Start-up sees 40% growth for food grade PET film
The UK company offers recyclable plastic sheeting for the packaging sector, used in the manufacture of food cartons for supermarkets across the world.
Backed by strategic support from the Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS), the firm has been able to adapt its systems so it meets standards set by the British Retail Consortium (BRC).
Hits £5m mark
Securing this accreditation has opened new doors for Re Pet and boosted annual sales to the £5m mark two years after the business was launched.
“The company name is derived from the PET material we produce and this material is a lot easier to recycle than other types of plastics used by many retailers today,” said John Forrest, MD, Re Pet.
“However, sentiment is changing and there is a need for supermarkets to hit new sustainable targets and they are beginning to put pressure on the packaging companies that supply them. This is a major opportunity for us.”
The company is continually expanding with non-metalised coloured sheet and on-going industry trials for non-metalised gold.
Planned investment
It recently invested £2.7m on extrusion equipment with further plans for another £2.4m of machinery and the recruitment of a senior manufacturing manager.
From the moment the business was formed in 2011, it has been supported by Advisor Alan Hewett to overcome initial start-up issues, implement efficiency improvements and working towards BRC accreditation.
“MAS has been a tremendous source of information, signposting, mentoring and in helping deliver bottom line benefits to the business,” said Sarah Lea, health and safety manager.
“The British Retail Consortium standard is essential for our business. We needed help in fine-tuning some of our systems, to meet the exacting standards expected."
Re Pet’s main turnover is currently focused around the domestic market, with a small amount going to Iceland.
Future plans will involve a greater export push and targeting customers in Africa, Australia, the EU and South America.
