FPA Connect Summer 2025 : simplebooklet.com

FPA EXECUTIVE CHAIR03 FPA CONNECTI would like to begin by extending my heartfelt thanks to Anna Turner for her hard work andinvaluable contribution as Interim Chair during a pivotal period. Throughout my career as a managing director across various companies, one consistenttruth has emerged: the best outcomes are achieved when teams trust and support oneanother and feel genuinely valued. That belief will continue to shape my leadershipapproach, which is grounded in open communication, collaboration, and mutual respect.Together with the FPA Board of Directors and FPA committees, we will build on the excellentwork already in motion. Our focus will be on delivering even greater value to our membersand ensuring the FPA remains a vital voice in our industry.As outlined at the EGM, at the heart of the FPA’s transformation are six key pillars: acomprehensive finance and budget review; strengthening the FPA board with broaderindustry representation; proposing a new FPA Executive Council for more effectivegovernance; reviewing and enhancing our events programme; improving internal andexternal communications; and, ultimately, building a more resilient organisational structureto face industry challenges – such as packaging legislation and EPR.At its core, the mission of a trade body is to serve and advocate for its members, their teams,and their customers. With the continued support of the board, we will implement these sixpillars as swiftly and effectively as possible.It is a true privilege to return as your executive chair. I welcome the journey ahead and theopportunity to lead this next phase of growth and progress.Warm regards,Mike RevellExecutive chair, Foodservice Packaging AssociationAs of 1 July 2025, I have been honoured to once again serve as your executive chair, guidingthe FPA through a new chapter of transformation – one that aims to establish a sustainableand resilient foundation for today and for the future.To all FPA members

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Food waste increases by 30% in summer months04 FPA CONNECT MEMBER AD With summer fast approaching and temperatures on the rise, food waste volumes areexpected to increase significantly, particularly across the hospitality sector.A recent study found that food waste generated during July, August, and September isaround 30% higher than in the first quarter of the year. Contributing factors include risingvisitor numbers, shifts in consumer habits towards fresh produce, and the addedchallenge of preserving food in warmer conditions.A smarter approach to food waste starts with the right liner.Cromwell Polythene offers a complete range of food waste caddy liners to supportefficient, sustainable waste capture. This includes both compostable liners—suitable forindustrial composting—and high-performance polythene liners, ideal for anaerobicdigestion systems.Choosing to use food waste caddy liners ensures waste is collected cleanly and processedcorrectly, helping reduce contamination, improve recycling outcomes, and supportcompliance with upcoming mandatory food waste collections under the government’sSimpler Recycling legislation.As the busy season approaches, now is the time to stock up. Cromwell Polythene isoffering free samples for trial, helping organisations prepare for peak summer demandwith confidence. To learn more or request a sample, Contact Cromwell Polythene directly.

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05 FPA CONNECT MEMBER AD Sustainability is a word that’s thrown around a lot today, but what does it look like whenincorporated into your foodservice business?The answer: Speedwrap Pro, the UK-made wrapping dispenser designed with wastereduction in mind, proving sustainability and profitability can go hand-in-hand.You might already know that Speedwrap Pro will help you reduce plastic waste thanks toits plastic-free refill roll cores, which fit into the dispenser without using a plastic adapterinsert. And you probably know that its highly efficient design will reduce wasted time andaccidents in the kitchen.What you may not realise is that the savings start on the Prowrap production line – byrelocating production to our Bristol site, we’ve cut 15 tonnes of CO2 from the supply chain.Our Bristol site sends zero waste to landfill, runs on 97% renewable energy, and recycled84% of waste in 2024. We’re proud to have reduced the monthly carbon emissions of ourfactory by 97%.All these savings are passed onto our customers through the supply chain, helping chefsacross the country reduce their carbon footprints.Speedwrap Pro helps foodservice businesses do more with less. So work smarter, notharder – and do your bit to reduce your impact on our planet at the same time. Contact usnow to find your local distributor at sales@wrapex.com or find out morewrapex.com/sustainability-at-prowrap/Experience sustainability in action with Speedwrap Pro

