Ken Wilkins Print Ltd
Certificate Number: NQA-PEFC-COC-0337
Trademark: PEFC/16-33-939
For packaging manufacturer Ken Wilkins Print, which is part of the Wilkins Group, responsible sourcing has long been a business priority. Having achieved PEFC Chain of Custody certification in 2007, the company was among the first UK printers to adopt the standard, positioning itself ahead of growing market demand for certified packaging.
An early investment that continues to pay off
Nearly two decades later, that early investment continues to pay dividends. Ken Wilkins Print supplies PEFC-certified carton food packaging for a range of well-known brands, including Rodda’s and Tofoo. Qualifying packaging can carry the PEFC label, demonstrating that the forest-based material comes from responsibly managed sources.
Demand for PEFC-certified packaging has accelerated as brands respond to changing legislation and customer expectations. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) are contributing to greater scrutiny of packaging materials and their environmental credentials throughout the supply chain.
For brands and retailers, independently certified packaging provides a clear and credible way to demonstrate responsible sourcing.
Traceability that builds customer confidence
Maintaining PEFC certification requires robust Chain of Custody procedures, ensuring traceability from raw material through to the finished product.
“We followed the standard procedures to enable traceability through the whole of the factory,” says Retail Development Manager Geoff Moore. “This involved changing the current systems and implementing changes to our order and invoicing systems.
“In terms of the impact on our business, being PEFC-certified has enabled us to support our customers and retailers in delivering their environmental targets, as well as providing them with a responsible packaging solution.”
This traceability has become one of the company’s strongest selling points. Regular surveillance and certification audits verify that its systems remain compliant, giving customers confidence in the origins of the packaging they purchase.
PEFC certification is also embedded within Wilkins Group’s wider sustainability strategy. The ability to demonstrate responsible sourcing has become increasingly important as manufacturers face growing corporate sustainability and ESG reporting requirements.
“As a business, we will only purchase renewable packaging boards,” adds Quality Manager Maciej Czemko. “By providing certified packaging materials, we help our customers achieve full traceability of their material sources. This enables them to support their sustainability reporting and communicate this commitment to consumers.”
Wilkins Group actively promotes its PEFC certification through its website and the use of on-product labelling on qualifying packaging. Discussions with customers routinely include opportunities to specify PEFC-certified materials, helping to ensure responsible sourcing is considered from the outset of packaging development.
From added benefit to market expectation
Commercially, certification has become integral to the business rather than simply a marketing tool. Ken Wilkins Print believes the ability to supply PEFC-certified packaging is now essential for supporting customers’ environmental strategies and maintaining long-term relationships.
As regulatory pressures increase and consumers demand greater transparency, independently certified materials are likely to play an increasingly important role in packaging specification.
Looking ahead, Ken Wilkins Print expects responsibly sourced packaging to become the default across the market rather than a premium option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
How does PEFC certification benefit packaging customers?
PEFC-certified packaging helps brands and retailers demonstrate responsible sourcing, support environmental commitments and provide greater transparency about the origins of forest-based packaging materials.
Can Ken Wilkins Print carry the PEFC label?
Qualifying packaging supplied by Wilkins Group can carry the PEFC label when the relevant certification and trademark requirements have been met. This gives customers and consumers a clear indication of responsible sourcing.
Why is certified packaging becoming more important?
Brands face increasing expectations from customers, retailers and regulators to understand and communicate the environmental credentials of their packaging. Independent certification provides credible evidence to support sustainability reporting and responsible procurement.
