Builders Merchants Journal – BMJ Publishing to Builders Merchants and the UK merchanting industry for more than 95 years
Lakes new 100% recyclable packaging has been shortlisted for the prestigious UFEMAT ‘Packaging Awards’. UFEMAT is the European association of national builders’ merchants associations and manufacturers. They launched the awards this year as a joint initiative with Valipac and FEMA to share good packaging practice and promote sustainable innovations in the European construction industry. The awards recognise sustainable packaging solutions for construction products, with entries judged on design for recycling, circularity, waste reduction and innovation.
Lakes launched its new recyclable packaging in March this year. It removes all plastic banding, carton stapling, plastic tape and polystyrene. The packaging was also improved to make it easier and safer to handle. It’s stronger too to reduce product waste. Shortly after the launch, Lakes achieved Carbon Neutral Standard based on an assessment of carbon emissions for its UK operation.
Lakes is among five European merchants and manufacturers shortlisted for these awards. Each company now has the task of presenting to the judges at the UFEMAT Congress in Montreux, Switzerland on the 17th October. The winner will be announced at a ceremony the following evening.
Operations Director Mick Evans says, “We weren’t aware of these awards until the BMF – a member of UFEMAT – alerted us to them. To be shortlisted at a European level is a great honour and fantastic recognition for our efforts. The design of our new packaging required months of research and development to ensure it worked well for the business and team, and also for the environment.”
“Our strapline #DesignedForLife underpins our focus, commitment and direction in all that we do,” adds Mike Tattam, Sales & Marketing Director. “Our products are designed for changing lifestyles, backed by a unique ‘no-quibble’ lifetime guarantee. Our new packaging is no exception, designed with the environment, our customers’ staff and installers in mind. It’s a superb achievement to be recognised in this way.”
