Tag: Right Size

We’re Exhibiting at IMHX – Come and meet the experts

Posted on by definitionconsulting

Team Ribble will be at IHMX on 9 – 11 September 2025 at the NEC Birmingham where we’ll be showcasing Panotec’s innovative box making solutions.

Join us for a live demonstration of our Right Size packaging technology and see firsthand how it can streamline your packaging process, reduce costs and improve efficiency.

 

Details

  • Stand B136
  • 9 – 11 September 2025
  • NEC Birmingham

 

How do I register?

Register for free here.

For any questions, our team can be contacted on 0161 284 9000. We look forward to seeing you there!

 

About the event

IMHX is the UK’s unmissable event for the entire supply chain and logistics community.
It offers logistics and supply chain professionals a unique opportunity to explore cutting-edge technologies, discover innovative solutions, and gain actionable insights into the industry’s future. Attendees can network with industry leaders, connect with key decision makers across sectors and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving landscape of automation and services.

Ribble Packaging: The Team Behind Smarter Packaging Solutions

Posted on by definitionconsulting

If you’re reviewing packaging costs, cutting down waste, or trying to make sustainability part of how your business operates, you’ll want to know who you’re working with.

Ribble Packaging has worked with large UK businesses for decades. We don’t overpromise or rely on gimmicks. We focus on helping you reduce cost, space, and environmental impact through packaging that’s practical, tailored, and well supported.

Here’s a clear view of who we are, what we do, and why it works.

A bit about us

Ribble has been producing corrugated packaging since 1938. Today, we’re focused on helping large businesses use sustainable packaging solutions that also improve efficiency.

We specialise in fanfold corrugated board, which supports automated production of Right Size boxes on demand. This means your packaging fits your products exactly, using less space, fewer materials, and no unnecessary filler.

What we do differently

Most packaging suppliers sell you a product. Ribble works more like a partner. We help you understand the link between your packaging and your operational performance. Then we support you in making that change.

Businesses come to us because they want:

  • More control over packaging output and costs
  • Less waste in transport and production
  • Less storage taken up by oversized packaging
  • Clearer data for sustainability reporting

We help with all of that, using proven technology and teams who know what they’re doing.

One of the key ways we do this is through our partnership with Panotec, a leading provider of on-demand box-making machinery. These systems integrate with your workflow, allowing you to automate the entire packaging process, from measuring the item to producing and forming the box, coupling it with the product, closing, labelling and palletising.

With three machine options, depending on your output requirements, whether you’re shipping 50 items a day or 5,000, Panotec machines paired with Ribble’s fanfold corrugated board offer you flexibility, speed and savings without unnecessary material usage or wasted space.

The teams behind Ribble

We’re able to support large, complex organisations because of the people behind our product. Working in sectors like furniture, retail, print/POS, kitchen and bathrooms, and manufacturing.

Production

Our manufacturing site in the North West is set up to handle high volume, high quality production. We’ve invested heavily in our fanfold lines and corrugating equipment so we can deliver consistently, with short lead times.

Sales

This isn’t a hard-sell team. Our salespeople are packaging experts who understand the operational side of business. They’ll work with you to make sure our setup fits yours, from the volumes you need to the machinery you use.

Support

Whether you’re exploring Right Size boxes on demand or want to better understand the impact of sustainable packaging solutions on things like Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), our support team brings clarity. They’re here to troubleshoot, advise and assist at every step.

Why large businesses work with us

Ribble works best with businesses that have scale and are looking for a better way to do things. Most of our customers want to improve profitability. Others are focused on environmental impact. Some want to get ahead of legislation or make day-to-day operations smoother.

Whatever the driver, we help by:

  • Providing 100% recycled and recyclable corrugated packaging
  • Replacing one-size-fits-all boxes with fanfold corrugated board tailored to your product mix
  • Supporting automated systems that produce Right Size boxes on demand

The results are measurable: less waste, lower costs, and more control.

Ready to Rethink Packaging?

If you’re responsible for packaging, operations, logistics or sustainability, and you’re reviewing how to improve results, we’re always happy to talk packaging.

Find out more about our sustainable packaging solutions and Ribble could help you simplify your packaging process.

Contact us today through our website or call 0161 284 9000.

Is Cheap Packaging a False Economy?

Posted on by definitionconsulting

When it comes to packaging, many manufacturers are tempted to seek out the lowest cost option. On the surface, it seems a simple way to protect margins. But scratch beneath the surface and it quickly becomes clear: cheap packaging can end up costing your business far more in the long run.