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06FPA CONNECT MEMBER ADBeat the heat: find your food packaging solutions for summerSummer is here and while the temperature rises, so does the demand for on-the-go andfood delivery packaging!Whether you're offering takeaway meals, picnic-ready snacks, or safe and stylish deliveryoptions, our seasonal food packaging solutions combine performance with quality andconvenience.Be it a cold pasta salad, a fresh fruit dessert, or a freezer-safe meal, summer dishesrequire packaging that maintains freshness, is easy to transport, and ensures a positivecustomer experience. Sabert's seasonal packaging solutions do all that withoutcompromising on sustainability.Three summer-ready solutions …Elevate your food presentation this summer, with smart, sustainable packaging solutionsdesigned to keep meals fresh and protected, all while aligning with your brand values.Sabert Paper CollectionCustomisable, recyclable and FSC® certified – a reliable option for trays, bowls, boxes, andplatters. Our Paper Collection is ideal for brands that care about sustainability withoutcompromising on style.rPET RangeMade from at least 50% recycled PET and recyclable, a crystal-clear choice for fresh,appealing displays that are great for grab-and-go or chilled meals.BeBulp RangeWith a natural look and strong performance, our BePulp range is made from plant-basedbagasse and is the perfect solution for casual and seasonal dining.Let your packaging speak for your values this summer.https://www.sabert.eu/uk/

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Tell us a little aboutyourself.I live in Bournemouthwith my partner of 34years and two dogs. Wehave close family andfriends, and we lovehiking and travel andspending as much timeas we can visitingdifferent places in ourmotorhome. How long have you been involvedin the FPA?I have been involved with the FPAsince the 1990’s when it wasoriginally the BDPA. I think eightpeople turned up at the firstmeeting I attended, and an ‘event’consisted of a pint in the pubafterwards. The size andattendance at the FPA Awardstoday is a real testament to thesuccess of the FPA. What is the onething about youthat few peopleknow?I started off as apoliceman in Bristol.My final shift was‘nights’ on NewYear’s Eve 1989. Ireceived my policepension this year.Not a lot but betterthan nothing.08 FPA CONNECTWhen you’e notworking for theFPA where can wefind you?I enjoy running,although not as far as Iused to. We havesome amazing friends,and we love spendingtime with them and ofcourse escaping in themotorhome when wecan. What is your one goldenrule in business?Always be honest. I may not always give all thedetails, but if a customer asks a direct question, Iwill always answer honestly, even if it is not to mybenefit. If you don’t it will catch up with you in theend.

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Why is it important for businesses in the Food Packaging industryto be members of the FPA?We only have a voice if we work as a group. Individuals are unlikely toinfluence change, but as a group and a credible trade association we caninfluence decisions and legislation to protect our industry, jobs and theenvironment. 09FPA CONNECTWhat are your favourite quotes?What is your proudestachievement?Hiking South Rim to NorthRim of the Grand Canyonover two days. Nine milesdown and 14 miles up. If you could recommendone book, movie andseries to our memberswhat would it be?Book – I am not an avid reader, soit has to be Secret Seven fromwhen I was about six. Movie – Big Fish with EwanMcGregor. Series – How to get away withMurder. Viola Davis. A fantasticactor.“If you chase security, you missopportunity”.The best piece of advice was fromReg Saunders (Clare Saunders’dad) at SLS:My other favourite is:“What’s worse than the wrongdecision? No decision”.The greatest risk in life is nottaking a risk.

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Over one hundred members and their guestsattended the FPA Golf and Activities Day atStaverton Park and Whilton Mill on 12 June 2025.Members had a choice to compete on the golfcourse at Staverton Park, or take part in anactivities day, which included go-karting, axethrowing and laser tag.Thanks again to sponsors Conglom, Seal, andSouth Staffordshire Paper Products; to ICS fordonating the crisps, chocolate bars, and drinks forthe goody bags; and to Bunzl, the Grand Hotel,Cofresco and Northwood for the raffle prizes. FPA EVENTSGOLF AND ACTIVITIES DAY12 JUNE 10 FPA CONNECT

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Top GolferBest golfer on the day and winner of the FPAclaret jug was Tony Smith, who also won anovernight stay with dinner and breakfast, plus around of golf for two, donated by Staverton Park.The jug and the green jacket were handed overby last year's winner, Alan Dyson of Celebration.11 FPA CONNECTTop Golf TeamWinners of the coveted FPA Golf Shieldwere Billy Cook from KP, Jim Harris fromHuhtamaki, Trevor Hunter from SealPackaging and Sam Walker fromXampla who each won a free round ofgolf at Staverton Park.Longest Drive WinnerOllie Wright of Bidfood was presentedwith a golf shirt for winning the 'longestdrive' by Mark Roe from the sponsors ofthe hole, South Staffordshire PaperProducts.Closest to the PinTony Smith also picked up a golf shirtfor being 'closest to the pin', presentedby Kevin Curran, from Seal Packaging,the sponsor of the hole.

