Simon Lévelt, a premium specialty store formula with 40 specialty stores with coffee and tea, has taken an important step forward in the field of sustainability by introducing 'packaging-free shopping'. This initiative allows customers to make an environmentally friendly choice by packaging their coffee beans or tea blends in reusable tins instead of plastic packaging. The Box has been a tin supplier for Simon Lévelt for 10 years and together we have developed this sustainable packaging solution.
The concept of packaging-free shopping fits seamlessly with Simon Lévelt's sustainable vision, where they stand for 'premium organic'. The company is committed to reducing their ecological footprint and promoting environmentally friendly shopping behaviour.
Linda Do, category manager at Simon Lévelt, explains how the collaboration with The Box contributes to the company's sustainability goals.
Co-creation of tin packaging, this is how it works
"We look at which product types are needed; such as the weight content, which product goes in the can and so on. Our own designer makes the designs and monitors our house style. The team at The Box checks whether the content measurements are correct and tests whether the number of grams for which the can is made is correct. Then the dimensions of all the cans are determined, in such a way that they go in steps from large to small and taking into account the height of our shelves, which are somewhat lower, so that the cans fit in well.
“The colours and position of the logo are determined, after which The Box has a folded version made. The producer then makes a sample. If the sample meets expectations, production of a large edition is started.”
Professional knowledge and communication
Linda emphasizes the importance of the meticulous testing and adjustments to ensure that the cans meet the highest quality standards. "A can packaging seems straightforward, but it really requires expertise and they have that at The Box."
In addition to technical skills, Linda believes that involvement and communication from the supplier are at least as important. "Communication is always quick and clear, and that works well. That is important, because we are far from finished. We would like to offer even more colours and we are already developing a limited edition tin for the holidays. With the developed tins and our products, we want to create an attractive set for the end-of-year collection."
The collaboration between Simon Lévelt and The Box is an example of how companies with shared values and expertise can work together to develop sustainable solutions that have a positive impact on both the environment and the consumer experience.