 

The Hidden Costs of Cheap Packaging

First off, simply going too cheap on cardboard boxes risks them failing the basic function of protecting your product. It often leads to over-reliance on void filler and still leaves goods exposed to transit damage. Damaged products mean costly returns and can harm your reputation with customers.

When products are poorly packed, they also take up more space, resulting in higher transport costs. More deliveries, higher emissions and wasted space all combine to erode any initial savings made by selecting a lower-priced box.

Assembly time is another hidden cost. Complicated or flimsy packaging designs can slow down your operations significantly. Labour costs creep up when employees spend longer building, securing or replacing poor-quality boxes. This extra time drains resources that could otherwise be spent more productively.

If you are considering making a change, learn how to choose the right corrugated board for your packaging to make sure you select the right solution.

 

How to Reduce Packaging Costs

Reducing packaging costs doesn’t mean automatically choosing the cheapest materials. Instead, smart manufacturers look for ways to improve efficiency. High-quality, fit-for-purpose packaging can lower damage rates, speed up assembly and make logistics more cost-effective.

One simple but effective strategy is to design packaging that is easy and quick to assemble. Reducing assembly time can have a significant impact on labour costs, particularly for manufacturers handling large volumes. Well-designed packaging solutions improve speed and consistency within warehouses, helping your teams work smarter.

 

Right Size Packaging Works Out Cheaper

Right Size technology, such as Ribble’s Right Size solution, allows manufacturers to create packaging that perfectly fits each product. By eliminating excess space, you can drastically reduce material usage, cut down on void fill and make shipments more compact.

With less air being transported, shipping becomes more efficient, reducing both costs and environmental impact. Right Size also helps protect products more effectively during transit, meaning fewer damages and returns to manage.

 

How Rationalisation Can Save Money

Rationalising your packaging range can unlock further savings. By reviewing your existing packaging inventory and reducing the number of different box sizes and styles, you can simplify procurement, storage and operations.

Bulk ordering fewer types of packaging often leads to better unit costs. It also simplifies training for assembly teams and improves warehouse space utilisation. For manufacturers dealing with multiple product lines, rationalisation can bring welcome clarity and efficiency without sacrificing the quality or protection of the products.

 

Packaging That Supports Your Business Growth

Choosing the right packaging partner can make a significant difference to your bottom line. At Ribble Packaging, we help businesses like you reduce packaging costs the smart way, without compromising on product protection, efficiency or sustainability.

Explore how our tailored solutions, including Right Size technology, can help your business. Get in touch today on 0161 284 9000.

Sustainable Packaging Solutions for Made-to-Order Businesses

Posted on by definitionconsulting

In industries that predominantly operate on a made-to-order basis, such as doors, panels or shutters, rising customer demand for environmental responsibility is pushing manufacturers to rethink their processes. Whether it’s reducing carbon emissions by changing material suppliers or upgrading packaging solutions, companies are increasingly seeking ways to align with sustainability while maintaining product protection, visual appeal and bottom-line profits.

Made-to-Order Packaging

Manufacturers in the doors, panels, and shutters industry cover a wide range of clients, from individual homeowners with smaller orders to large-scale construction projects. Regardless of the order size, packaging plays an important role in ensuring products arrive in perfect condition. Given the intricate finishes and personal details that often define these products, standard packaging solutions frequently fall short.

Traditional packaging practices, such as relying on oversized boxes and plastic void fillers, lead to unnecessary waste, higher costs and a greater risk of product damage. This is where Right Size packaging steps in to provide a more tailored, sustainable, and efficient solution.

The Benefits of Right Size Packaging

Right Size packaging is designed specifically for each product, minimising empty space in the box and reducing the need for filler materials. This approach not only lowers packaging costs but also significantly reduces the risk of damage during transportation, ensuring that products reach customers intact and undamaged.

Additionally, Right Size packaging streamlines production by enabling on-demand creation. This helps free up valuable warehouse space and increases the overall packaging process, contributing to a more efficient supply chain.

Case Study: Evergreen Shutters

We recently spoke with Evergreen Shutters, a leading manufacturer who faced packaging challenges due to the variety of custom-made shutters they produced. Standard packaging solutions led to excessive use of filler materials and frequent product damage. Their solution? Implementing Right Size packaging in partnership with Ribble Packaging. You can read the full case study to learn how Evergreen Shutters improved their packaging processes and saw long-term benefits from adopting Right Size packaging.