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FPA CONNECT 12Go-Kart Team WinnersThe winner of the go-karting was theFaerch team, consisting of LiamFitchett, Donna Stead and JordanEaston. They each went home with atrophy and a £50 Amazon voucher.Laser Tag WinnerWinner of the laser tag was ChandlerThomas from Essity, who was awarded amedal and a £50 Amazon voucher.Axe Throwing WinnerThe winner of the axe throwingcompetition was Steve Wheatley fromRPS, who received a medal and a £50Amazon voucher.Anna Turner, FPA vice chair, presenteda cheque to Nigella Mayes, head offundraising at WasteAid. These fundsrepresented the amount raised fromactivities in and around the 2025 FPAAwards. An additional £809 wascollected from donations and raffletickets during the Golf and ActivitiesDay, already making 2025 the FPA'sbest fundraising year to date. Ourthanks to everyone who contributedand continues to support this hugelyworthy charity.

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14Colpac triumphs at the Sammies witha new packaging award win FPA CONNECT MEMBER AD BodyBodyCaption: Colpac’s Director of Business Development, Jonathan Morton, accepting New Packaging Award atThe Sammies Awards Dinner.Colpac was awarded the prestigious New Packaging Award at the Sammies 2025, inrecognition of its innovative use of direct food contact inks in the foodservice sector.This enabled the removal of plastic content from Pret’s platter bases, increasing packrecyclability and reducing overall cost. This custom food packaging project drivessimpler recycling of Pret’s platter bases, in support of the latest RecyclingAssessment Methodology food safety requirements, and improved visual appeal.“We work closely with Pret to deliver packaging that does their fresh food justice,and I am so proud of the extensive teamwork that went into getting the new plattersout there.” Jonathan Morton, Director of Business Development at Colpac.By replacing fibreboard composite materials and plastic laminate with uncoatedpaperboard and direct food contact inks, the platters are recyclable through anypaper re-pulping process. This change, alongside lightweighting the paperboardmaterial used, is projected to achieve 9407kg* of packaging material savings/yearand reduce projected Packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (pEPR) unit costby an impressive 55%.Having set the bar for the use of direct food contact inks in foodservice packaging,Colpac is now working with other customers to implement this technology. Forfurther information, read the full Pret platters case study on the Colpac website.*Weights are calculated based on Pret’s annual usage.

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15 FPA CONNECT MEMBER AD It’s the great packaging dilemma, isn’t it? Sustainability vs. performance Sustainability• Fully recyclable in PP collection systems• Clear 'recycle me' messaging• UK-made for a reduced logistics carbon footprint Performance• Outperforms other alternatives• Superior temperature retention - keeps hot food hotter, keeps cold food colder• Resistant to water, hot oils, and acids Convenience• Microwaveable• Cool to touch after heating• Lightweight and stackablekp Infinity® offers key benefits that set it apart in the foodservice packaging industry. Notonly does it ensure full compliance with the polystyrene single-use food-to-go packagingban, but it also significantly contributes to reducing food waste—saving cost andimproving business sustainability. By maintaining optimal food temperatures, beingmicrowaveable and reducing leaks and spills, kp Infinity® ensure food stays in primecondition, rather than being destined for disposal.Moreover, its thoughtful design streamlines operations for foodservice providers, offeringa solution that's as practical as it is recyclable. With 60 years of industry expertise, kpdoesn't just create food packaging - we engineer solutions that address real-worldchallenges.Why compromise when you can have it all? Learn more about kp Infinity® and ourcommitment to innovation here.

