The packaging industry is complex and in constant evolution, innovation and customization are key to stay ahead of the curve, and finding the best partner to launch new products is as important as the product itself. SFA Packaging has long stood out for providing sustainable tailor-made solutions for the food market. We had the opportunity to speak with Alexander Heinsdijk, Business Development and Marketing Manager at SFA, to delve into the process behind their custom packaging designs.

SFA has earned a reputation for improving packaging for its customers through custom solutions that tackle their every concern. What is this process like?

Well, our main priority has always been the customer. We don't create tailor-made packaging for the sake of it, we try our best to ensure that the solution meets the needs of our clients' products and their target group. The process always starts with the signing of a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) to ensure that all information shared remains strictly confidential. We then carry out a thorough analysis of the customer’s needs and requirements. We also take a close look at the market in question and examine the current production environment in which the new packaging is to be integrated.

Our designers will then use this extensive information to create the first design sketches, which once approved, are translated into technical drawings. These drawings are used to generate visual animations as well as print 3D models, giving all stakeholders a clear picture of the intended end result.

Then we need to decide to either build a test mould for a small production run or go straight to building the final mould. This often depends on the wish to achieve the lightest possible packaging. To achieve this, we adopt a steel-safe approach, which means we can realise different weights from one mould cavity, from light to heavier, until the right specifications are reached.

Can you also integrate packaging into existing production lines?

Yes, we're well aware that an important part of a successful packaging launch is its integration into existing production lines. This aspect is thoroughly taken into account during the first phase of selecting the packaging. If adjustments to the production line are needed that the customer cannot carry out themself, SFA Packaging will offer support. Remember we have more than 25 years of experience and a wide network of specialised partners, we can take care of the necessary technical modifications.

It does sound like your customers are well taken care of. Are there any other advantages of working with you you'd like to mention?

Well thank you. You see, it's all about delivering what people need. Our team of professionals is happy to help and advise customers on finding the right packaging for the best result. Our focus on innovation and close collaboration, helps us deliver high-quality products with a minimum environmental footprint. Our professional team proactively helps the client and strives for transparency, efficiency, and quality in every aspect, including aftercare. After the sale and delivery of the packaging, the SFA team is there to provide further support should a customer need it. Whether this is for quality records, backorders, or unexpected complaints, we make sure we always respond within 1 working day.

Now that you mention the environmental footprint, how is your packaging environmentally friendly?

We are continuously working on the sustainability of our packaging. Our products are always mono-material, which means that they consist entirely of one type of material and are therefore 100% recyclable. And, as mentioned before, another example of our approach to sustainability is our work to optimise the weight of our packaging. Lighter packs translate into fewer emissions and less waste.

How do you see the future of sustainable packaging?

SFA Packaging sees the future of sustainable packaging in a scientific approach, focusing on Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), rather than trends and viral social media swings. This analysis determines a packaging’s true ecological footprint by mapping its entire life cycle, from raw material to recycling. This approach shows that mono-material plastic packaging often outperforms other available materials such as glass, metal, and cardboard. Something rarely mentioned by media platforms, as it seems easier to demonize plastic than improve its use. This is why we focus on optimising mono-material solutions for a realistic sustainable future.

A realistic sustainable future. That sounds exciting. What packaging innovations are you developing?

SFA packaging focuses on two important priorities: preventing food waste and minimising our environmental footprint. So, all our innovations are aimed at achieving these goals. Food waste causes huge CO2 emissions every year. Reducing this waste — in addition to using wind and solar energy — is one of the most important ways to reduce CO2 emissions. That’s why SFA Packaging continously designs and manufactures new food-safe, thin, and lightweight packaging that can help extend the shelf life of products. We want to both reduce the use of plastic and prevent food waste.

We supply plastic injection-moulded packaging made of 100% recyclable polypropylene (PP) for every sector. But we also offer various options for using other materials such as biobased and biodegradable (PLA) and moulded fiber.

Thank you, Alexander, for sharing such valuable insights into the innovation-driven and customer-focused approach at SFA Packaging. We look forward to seeing how SFA continues to lead the way in sustainable packaging innovation.