While transitioning to Right Size packaging is a commitment, the long-term benefits such as cost savings, reduced waste, and improved product protection are undeniable. Adopting made-to-order packaging is not just a practical step but a strategic decision that positions manufacturers for long-term success in a competitive and sustainability-focused market.

Take the Next Step with Ribble Packaging

If you’re ready to discover how custom packaging can transform your business, reach out to us at Ribble Packaging on 0161 284 9000 or through our website. Our team of experts can advise on the best options to meet your business needs, helping you enhance sustainability and reduce costs.

An Update on the EPR Regulations on Packaging and what that means for you

Posted on by definitionconsulting

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) has been introduced to reshape packaging waste management in the UK and Europe. If you want to understand more about how this will impact your packaging, then stick around.

As the environmental impact of packaging continues to draw public and governmental scrutiny, EPR regulations are increasingly mandating that producers take full responsibility for the lifecycle of their packaging. Effective from October 2025, these regulations are going to change how businesses approach packaging design, production and disposal.

What is EPR?

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a framework that assigns producers significant financial and physical responsibility for the treatment and disposal of post-consumer products. The primary goal of EPR is to incentivise producers to incorporate environmental considerations into the design of their products and packaging, ultimately reducing waste and promoting recycling.

Key Changes in the EPR Regulations

The upcoming EPR regulations in the UK bring several key changes that businesses need to be aware of:

  1. Producers will be required to cover the full net costs of managing packaging waste, including collection, sorting, recycling, and disposal. This includes payments to local authorities for handling household packaging waste​
  2. Companies must report on the packaging they place on the market. This data must be submitted bi-annually, covering the volume and type of packaging materials used, to ensure accurate calculation of waste management fees​
  3. Producers will need to obtain Packaging Waste Recycling Notes (PRNs) or Packaging Waste Export Recycling Notes (PERNs) as evidence that their packaging waste has been recycled. This system aims to ensure transparency and accountability in the recycling process​

    More information can be found here (GOV.UK)​​.

Impacts on Packaging Design and Materials

The new EPR regulations are set to also impact how businesses design and choose materials for their packaging. To comply with EPR standards, companies are encouraged to use sustainable and recyclable materials. This shift is driving innovation in packaging design, with many businesses exploring alternatives. In reviewing packaging, many companies have already seen a reduction in excess packaging through Right Size packaging.

While there may be initial costs associated with transitioning to sustainable packaging, the long-term benefits include reduced waste management expenses and improved resource efficiency. Additionally, compliance with EPR regulations can help companies avoid potential fines and penalties. Other benefits have shown companies that adopt sustainable packaging practices can improve their green credentials and appeal to environmentally conscious consumers, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability can differentiate a brand in a competitive market.

Practical Steps for EPR Compliance

Businesses across the UK should start by assessing their current packaging materials and practices to identify areas for improvement. Once identified, work closely with packaging suppliers to develop sustainable solutions that meet EPR standards. Suppliers like Ribble Packaging can offer expertise in optimising packaging and material selection.

Consult the Experts at Ribble Packaging

The EPR regulations mark a significant shift in how packaging waste is managed in the UK. While these regulations pose challenges for businesses in terms of increased costs and compliance requirements, they also offer opportunities for innovation and sustainability. By staying informed and proactively adapting to these changes, companies can not only comply with the regulations but also enhance their environmental impact.

At Ribble Packaging we specialise in providing EPR compliant packaging solutions tailored to your business needs through Right Size Packaging. Contact us today and see how we can help you understand the complexities of EPR regulations.

For more detailed information on the EPR regulations and their implementation, you can visit the official UK government pages (GOV.UK)​​.

Solving the Furniture Industry’s Damaged Goods Dilemma

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Furniture manufacturers face a common challenge; goods becoming damaged during transit.

The logistics of shipping bulky and irregularly shaped items often result in them arriving at their destination in less-than-ideal condition. However, a growing number of manufacturers are discovering a solution to this problem through investment in Right Size packaging technology, with companies like Panotec leading the charge.

The Damaged Goods Dilemma

For furniture manufacturers, damaged goods represent more than just a financial setback. They impact customer trust, harm brand reputation, and disrupt your supply chain. The nature of furniture, large, heavy, and often fragile makes it particularly susceptible to damage during transit. Traditional one-size-fits-all packaging methods often fall short of protecting these items, leading to an alarming rate of returns.

