Packaging

Growth for Chesterfield packaging firm as more brands move to sustainable options

Chesterfield packaging manufacturer, Robinson is becoming a number one choice amongst UK brands as a trusted local paperboard packaging supplier to meet sustainability commitments.

The UK based supplier has seen more brands over the last year move their supply chain locally to meet environmental and supply chain pressures. The paperboard market is expected to grow at a year-on-year rate of 3.5% creating a significant opportunity for UK suppliers.

Dr Helene Roberts, CEO at Robinson, said: “Brands are demanding for more locally sourced packaging; in parallel consumer expectations are rising as they become more environmentally savvy. We are seeing a reduction in paperboard being procured from Asia and a higher demand from the UK market. This will have a significant benefit to reduce environmental impact while supporting UK businesses and making the supply chain stronger and more flexible.”

Robinson partners with some of the world’s most luxurious brands, from concept to commercialisation, creating sustainable packaging made from 100% post-consumer recycled material, which is widely recyclable.

A long-standing customer, Holdsworth Chocolates, sees great value in partnering with Robinson. David Sharples, Managing Director said:

“The breadth of the Holdsworth chocolate range of products means we have a requirement for a wide spectrum of packaging solutions, whether that be rigid boxes and lids, folding cartons or our unique clam shell gift boxes. With Robinson, we have found a partner in whom we can place an absolute trust; not only in reacting quickly to demand but also in helping us to create beautiful, sustainable packaging that perfectly complements our core values as a British business of excellence and quality.”

Robinson’s paperboard factory is in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, UK, strategically located centrally to remain competitively agile while reducing transportation times and associated carbon emissions. With extensive storage facilities of 13,000 sq ft, it allows customers to take advantage of the competitive price whilst having a highly responsive supply chain that can meet customer demands.

It is estimated that Robinson, on average, save customers 12 weeks of lead time by sourcing in the UK in comparison to the Far East.

Dr Roberts continues: “We are leading the way and continually investing in technology to keep us at the forefront of the market. Robinson has been in production for over 150 years. From this we have a breadth and depth of unmatched knowledge and expertise; that’s why we work with some of the world’s leading brands to create their most impactful and appealing packaging.”

Robinson supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , ,

Chesterfield’s Robinson produces packaging for luxury Fortnum and Mason product

Robinson – the manufacturer specialising in value-added custom packaging – has partnered with Fortnum and Mason to launch their new iced fingers in store this February.

Fortnum & Mason is a leading luxury food & drink brand, providing hampers and gifts for more than 300 years.

Robinson produced two different sized boxes that have been embellished with gold blocking to add a luxury, high-end appeal. Marrying luxury with sustainability, the boxes are made from 100% post-consumer recycled paperboard and can be widely recycled once used. The packaging also includes two cushion pads to protect the iced fingers in transport and on retail shelves.

The boxes have been printed using Fortnum and Mason’s traditional and elegant eaudenil colour palette and to meet their standards Robinson carried out substrate tests to ensure the packaging exactly matched the brand requirements.

Jon Walker, NPD Director at Robinson, said: “We are thrilled to have collaborated on this project and it is exciting to see the product finally launched. Being closely located we can offer flexibility and speed of supply and are proud to be a strategic partner to Fortnum and Mason. We are looking forward to further collaborations.”

The iced fingers are exclusively available in Fortnum and Mason’s London Piccadilly store and online through their website.

If you are interested in sustainable boxes for your brand, please email jonw@robinsonpackaging.com

Sustainability is at the heart of everything Robinson do, following the lunch of the company’s sustainability pledge last year. The pledge outlines a range of commitments underpinned by their strategic priorities focused on putting the customer first, sustainable growth and thriving people.

Robinson supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 200 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , ,

Robinson wins ‘Best Custom Packaging Solutions Provider’

Robinson – the Chesterfield manufacturer specialising in value-added custom packaging – has been named ‘Best Custom Packaging Solutions Provider’ at the 2021 Midlands Enterprise Awards.

Now running for four consecutive years, the Midlands Enterprise programme is created to acknowledge and award those SMEs of all different sizes covering a range of businesses and industries that are based within the Midlands. The region is often described as the beating heart of the British industry and is a strong force in opening new avenues and business opportunities to most SMEs.

Dr Helene Roberts, CEO at Robinson, says: “We are thrilled to be named Best Custom Packaging Solutions Provider. With nearly 200 years within the industry, we have a wealth of knowledge and expertise to provide our customers with customised solutions that meet their packaging needs.

Roberts continues: “Being an independent business, it gives us the advantage of being highly adaptive and flexible, our in-house team can help develop sustainable packaging formats, introduce innovative features and designs, or refine functionality, to make sure our customers meet their goals.”

The awards are given solely on merit and are awarded to commend those most deserving for their ingenuity and hard work, distinguishing them from their competitors and proving them worthy of recognition.

Awards Coordinator Dean Taylor commented: “I am incredibly proud of all of the winners this year and would like to congratulate them on achieving so much. It has been a pleasure managing this programme and I wish all the winners the best of luck for their future endeavours!”

