Business Reporter • 6 January 2024

Think globally, act locally

Green is the new black

With over 40 years’ experience, Reading-based wholesale packaging supplier Swiftpak has reached a new milestone. Last year, Swiftpak was thrilled to achieve its B Corporation accreditation, which reflects its passion for creating a positive impact.

It was a no-brainer for Swiftpak to take a step forward to join the global movement of people using business as a force for good. Undertaking the B Impact Assessment put down on paper the great things Swiftpak was already doin

Swiftpak • 5 October 2023

Plastic vs Paper Packaging: The Pros and Cons

Plastics came into existence by accident in 1907, but it grew popular around the 1950s when high-density polyethylene was created. Plastics are made from fossil fuels which is clearly a non-renewable source. It is estimated that 4% of the world’s oil production is used as feedstock to make plastics, so this means plastic is often viewed as poor material in terms of renewability and sustainability.

However, it's not all doom and gloom with plastic. In recent times various reports from credible s

Swiftpak • 18 June 2021

Is your ecommerce packaging frustration free?

All consumers want is for their product to be shipped with the least amount of packaging material possible whilst being protected from any damage that can occur during transit. The less packaging there is to deal with, the easier it will be for customers to open and dispose of. Nobody wants the extra hassle that comes with dealing with packaging mess – let’s keep that for Christmas Day.

Unfortunately, ecommerce packaging does not always meet this demand as it can often be just a retail-ready pa

6 January 2024

Social Media Posts

Swiftpak • 10 January 2023

5 Ways to Create Luxury Packaging Design

Presentational packaging does not need to be extremely eye catching or covered in bright colours. Instead, a high-end luxury packaging design should be subtle and elegant, reinforcing exclusivity. Within this article, we will explore the 5 ways you can create luxury packaging designed for success!

1. Choose a colour that resonates with your brand for your luxury packaging When it comes to designing your luxurious packaging, it’s good practice to choose a colour that reflects your brand and what

Swiftpak • 18 November 2021

Everything you need to know about protective packaging for ecommerce

Due to this rapid and vast expansion, ecommerce now presents new challenges for shipping and packaging as the increased volume of shipped products means packages are travelling further and for longer periods. This means that protective packaging is more vital for ecommerce businesses than ever before, especially because the number of touchpoints have increased during transportation. For example, it is said on average an ecommerce package is handled 20 times more frequently than shop purchased go

Haiken • 25 January 2022

4 benefits of biophilic design in the office

The term ‘biophilia’ was coined by Edward O Wilson, who was one of the founding fathers of the psychology behind biophilia. Biophilic elements refer to anything that induces the sense of beauty of the natural world. This can include features such as plants, water features, natural lighting, or patterns and design styles that mimic nature like flooring with a wood effect. Did you know that The Global Human Spaces report found that 33% of office workers say that the design of an office affects the

Wooof.co.uk • 20 September 2023

Top Sustainable Dog Products with a paw-sitive impact

Did you know that the collective environmental pawprint of pets is massive? It's true. A pet's diet produces the majority of their carbon footprint. Dogs and cats requiring meat to eat creates the equivalent of 64 million tons of carbon dioxide a year! This is the same climate impact caused by 13.5 million cars during a year’s worth of driving. Crazy right? Sustainability is becoming more important globally. However, as we strive for a greener lifestyle, we might overlook the impact of our furry

Wooof.co.uk • 19 October 2023

Dog Halloween Costumes: How to read their body language

Halloween – or shall we say Howl-o-ween – is an exciting event for many. It’s full of spooky movie marathons, clever costumes, and tons of sweets! If you like dressing up and want to know if it's safe for your dog to join in, this is for you. More than 66% of owners buy dog Halloween costumes . While some dogs will enjoy being dressed up, a Rover study found that costumes can affect your furry pal’s physical and emotional state. That’s why it’s important to look at your beloved canine’s body lan

Wooof.co.uk • 24 September 2023

Ingredient Deep Dive: Pumpkin for Dogs

Do you love Halloween season? If so, you are probably already carving your Jack O’Lantern with your furry pal by your side. As you do this, you may be asking yourself the question, “can my dog eat pumpkin?” In this Ingredient Deep Dive on pumpkin for dogs, we explore the ways to safely treat your dog this Howl-oween! We also feature exclusive tips from Clinical Director at Castle Vets, Dr Katy Slatford!

Yes, dogs can eat pumpkin! In fact, pumpkin for dogs is a superfood. This means that it’s fu

Haiken • 26 October 2022

5 most common myths of hybrid working debunked

The traditional style of working has significantly changed since the pandemic. Previously, employees would be in the office 9 till 5 at their desks, but this dated working model is no more. Executive leaders now have the challenge of redesigning their old workplace model to suit the new ‘human-centric’ hybrid work design that emphasises flexibility and empathy. Doing so will lead to employees feeling more empowered and increasing their productivity and engagement. However, not everyone agrees wi

Haiken • 12 October 2021

The Campfire Future Of The Workplace

There’s no denying that the culture of modern work as we knew it has changed over the last two years as everyone has had to adapt to working from home. A global study of workers by The Future Forum revealed that an overwhelming number of workers (93%) now want flexibility in their schedule and where they work. In fact, in April, over 90% of people expected some form of remote working, with only 3% expecting to go to the office full-time according to Dale Office’s research. This is where the new

