Van Genechten Packaging

Rituals 2021 3D advent calendar / Source: Van Genechten Packaging

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WHAT WE SAY:

Folded cardboard might not sound as interesting as other plastic-free innovations we feature, but Van Genechten Packaging is different.

The company has the expertise to fold fibre-based materials in a way that excites and intrigues the end-user, while eliminating or reducing plastic use in the process. We are a particular fan of its bid to do away with plastic windows in food, beverage and gift packaging, without detracting from the experience. Thinking outside the box just took on a whole new meaning.

PurePac packaging / Source: Van Genechten Packaging

ABOUT VAN GENECHTEN PACKAGING

Founded in 1834 as a printing company, Belgium-based Van Genechten Packaging (VGP) has expanded across Europe and become a leader in the folding carton packaging sector.
Employing 1,500 people, the company has development, manufacturing and sales sites across Europe, including 10 converting plants and one extrusion site. It has generated sales of EUR 350 million (USD 356 million).
The company serves the food and beverage, pet care, personal and home care, consumer electronics, premium, and non-food markets, providing a range of fibre-based packaging solutions, including solid board packaging, corrugated packaging, shelf-ready packaging, food trays, gift packs, rigid boxes and more.
The company is pushing the boundaries of board-based packaging, with a focus on eliminating unnecessary plastic from its innovations. Solutions include transparent Paper to replace plastic windows - or no windows at all; PurePac, a first-of-its-kind box for tiled chocolate that forgoes the use of a traditional alu-plastic composite inner packet; and board-based Bundle Packs to replace plastic overwrap.
The company also created a board-based beauty advent calendar for B Corp brand Rituals in 2021. The 3D calendar was awarded a certificate by the PCD Innovation Awards in 2022, which recognises creativity, attention to detail, customer experience and sustainability.
VGP offers a full range of services to its clients, from digital printing to carton pressing, batching, and fulfilment. The company opened an additional Hungarian plant in Komárom in April 2022, a 10,000 square metre production facility to help the company expand scale and output.
Key VPG clients include Twinings Tea, Unilever, Birds Eye, Duvel, Rituals, Moet & Chandon, Pampers, Beam Suntory, Halva, Vitakraft and Godiva.
The company has been the recipient of notable industry awards, including the SAP 2021 Best Direct Spend Demand Collaboration Supplier Award and two platinum Pro Carton 2021 Awards for folding carton bundle products.
Alongside championing the sustainability of folding carton packaging, VGP was awarded a Climate Neutral certification in 2020 for its production facility in Angoulême, France.