The novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic has seen a huge increase in online ordering, which has in turn led to a spike in the use of packaging.

As a result, the market is experiencing a shortage in obtaining cardboard boxes and corrugated board for deliveries, with delays down the supply chain, such as getting pulp fibres back into the recycling chain that are used to make packaging boxes and corrugated board, also hampering businesses.

John Garner, head of business development for packaging at Antalis, has reached out to packaging and logistics businesses, calling on them to make contingency plans to ensure they can continue operating without major delays.

“Whilst we are optimistic that present supply issues may settle down quickly, this year will be different with the growing demand for packaging expected to be an ongoing trend,” Garner says.

“With high street retail closed, packaging is now going directly to consumers and is taking much longer to reach the recycling chain; and, even if it does, there is a high possibility of it being contaminated from household use or poor consumer disposal practices.”

Garner adds that Antalis is well placed to help businesses in this area, saying the company is renowned for finding packaging solutions.

“We have a vast range of specialist products to support businesses to get goods out of the door from packaging boards, boxes, void fill, pallets, tapes, to shrink and stretch film,” Garner says.

“At Antalis we have our Smart Packaging Centre, a ‘state-of-the art’ lab.  Here we help customers resolve packaging-related issues by coming up with designs, materials and solutions for their challenges.”

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