AA Labels launches new printed packaging service for food & drink SMEs
An example of the printed cartons available from AA Labels.
One of the UK’s leading label manufacturers is disrupting the packaging market with the launch of its new service to provide SMEs with greater flexibility and more affordable packaging solutions.
AA Labels has launched a new printed cartons service aimed at small to medium businesses in the food and drink industry who need affordable packaging for short print runs, with quick turnaround times.
The new service, which offers no minimum order quantity, was developed in response to customer feedback and industry research.
It revealed that the traditional quotation and ordering process, widely used throughout the packaging industry was outdated, cumbersome and time consuming, in comparison to the growing online purchase experience and expectation of customers.
The solution developed by AA Labels is reportedly a market first, providing a printed cartons service which enables food and drink businesses to seamlessly complete the entire process online, providing the agility to meet the demands set by retailers.
Users simply select the size and style of the paperboard carton required, upload their artwork and order the required quantity online.
The new service will also provide greater access to the personalised packaging market, an area which research shows as playing a key role in increasing consumer engagement, brand awareness, customer loyalty and sales in the food and drink sector.
Sohail Sethi, managing director at AA Labels, comments: “Our research highlighted a key gap in the market for a full online service rather than the industry’s quotation and call back model.
“The packaging industry relies heavily on outdated legacy practices and tradition, so there is an opportunity to disturb the market in the same way that we have done and continue to do with our range of label services.
“The labels market has been operating successfully under the buy online model for many years, so business owners recognise and understand the benefits of this approach.
“The core concerns for our customers are affordability and flexibility; they do not have the resources to commit to large print runs, they need fast order fulfilment and they do not want to compromise on print quality.”
The new service includes printed product cartons and sleeves, as well as promotional ‘table talkers’ including cubes, pyramids and tent cards, along with bottle neck collars, door hangers and many other promotional items, for customisation and short-run.
Recognising that speed is key for many companies, AA Labels will also introduce an express option, as it has with labels, to dispatch printed cartons within 24 hours of customer artwork approval.
It will also be developing a number of pre-designed templates for brands working to a limited budget, something that is particularly helpful for start-ups.
Sohail adds: “The last 18 months have highlighted the increasing need for businesses to be flexible, whether that is shorter print runs for product packaging or fast printing and delivery of cartons for products that are selling quickly, and we’re aiming to help them with that process.
“Our design templates will enable businesses to create affordable seasonal, limited edition or personalised packaging, without the need for a professional designer.
“It removes that barrier of entry for small businesses that need to minimise their costs whilst building their business and their brand.”
Visit www.aalabels.com/folding-cartons for full details on the new printed cartons service and instant quotes.
