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Sheard Packaging’s Year of Transformation and Innovation in Corrugated Solutions

As 2024 draws to a close, Sheard Packaging celebrates a year of extraordinary growth, investment, and innovation that has set new benchmarks in the corrugated packaging industry. Through cutting-edge advancements, strategic investments, and a steadfast commitment to sustainability, Sheard has continued to revolutionise packaging solutions for FMCG, retail, and beyond.

Advancing Mobile Innovation and Operational Flexibility

The Mobile Innovation Centre (MiC) has positioned itself as a key driver for customer collaboration this year. Designed to literally bring packaging solutions directly to clients, MiC continues to enable rapid prototyping, detailed design iterations, and immediate feedback, fostering stronger partnerships and faster project timelines.

Sheard's Mobile Innovation Centre

Value Optimisation: Adding Value Across the Chain

Our Value Optimisation Programmes reflect Sheard Packaging’s dedication to creating value throughout the supply chain while prioritising environmental impact. By redesigning packaging to optimise material use, recyclability, and pallet efficiency, we empower businesses to reduce costs and improve operational sustainability. These initiatives extend beyond business outcomes, contributing to a collective effort toward a more sustainable planet. Together with our partners, we strive to align economic benefits with environmental responsibility.

 

Sustainability and B Corp Accreditation

Sustainability has been at the heart of everything we have done this year. Achieving B Corp accreditation marked a significant milestone in our journey to balance profit with purpose. This certification demonstrates our commitment to rigorous environmental and social standards, reinforcing our role as a leader in sustainable packaging. By working closely with our clients and suppliers, we aim to create solutions that help them meet their green objectives while promoting circularity across industries.

Sheard Packaging

Strategic Investments: Transforming Operations with New Technology

2024 has been a year of leveraging past investments to achieve transformative results. October 2023 marked the culmination of Sheard Packaging’s recent £13 million investment programme, which has strengthened our position as an industry leader in corrugated packaging. Whilst market volumes experienced a dip, we seized the opportunity to future-proof our operations, demonstrating resilience and foresight.

This investment journey began with the removal of the 7-colour Dong Fang Apstar in May 2023, followed by the installation of a fully automated Asahi flatbed die-cutting line in June, equipped with Dücker pre-feeders and a Dücker Corrpal palletiser. The highlight was the installation of the new Göpfert 5-colour HBL HQPP die-cutter in October, complementing our existing 7-colour Göpfert installed in 2020. Together, these machines have revolutionised our production capabilities, enabling print quality previously achievable only through litho or pre-print methods.

In 2024, we maximised the potential of these cutting-edge technologies. By streamlining our production lines and improving efficiency, we have significantly expanded our capacity, onboarded an additional 12 million m² of die-cut volume, and grown our HQPP market share. The seamless integration and 24/7 operation of our new equipment reflect the dedication of Sheard’s engineering teams and their strong collaboration with Göpfert.

These strategic advancements have allowed us to not only meet increased customer demand but also reduce lead times, opening doors to new markets and reinforcing Sheard Packaging’s position at the forefront of innovation in the corrugated packaging sector. This year stands as a testament to the long-term value of investing in the future.

Gopfert Machine

Investing in People: Building a Thriving Workplace

Our greatest strength lies in our people. This year, Sheard Packaging invested in workforce development through expanded training programs, fostering growth and expertise across our team. We also focused on enhancing the workplace environment, from modernising office spaces to continuing initiatives like monthly food truck events to strengthen team morale. These efforts ensure that Sheard remains a dynamic and rewarding place to work, driving a culture of innovation and collaboration.

Looking Ahead

As we close the chapter on 2024, we extend our heartfelt thanks to our partners and employees for their unwavering support and dedication. Together, we’ve achieved extraordinary milestones, and we look forward to building on this momentum in 2025. Here’s to another fantastic year of innovation, collaboration, and shared success.