A leading packaging supplier is looking to dazzle the soft-fruit sector with its innovative new ideas.
With state-of-the-art technology, an in-house creative team and a new customer service structure in place, Sharp Interpack is set to embark on a new era of investment to supply the industry with forward-thinking packaging solutions.
As one of the UK’s leading rigid plastic packaging manufacturer, the company has been responding to developments within the fresh produce industry for more than 30 years, meeting the changing needs of the sector with innovative solutions.
With the ongoing drive to extend seasons and volumes, the company is employing a pro-active approach and working closely with its customers to ensure their needs are met, and that it becomes an integral part of the fresh produce industry.
Since its foundation, Sharp Interpack says it has endeavoured to implement beneficial change to its customers through its technical expertise and packaging knowledge.
In the mid-nineties, the manufacturer was the first to launch its SP range which was designed around a crate fit with one top size and a range of depths, facilitating handling and processing. This concept was enhanced a year later with a PP range and now Sharp Interpack offers a choice of PET, PVC and PP products.
As the industry continues to change, with new market demands, packaging requirements are changing, and Sharp Interpack is moving accordingly, introducing bespoke ranges for premium lines and investing in its own future as well as that of its customers.
Earlier this year, the company made a multi-million pound investment in Somerset to create a brand new, purpose-built production, storage and distribution base.
Adding to existing facilities, Sharp Interpack has established a fully-integrated manufacturing operation capable of producing what it claims to be the most innovative and demanding packaging solutions. The modern design of the building marks the organisation’s significant step forward.
In the meantime, the company’s Kent site is undergoing redevelopment creating extra onsite storage. The level of stock within the new high bay warehouse will be tracked and monitored with a new barcode stock control system which means orders can be processed more efficiently and be co-ordinated to meet increasing customer requirements.
As part of the supply chain and logistic enhancements across the company, a new method has been introduced which allows Sharp Interpack to supply quality, high-performance punnets and lids to customers throughout the year.
A new forecast system, implemented earlier this year with customers, encourages the regular collection of forecast data so issues such as stockholding and last minute changes to an order, can be avoided.
Ruth Price, market manager for fresh produce, says: “Sharp Interpack has built a reputation on its expertise in delivering innovative solutions but this has been a process which has happened over time by listening to our customers.
“In moving forward, we are encouraging wider communication channels which need to be a partnership between Sharp Interpack, its customers and the retailer. This is an ethos very much at the heart of Sharp Interpack since new ownership three years ago which has seen the business improve in both investment and structure.
“New products which push forward technology barriers have already been developed by working alongside our customers. For example, we have been working with Leading Edge Labels to develop a new printing process specifically for soft-fruit products, offering greater impact and increased durability over existing print technology and traditional labelling,” she adds.
Price says the company is also continuously looking to future demands and is in the process of investigating bio-degradable materials and innovative packaging to meet the latest trends in healthy eating.
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