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This was a fitting tribute to Julian, who was not only a key member of the Stephensons’ familybusiness as commercial director, but also a beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend –he is dearly missed. Well done to all involved for taking part! If you would like to donate to the British Heart Foundation, you can do so here.MEMBERS’NEWS17 FPA CONNECTSTEPHENSONS CATERING EQUIPMENT RUN FORBRITISH HEART FOUNDATIONCHARITYHenry Stephenson, MD of StephensonsCatering Equipment, recently took part in theGreat Manchester Run to raise money for theBritish Heart Foundation. He joined his sister-in-law, Nikki, and his nephew, James, as theyran in memory of Julian Lewis-Booth, Nikki’shusband, and Henry’s brother, who passedaway in June 2024. Along with Julian’s friendsfrom Stockport Rugby Club, they ran 10kthrough the city on a hot, sunny day andraised over £5,452 for the British HeartFoundation.CHARITYOn Friday 13 June, employees fromHuhtamaki’s Belfast and Antrimmanufacturing sites took part in theinaugural RMHC Operation Plane Pull – aunique charity event hosted by the IrishAir Corps at Baldonnel Aerodrome nearDublin.The event, designed to test teamwork,strength and determination, included a1km run, team puzzles, a jeep pull and theheadline challenge – pulling a plane. TheHuhtamaki team, made up of KristinaClyde, Christopher McMahon, KayleighKerr, Bryan Herron, Nigel McNeill, JennyRollins, Barry Chambers, George Mooreand Jason Watson, rose to the occasionwith energy and enthusiasm.HUHTAMAKI EMPLOYEES PULL TOGETHER FORRMHC CHARITY CHALLENGE17The fundraiser supported Ronald McDonald House Charities, a cause close to the hearts of manyat Huhtamaki. The team left the event tired but proud – united by purpose and driven by thevalues of ‘care, dare and deliver’.

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MEMBERS’NEWS18 FPA CONNECTCOMPANY MILESTONENOT ONE, NOT TWO, BUT THREESILVER ANNIVERSARIES!Aaron Letch, Laura Shervin, and Geoff Bennion all celebrate25 years at Stephensons! Aaron is the company’s national account managerand has been a valued member of the sales teamthroughout his tenure at the business. Hepreviously worked in the customer servicedepartment and as the cash & carry manager.Laura is Stephensons’ marketing communicationsmanager, and she also worked previously incustomer service, managed the cash & carry andshowroom, and was the website manager beforethis role evolved into her current role inmarketing. Geoff has also played a pivotal role inthe company as IT manager. Stephensons is a catering equipment wholesalerand has been a family-run business for over 150years. Celebrating employee milestones like this isa testament to the welcoming and nurturingculture within the business, as well as thededication and hard work of these individualemployees. Huge congratulations to Aaron, Laura, and Geoffon this incredible milestone as they join four otherstaff members in the 25+ years club, with a fewmore of the team not far behind them! Everyoneat Stephensons wants to thank them for theirservice and looks forward to continuing to workalongside them.FEA AWARD WINFOR STEPHENSONSStephensons is proud to announce thatthe company recently received GroupDistributor of the Year at the FEA Awards.This honour recognises exceptionalperformance in the promotion and salesof light equipment and tableware.Stephensons was selected based on acomprehensive evaluation of criteria,including product range diversity,promotional efforts, supplier support, andoverall business strength. The award isvoted for by members of the FoodEquipment Association LET Group,highlighting the company’s esteemedposition within the industry.Customer experience director, BradDuncan, said, “I’m absolutely thrilled forthe team to receive this recognition –Group Distributor of the Year is no smallfeat! I’m so proud of the hard work,energy, and care everyone atStephensons puts in every day. It’s notjust about the products we distribute, butthe relationships we build and the servicewe deliver”. This award underscores Stephensons’dedication to excellence and itssignificant contribution to the foodserviceequipment industry.AWARD