Headquartered in Chesterfield, UK, Robinson has three plants in the UK, two in Poland and recently acquired a plant in Denmark, Schela Plast. The firm was formerly a family business with its origins dating back to 1839, currently employing nearly 400 people.

Robinson supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , ,

Robinson’s 2020 Annual report highlights another strong year – strategically, financially and sustainably

Robinson – the Chesterfield-based manufacturer specialising in value added custom packaging – has published its 2020 Annual report showcasing a successful year with a revitalised business strategy, increased sales, a radical re-brand and millions of pounds worth of investment in an acquisition and the latest low-carbon equipment.

Robinson’s Above & Beyond report articulates their strategy with purpose to create a sustainable future for people and planet with focus on three priorities: to put the customer first; help people thrive; and drive sustainable growth, all underpinned by their sustainability pledge. The report is a cohesive consolidation of financial and operational performance, demonstrating how the business is focused on creating sustained mutual shared value for all stakeholders.

Highlights include a 6% sales increase to £37.2 million, gross margin increase from 21% to 23%, a 3.0p final dividend announced for shareholders and £4.6 million invested in net capital expenditure. In addition, Robinson rebranded, defined a new company purpose and launched their sustainability pledge with 15 ambitious goals. The company also recently acquired Danish company Schela Plast adding geographical reach into Northern Europe.

Alan Raleigh, Chairman, says: “2020 was a year that tested us all but I am very proud of how the team has responded, maintaining a safe working environment for all while minimising disruption to our customers and their consumers. Our flexibility, responsiveness, technical capabilities and most importantly our people provide the basis for Robinson to go ‘above and beyond’ in 2021.”

Dr Helene Roberts, CEO says: “While 2020 was a year of unprecedented challenges, it was also a year when our purpose came to life bringing achievement and strong performance. During 2020 we introduced a significant amount of change to the business. Our focus in 2021 will be on consolidation, extracting full value while taking the opportunity to refine our business processes. I am excited about the opportunities for our people to thrive, strengthening our customer partnerships while achieving sustainable growth.”

The Annual report is issued on the day Robinson also announce the launch of their new company website, bringing their new brand identity to life, visually and verbally, while presenting their custom solutions and technical capabilities. It has been built with unified purpose to drive business growth and deliver customer needs while integrating Robinson’s business and digital strategy to thrive online, designed completely around the user for accessibility and enhanced experience.

Robinson supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Robinson CEO, Dr Helene Roberts

Posted in Business, Development, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , ,

Chesterfield packaging specialists Robinson launch new sustainability pledge

A Chesterfield manufacturer specialising in value added custom packaging has announced the launch of its ambitious sustainability pledge.

The pledge by Robinson outlines a range of commitments underpinned by their strategic priorities focused on putting the customer first, sustainable growth and thriving people.

CEO Dr Helene Roberts says this the blueprint for Robinson’s future-fit business. She says: “We have a role to contribute to sustainability and regenerative growth, which we view as key drivers with great opportunities for our business and the industry.

“Sustainability is about capacity for now and the long-term: meeting social and environmental needs without compromising the ability of future generations to thrive and prosper. In an industry where our products are used every day, we understand that we must make the most of the resources we use while meeting consumer needs in food and product protection.

“Our aim is circularity: to recover, regenerate and restore all products and materials at the end of their useful life.”

Lubna Edwards, Sustainability and Marketing Director for Robinson, is managing the roll out of the Sustainability Pledge, based on five pillars and 15 ambitious commitments:

  • People – helping people thrive and building a happy and healthy culture, with goals to include implementation of a comprehensive people development plan, zero accidents every year, and championing employee health and wellbeing.
  • Regeneration – extracting the maximum value from resources used in all operations and recovering and restoring materials and resources at the end of their life. Goals include zero waste to landfill, becoming net carbon positive and implementing principles for sustainable buildings.
  • Intelligence – creating sustainable products and services and partnering with customers to contribute to building a circular economy by applying purposeful design, using recycled materials and designing packaging for recyclability. Goals include virgin plastic reduction, maximum recycled content and all products to be fully recyclable.
  • Transformation – driving shared commercial value and income streams beyond current business models and collaborating with customers and partners to regenerate local circular economies. Goals focus on sustainable business environments, greener spaces and habitats, and offering reusable products.
  • Community – delivering real tangible social and environmental benefits to local communities, educating the next generation of change-makers and bringing more sustainable initiatives to the areas in which the business operates. Goals include offering career-enhancing work experience and opportunities, engaging educators and students on the benefits of packaging and recycling and giving back to communities.

Lubna says: “I am delighted to launch our Sustainability Pledge which strengthens our ability to deliver packaging with purpose. It is supports delivery of our company purpose which is to go above and beyond to create a sustainable future for our people and planet. It is an ambitious pledge but one I am confident we will achieve with the support of our people and partners.”

Robinson supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through  Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

 

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Featured, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , , ,

Stay informed

Keep up to date

Dont miss out on all the latest news, updates & special offers.

Signup to our newsletter