Plastics & Packaging

Packaging plays a vital role in protecting products in transit and when it reaches stores. But certain types of packaging, especially single-use plastic, can create waste, polluting our oceans and environment. As part of our sustainability commitment and with growing demand from our customers and consumers to address plastic waste, we’re doing everything we can to optimise our packaging for recyclability and use more sustainable and recycled materials.

Going Naked: Removing cello bags from our brand line cards

Our industry has typically used plastic packaging, an outer sleeve known as a cello bag, to protect cards and keep them in a good, saleable condition. These bags are not widely recyclable, and too often become waste. We have taken considerable steps to eradicate these single-use plastics, and we will continue to invest in methods to reduce plastic packaging associated with shipping products from our distribution centres.

We have invested in state-of-the-art machinery for roll wrap, which features a revolutionary paper tear strip, which is easy for the consumer to remove but keeps the product in pristine condition until it’s ready to use.  This enables the product to be plastic free.

When Blue Planet highlighted the damage plastic is doing to our oceans, it was a call to action for our industry. The issue of plastic waste is definitely getting the attention and action it now deserves in our industry and beyond. By working with our suppliers to go naked on key product lines, we aim to contribute to the global push to stem the tide of plastic waste.

Ceri Stirland, CEO – International, UK Greetings