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The announcement builds on an initial donation of nearly 40,000 wipes, which were successfullydistributed through The Hygiene Bank’s Doncaster project earlier this year.The Hygiene Bank operates through a network of community partners – including charities,schools, and local services – to ensure donated hygiene products reach those who need themmost. Their mission is to bring communities, businesses and thought leaders together to tacklehygiene poverty by giving access to products and being a voice for change.Commenting on the announcement, Managing Director Stephen Harrison said:“At Harrisons, we believe everyone should have access to the basics that support a clean, healthylife. Household cleaning products might seem small, but they play a big role in daily dignity andwellbeing. We're pleased to be working with The Hygiene Bank to get these essentials into thehands of people who need them most”.Ruth Brock, CEO of The Hygiene Bank said: “We’re so grateful for our growing relationship withHarrisons. Their regular donations of essential cleaning products make a real difference toindividuals and families in hygiene poverty. These product donations help to ensure that everyonehas access to the basics they need to feel clean, giving hope and an opportunity for a betterfuture.Harrisons kind and consistent support is vital in ending hygiene poverty across the UK”.This donation programme forms part of Harrisons’ broader commitment to making a positiveimpact in communities across the UK. https://harrisonwipes.co.uk/MEMBERS’NEWS19 FPA CONNECTCHARITYHARRISONS JOINS FORCES WITH THE HYGIENEBANK TO COMBAT HYGIENE POVERTY19Harrisons, a UK manufacturer of nonwoven wet and dry wipes, isworking with The Hygiene Bank, a grassroots organisation workingto tackle hygiene poverty across the UK.As part of the relationship, Harrisons will donate 15,000 wipes everymonth to The Hygiene Bank’s nationwide distribution network, withsupport from Harrisons’ third-party logistics partner, MagnumLogistics. These wipes are a practical household essential – the kindmany of us take for granted – but often out of reach for those whocan’t afford everyday cleaning products. They’ll support people inmaintaining safe, hygienic living spaces during difficult times.Congratulations to Imelda Markey of Go-Pak, who has been shortlisted forthe Rising Star Award at the UK Packaging Awards 2025. This prestigiousrecognition highlights Imelda’s outstanding contribution to the industryand her promising future in packaging. The Foodservice PackagingAssociation (FPA) is incredibly proud to see Imelda's talent and dedicationacknowledged on such a prominent stage. We’ll be keeping everythingcrossed for her on Wednesday, 8th October, when the winners areannounced. Best of luck Imelda – we're all rooting for you!AWARDUK PACKAGING AWARDS RISING STAR FINALIST

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MEMBERS’NEWS20 FPA CONNECTSPONSORSSPP BACKS TEAM GB WINTER ATHELETEOlly has set his sights on competing in as many events as possible, following on from hisparticipation in these competitions last year, where he built up his experience, skill andstrength.“It’s a sports discipline that takes a great deal of effort and time to prepare for”, explained Olly,“and the races themselves are over so very quickly, with results decided on hundredths of asecond time difference, so preparation is absolutely the key to gain those precious timefractions. I am so grateful to South Staffordshire Paper for recognising my potential and fortheir help in funding much of the training and the specialist kit I will be using”Nick Jones, the paper company’s managing director, said his company “is glad to be supportingBritish competitive sporting endeavour. We recognise that effort, speed, accuracy anddedication are all requirements of success, whether in exciting sports, like bobsled, or inkeeping hundreds of businesses, large and small, provided with the best paper packagingmaterials. Our work may not be as glamorous or exciting as sliding down a mountain at 80mph,but we are just as dedicated to getting the job done right every single day as these brilliantathletes are. I find it fascinating that Olly will sometimes compete in Nordic countries where theraw materials for our products are grown in huge, managed forests”.One of the paper company’s specialist products is a very slippery siliconised greaseproof paper,used in bakeries and kitchens all over the country. “Olly and his teammates provide the slide”,said Nick, “and, so do we, in our own way. We also make specialist papers for wrapping all sortsof foods, from fish to fruit to flans, and for poultry hatcheries, for the fashion business, for thepotteries, and for a host of other applications. https://www.sspaper.co.uk/20South Staffordshire Paper Products Ltd has backed27-year-old Olly Butterworth, a British soldier whoserves in the Parachute Regiment, as he trains andprepares to be at Cortana, Italy, next March, tocompete in the thrilling, fast-paced Olympicbobsleigh race. The competition is seen by most as the blue-ribbonevent of winter sports. In the months leading up toCortana, there’s a full schedule of bobsled andskeleton races, including the World Championships,which will start in November this year and continuethrough the winter at a series of internationalvenues.