Wooof.co.uk • 17 October 2023

A Guide to Dog Dental Care

Did you know that 90% of dogs develop gum disease by age 2? Surprisingly, many dog owners won’t even realise it! Dental Disease (also known as Periodontal Disease) is the most common condition affecting dogs in the UK. This caused by the buildup of plaque and tartar on your dog's teeth. Periodontal disease can cause your dog pain, tooth loss, stinky breath, and can even affect their heart and kidney’s. That’s why it’s crucial to take dog dental care seriously by brushing their teeth regularly to

Haiken • 10 January 2022

The top colours for your office to increase productivity

The debate surrounding whether colours can affect our mood, productivity and psychological wellbeing has been argued throughout history. One of the first studies to look into the links between colour and mood was in 1979 by Schauss. It was a study on American prisons that discovered at the time that by painting the walls pink, aggressive behaviours of inmates were reduced. While offices are not to be confused with prisons, this study does show how much of an impact colour can have. Colour affect

Wooof.co.uk • 1 November 2023

How to keep your dog calm on firework night

Events such as Halloween and Bonfire Night may be entertaining for us humans, but it can cause a bout of anxiety in our furry friends. Especially when there are fireworks involved. According to research by the RSPCA, 45% of dogs fear fireworks. As November 5th rapidly approaches, it's important to be prepared for firework night. In this article, we'll guide you on keeping your dog calm during fireworks, making it a less stressful experience for them.

What are the signs my dog is scared of firew

Swiftpak • 22 April 2022

3 ways to avoid or reduce the plastic tax

The Plastic Tax is now in place as of April 1st. This new tax sees that plastic packaging with less than 30% recycled content is subject to £200 per tonne penalty. This applies to importers or manufacturers of more than 10 tonnes of plastic packaging, and bio-based, biodegradable, compostable, and oxo-degradable plastics are also in scope of the tax.

According to GOV.UK, plastic packaging is responsible for 67% of the UK’s plastic waste, with over 2 million tonnes of plastic used every year. Th

Swiftpak • 2 August 2023

What is Extended Producer Responsibility UK?

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a new UK legislation that will replace the current Packaging Waste Regulations with a phased implementation from 2023. It is an environmental policy that requires producers to pay the full costs of dealing with the waste they produce from when it is placed onto the market, through to the end of its life. It is hoped that this will achieve a reduction in the environmental impact of products throughout their life cycle. The idea is that if you produce the

Swiftpak • 1 March 2022

What is ‘greenwashing’ on packaging and how to avoid it

In a 2020 report by First Insight, 73% of Generation Z consumers answered that they would pay more for sustainable products. Another survey conducted by Lending Tree also supports this with 41% of millennials already spending more on eco-friendly products instead. These surveys shows how important sustainability and protecting the environment are to the consumer. This is especially the case since COP26 last year and the upcoming plastic tax bill being implemented in April, which only pushes dema

Swiftpak • 4 May 2021

How will the new 30% recycled tax affect businesses and packaging?

Plastic waste is a global issue as it often does not decompose and so it ends up polluting our environment. In a YouGov poll, 69% of Britons agreed that all companies should be required by law to use eco-friendly packaging, regardless of whether it would involve price increases. The new recycling tax will push companies to make the switch to more sustainable materials. But how will it affect businesses, and in particular, the packaging industry? In this article, we will be exploring the new plas

Swiftpak • 8 June 2023

How to lower your carbon footprint within your packaging operations

In 2021, CO2 levels were at the highest concentration in the atmosphere in 4.5 million years! This amount of greenhouse gas in the atmosphere is what drives the dangerous levels of global heating around the world. Due to the amount of CO2 that is produced when manufacturing products, businesses massively contribute to global warming. This is why businesses are trying their best to cut down on the carbon emissions they produce within their operations by committing to Net Zero targets. This is pus

Swiftpak • 5 October 2023

6 Top Packaging Trends for 2022

In fact, recent survey found that 74% of consumers indicated they would pay more for products that were contained within environmentally safe and sustainable packaging. This means that in 2022 (and beyond) your packaging could be the deciding factor between a consumer supporting you over your competitor. There are many packaging trends to look out for this year, with some of our favourites included right here. From sustainable design to product personalisation, consider these six packaging trend

Wooof.co.uk • 24 July 2023

Bee and wasp stings: What should I do if my dog has been stung?

Has a bee or a wasp ever stung your dog? Most importantly, would you know what to do if the situation occurred? Bee and wasp stings are most common during early Spring to late Autumn. Dogs often get stung on their paws or around their face, resulting in pain, irritation, and swelling. In such cases, you can handle the insect stings at home. However, for more severe bee and wasp stings, like inside your dog's mouth or throat, multiple stings, or any allergic reactions, immediate veterinary treatm

Wooof.co.uk • 20 June 2023

International Yoga Day inspired by dogs!

takes place on 21st June every year. This is because it is the Summer Solstice, which means it’s the day that has the most sun in a year.

As you might know, Yoga is an ancient practice that originally began 5,000 years ago in India and was developed to interconnect the mind, body, and soul, so one can step towards enlightenment. This is why it is such a popular form of exercise, as yoga is a relaxation method that is great for mental health and wellbeing, as well as for physical health. So what

Wooof.co.uk • 5 January 2024

Ingredient Deep Dive: 5 Benefits of Turmeric for Dogs

Turmeric is a well-known ingredient and has been the subject of many scientific studies regarding its health benefits for humans. For example, it has a long history of use in medicines dating back nearly 4,000 years. Turmeric is anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and has anticancer properties. But did you know that this little spice also has promising health benefits for dogs? It’s true, turmeric does not just benefit us humans! Within this ingredient deep dive, we'll investigate the