Restricted Supply

Strong demand from overseas means the European supply of sack kraft paper remains tight. Demand from Asia, the Middle East and North Africa remains high. As a result buyers have had difficulty getting hold of paper, with long lead times and delays in deliveries as a result. 

Temporary shut downs of plants in Sweden and Canada recently have taken tonnage out of the market while some US producers have switched production from Kraft paper to more profitable containerboard. These factors continue to affect supply. 

The supply situation may ease  a little soon with the opening of Segezhas new unbleached sack kraft paper machine at its mill in Karelia. It is not clear how much paper will be available for the market though, and whether this will be able to halt the upwards price trajectory. 

Price moves

On the pricing side, there have been 2 main waves of price increases in January and July 2017, but some prices have moved on a quarterly basis. Unbleached sack kraft paper has seen the biggest moves, rising by €80-100 per tonne on average from January to July, while bleached paper prices have increased by €60-80 a tonne. 

Despite the tight supply, paper can be sourced, but at a cost. Some producers have no paper to accomodate extra volume, and have been forced to limit order sizes. 

Further price rises may occur this quarter, with deals under negotiation. Many contracts will expire in January, when we are most likely to see a mass price move. 

​The European Paper industry is a key sector contributing to the sustainable re-industrialization of Europe. There are 185,000 people employed in white, blue and green collar jobs in the paper industry in Europe. Indirectly, 3 million jobs are supported through the supply chain. 633 companies are represented by the Confederation of European Paper Industries (CEPI) and these account for 23% of world production. 
The industry’s environmental credentials are second to none. At least 82% of raw materials are sourced in Europe from responsibly managed forests which are more abundant and healthier now than they were 40 years ago. The industry is  a large user of renewable energy and achieved a recycling rate of 71.5% in 2015.
Paper and board production in Europe increased gradually until 2007 but suffered significantly from the economic crisis in 2008 and 2009, along with most industrial sectors. However, the European pulp and paper industry remains an important contributor to EU economic growth and job creation, with its performance still stronger than other energy-intensive sectors in Europe.

Source: CEPI

​Overall the area planted that is intended to supply the fresh retail sector has increased for the second year in a row to an estimated 38 per cent of the total planted area in Great Britain, while the area planted to serve the processing sector has decreased, also for the second year running, to 29 per cent.

Amber Cottingham said: “Area changes can be closely linked to the price paid the previous season. For the packing sector, this has likely had an impact, as many prices were favourable during the 2015/16 and much of the 2016/17 season, up to the point when planting decisions would have been taking place.”

The estimate is produced using anonymised and aggregated data from AHDB levy return forms, which is analysed through an ISO controlled process.

Source: AHDB Potaotes

http://www.paperindustryworld.com/european-paper-industry-welcomes-european-parliaments-call-new-measures-food-packaging/ 

​The European paper and board industry welcomes the European Parliament report by the rapporteur Christel Schaldemose MEP on implementation of the Framework Regulation on Food Contact Materials. In particular, the paper-based packaging value chain supports the strong call by the Parliament to develop a measure specific to the paper and board materials.
Paper and board is the most sustainable packaging material in Europe. In food application paper-based packaging is number one with 13.8 million tonnes annually.
A well-functioning internal market is key for the paper and board industry, its customers and consumers alike. Yet, until now, specific food contact measures have been developed for only three materials (plastics, ceramics and regenerated cellulose) as well as for active and intelligent packaging. In the absence of common EU rules diverging national measures are now seriously hampering the internal market. These inconsistencies have created legal uncertainty and risks for the entire value chain, and hinder consumers’ confidence in food safety.
The paper industry has always prioritised consumer safety and has set world-class standards for producing safe packaging materials. But it cannot replace the role of the legislator in setting a level playing field and European-wide levels for safety.
In recent years industry has heavily invested in scientific research and is conducting ambitious work on supporting future legal measure thereby extensively upgrading its guidelines for food contact material. We can build upon the latest scientific knowledge, industry state of art practices and European Food Safety Authority’s approach to ensure a high level of consumer protection across Europe.

Good news for consumers!
Visit www.jmkehoepackaging.co.uk to view our full range of food packaging including paper sacks, corrugated boxes and potato sacks. ​

JM KEHOE - LEADING ANIMAL FEED SACK SUPPLIER IN IRELAND29/8/2017
0 Comments

 
J&M Kehoe have over 30 years experience in supplying high quality potato sacks to the industry. Many changes have taken place in that time the most notable being the decrease in size of potato bags being bought by consumers. 
We supply quality sacks in wet strength paper in a range of sizes and to suit all packers. 

Several factors need to be taken into consideration when choosing packaging for your potatoes. 

• Transport and Palletization - what is the best size bag for your product or palletizer? The bags will need to hold a nice rectangular shape to fit efficiently on the pallet and minimise slippage or damage in transit. 
• Durability - the sack will need to be strong enough to withstand filling and handling without breaking and it must keep the product free from excess moisture and contaminants. J&M Kehoe offer potato sacks with 3 ply wet strength paper that protect potatoes in wet conditions. 
• Value - it is important that packaging is made from quality materials and delivered on time. J&M Kehoe have a track record over macny years of delivering value and cost efficiency to our customers. 
• Design - says a lot about your company and your product. High quality printing is essential to make your product stand out. We supply sacks with high quality prints in up to 8 colours and our in house design specialist can help you design a potato sack which will make a strong impression.

