2015 was an important year for Quadpack Group. It was the year we propelled our Fragrance Division. We strengthened our eco-friendly credentials. Our joint venture Yonwoo Europe saw its co-parent company enter the stock exchange. And we scooped up a few more awards.

While 2014 saw us develop our make-up offering – now as solid a part of our business as skin care – 2015 kicked off our plans to build up Quadpack's Fragrance Division. The appointment of fragrance expert Isabelle de Maistre was key to shaping our offering in this sector. Building on the strength of our Technotraf portfolio, already leading the way in incorporating wood into perfumery packaging, Isabelle and her team track trends, guide our product development and supervise bespoke projects. The first results of their work will be presented in 2016, with a whole new range of exclusive fragrance packs designed by Sylvie de France.

This was also the year we completed our environmental report. As part of our commitment to global sustainability, we have drawn up an action plan which includes a €400,000 investment in emissions equipment at our Manufacturing Division in Catalonia, Spain. The Technotraf wood factory has also been listed on the Sedex ethical supplier database and achieved FSC certification. Along with its PEFC qualification, this ensures its raw materials are sourced from sustainably-managed forests. In terms of product offering, we have also increased our eco-friendly portfolio with a host of refillable/recyclable solutions.

Our manufacturing partner Yonwoo Korea, co-parent company of Yonwoo Europe, listed on the Korean Stock Exchange last month. Having grown alongside the company since our establishment in 2003, I am proud to see it go from strength to strength. We can expect great things to come from its research & development in the near future.

Within the group, our global staff grew to almost 200 and our turnover is approaching €60m, up 22% from last year.  We intend to invest €1m at our Manufacturing Division in new machinery and equipment. And exciting plans are on the table to expand the group this year – expect some big announcements over the months to come!

To end on a happy note, three of our projects were recognised with industry awards. The Little Butterfly range of baby skin care products won the prize for best Luxury Cosmetic Pack at the Luxury Packaging Awards, for the beautiful wooden caps made at the Technotraf factory. Earlier in the year, the wooden fragrance bottle for Armand Basi's Wild Forest for Men got the 2015 WorldStar award in the Health & Beauty category. And just last month, Three Part Harmony by Estée Lauder's Origins won silver at the New Jersey NJPEC awards, also for its wooden components. Wood seems to have won all the prizes this year!

All that remains is for me to wish you, our valued clients and business partners, a happy and successful 2016.

Tim Eaves
Quadpack Group
CEO & Co-Founder