SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT
“ Collaboration and partnership are key ,” says Kieran Rafferty , Rakem ’ s managing director . “ Compliance requirements are becoming increasingly complex and by maintaining a continual dialogue with clients , we can help give them an edge by enabling them to better understand and keep abreast of the latest requirements .”
In particular , post-Brexit legislation has brought challenges for both UK and overseas companies . Martin Smith , managing director at contract chemical manufacturer and packer Safapac , points to the need to now follow two regimes for both the European and UK REACH regulations , which can make it difficult for clients to keep abreast of both systems .
“ More complex documentation is required for even the simplest
Bulk production at Safapac ’ s purpose-built facility in Peterborough
of shipments to or from the UK to Europe ,” he says . “ This is one example of why we work hard to ensure we keep our customers advised and up to date regarding regulatory requirements .”
Onshoring returns
Another consequence of post-Brexit regulation , along with continuing global supply issues most recently impacted by shipping disruptions in the Red Sea , has been the return of production to local markets where goods are being sold , commonly referred to as ‘ onshoring ’ or ‘ reshoring ’. This trend has also been magnified by the focus on reducing the CO 2 footprint of manufactured goods , with local production helping reduce the environmental impact of transporting raw materials from overseas .
“ We are certainly seeing business enquiries from Europe regarding local manufacture to avoid the challenges of transporting goods across the border into the UK ,” says Steve Meyer , managing director of Cod Beck Blenders , a toll and contract manufacturing firm .
Safapac ’ s Smith has experienced this too . “ Onshoring is a definite trend , and we expect to see this continue , not just as a consequence of legislation since the UK left the EU but also to mitigate the problems to supply chains caused by global conflicts ,” he adds .
Addressing sustainability
Alongside their knowledge of the increasingly complex subject of chemical regulations , another area where CMOs are helping clients is in dealing with the multi-faceted challenges of sustainability . From decarbonisation and efficiency in production to the demands of circularity and delivering the latest packaging that complies with the Plastic Packaging Tax and ( PPT ) Extended Producer Responsibility ( EPR ), their expertise is meeting many needs .
Erik Molinario , a director at liquid filling firm Project 7 , says that the demands of the circular economy and recyclability are influencing clients ’ packaging choices more and more . “ The initial focus for many was packaging material reduction and this led to a move from rigid to flexible packs ,” he says .
Latterly , the recyclability of the pack has become much more important and mono-material structures , alongside improved collection rates , have aided this . Now , the amount of recycled content of the pack is a big focus , driven by the demands of the PPT . Additionally , consumer demand for sustainable packaging is driving these changes , with innovations like biodegradable films and advanced barrier properties emerging . These trends are part of a global movement , reflecting similar shifts in major markets worldwide .”
JUL / AUG 2024 SPECCHEMONLINE . COM
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