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MEMBERS’NEWS21 FPA CONNECTCOMPANY NEWS21XAMPLA PARTNERSHIP WITH BUNZL UK & IRELANDThis exciting new partnership offers Bunzl UK & Ireland’s established customer base theopportunity to act on their wider sustainability and food packaging goals. Verified as EuropeanSUPD mark exempt, Morro Coating is also compatible with standard recycling processes,supporting brands and businesses navigating consumer demand and regulatory pressures.As Xampla’s CEO, Alexandra French, notes: “Our exclusive partnership with Bunzl sees MorroCoating introduced to a significant number of food service operators in the UK and Ireland for thefirst time, presenting their customers with the very latest in SUPD-exempt materials and productinnovation”, and Xampla looks forward to helping the industry adopt new innovations in foodpackaging. To learn more about this new partnership, please click here. Xampla’s innovative Morro™ Coating enters thewider UK & Ireland market for the first time inHuhtamaki’s range of ‘Taste’ hot food packaging,following a major distribution agreement withBunzl UK & Ireland.Morro Coating is a coating made from plants withno chemical modification, classified as plastic-freeunder the SUP Directive. Brought to scale byXampla’s licensing partner, 2M Group ofCompanies, Morro Coating is used by globalpackaging manufacturers to diversify theirportfolios as a drop-in solution. Following thesuccess of Morro Coating’s first in-market launchwith Just Eat Takeaway Europe, winning Gold atthe Environmental Packaging Live Awards, BunzlUK & Ireland has agreed an exclusive distributionagreement to supply Huhtamaki ‘Taste’ boxes withMorro Coating to their extensive nationalnetworks.EP Group is a finalist for three awards at the2025 UK Packaging Awards:Innovation of the Year: The Reusable E-commerce Suit Pack (with Marks and Spencer)is a unique delivery pack with dual use as a suitcarrier.Consumer Convenience Award: Splashstopproves again that it's an award-worthyinnovation, already having scooped up twoawards this year.Resource Efficient Pack of the Year:ThermoKraft is the aluminium coated paperdelivery pack which is fully recyclable instandard mill recycling.EP GROUP IS A FINALIST FORTHREE AWARDS AT THE 2025 UK PACKAGING AWARDSAWARDS

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MEMBERS’NEWS22 FPA CONNECTCOMPANY NEWS22CATER FOR YOU DIRECTOR RETIRES“It has been my privilege to be part of Cater For You Ltd for over two decades,” said Le Grys. “I’vehad the opportunity to work with incredible people and see the company develop an establishedniche in a crowded and competitive market. I’m sad to be leaving but happy with what has beenachieved by the whole team.”Founder and director Andy Watts added: “John’s practical advice and commercial knowledge hasbeen a key factor in the establishment of Cater For You Ltd as a profitable enterprise. We areimmensely grateful for his steady influence over the years and wish him the very best for thefuture.”Andy Watts went on to say “John and I have been working together for over 25 years and havebecome close personal friends so I will miss his humour and business insights though I know he isonly a phone call away. He is exiting the company but leaves a strong team of people to push thebusiness forward to new heights”The current team, led by founder Andy Watts, has many years of industry experience andManaging Director Phil Stears will be focussed on business growth whilst dealing with thepractical realities of this very competitive industry.Cater For You Ltd, a wholesale supplier ofpackaging, catering disposables and plasticglasses, has announced the retirement of Directorand Co-Owner John Le Grys from the business,effective from 1st July 2025, after more than 20years of dedicated service to the business and theindustry.John’s involvement with Cater For You Ltd beganin 2005 when the company was transitioning froma start-up business to a more establishedenterprise, initially handling warehousing andfulfilment in tandem with another well-knownlocal business CSE Industrial Electrical DistributorsLtd. Throughout his tenure, he has assisted withkey strategic initiatives, including the transition tomore sustainable packaging materials, thedevelopment of e-commerce solutions, andoperational resilience through periods ofsignificant industry change.