Right Size Packaging

Right Size packaging has changed the way furniture manufacturers approach packaging. Instead of using standardised boxes that leave unused space and excessive void filler, Right Size packaging involves customising packaging to fit each product’s exact dimensions. This tailored approach minimises wasted space, reduces the risk of product movement during transit, and enhances overall protection.

Who Are Panotec?

Panotec is a leader in automated packaging solutions, offering various systems that enable furniture manufacturers to optimise their packaging processes. By leveraging Panotec’s automated systems, manufacturers can produce custom-sized boxes on demand, ensuring that each item is packaged securely and efficiently. This not only reduces the likelihood of damage during transit but also streamlines operations and cuts down on material waste.

Benefits Beyond Damage Prevention

Investing in Right Size packaging with Panotec offers a host of benefits beyond mitigating damaged products. Manufacturers can enjoy cost savings through reduced shipping expenses and material usage. The efficiency gains achieved through automation enable companies to allocate resources more effectively, improving overall productivity and profitability. Additionally, embracing sustainable packaging practices aligns with consumer’s growing preference for eco-friendly brands.

Work with Ribble Packaging

Ribble Packaging has already been able to enhance the speed, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness of furniture packaging processes for the likes of Wren Kitchens, One Call Furniture, Magnet and BA Components to name but a few by adopting Right Size packaging with Panotec.

As the furniture industry continues to evolve, packaging will play an increasingly important role in shaping the customer experience. By prioritising investment in Right Size packaging technology, manufacturers can stay ahead of the curve and position themselves for long-term success.

If you would like to discuss the possibilities of Panotec, get in contact.

Why Packaging Waste Matters: New Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Updates

Posted on by definitionconsulting

The way we package our goods can significantly contribute to a better planet, so it’s no surprise the spotlight is now on sustainability in packaging practices, with updated regulations on packaging waste set to come in October 2025.
These regulations come in the form of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), a regulatory framework aimed at changing how we approach packaging waste. Whether you’re sourcing materials domestically or relying on imports, this impending scheme is set to reshape your packaging operations.
This blog serves as an informative follow-up to our previous discussions on the topic, providing the latest updates on EPR.

Understanding EPR

At its core, EPR shifts the responsibility for packaging waste management onto producers, requiring them to bear the full cost of collection, sorting, treatment, and recycling. Recent updates to EPR regulations have brought about significant changes, including the introduction of modulated fees. The payment year has also been deferred from October 2024 to October 2025, however, businesses are still required to declare their packaging waste for 2023.
This initiative is driven by the objective of incentivising producers to limit packaging waste and enhance recyclability. This shift inevitably carries financial implications, as costs are predicted to increase. Therefore, it’s important to understand how EPR will influence your packaging operations and how you can proactively mitigate associated expenses.

Aligning Packaging Practices with EPR

EPR encourages producers to rethink packaging choices and design, urging businesses to embrace recyclable materials and eco-design principles while reducing waste. As companies gear up to comply with EPR regulations, it’s clear that innovative solutions will be essential in meeting these new standards effectively.

How can Right Size Packaging Help?

Right Size solutions combine Ribble’s industry-leading Fanfold material and state-of-the-art technology to create the perfect size box for all products. This ensures every item of packaging fits the product exactly, negating the need for void fillers and excess packaging.
We have a simple 4-step process for our Right Size solutions:
1. Enter box style and dimensions.
2. Select how many are required.
3. The box is produced within seconds.
4. Products are packaged in the perfect-sized box.

As well as saving on EPR tax, businesses will save on fuel and transport costs, regain warehouse space and save on labour costs, all resulting in up to 30% savings on packaging costs.
If you would like to discuss EPR in more detail with some of the packaging experts at Ribble Packaging, you can contact us at info@ribble-pack.co.uk or visit our contact page.

Print & POS Companies Deserve Better Packaging

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Many print & POS companies are finding their hard work undone due to improper packaging.

Print and POS are often known for their creativity, but delivering exceptional work to clients extends beyond the ink on the page or setting up a sales display – it’s about ensuring that it arrives in pristine condition. The journey from print to delivery is often overlooked, yet it presents a significant opportunity to increase profits simply by embracing efficient packaging practices.

Why Efficient Packaging is Important

Efficient packaging serves as more than just a protective means during delivery, it should be considered an investment that saves time, money, and resources. By streamlining packaging processes, print and POS companies not only reduce the risk of damaged stock, but also reduce unnecessary expenses associated with overstocking and wasteful packaging materials. For instance, efficient packaging can lead to faster order fulfilment, reducing labour costs and improving customer satisfaction.