Contact us to get a quote today. We deliver throughout the UK and Ireland.  

Packaging optimization is all about reducing costs and improving the efficiency of your packaging. 
By minimizing packaging materials and designing packaging to fit pallets and trucks better, companies can reduce their costs significantly. 

Packaging optimization affects both direct and indirect costs.

Benefits of Packaging Optimization

Consumers nowadays want ecologically sound, sustainable products. By optimizing your packaging, you will attract new customers, increase your market share and also boost your profit margin. This also applies to companies selling to businesses and local authorities.

It is generally accepted that potatoes keep best when stored in a well ventilated container in a cool, dry location, away from sunlight and excess moisture. It is because of this that paper packaging is an excellent choice for potatoes. There are a number of key advantages to packing potatoes in paper bags that make it a no-brainer for packers, retailers and consumers alike. ​​

​

• Protection from greening and sprouting - exposing potatoes to direct sunlight for extended periods will lead to a build up of a chemical called solanine. This causes the potatoes to turn 'green' and sprout and will spoil them for eating. Paper packaging is good for blocking out light and prevents potatoes from going green and sprouting. 
• Increase in shelf life - paper packed potatoes will keep much longer in storage and on the shelf than potatoes that are exposed to excess light, moisture and heat. The good ventilation properties of paper sacks coupled with its ability to hold moisture mean that it is an excellent way to maximise the shelf and storage life of your spuds. 
• Environmentally friendly - paper is a recyclable material and so potato sacks can be placed in the recycling bin when empty. All J&M Kehoe potato sacks are fully recyclable for your peace of mind. 

Corrugated Cardboard is the packing material of choice for many industries due to its durability, cost effectiveness and recyclability. Its high-tech construction ensures the material can carry a wide range of products and weights, protects against moisture and provides a sustainable packaging solution. Furthermore, corrugated cardboard is also highly customizable. 

Some of the many benefits of corrugated cardboard packaging include:

Product Protection
Corrugated packaging provides a stable support and cushioning for most products, keeping items safe during long-distance transportation, shipping and handling. The corrugated material also helps keep moisture away from the product, which can be especially important for food products. 

Corrugated Cardboard is highly customizable
Corrugated cardboard can be cut and folded into different shapes and sizes to suit multiple applications. Board thickness and strength can be adjusted for the specific product type and different coatings, treatments and adhesives can be applied to the board to give it certain properties. It can even become flame resistant!
Brands can customize their box with their own logo and design to make their product stand out. 
J&M Kehoe can print your box with your own logo and design in mulitple colours. Contact us to find out more.

Corrugated Cardboard is cost effective and sustainable.  
Corrugated cardboard boxes are some of the least expensive containers available. They don’t require high labor costs or costly tools to manufacture and fill the boxes.
Production time is about 1/4 the time of a wooden box.
The weight of a corrugated box is around 30% of a wooden box, meaning easy handling and less transportation costs.
Corrugated boxes make palletization easier which saves on transportation/storage space. 
Corrugated board is Ecofriendly and 95% recyclable, so it is easy to get rid of waste

J&M Kehoe stock potato boxes in both New Season Potatoes and Selected Potatoes designs. We also supply corrugated trays, retail ready packaging and shop floor pallet boxes. We offer custom design options for all corrugated products. You can contact us today and we will guide you through the design process. 

Packaging, and particularly food packaging, plays a vital role in our society. It can protect products from moisture and contamination and allow products to be transported easily. 

Finding ways to recycle our packaging has become more and more important as population and consumption of packaging increases. For example, the UK alone generates 2.4 million tonnes of packaging waste on average each year. Consumers are increasingly looking to businesses to make their packaging reusable and/or recyclable, as the below chart shows. 

J&M Kehoe paper sacks and potato sacks are 100% recyclable for your peace of mind. We source our plastic sacks from manufacturers who are committed to using recycled materials in their production. 

It is generally accepted that potatoes keep best when stored in a well ventilated container in a cool, dry location, away from sunlight and excess moisture. It is because of this that paper packaging is an excellent choice for potatoes. 

Stock
J&M Kehoe stock a wide range of paper potato sacks in various sizes and designs. 
Bags in stock include:

• New Season 
• British Queens
• Rooster
• Pre Pack Potatoes
• Chipping Potatoes 

Custom printed bags

With our own in house designer we can design and manufacture a custom printed bag for your business. 
You can provide us with artwork or simply let us design a bag with your name an logo. 

Full colour printing options available. 


Please contact us to place an order or for more information. 

Delivery
J&M Kehoe deliver throughout Ireland and the UK. We would be happy to take your order. 

We are available for contact any time. Please call +353 526133370 or email james@jmkehoe.com