four key areas:

•   Environment

•   Labour and Human Rights

•   Ethics

•   Sustainable Procurement

Achieving a Bronze rating places Samuel Grant Group among the top 35% of companies evaluated by EcoVadis worldwide. It reflects our dedication to continual improvement and transparency in every part of our business, from product innovation to supply chain management.

Our Ongoing Sustainability Journey

Receiving this award is an important milestone, but it’s just the beginning. We’ve made significant strides in reducing our environmental footprint through initiatives such as:

•   Developing recyclable and reusable packaging solutions, helping our clients reduce waste and carbon impact.

•   Investing in sustainable materials and technologies that support a circular economy.

•   Working closely with suppliers who share our environmental and ethical values.

We believe that every step toward sustainability, no matter how small, has a lasting impact. The EcoVadis recognition motivates us to push even further, setting new goals to achieve higher ratings in the years ahead.

A Thank You to Our Team and Partners

This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of our team, our suppliers, and our customers who support our sustainability efforts. Together, we’re shaping a packaging industry that’s cleaner, smarter, and more responsible.

Looking Ahead

As we continue our sustainability journey, Samuel Grant Group remains committed to innovation and integrity. We’ll keep exploring new ways to reduce waste, improve efficiency, and deliver packaging solutions that benefit both our clients and the planet.

We’re proud of what we’ve achieved, and even more excited for what’s to come.

Helping Our Customers Get EPR-Ready

Posted on by dev@samuel

Part of our Responsible Packaging guidance
Last updated: April 2026

Extended Producer Responsibility

As many of our customers already know, the UK’s new Extended Producer Responsibility regulations are now in effect – and they bring with them a new level of responsibility for packaging producers.

At Samuel Grant Packaging, we’re working closely with our customers to make sure they’re prepared – not just to meet their compliance obligations, but to make informed, strategic choices about their packaging that support long-term sustainability goals.

Download the EPR Explainer (PDF)

The short version

  • EPR shifts the cost of managing packaging waste onto the businesses that produce it.
  • Producers must submit detailed packaging data – weights, materials, recyclability.
  • Large producers started paying EPR fees from October 2025, based on the previous year’s data.
  • Accurate, timely, complete data matters – whether you report twice a year or annually.
  • Samuel Grant Packaging provides EPR-ready data, recyclability advice and audit support.

What is EPR?

EPR is a UK Government regulation that shifts the cost of managing packaging waste onto the businesses that produce it. Under the new rules, producers are required to submit detailed data on their packaging – including weights, materials, and recyclability – and large producers will start paying EPR fees from October 2025, based on data from the previous year.

Whether you’re a large producer submitting data twice a year, or a small producer submitting data annually, it’s vital that your information is accurate, timely and complete.

What we’re doing to help

Our customers know they can rely on us for more than packaging – we’re their partners in efficiency, innovation and compliance. That’s why we’ve developed a full support package to help businesses meet their EPR requirements.

We offer:

  • EPR-ready data for every packaging product we supply
  • Recyclability advice to reduce future liability
  • Household vs non-household classification support
  • Packaging audits to identify savings and improvements
  • Reminders and updates aligned with EPR reporting deadlines

We’ve also created a free downloadable explainer, with links to the necessary government websites, and we are continuing to train our sales team so they can support customers with one-to-one advice.

Why it matters

EPR is more than just a compliance challenge – it’s an opportunity to futureproof your packaging strategy. The businesses that act now will be in the strongest position to reduce costs, improve recyclability and demonstrate their commitment to sustainability.

Whether you’re unsure about your producer status, have missed a deadline, or simply need help pulling together your packaging data – we’re here to support you.

Get EPR-ready with Samuel Grant Packaging

A packaging audit is the most practical place to start.

Book a packaging audit

Useful resources

EPR sits alongside other packaging regulations, which are increasingly linked:

RAM Recyclability Assessment Methodology – recyclability-based fee structure PPT Plastic Packaging Tax – tax based on recycled content PPWR Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation – EU requirements affecting exports

External links

Need help?

Speak to your account manager for tailored advice.

Together, we can make compliance straightforward – and packaging smarter.

Download the EPR Explainer (PDF)

ECOVADIS: Driving Sustainable Supply Chains with Samuel Grant

Posted on by dev@samuel

At Samuel Grant, sustainability is a key priority. As leaders in packaging solutions, we embody our responsibility to reduce environmental impact, promote ethical practices, and drive positive change within the supply chain. That’s why we’re proud to work with EcoVadis, a globally recognised sustainability rating platform that helps businesses assess and improve their environmental, social, and ethical performance.

What is EcoVadis?

EcoVadis is an internationally trusted rating system that evaluates companies on their sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts. With over 100,000 companies assessed worldwide to date, they provide detailed insights into businesses’ sustainability credentials, covering key areas such as:

· Environment – Carbon footprint reduction, energy efficiency, waste management

· Labour & Human Rights – Fair working conditions, diversity, inclusion

· Ethics – Anti-corruption policies, fair business practices

· Sustainable Procurement – Responsible sourcing, supplier transparency

By undergoing strict EcoVadis assessments, companies receive a scorecard highlighting their performance and areas for improvement, allowing them to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability to stakeholders and customers alike.

Why EcoVadis Matters to Samuel Grant

As a packaging provider, we recognize the importance of sustainable supply chains. Working with EcoVadis enables us to:

· Measure Our Impact – The rating system allows us to track our sustainability progress and benchmark ourselves against industry peers.

· Improve Sustainability Practices – We identify opportunities to enhance our environmental and ethical practices.

· Enhance Transparency – Our customers can trust that we are committed to responsible business practices.

· Support a Greener Future – EcoVadis aligns with our mission to promote sustainable packaging, encourage efficient recycling practices and reduce waste across industries.

How Samuel Grant is Taking Action

We don’t just talk about sustainability—we take action. Here’s how we’re making a difference:

· Sustainable Packaging Solutions – Our range of eco-friendly packaging materials, including recyclable and biodegradable options, help businesses reduce their carbon footprint.

· Waste Reduction Initiatives – We continuously improve our operations to minimize waste and increase efficiency.

· Circular Economy – Marmax Recycled Products turn recycled HDPE plastic into high quality outdoor furniture. One bench uses the equivalent of 2000 plastic bottles

· Commitment to Ethical Sourcing – We work with responsible suppliers who share our values of sustainability and ethical business practices.

· Reduce, reuse and recycle consultancy – our team consult our clients on how to reduce consumption, reuse materials where possible, and recycle efficiently.

Join Us in Sustainable Packaging Practices

At Samuel Grant, we believe that sustainability isn’t just a trend—it’s a responsibility. Partnering with EcoVadis is just one of the many ways we ensure our business remains at the forefront of ethical and environmentally friendly packaging solutions.

By choosing to work with us, you’re not only investing in high-quality packaging but also supporting a greener, more sustainable future.

If you’d like to learn more about our sustainability initiatives or our EcoVadis commitment, get in touch with us today!

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