Additionally, companies embracing sustainable packaging practices not only return better cost savings but also contribute to a healthier planet, aligning with the growing pressures on corporate social responsibility. According to a recent study, just a 1% increase in CSR investments leads to a 0.3% increase in sales growth.

Right Size Packaging Solution

Right Size is the development of on demand packaging production. This technology enables companies to produce packaging precisely tailored to the dimensions of each product, eliminating the need for excessive filler or wasted space.

Working with Fanfold corrugated material offers the perfect solution to addressing the challenges of varied job sizes and delicate displays. With Right Size packaging, print & POS companies can begin to modernise their packaging operation and reduce expenditure.

Whether handling small scale print orders or large format POS displays, these solutions can adjust to accommodate various requirements allowing companies to innovate and expand their offerings. With the flexibility of Right Size solutions, you remain agile and responsive.

Ribble Packaging

By embracing Right Size packaging solutions print and POS companies can unlock substantial cost savings while delivering undamaged products to your clients.

Learn more about Ribble’s Right Size Packaging Solutions and how they can benefit your Print or POS business today. If you want to speak about your packaging needs in greater detail, call us on 0161 284 9000.

Bulk Buying Doesn’t Always Mean Savings

Posted on by definitionconsulting

The way products are packaged can significantly impact a company’s bottom line, and for years the go-to strategy has been bulk buying both packaging materials and void filler, but what many fail to realise are the hidden costs associated with this traditional approach.

Rethinking Bulk Buying

Bulk buying packaging materials has long been the default option for many companies due to the attractive discounts offered on larger quantities. Yet, this seemingly cost-effective strategy may be putting a strain on your warehouse space. Worse yet, if you cater to many different sized products, your packaging can sit for long periods of time.

However, there is a more efficient and cost-effective way to approach your packaging…

Getting it Right First Time

Investing in Right Size packaging solutions can significantly reduce packaging costs by up to 40%. It is already being utilised by various industries, from furniture to manufacturing. This approach is centred on efficiency and cost-effectiveness, as companies use rolls of fanfold cardboard that adapt to different product shapes and sizes seamlessly.

This works by scanning and entering the box style and dimensions, selecting the quantity required then your box is produced within seconds. With this precise customisation, it allows for the perfect sized box every time, eliminating any need for void filler, meaning less clutter and the opportunity to optimise your warehouse space.

Real Packaging Cost Savings

One of our clients, BG Sports, struggled with their packaging as they shipped sports memorabilia in all different shapes and sizes. Bulk buying packaging was inefficient and ordering smaller quantities was too expensive. With the business growing, space started to become an issue, and that’s why they invested in Right Size solutions. They achieved a significant reduction in packaging material usage and storage costs, reducing their packaging bill from £400k a year down to £200k, thanks to the adoption of Ribble’s Right Size. Read more about their story here.

The benefits of Right Size packaging extend beyond this case study. It also reduces material wastage, lowers shipping expenses, decreases product damage and returns, maximises shipping capacity, and helps businesses adapt to price increases in the supply chain. Companies that adopt this approach not only contribute to environmental sustainability but also witness a positive impact on their bottom line, making it a win-win solution.

Choosing Ribble Packaging

As businesses reassess their packaging strategies, we encourage you to explore the many costs saving benefits with Right Size solutions. At Ribble Packaging, we specialise in providing tailored solutions that align with your business needs. Contact us today on 0161 284 9000.

BG Sports

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BG Sports are a licensed sports memorabilia company who have licences with most Formula 1 teams, UFC and Anthony Joshua, with many more on the way. Memorabilia is produced in house along with the manufacture of F1 show cars and driving simulators.

With the business growing, space started to become an issue and given the large variety of shapes and sizes of products, packaging SKU reductions became a necessity. BG Sports researched the right solution for their operational needs and found it with Ribble Right Size.

“Before we bought the machine we would spend around £400,000 on boxes and now we have cut that down to £200,000, that’s just in our first 12 months.”

“The most important thing it has helped us with is making packaging on demand, we can make a one off box for a random size parcel compared to before where we would need to get a quote, order the MOQ and wait for delivery to package specific size products.”

“We chose Ribble after doing some research and they were the best priced on the market. They are a one stop shop with the supply of Fanfold and we get great customer service.”

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