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EP Group shares practical takeaways from the 2025 Environmental Packaging Summit FPA CONNECT MEMBER AD 23The two-day event brought together policymakers, brands, and packaging experts totalk about the future of sustainable packaging. EP Group’s piece highlights thestrong discussion and positive progress, but also notes a few recurring gaps - fromthe lack of consumer focus to questions around infrastructure readiness.As expected, one topic is EPR, in which the subject of fairness is given further contextby the updated fees published on 27th June 2025.“We left the summit feeling positive about the direction of travel, but also clear onwhat still needs to change,” said Richard Inskip, Compliance & Sustainability Managerat EP Group.The article highlights five key areas:Collaboration is growing, but it needs proper direction, especially betweenproducers, government, and waste operators. EPR remains confusing and in some cases unfair. Fibre-based materials saw littlebenefit in the updated fees, while harder-to-recycle materials saw greaterreductions.The consumer was mostly missing from the conversation - a gap that’s hard toignore when they’re the ones doing the actual recycling.Innovation is moving fast, but infrastructure isn’t. If we can’t collect or processnew materials at scale, we stall real-world impact.Recognition only matters when it’s earned and backed up by measurable,practical change.EP Group’s full article is now live on its website, aimed at helping businesses stayinformed and make better decisions around packaging, sustainability, andcompliance. Read the full piece hereEP Group has releaseda new article breakingdown its key insightsfrom this year’sEnvironmentalPackaging Summit -cutting through thenoise to focus on whatreally matters: whereprogress is happening,and where we stillneed to push harder.

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24 FPA CONNECTComplianceCornerAnne Sutton, the FPA’scompliance director,shares her quarterlyupdate of the workbeing undertaken onbehalf of FPAmembers by the FPARegulatory andComplianceCommittee.Progress by the FPA compliance teamThe FPA compliance team has now pursued a total of 43 formal challenges relating toenvironmental and compliance claims. Of these, 33 were directed at non-members,with 10 involving FPA member companies – two of which were against the sameorganisation.Among the cases raised:· 24 involved misleading ‘plastic-free’ claims related to paper cups.· 15 addressed false recyclability claims on paper cups.· 5 were challenges under Weights and Measures regulations.· 5 involved the sale of banned items.· 1 concerned an unverified ‘PFAS-free’ claim.In one significant instance, a non-member company has had its marketing claimsescalated to the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA). The ASA is known for itsrigorous investigative standards and the potential for stronger sanctions. We await theoutcome of this investigation with interest and will update members as soon as aruling is made.Looking ahead: potential FPA Measurement Accreditation Scheme under reviewIn response to industry concerns around product accuracy and labelling, the FPA hasbegun exploring the feasibility of introducing a Measurement Accreditation Schemefor foil and film products sold on rolls.The objective of this scheme is to ensure the quality and quantity of product providedmatches the claims made on packaging – a critical issue for consumer trust and fairtrading.Get involvedA working group of interested FPA members has now been formed to investigate howsuch an accreditation scheme might be designed and implemented. This group is in itsearly, exploratory stages so if you are interested in contributing to the potentialdevelopment of such a scheme please email Anne atcompliance@foodservicepackaging.org.ukWe will keep the wider membership informed as developments progress.

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19FPAENVIRONMENTALSEMINARThe FPA’s annualenvironment seminar isbeing held at Stationers’Hall, St Paul’s. The seminarwill feature a wide range ofsubjects and speakers andgive members theopportunity to hear fromand questionrepresentatives fromgovernment, packaging,environment andhospitality. Details will beannounced over thecoming months.25FPA CONNECTFUTURE EVENTSAUGUSTMore details about these events can be found on the FPA websitefoodservicepackaging.org.uk/events29OCTOBERFPA RAM & EPRWEBINARAshleigh Taylor ofCompass, togetherwith Ryan Pedley andAlison Appleby ofcompliance agencyEcosurety, will beaddressing the FPAwebinar on Tuesday 19August at 10:30 a.m.For more informationand to register clickhere. 05MARCH11JUNEFPA 2026AWARDS FPA GOLF &ACTIVITIES DAYIs taking place at theGrand Hotel inBrighton. New venue! The 2026 Golf and Activity Day is moving toBreadsall Priory Country Club in Derbyshire.

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Keeping our members connectedQuarterly publication circulated to allFPA members and subscribers toThe FPA Friday Digest Just £199 for a member’s product advert in foureditions, or £75 per publicationShare your company news, such as awards,achievements or promotions – for no charge Digital magazine formatTake the opportunity to increase your company’s visibility with your fellow FPAmembers and recipients of the FPA Friday Digest. If you would like to befeatured in the next issue of Connect, due out on 30 October 2025,please contact lisa@foodservicepackaging.org.uk

FPA Connect Summer 2025

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